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Sample records for bsc rao

  1. Jyoti Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Jyoti Rao. Articles written in Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Volume 22 Issue 9 September 2017 pp 829-833 General Article. Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2016 · Shekhar C Mande Jyoti Rao · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. The Nobel ...

  2. R Vittal Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Resonance – Journal of Science Education. R Vittal Rao. Articles written in Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Volume 1 Issue 12 December 1996 pp 78-80 Book Review. A Mathematician's Apology Mathematics and Creativity · R Vittal Rao · More Details Fulltext PDF ...

  3. J Raghava Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Resonance – Journal of Science Education. J Raghava Rao. Articles written in Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Volume 19 Issue 10 October 2014 pp 887-899 General Article. Yelavarthy Nayudamma: Scientist, Leader, and Mentor Extraordinary · J Raghava Rao T Ramasami · More Details ...

  4. K J Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Bulletin of Materials Science. K J Rao. Articles written in Bulletin of Materials Science. Volume 23 Issue 6 December 2000 pp 461-466 Material Synthesis. Microwave synthesis of electrode materials for lithium batteries · M Harish Bhat B P Chakravarthy P A Ramakrishnan A Levasseur K J RAO.

  5. K Narasimha Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Bulletin of Materials Science. K Narasimha Rao. Articles written in Bulletin of Materials Science. Volume 26 Issue 2 February 2003 pp 239-245 Thin Films. Studies on thin film materials on acrylics for optical applications · K Narasimha Rao · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. Deposition of durable thin film ...

  6. P R Vasudeva Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Sadhana. P R Vasudeva Rao. Articles written in Sadhana. Volume 27 Issue 5 October 2002 pp 527-558. Development of fuels and structural materials for fast breeder reactors · Baldev Raj S L Mannan P R Vasudeva Rao M D Mathew · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. Fast breeder reactors (FBRs) are ...

  7. V S C Manga Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Pramana – Journal of Physics. V S C Manga Rao. Articles written in Pramana – Journal of Physics. Volume 61 Issue 3 September 2003 pp 563-575 Research Articles. Phase conjugation of gap solitons: A numerical study · V S C Manga Rao S Dutta Gupta · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. We study the ...

  8. Photon Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Volume 2 Issue 5 May 1997 pp 69-72 Feature Article. Molecule of the Month Molecular–Chameleon: Solvatochromism at its Iridescent Best! Photon Rao · More Details Fulltext PDF. Volume 16 Issue 12 December 2011 pp 1303-1306. Molecule of the Month - Molecular-Chameleon: Solvatochromism at its Iridescent Best!

  9. Weierstrass semigroups and the Feng-Rao Distance

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Campillo, Antonio; Farran, Ignacio

    2000-01-01

    We detrmine the Feng-Rao distance for several claases of codes from algebraic geometry usingthe weierstrass semigroups......We detrmine the Feng-Rao distance for several claases of codes from algebraic geometry usingthe weierstrass semigroups...

  10. Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nickola, Marisa; Gaylard, Mike; Quick, Jonathan; Combrinck, Ludwig

    2013-01-01

    HartRAO provides the only fiducial geodetic site in Africa, and it participates in global networks for VLBI, GNSS, SLR, and DORIS. This report provides an overview of geodetic VLBI activities at HartRAO during 2012, including the conversion of a 15-m alt-az radio telescope to an operational geodetic VLBI antenna.

  11. On the Feng-Rao bound for generalized hamming weights

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Geil, Hans Olav; Thommesen, Christian

    2006-01-01

    The Feng-Rao bound gives good estimates of the minimum distance of a large class of codes. In this work we are concerned with the problem of how to extend the Feng-Rao bound so that it deals with all the generalized Hamming weights. The problem was solved by Heijnen and Pellikaan in [7] for a large...... family of codes that includes the duals of one-point geometric Goppa codes and the q-ary Reed-Muller codes, but not the Feng-Rao improved such ones. We show that Heijnen and Pellikaan's results holds for the more general class of codes for which the traditional Feng-Rao bound can be applied. We also...... establish the connection to the Shibuya-Sakaniwa bound for generalized Hamming weights ([15], [16], [17], [18], [19] and [20]). More precisely we show that the Shibuya-Sakaniwa bound is a consequence of the extended Feng-Rao bound. In particular the extended Feng-Rao bound gives always at least as good...

  12. On the Feng-Rao bound for generalized Hamming weights

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Geil, Olav; Thommesen, Christian

    2005-01-01

    The Feng-Rao bound gives good estimates of the minimum distance of a large class of codes. In this work we are concerned with the problem of how to extend the Feng-Rao bound so that it deals with all the generalized Hamming weights. The problem was solved by Heijnen and Pellikaan in [7] for a large...... family of codes that includes the duals of one-point geometric Goppa codes and the q-ary Reed-Muller codes, but not the Feng-Rao improved such ones. We show that Heijnen and Pellikaan’s results holds for the more general class of codes for which the traditional Feng-Rao bound can be applied. We also...... establish the connection to the Shibuya-Sakaniwa bound for generalized Hamming weights ([15], [16], [17], [18], [19] and [20]). More precisely we show that the Shibuya-Sakaniwa bound is a consequence of the extended Feng-Rao bound. In particular the extended Feng-Rao bound gives always at least as good...

  13. Rao, Prof. Sumathi

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Rao, Prof. Sumathi Ph.D. (SUNY, Stony Brook), FNASc. Date of birth: 5 December 1956. Specialization: Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics, Quantum field Theory Address: Harish Chandra Research Institute, Chhatnag Road, Jhusi, Allahabad 211 019, U.P.. Contact: Office: (0532) 227 4303. Residence: (0532) 227 4002

  14. Rao, Prof. Kaza Kesava

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Elected: 1992 Section: Engineering & Technology. Rao, Prof. ... Address: Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, Karnataka Contact: ... Upcoming Refresher Courses. Topology 02 to 14 ...

  15. Radwaste Treatment Centre Jaslovske Bohunice

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2000-01-01

    In this leaflet the Bohunice Radwaste Treatment Centre (BSC RAO) is presented. BSC RAO is designed to process and treat liquid and solid radwaste, arising from the NPP A-1 decommissioning, from NPPs V-1, V-2, and Mochovce operations, as well as institutional radwaste of diverse institutional (hospitals, research institutes) in the Slovak Republic. Transport, sorting, incineration, compacting, concentration and cementation of radwaste as well as monitoring of emission are described

  16. The Hartshorne-Rao module of curves on rational normal scrolls

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Roberta Di Gennaro

    2000-09-01

    Full Text Available We study the Hartshorne-Rao module of curves lying on a rational normal scroll S_e of invariant e ≥ 0 in P^{e+3} .We calculate the Rao function, we characterize the aCM curves on S_e .Finally, we give an algorithm to check if a curve is aC M or not and, inthe second case, to calculate the Rao function.

  17. Jagirdar, Prof. Balaji Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Fellow Profile. Elected: 2013 Section: Chemistry. Jagirdar, Prof. Balaji Rao Ph.D. (Kansas State). Date of birth: 9 September 1965. Specialization: Organometallic Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, Catalysis Address: Department of Inorganic & Physical Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru 560 012, Karnataka

  18. Rao, Prof. Maddali Nageswara

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Rao, Prof. Maddali Nageswara Dr. rer. nat. (Cologne). Date of birth: 11 July 1931. Specialization: Solar System Physics, Mars Fundamental Research, Earth & Planetary Sciences and Lunar & Meteorite Sample Studies Address: 16931, Tower Ridge, Friendswood, Texas 77546, USA Contact: Residence: (+1-281) 993 9191

  19. Rao, Prof. Valipe Ramgopal

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Fellowship. Fellow Profile. Elected: 2009 Section: Engineering & Technology. Rao, Prof. Valipe Ramgopal FNAE, FNASc, FNA, FIEEE. Date of birth: 16 August 1965. Specialization: Nanoelectronics and Nanotechnology Address: Director, Indian Institute of Technology, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110 016, U.T.. Contact:

  20. Valluri, Dr Sitaram Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Fellowship. Fellow Profile. Elected: 1971 Section: Engineering & Technology. Valluri, Dr Sitaram Rao Ph.D. (Caltech). Date of birth: 25 June 1924. Specialization: Metal Fatigue Address: 'Prashanthi', 659, 100 Feet Road, Indiranagar, Bengaluru 560 038, Karnataka Contact: Residence: (080) 2525 8294. YouTube ...

  1. Nageswara Rao, Dr Gullapalli

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Nageswara Rao, Dr Gullapalli M.D. (Opthal.) (AIIMS), FAMS, FACS, FRCS, FNASc. Date of birth: 1 September 1945. Specialization: Cornea, Community Eye Health and Eye Care Policy & Planning Address: Distinguished Chair of Eye Health, LV Prasad Eye Institute, LV Prasad Marg, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500 034, A.P.

  2. Rao, Prof. Kalya Jagannatha

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Rao, Prof. Kalya Jagannatha Ph.D. (IIT, Kanpur), D.Sc. (IISc), FNA, FNASc, D.Sc. (h.c., Univ. Bordeaux, France) Council Service: 1998-2003. Date of birth: 7 December 1940. Specialization: Physical Chemistry of Amorphous Solids & Ceramics and Phase Transitions Address: 187/1, Tadvanam Estate, Halasinganahalli Road ...

  3. L V G Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Journal of Earth System Science. L V G Rao. Articles written in Journal of Earth System Science. Volume 109 Issue 2 June 2000 pp 255-265. Thermohaline structure and circulation in the upper layers of the southern Bay of Bengal during BOBMEX-Pilot (October — November 1998) · V Ramesh Babu V S N ...

  4. Eco information 9. Influence of operation of the plants Jadrova vyradovacia spolocnost, a.s., on the environment, locality of Bohunice, within September 2014

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2014-10-01

    In this leaflet the results of monitoring of chemical gaseous and liquid effluents into the rivers Vah and Dudvah as well as of radiation monitoring of Bohunice V1 NPP, Interim Spent Fuel Storage (MSVP), Bohunice Radioactive Waste Processing Centre (VK808 - BSC), The Main Production Unit (VK 46A - HVB) and Bitumenation Lines (VK 46B - BL) are presented. The radioactive effluents into atmosphere within January - September 2014 (for NPP V1, MSVP, BSC, HVB and BL, respectively) were: 1.483 MBq (0.002 of AL) for V1, 0.087 MBq (0.029% of AL) for MSVP, 0.084 MBq (0.060% of AL) for BSC, 0.400 MBq (0.061% of AL) for HVB and 0.028 MBq (0.020% of AL) for BL of aero-soles. The radioactive effluents into atmosphere and hydrosphere within a September 2014 for NPP V1, MSVP, and VK 808 BSC, respectively, were: 0.258 MBq (V1), 0.007 MBq (VK MSVP), 0.018 MBq (VK 808 BSC), 0.005 MBq (VK 46A) and 0.002 MBq (VK 46B) of aero-soles into atmosphere; 1.169 MBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.522 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of corrosive and fission products, and 0.002 GBq (V1 and MSVP) and 16.740 GBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of tritium into the Vah River and 0.000 GBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.000 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of corrosive and fission products and 0.000 GBq of tritium (V1) and 0.000 GBq of tritium (TSU RAO and NPP A1) into the Dudvah River). For the period January - September 2014 these radioactive effluents into recipient of Vah River represent for corrosive and fission products 12.402 MBq (0.095% of AL for V1 and MSVP) and 5.010 MBq (0.042% of AL for TSU RAO and MSVP); and for tritium it is 8.382 GBq (0.419% of AL) for V1 and MSVP, and 98.415 GBq (0.984% of AL) for TSU RAO and NPP A1 (into the Vah River) and for corrosive and fission products 0.000 MBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.000 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) (0.0000 of AL) of tritium (into the Dudvah River). Chemical effluents are reported, too.

  5. Eco information 1. Influence of operation of the plants Jadrova vyradovacia spolocnost, a.s., on the environment, locality of Bohunice, within January 2016

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2016-02-01

    In this leaflet the results of monitoring of chemical gaseous and liquid effluents into the rivers Vah and Dudvah as well as of radiation monitoring of Bohunice V1 NPP, Interim Spent Fuel Storage (MSVP), Bohunice Radioactive Waste Processing Centre (VK808 - BSC), The Main Production Unit (VK 46A - HVB) and Bitumenation Lines (VK 46B - BL) are presented. The alpha radioactive effluents into atmosphere within January 2016 (for NPP V1, MSVP, BSC, HVB and BL, respectively) were: 0.051 MBq (0.0001 of AL) for V1, 0.006 MBq (0.002% of AL) for MSVP, 0.007 MBq (0.005% of AL) for BSC, 0.027 MBq (0.004% of AL) for HVB and 0.003 MBq (0.002% of AL) for BL of aero-soles. The radioactive effluents into atmosphere and hydrosphere within a January 2016 for NPP V1, MSVP, and VK 808 BSC, respectively, were: 0.051 MBq (V1), 0.006 MBq (VK MSVP), 0.007 MBq (VK 808 BSC), 0.027 MBq (VK 46A) and 0.003 MBq (VK 46B) of aero-soles into atmosphere; 0.192 MBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.346 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of corrosive and fission products, and 0.001 GBq (V1 and MSVP) and 10.991 GBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of tritium into the Vah River and 0.000 GBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.000 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of corrosive and fission products and 0.000 GBq of tritium (V1) and 0.000 GBq of tritium (TSU RAO and NPP A1) into the Dudvah River). For the period January - January 2016 these radioactive effluents into recipient of Vah River represent for corrosive and fission products 0.192 MBq (0.0015% of AL for V1 and MSVP) and 0.346 MBq (0.003% of AL for TSU RAO and MSVP); and for tritium it is 0.001 GBq (0.00003% of AL) for V1 and MSVP, and 10.991 GBq (0.110% of AL) for TSU RAO and NPP A1 (into the Vah River) and for corrosive and fission products 0.000 MBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.000 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) (0.0000 of AL) of tritium (into the Dudvah River). Chemical effluents are reported, too.

  6. Eco information 4 Influence of operation of the plants Jadrova vyradovacia spolocnost, a.s., on the environment, locality of Bohunice, within April 2016

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2016-05-01

    In this leaflet the results of monitoring of chemical gaseous and liquid effluents into the rivers Vah and Dudvah as well as of radiation monitoring of Bohunice V1 NPP, Interim Spent Fuel Storage (MSVP), Bohunice Radioactive Waste Processing Centre (VK808 - BSC), The Main Production Unit (VK 46A - HVB) and Bitumenation Lines (VK 46B - BL) are presented. The alpha radioactive effluents into atmosphere within January - April 2016 (for NPP V1, MSVP, BSC, HVB and BL, respectively) were: 0.141 MBq (0.0002 of AL) for V1, 0.027 MBq (0.006% of AL) for MSVP, 0.029 MBq (0.016% of AL) for BSC, 0.127 MBq (0.015% of AL) for HVB and 0.009 MBq (0.006% of AL) for BL of aero-soles. The radioactive effluents into atmosphere and hydrosphere within a April 2016 for NPP V1, MSVP, and VK 808 BSC, respectively, were: 0.017 MBq (V1), 0.008 MBq (VK MSVP), 0.006 MBq (VK 808 BSC), 0.029 MBq (VK 46A) and 0.003 MBq (VK 46B) of aero-soles into atmosphere; 0.880 MBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.397 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of corrosive and fission products, and 0.315 GBq (V1 and MSVP) and 7.163 GBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of tritium into the Vah River and 0.000 GBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.000 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of corrosive and fission products and 0.000 GBq of tritium (V1) and 0.000 GBq of tritium (TSU RAO and NPP A1) into the Dudvah River). For the period January - April 2016 these radioactive effluents into recipient of Vah River represent for corrosive and fission products 2.658 MBq (0.0204% of AL for V1 and MSVP) and 1.744 MBq (0.015% of AL for TSU RAO and MSVP); and for tritium it is 0.736 GBq (0.03679% of AL) for V1 and MSVP, and 31.833 GBq (0.318% of AL) for TSU RAO and NPP A1 (into the Vah River) and for corrosive and fission products 0.000 MBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.000 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) (0.0000 of AL) of tritium (into the Dudvah River). Chemical effluents are reported, too.

  7. Eco information 2. Influence of operation of the plants Jadrova vyradovacia spolocnost, a.s., on the environment, locality of Bohunice, within February 2016

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2016-03-01

    In this leaflet the results of monitoring of chemical gaseous and liquid effluents into the rivers Vah and Dudvah as well as of radiation monitoring of Bohunice V1 NPP, Interim Spent Fuel Storage (MSVP), Bohunice Radioactive Waste Processing Centre (VK808 - BSC), The Main Production Unit (VK 46A - HVB) and Bitumenation Lines (VK 46B - BL) are presented. The alpha radioactive effluents into atmosphere within January - February 2016 (for NPP V1, MSVP, BSC, HVB and BL, respectively) were: 0.100 MBq (0.001 of AL) for V1, 0.013 MBq (0.004% of AL) for MSVP, 0.017 MBq (0.012% of AL) for BSC, 0.048 MBq (0.007% of AL) for HVB and 0.005 MBq (0.003% of AL) for BL of aero-soles. The radioactive effluents into atmosphere and hydrosphere within a February 2016 for NPP V1, MSVP, and VK 808 BSC, respectively, were: 0.049 MBq (V1), 0.007 MBq (VK MSVP), 0.011 MBq (VK 808 BSC), 0.020 MBq (VK 46A) and 0.002 MBq (VK 46B) of aero-soles into atmosphere; 0.706 MBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.738 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of corrosive and fission products, and 0.419 GBq (V1 and MSVP) and 7.479 GBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of tritium into the Vah River and 0.000 GBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.000 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) of corrosive and fission products and 0.000 GBq of tritium (V1) and 0.000 GBq of tritium (TSU RAO and NPP A1) into the Dudvah River). For the period January - February 2016 these radioactive effluents into recipient of Vah River represent for corrosive and fission products 0.898 MBq (0.0069% of AL for V1 and MSVP) and 1.084 MBq (0.009% of AL for TSU RAO and MSVP); and for tritium it is 0.420 GBq (0.02098% of AL) for V1 and MSVP, and 18.470 GBq (0.185% of AL) for TSU RAO and NPP A1 (into the Vah River) and for corrosive and fission products 0.000 MBq (V1 and MSVP) and 0.000 MBq (TSU RAO and NPP A1) (0.0000 of AL) of tritium (into the Dudvah River). Chemical effluents are reported, too.

  8. Prof. Bookinkere Channakeshavaiah Subba Rao

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Annual Meetings · Mid Year Meetings · Discussion Meetings · Public Lectures · Lecture Workshops · Refresher Courses · Symposia · Live Streaming. Home; Fellowship. Fellow Profile. Elected: 1975 Section: Chemistry. Subba Rao, Prof. Bookinkere Channakeshavaiah Ph.D. (Purdue). Date of birth: 8 December 1923

  9. The Modern Concept of Measuring Efficiency - Implementation and Attitudes of BSC

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tomić Slavica

    2017-08-01

    Full Text Available In modern information environment it is not enough that companies measure their results only using data from the past. BSC (Balanced Scorecard can be considered superior to previous approaches of strategic performance management that focus only on financial measures. Balanced Scorecard includes both financial and non-financial measures that drive future financial organization performances. The research questions, which this work provides answers to, is concerned by the level of awareness of 37 surveyed managers of small, medium and large companies in the Republic of Serbia with the BSC, then identifying the degree of BSC implementation in these companies, as well as the reasons for not adopting the BSC and tests which use similar performance measures.

  10. Critical factors in implementing the Balanced Scorecard-BSC Fatores críticos na implantação do Balanced Scorecard-BSC

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fábio Augusto de Lucca Moreira

    2013-03-01

    Full Text Available Several issues can be raised regarding the critical factors for implementing management models such as the Balanced Scorecard (BSC. The success demands the understanding of the model by the implementation team and the workers involved. The entertainment industry, to which the Beach Park Hotel and Tourism, presents peculiarities that make the implementation of a management model a bigger challenge, and a segment that tends to grow at a rate of 10, 6% per year until 2016. Focusing the organization and context, this study aims to identify the critical factors of implementation of the BSC, through a case study, descriptive. The results showed the following critical factors for the implementation of the BSC: the absence of a culture of strategic planning, the complexity of the business and project, the history of a management style centralized and authoritarian, the centralization of the BSC at the top, restriction of management time to devote to the project; the absence of an information system, to support the project; not performing training and the lack of external consultants. In promoting organizational change, lacked adequate involvement of the leadership and and the support of the management of the dome. In successful cases, the history of management-oriented learning serves as the basis for a proper definition of the critical needs of the organization, and defining the appropriate indicators, factors that, in the case in focus, proved absent in a company without culture of planning. Normal 0 21 false false false PT-BR X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 Inúmeras questões podem ser levantadas acerca dos fatores críticos para a implantação de modelos de gestão como o Balanced Scorecard (BSC. O êxito demanda a compreensão do modelo, por parte da equipe de implantação e dos colaboradores envolvidos. Ressalta-se que a indústria do entretenimento, em que se insere o Beach Park Hotéis e Turismo, possui particularidades que tornam

  11. Application of Balance Score Card (BSC) in a Nuclear Medicine Department

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rayo, J.I.; Serrano, J.; Martin, R.; Corral, C.

    2002-01-01

    Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a concept helping you translate strategy into action. BSC provides management with a comprehensive picture of business operations and a methodology that facilitates the communication and understanding of business goals and strategies at all levels of an organization. Traditional performance measurement, focusing on external accounting data, was quickly becoming obsolete and something more was needed to provide the information age enterprises with efficient planning tools, For this purpose Kaplan and Norton introduced four different perspectives. Aim: Application of BSC to a Nuclear Medicine Department for provides four perspectives: financial perspective, customer perspective, process perspective and learning and innovation perspective. Conclusion: BSC helps align key performance measures with strategy at all levels of a Nuclear Medicine Department, facilitates communication and understanding, provides feedback and learning and reduce the vast amount of information the Nuclear Medicine Department into essentials

  12. Fast Erasure and Error decoding of Algebraic Geometry Codes up to the Feng-Rao Bound

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jensen, Helge Elbrønd; Sakata, S.; Leonard, D.

    1996-01-01

    This paper gives an errata(that is erasure-and error-) decoding algorithm of one-point algebraic geometry codes up to the Feng-Rao designed minimum distance using Sakata's multidimensional generalization of the Berlekamp-massey algorithm and the votin procedure of Feng and Rao.......This paper gives an errata(that is erasure-and error-) decoding algorithm of one-point algebraic geometry codes up to the Feng-Rao designed minimum distance using Sakata's multidimensional generalization of the Berlekamp-massey algorithm and the votin procedure of Feng and Rao....

  13. Computing the Feng-Rao distances for codes from order domains

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Ruano Benito, Diego

    2007-01-01

    We compute the Feng–Rao distance of a code coming from an order domain with a simplicial value semigroup. The main tool is the Apéry set of a semigroup that can be computed using a Gröbner basis.......We compute the Feng–Rao distance of a code coming from an order domain with a simplicial value semigroup. The main tool is the Apéry set of a semigroup that can be computed using a Gröbner basis....

  14. A survey on existing challenges of BSC implementation for performance measurement

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Behdad Gitinejad

    2014-04-01

    Full Text Available The balanced scorecard (BSC is a strategic oriented tool used comprehensively in profit and nonprofit organizations all over the world to synchronize routine processes of organizations to the mission and strategy, improve inner and outter communications, control organization performance toward strategic targets. BSC has emerged from a simple performance measurement framework to a comprehensive strategic management system. It changes an organization’s strategic plan from a passive document to an active guideline for the organization on a daily basis and provides a helpful assistance that not only enables performance measurements, but also helps planners identify what should be accomplished and measured. This study focuses on how BSC is adopted as a tool for measuring effectiveness of strategy implementation in these organizations. This study adapts the BSC as a powerful tool for reaching an organization’s performance in four significant areas: Financial perspective, Customer-Market perspective, Internal Processes perspective and Learning & Growth perspective. The results suggest that governmental organizations are somehow successful in achieving their objectives in various degrees.

  15. Evaluation of university performance using BSC and ANP

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ali Atafar

    2013-10-01

    Full Text Available Measuring the relative performance of universities play important role on better educational planning. During the past few years, balanced scorecard (BSC has become popular among researchers as a technique for measuring the performance of business units. This method studies a particular firm in terms of four different perspectives including internal processes, learning and growth, customer and financial figures. One primary concern on using such method is that this method does not consider the relative importance of these components. In this paper, we present a hybrid of BSC with analytical network process to measure the relative performance of an educational unit in Iran.

  16. The Cramér-Rao Bounds and Sensor Selection for Nonlinear Systems with Uncertain Observations.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wang, Zhiguo; Shen, Xiaojing; Wang, Ping; Zhu, Yunmin

    2018-04-05

    This paper considers the problems of the posterior Cramér-Rao bound and sensor selection for multi-sensor nonlinear systems with uncertain observations. In order to effectively overcome the difficulties caused by uncertainty, we investigate two methods to derive the posterior Cramér-Rao bound. The first method is based on the recursive formula of the Cramér-Rao bound and the Gaussian mixture model. Nevertheless, it needs to compute a complex integral based on the joint probability density function of the sensor measurements and the target state. The computation burden of this method is relatively high, especially in large sensor networks. Inspired by the idea of the expectation maximization algorithm, the second method is to introduce some 0-1 latent variables to deal with the Gaussian mixture model. Since the regular condition of the posterior Cramér-Rao bound is unsatisfied for the discrete uncertain system, we use some continuous variables to approximate the discrete latent variables. Then, a new Cramér-Rao bound can be achieved by a limiting process of the Cramér-Rao bound of the continuous system. It avoids the complex integral, which can reduce the computation burden. Based on the new posterior Cramér-Rao bound, the optimal solution of the sensor selection problem can be derived analytically. Thus, it can be used to deal with the sensor selection of a large-scale sensor networks. Two typical numerical examples verify the effectiveness of the proposed methods.

  17. Management of Documents and Information in BSC Secretariat

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Sumathi, E.; Jayarajan, K.

    2017-01-01

    The regulatory and safety function of BARC facilities is being carried out by BARC Safety Framework with BARC Safety Council as an apex body. Presently, about one hundred safety committees and task forces are functional in the framework. BSC Secretariat (BSCS) provides technical and administrative support to the BARC Safety Framework for the regulatory activities in BARC. Important documents/records related to committee decisions and facilities are maintained in BSCS, through an established documentation and record keeping system. The compliance of regulatory recommendations is verified during regulatory inspections and subsequent submissions made by the facility authority. This supports the effective regulatory decision making of various committees. This article elaborates the maintenance of records and information at BSC

  18. PERANCANGAN SISTEM EVALUASI KINERJA DIREKTORAT PEMBERITAAN LPP-TVRI DENGAN PENDEKATAN Balanced Scorecard (BSC

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Deasy Indriani

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available The objectives  of the research are to 1 formulate a BSC based performance model criteria in the Directorate  Information LPP-TVRI, 2 derive the Directorate  of  Information LPP-TVRI strategic components (vision and mission into a strategic plan, objective and initiative, 3 develop a strategy map for the Directorate  of  Information LPP-TVRI, 4 define chosen factors in KPI as a performance criteria, , 5 conduct a simulation on the performance criteria  plan in the Directorate  of  Information LPP-TVRI using BSC method.  The method used in the research is Balanced Scorecard (BSC for 4 perspectives; finance, consumer, internal business process, and growth and learning perspectives.  The result is presented in a strategic plan, objective and initiative based on the BSC four perspectives.  This becomes a measured output and can be evaluated by the management.  The focus on the improvement in this perspective will show a significant improvement.  The effort of the Information Directorate to increase the audience share as the responsibility in using public funds from APBN is carried out by specifying the KPI to be implemented.  The evaluation plan simulation on the performance of the Directorate Information LPP-TVRI derived from BSC method and the flow of cause and effect relationship through Strategy map, resulting in the presence of a number of KPI that has to be implemented by the TVRI management. Keywords:   balanced scorecard key, key performance indicators, Strategy Map, public televisionAbstrakTujuan penelitian ini adalah 1 merumuskan model pengukuran kinerja berbasis BSC dilingkungan Direktorat Pemberitaan LPP-TVRI, 2 menurunkan komponen-komponen strategik (visi-misi Direktorat Pemberitaan TVR kedalam  rencana strategik, tujuan dan inisiatif strategik, 3 membentuk Strategy Map untuk Direktorat Pemberitaan TVRI, 4 menentukan faktor-faktor apakah yang akan dipilih menjadi KPI sebagai pengukuran kinerja dan  5 melakukan

  19. The Polar Crust Project- BSC Diversity and Variability in the Arctic and Antarctica

    Science.gov (United States)

    Williams, Laura; Borchhardt, Nadine; Komisc-Buchmann, Karin; Becker, Burkhard; Karsten, Ulf; Büdel, Burkhard

    2015-04-01

    The Polar Crust Project is a newly funded DFG initiative that aims to provide a precise evaluation of the biodiversity of eukaryotic green microalgae and cyanobacteria in Biological Soil Crusts (BSC) isolated from the Antarctic Peninsula and Arctic Svalbard. This project will include a thorough investigation into the composition of BSC in the Polar regions, this especially is important for Svalbard due to the severe lack of any previous research on such communities in this area. During our expedition to Spitsbergen, Svalbard in August 2014 we were particularly surprised to find that the coverage of BSC is extremely high and is certainly the dominant vegetation type around Ny Ålesund. Due to this discovery the project has now been extended to include long term measurements of CO2 gas exchange in order to gain exact seasonal carbon fixation rates and therefore discovering how the BSC contributes to the ecosystems carbon balance. The research areas of Spitsbergen were centred around 2 localities: Ny-Ålesund is a research town, home to the AWIPEV station, on the Brøgger peninsula. Longyearbyen, which is the largest settlement on the island, is found in the valley Longyeardalen on the shore of Adventfjorden. Areas where BSC is the prevalent vegetation type were identified, 6 around Ny-Ålesund and 4 for Longyearbyen, and vegetation surveys were conducted. This entailed 625 single point measurements at each site and identifying the crust/or other cover type. For example, green algal lichen, cyanobacterial crust, higher plant, open soil. Samples were also taken at every location in order to study the green algal and cyanobacterial diversity. The vegetation survey will allow us to get a good overview of the BSC composition at the different sites. In January 2015 an expedition to the Antarctic Peninsular took place, here the sampling method was repeated and therefore both Polar Regions BSC composition can be described and compared. Here, we wish to introduce the Polar

  20. Does undertaking an intercalated BSc influence first clinical year exam results at a London medical school?

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jones Melvyn

    2011-02-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Intercalated BScs (iBScs are an optional part of the medical school curriculum in many Universities. Does undertaking an iBSc influence subsequent student performance? Previous studies addressing this question have been flawed by iBSc students being highly selected. This study looks at data from medical students where there is a compulsory iBSc for non-graduates. Our aim was to see whether there was any difference in performance between students who took an iBSc before or after their third year (first clinical year exams. Methods A multivariable analysis was performed to compare the third year results of students at one London medical school who had or had not completed their iBSc by the start of this year (n = 276. A general linear model was applied to adjust for differences between the two groups in terms of potential confounders (age, sex, nationality and baseline performance. Results The results of third year summative exams for 276 students were analysed (184 students with an iBSc and 92 without. Unadjusted analysis showed students who took an iBSc before their third year achieved significantly higher end of year marks than those who did not with a mean score difference of 4.4 (0.9 to 7.9 95% CI, p = 0.01. (overall mean score 238.4 "completed iBSc" students versus 234.0 "not completed", range 145.2 - 272.3 out of 300. There was however a significant difference between the two groups in their prior second year exam marks with those choosing to intercalate before their third year having higher marks. Adjusting for this, the difference in overall exam scores was no longer significant with a mean score difference of 1.4 (-4.9 to +7.7 95% CI, p = 0.66. (overall mean score 238.0 " completed iBSc" students versus 236.5 "not completed". Conclusions Once possible confounders are controlled for (age, sex, previous academic performance undertaking an iBSc does not influence third year exam results. One explanation for this

  1. Quantitative cine-left ventriculography - Superiority of 45 .deg. RAO view to straight AB view -

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lim, Tae Hwan; Han, Man Chung

    1981-01-01

    The volumetry by cineangiocardiography is known to have the most diagnostic and prognostic value in the evaluation of various valvular heart diseases and ischemic heart diseases. Although many authors favor the area-length method for the volumetry of left ventricle, 45 .deg. RAO projection seems to be more simple, inexpensive and accurate technique, considering the positional relationship of cardiac valves and obliquity of the long axis of left ventricle within the chest cage. Authors present the anatomical, geometrical and radiological basis for the superiority of 45 .deg. RAO protection by analyzing 20 normal heart specimen and 115 cineangiocardiograms of valvular heart diseases, and the results as follows: 1. Blood flow and motility of the mitral and aortic valves can be more clearly demonstrated by 45 .deg. RAO projection than by AP view. 2. The long diameter of left ventricular silhouette made 45 .deg. RAO projection reflects 90% or more of real diameter. 3. In RAO 45 .deg. position, patient's left nipple is optimal and convenient level for the ruler offering accurate magnification coefficient of left ventricle. 4. Ejection fraction after the extrasystole is exaggerated regardless of the left ventricular function, so it is desirable to exclude the 2 or 3 beats after extrasystole

  2. 77 FR 67651 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-11-13

    ... Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the... Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and... reports from the BSC OID working groups, brief updates on activities of the infectious disease national...

  3. 78 FR 21370 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-04-10

    ... Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the... and Respiratory Diseases, the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and the... reports from the BSC, OID working groups, brief updates on activities of the infectious disease national...

  4. 78 FR 11651 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-02-19

    ... Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the... for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis... infectious disease laboratory working group under the BSC, OID. The agenda and any supplemental material will...

  5. 78 FR 17411 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-03-21

    ... Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the... for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis... infectious disease laboratory working group under the BSC, OID. The agenda and any supplemental material will...

  6. 76 FR 63926 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-10-14

    ... Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the... Diseases, the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and the National Center for... and the three infectious disease national centers, a report from the OID/BSC Food Safety Modernization...

  7. Fast Erasure-and error decoding of algebraic geometry codes up to the Feng-Rao bound

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Høholdt, Tom; Jensen, Helge Elbrønd; Sakata, Shojiro

    1998-01-01

    This correspondence gives an errata (that is erasure-and error-) decoding algorithm of one-point algebraic-geometry codes up to the Feng-Rao designed minimum distance using Sakata's multidimensional generalization of the Berlekamp-Massey algorithm and the voting procedure of Feng and Rao....

  8. Medical and radiological aspects of emergency preparedness and response at SevRAO facilities.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Savkin, M N; Sneve, M K; Grachev, M I; Frolov, G P; Shinkarev, S M; Jaworska, A

    2008-12-01

    Regulatory cooperation between the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority and the Federal Medical Biological Agency (FMBA) of the Russian Federation has the overall goal of promoting improvements in radiation protection in Northwest Russia. One of the projects in this programme has the objectives to review and improve the existing medical emergency preparedness capabilities at the sites for temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste. These are operated by SevRAO at Andreeva Bay and in Gremikha village on the Kola Peninsula. The work is also intended to provide a better basis for regulation of emergency response and medical emergency preparedness at similar facilities elsewhere in Russia. The purpose of this paper is to present the main results of that project, implemented by the Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Centre. The first task was an analysis of the regulatory requirements and the current state of preparedness for medical emergency response at the SevRAO facilities. Although Russian regulatory documents are mostly consistent with international recommendations, some distinctions lead to numerical differences in operational intervention criteria under otherwise similar conditions. Radiological threats relating to possible accidents, and related gaps in the regulation of SevRAO facilities, were also identified. As part of the project, a special exercise on emergency medical response on-site at Andreeva Bay was prepared and carried out, and recommendations were proposed after the exercise. Following fruitful dialogue among regulators, designers and operators, special regulatory guidance has been issued by FMBA to account for the specific and unusual features of the SevRAO facilities. Detailed sections relate to the prevention of accidents, and emergency preparedness and response, supplementing the basic Russian regulatory requirements. Overall it is concluded that (a) the provision of medical and sanitary components of emergency

  9. Analysis of error floor of LDPC codes under LP decoding over the BSC

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chertkov, Michael [Los Alamos National Laboratory; Chilappagari, Shashi [UNIV OF AZ; Vasic, Bane [UNIV OF AZ; Stepanov, Mikhail [UNIV OF AZ

    2009-01-01

    We consider linear programming (LP) decoding of a fixed low-density parity-check (LDPC) code over the binary symmetric channel (BSC). The LP decoder fails when it outputs a pseudo-codeword which is not a codeword. We propose an efficient algorithm termed the instanton search algorithm (ISA) which, given a random input, generates a set of flips called the BSC-instanton and prove that: (a) the LP decoder fails for any set of flips with support vector including an instanton; (b) for any input, the algorithm outputs an instanton in the number of steps upper-bounded by twice the number of flips in the input. We obtain the number of unique instantons of different sizes by running the ISA sufficient number of times. We then use the instanton statistics to predict the performance of the LP decoding over the BSC in the error floor region. We also propose an efficient semi-analytical method to predict the performance of LP decoding over a large range of transition probabilities of the BSC.

  10. Stochastic processes and functional analysis a volume of recent advances in honor of M. M. Rao

    CERN Document Server

    Krinik, Alan C

    2004-01-01

    This extraordinary compilation is an expansion of the recent American Mathematical Society Special Session celebrating M. M. Rao's distinguished career and includes most of the presented papers as well as ancillary contributions from session invitees. This book shows the effectiveness of abstract analysis for solving fundamental problems of stochastic theory, specifically the use of functional analytic methods for elucidating stochastic processes, as made manifest in M. M. Rao's prolific research achievements. Featuring a biography of M. M. Rao, a complete bibliography of his published works,

  11. The Bsc and the Health Management Consortia: A Case Study of its Applicability

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Juliana Caroline Coutinho Coelho Guimarães

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available The professional management development consistent with the demands of society is an undeniable reality in Public Health. The enactment of 11.107/2005 Law inserts an agenda for change in the reality of Health Consortia. Against this backdrop of change, uncertainty and social costs, we need to rethink management practices. The management supporting tools have been evolving rapidly since 1980, highlighting the Balanced Scorecard (BSC. The adoption of the BSC as a management supporting tool to consortia comes to meet the existing demand to improve professionalization in public administration. This article aims to analyze the applicability of a support management tool to a Health Consortia, based on BSC through a proposed pilot project in a consortium selected to do so. Thus, for the realization of this work, designed a Case Study in CISMEV - Consortium Health of Middle Velhas River, and developed a proposal for the construction of the BSC with nine distinct steps. Thus, it was possible to identify the key steps to be met for the adoption of new procedures and routines, as well as the challenges encountered in the development process of the BSC by public institutions. We also identified the possible gains from deploying this tool culminating in fulfilling the mission and building the organizational vision. It was felt that identifying motivators for choosing this tool, as well as their strengths and limitations are essential to the construction of this process with greater criticality.

  12. DEVELOPMENT OF A STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT TOOL IN A THERMAL POWER PLANT USING ABC AND BSC MODELS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rishi Dwivedi

    2016-05-01

    Full Text Available In today’s dynamic, uncertain and highly competitive business environment, the long term success of an organization critically depends on the perceptions, choices and actions of its managers regarding their strategies. Activity based costing (ABC and balanced scorecard (BSC are the modern day management approaches acknowledged as reliable tools for strategy formulation and implementation in an organization. In this paper, ABC and BSC models are separately proposed and applied in the merry-go-round (MGR department of an Indian thermal power plant. The results elicited from adoption of these two models in the said power plant provide more accurate, timely, and reliable operational and financial information at different activity levels of the organization, which would help in effective strategic and tactical decision making. Even though, there are limited published research papers related to application of ABC model in power plants, none of them has adopted ABC and BSC techniques in an Indian contextual environment. Additionally, an integrated ABC-BSC model is designed to harness the complementary synergies of both ABC and BSC models.

  13. BSC Modelling for ACAFE's Universities system Modelando o BSC para as Universidades do Sistema ACAFE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Manuel Portugal Ferreira

    2010-02-01

    Full Text Available Schools that perform graduation courses are facing increased competition and many have find the need of a more competitive and strategic vision. This study describes a Balanced Scorecard example of typical implementation for educational institutions. The case study describes in details the implemention as performed in ACAFE system, a Santa Catarina's network of educational institutions.As Instituições de Ensino Superior (IES, percebendo o acirramento da concorrência, reconhecem a importância de repensar sua forma de gestão, buscando uma visão mais competitiva e continuada. Assim, com o objetivo de contribuir para a gestão estratégica dessas instituições, especificamente as pertencentes ao sistema ACAFE, foi utilizada neste estudo a ferramenta de gestão Balanced Scorecard (BSC. Algumas etapas foram necessárias à sua adequação às universidades fundacionais catarinenses. Apresentaram-se e identificaram-se algumas características existentes no ambiente das universidades fundacionais catarinenses e suas peculiaridades em relação a outras organizações que não integram esse setor; realizaram-se os ajustes necessários à ferramenta Balanced Scorecard às universidades do sistema ACAFE; bem como a proposta da ferramenta auxiliar denominado mapa estratégico. Por último demonstrou-se a possibilidade de se desenvolver e utilizar o BSC acadêmico institucional como forma de integrar mais de um campus a gestão focada na estratégia.

  14. Response of Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes from RAO-affected Horses to b2-Agonist Stimulation

    OpenAIRE

    Werner Becker, Marianne Patricia

    2011-01-01

    Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) affects middle-age horses, inducing bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. β2-agonists like salbutamol are used as treatment, promoting airway smooth muscle (ASM) relaxation and bronchodilation. In addition to ASM, inflammatory cells express the β2-adrenoreceptors (β2-AR). In other species, β2-agonists promote peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) cytokine expression towards a pro-inflammatory phenotype. RAO horses are a good model for evaluating chron...

  15. Analysing Institutions Interdisciplinarity by Extensive Use of Rao-Stirling Diversity Index.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cassi, Lorenzo; Champeimont, Raphaël; Mescheba, Wilfriedo; de Turckheim, Élisabeth

    2017-01-01

    This paper shows how the Rao-Stirling diversity index may be extensively used for positioning and comparing institutions interdisciplinary practices. Two decompositions of this index make it possible to explore different components of the diversity of the cited references in a corpus of publications. The paper aims at demonstrating how these bibliometric tools can be used for comparing institutions in a research field by highlighting collaboration orientations and institutions strategies. To make the method available and easy to use for indicator users, this paper first recalls a previous result on the decomposition of the Rao-Stirling index into multidisciplinarity and interdisciplinarity components, then proposes a new decomposition to further explore the profile of research collaborations and finally presents an application to Neuroscience research in French universities.

  16. Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the French version of the Rheumatoid and Arthritis Outcome Score (RAOS)

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Duval, Aurelie; Maillefert, Jean Francis; Gossec, Laure

    2010-01-01

    The Rheumatoid and Arthritis Outcome Score (RAOS) was recently developed to evaluate functional disability and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients suffering from lower limb symptoms. The aims of this study were to cross-culturally adapt the RAOS into French and to assess its...

  17. Profitability of companies that use Balanced Scorecard (BSC versus companies that use only financial performance indicators Rentabilidade de empresas que utilizam o Balanced Scorecard (BSC versus empresas que utilizam somente indicadores de desempenho financeiros

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Irani Rocha

    2012-10-01

    Full Text Available This study aims to verify whether there is impact difference on the profitability of companies that use financial and nonfinancial performance indicators, as proposed in the Balanced Scorecard (BSC, and companies that use only financial performance indicators. The survey includes companies listed in the magazines Valor 1000 and Exame Maiores e Melhores and, as for the sample, publicly traded companies listed in both publications, representing 169 companies. In the survey conducted to determine whether or not the company uses BSC, out of the 169 companies contacted, 65 responded and 104 did not answer the questioning. Out of the 65 respondents, 19 use BSC and 46 don´t. The indexes were extracted from the financial statements and the non-financial administration reports and explanatory notes. Three financial indicators were selected and, for the non-financial perspectives, for enterprises using BSC, through content analysis, indicators that characterize the customer perspectives were identified, as well as internal learning and growth processes. For the analysis of company results before and after the implementation of BSC, hypotheses were developed for the indicators that showed a more expressive correlation coefficient. The one-tailed test indicated a high correlation in the indicators of learning and growth perspective and a lower one from the costumer perspectives and internal processes. Although the evidences are not abundant, it was concluded that there is a difference in the profitability of enterprises that use financial and nonfinancial performance indicators compared to the ones using just the indicators of financial performance.O estudo objetiva verificar se há diferença de impacto na rentabilidade de empresas que utilizam indicadores de desempenho financeiros e não financeiros conforme proposto no Balanced Scorecard (BSC e de empresas que somente utilizam indicadores de desempenho financeiros. A população da pesquisa compreende

  18. Bituminization plant Jaslovske Bohunice

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    1999-01-01

    In this leaflet the principle of the bituminization plant for radioactive concentrate (the intermediate liquid radioactive waste generated during the NPP A1, V-1, V-2 operations) solidification used in the Bohunice Radwaste Treatment Centre (BSC RAO) is presented

  19. New Fellows and Honorary Fellow

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Fellowship. Fellow Profile. Elected: 1955 Section: Chemistry. Rao, Shimoga Nadiga Gundu B.Sc. (Bangalore), FNA. Date of birth: 26 November 1909. Date of death: 7 September 1985. Specialization: Sugar Technology and Industrial Chemistry. YouTube; Twitter; Facebook; Blog ...

  20. PENGGUNAAN BLOCK SET CONNECTION (BSC PADA SAMBUNGAN ELEMEN BETON PRECAST

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jojon Suherman

    2012-08-01

    Full Text Available Application of block set connection (bsc in precast concrete element joints. Precast concrete technology is an alternative of reinforced concrete construction with the advantages of high quality and economical cost. However, precast concrete has not been widely used for seismic regions because of its weakness in the joints between precast concrete elements that are not ductile. The purpose of this research was to determine the ductility of precast concrete connections, which use a block set connection type (BSC. The design of beam column connection using the theory of full ductile that uses 2 specimen tests in a 1:1 scale, tested with cyclic loading and ana­lyzed for ductility, strength, stiffness, energy dissipation, and pattern collapse. The expe­rimental results obtained mean value of the ductility of μ = 6, the achievement of ductility value is greater than the ductility of the requirements in SNI 1726-2002 that is μ = 5.3. Therefore, block set connection type can be used to design buildings snaking precast concrete structures in seismic regions 5 and 6 (the area of high seismic risk. Penggunaan Block Set Connection (BSC pada Sambungan Elemen Beton Precast.  Teknologi beton precast merupakan alternatif pilihan dari konstruksi beton bertulang dengan keunggulan mutu yang tinggi dan biaya yang ekonomis. Namun demikian beton precast belum banyak digunakan untuk daerah gempa karena  mempunyai kelemahan pada sambungan antar elemen beton precast yang tidak daktail. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengetahui daktilitas sambungan beton precast, yang menggunakan tipe block set connection (BSC. Rancangan sambungan balok kolom menggunakan teori  full ductile  yang menggunakan 2 buah benda uji dalam skala 1:1, diuji dengan beban siklik dan dianalisis terhadap daktilitas, kekuatan, kekakuan, disipasi energi, dan pola keruntuhan. Hasil eksperimen diperoleh nilai daktilitas rerata μ = 6,  pencapaian nilai daktilitas  tersebut lebih besar dari

  1. Textbook animal breeding : animal breeding andgenetics for BSc students

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Oldenbroek, Kor; Waaij, van der Liesbeth

    2014-01-01

    This textbook contains teaching material on animal breeding and genetics for BSc students. The text book started as an initiative of the Dutch Universities for Applied (Agricultural) Sciences. The textbook is made available by the Animal Breeding and Genomics Centre (ABGC) of Wageningen UR

  2. An Integrated MCDM Method in Ranking BSC Perspectives and key Performance Indicators (KPIs

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mohsen Alvandi

    2012-04-01

    Full Text Available The balanced scorecard (BSC approach is an effective technique for performance evaluation. BSC can better reflect the dependence and feedback problems of each factor in real world situations. This study aims at developing a set of appropriate key performance indicators according to (BSC approach for SAPCO using multiple criteria decision making(MCDM method. We provide key performance indicators through literature reviews and experts' idea in SAPCO, which is one of the biggest vehicle spare suppliers in Iran. The proposed study uses decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL and analytic network process (ANP, respectively to measure the casual relationship between the perspectives as well as the relative weights. The results based on ANP method shows that ‘‘Customer’’ is the most influential factor. In addition, internal process, financial and learning and growth are in two to four positions. Three important key performance indicators are as bellow: Total price of parts, Customer satisfaction and Lack of parts in production.

  3. Improving efficiency of decision making units through BSC-DEA technique

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Amir Reza Khaki

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available Performance evaluation is one of the most important techniques to prioritize different decision making units. Data envelopment analysis (DEA, as a non-parametric method, plays an important role for measuring relative efficiency. Balanced score card, on the other hand, is another method to evaluate a business plan based on non-financial perspectives. The integrated BSC-DEA takes advantage of the advantages of both methods' features. In this paper, we propose a BSC-DEA method to rank different decision making units. We consider different financial criteria such as profit-margin, return on assets along with non-financial criteria such as customer satisfaction, advanced services, employee skills to compare the performance of different banks. The results are analyzed and discussed, which could be used for making better decisions.

  4. Quantum metrology in open systems: dissipative Cramér-Rao bound.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Alipour, S; Mehboudi, M; Rezakhani, A T

    2014-03-28

    Estimation of parameters is a pivotal task throughout science and technology. The quantum Cramér-Rao bound provides a fundamental limit of precision allowed to be achieved under quantum theory. For closed quantum systems, it has been shown how the estimation precision depends on the underlying dynamics. Here, we propose a general formulation for metrology scenarios in open quantum systems, aiming to relate the precision more directly to properties of the underlying dynamics. This feature may be employed to enhance an estimation precision, e.g., by quantum control techniques. Specifically, we derive a Cramér-Rao bound for a fairly large class of open system dynamics, which is governed by a (time-dependent) dynamical semigroup map. We illustrate the utility of this scenario through three examples.

  5. Endline report – Liberia, BSC MFS II country evaluations

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Gotomo, S.; Peters, B.; Kusters, C.S.L.; Peabody, S.; Washington Gopeya, M.

    2015-01-01

    This report presents the findings of the endline of the evaluation of the organisational capacity component of the MFS II country evaluations. The focus of this report is Liberia, BSC. The format is based on the requirements by the synthesis team and NWO/WOTRO. The endline was carried out in 2014.

  6. Neutrophil and macrophage apoptosis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from healthy horses and horses with recurrent airway obstruction (RAO)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2014-01-01

    Background Dysregulation of apoptosis has been implicated in a range of diseases including tumors, neurodegenerative and autoimmine diseases, as well as allergic asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in humans. Although it has a different pathophysiology, delayed apoptosis of various inflammatory cells may play a pivotal role in the development of recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) in horses. Reduction of inflammatory cell apoptosis or a dysregulation of this process could lead to chronic inflammation and tissue injury. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the rate of apoptosis and necrosis of neutrophils and macrophages in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from seven horses suffering from RAO (study group) and seven control horses. Results We demonstrated that neutrophil/macrophage apoptosis is altered in RAO-affected horses compared with the control group in the BAL fluid. We found a significant difference between the median percentage of early and late apoptosis of neutrophils between the study and control group of horses. Moreover, we found a positive correlation between the rate of apoptosis and the median percentage of macrophages in RAO-affected horses. Conclusion The findings suggest that apoptosis dysregulation may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of RAO. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of altered apoptosis in the course of equine recurrent airway obstruction. PMID:24460911

  7. Application and verification of the NMMB/BSC-CTM forecast for solar energy

    Science.gov (United States)

    Soret, Albert; Serradell, Kim; Piot, Matthias; Ortega, Daniel; Obiso, Vincenzo; Jorba, Oriol

    2016-04-01

    In the beginning of April 2014, northern Europe was affected by a mineral dust intrusion. On 4 April 2014, the power prediction for German solar installations was estimated as 21 GW, whereas the measured power production merely reached 11 GW. This strong overestimation significantly affected the hourly price in the wholesale electricity market: prices were firstly assessed at around 27 € /MWh but rapidly reached a level close to 150 € /MWh after recognizing the lack of solar output. It has been found that a large proportion of the uncertainty of existing NWP models can be attributed to the lack of accurate aerosol data used in order to model solar radiation. Despite the advancements in the modelling of aerosol-cloud interactions, current meteorological models use parameterizations made mostly for climate considerations (generally monthly-based). In this contribution, we analyse model results of the direct radiative effect of mineral dust over Germany at the beginning of April 2014. For that, the NMMB/BSC Chemical Transport Model (NMMB/BSC-CTM) is applied on a regional domain at 0.1° horizontal resolution. The NMMB/BSC-CTM is a new on-line chemical weather prediction system coupling atmospheric and chemistry processes. In the radiation module of the model, mineral dust is treated as a radiatively active substance interacting both short and longwave radiation. The impact of the mineral dust outbreaks on meteorology is discussed by comparing model forecasts meteorological observations. The analysis focuses on the performance of the NMMB/BSC-CTM to simulate the radiative effects of a mineral dust intrusion far from source regions. Model results would help to illustrate the added value of on-line models for long term analysis of solar resource. On-going developments: integration of anthropogenic sources and implementation of indirect radiative effects will be also presented.

  8. An Example of an Improvable Rao-Blackwell Improvement, Inefficient Maximum Likelihood Estimator, and Unbiased Generalized Bayes Estimator.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Galili, Tal; Meilijson, Isaac

    2016-01-02

    The Rao-Blackwell theorem offers a procedure for converting a crude unbiased estimator of a parameter θ into a "better" one, in fact unique and optimal if the improvement is based on a minimal sufficient statistic that is complete. In contrast, behind every minimal sufficient statistic that is not complete, there is an improvable Rao-Blackwell improvement. This is illustrated via a simple example based on the uniform distribution, in which a rather natural Rao-Blackwell improvement is uniformly improvable. Furthermore, in this example the maximum likelihood estimator is inefficient, and an unbiased generalized Bayes estimator performs exceptionally well. Counterexamples of this sort can be useful didactic tools for explaining the true nature of a methodology and possible consequences when some of the assumptions are violated. [Received December 2014. Revised September 2015.].

  9. Islamic value to the modification of BSC model (a case study in evaluating company performance)

    Science.gov (United States)

    Harwati; Permana, Y.

    2017-12-01

    Halal is the key word for the Muslim community in consuming goods or services. Providing halal products is the main focus for companies with the largest consumers from the Muslim community. Halal is not only from the ingredients but also from the process in its production. The purpose of this study is to design a model of performance measurement for a company in order to provide halal products. Balance Score Card (BSC) is used as a framework. BSC as a performance measurement system has advantages not only focus on financial aspect but also non finance. Islamic values are incorporated into four perspective of BSC. They are: Selection of sharia financial institutions in financial perspective, payment method by consumer in consumer perspective, number of product with halal certificate and menu clarify in internal business process perspective, then accuracy of payroll time in learning and growth perspective. The modified BSC model obtains 17 Key Performance Indicators (KPI). The model is applied in a culinary industry (restaurant). Structured questionnaires and scheduled interviews are used to collect the important data. The result show that these industry fail to meet 8 from total 17 KPI so performance achievement is only 70.81%, and only reach 22.58% in Islamic value aspect. This is recorded by the company as an input to improve their performance in order to compete in halal food business.

  10. Rao Quan Feasibility Study - Phase 1: Toxic Substances and Contamination (Final Report)

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Berge, Dag; Knutzen, Jon

    1997-12-31

    Due to wartime activity in the Khe Sanh area, it was expected that damming of the river Rao Quan could wash out diffuse pollutants from the ground and from possible military dump sites. As discussed in this report, the rivers Rao Quan, Khe Nghi and Quang Tri contain relatively soft water. The buffer capacity against acidification is good. The sulphate concentration is low. The water will not be aggressive against concrete. The maximum particulate content in the wet season is low. The nutrient content of the rivers is relatively low. The phosphorus content correlated well with the turbidity, which indicates that the phosphorus is bound to particles. Khe Nghi has significantly higher nitrogen content than the other rivers, which may indicate some slight impact from animal husbandry. However, there was no eutrophication. The content of heavy metals is low and indicates no pollution from the military activities in the area. The water is well suited for irrigation. There was no indication from the analysed fish , the river sediments from Rao Quan or the top soil of the rice fields of any significant dioxin contamination. The content was similar to normal back ground levels caused by diffuse atmospheric fallout. The herbicide Agent Orange in 1962-1975 was applied mostly in the southernmost part of the country and contamination from it in the Quang Tri Province is not expected. 13 refs., 4 figs., 4 tabs.

  11. The effects of the integrated application of BSC and ABM to enterprise strategy and efficiency

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Violeta Domanovic

    2016-08-01

    Full Text Available The shortcomings of an individual application of some managerial innovation models in the domain of management accounting and strategic management in the modern business environment made research into the complementary and integrated application of managerial innovation models inevitable. The aim of the research is to show that the complementary use of the BSC and the ABM in managing enterprise strategy and efficiency eliminates the shortcomings of their individual application. The paper specifies the effects of the application of the BSC and the ABM on the enterprise strategy, particularly emphasizing the role of ICT in the course of implementation, and presents the results of the empirical research into the correlation of the BSC and the ABM regarding the strategy and efficiency of an enterprise. Despite possible problems and limitations, a proper synergic use of respective managerial innovations enables a better implementation of the defined strategies and improves the efficiency of the enterprise in the long run.

  12. Curriculum (Study Programme) for the 3rd to 6th semester of the B.Sc., Medialogy, at Aalborg University

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nordahl, Rolf; Serafin, Stefania; Lavatino, Salvatore

    2004-01-01

    Major revision of the original curriculum of the B.Sc., Medialogy. Significant changes (extensive restructuring) in comparison with the first version of the curriculum.......Major revision of the original curriculum of the B.Sc., Medialogy. Significant changes (extensive restructuring) in comparison with the first version of the curriculum....

  13. An empirical study to measure the relative efficiency and strategic planning using BSC-DEA and DEMATEL

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mohammad Hemati

    2012-08-01

    Full Text Available Performance evaluation is one of manager's main concerns in today competitive world, which covers all aspects and dimensions of organization and it is adequately flexible and measurable. So, the necessity of performance evaluation application for organizations where their intangible assets are higher than tangible ones, such as educational institutions, is more obviously observed. Balanced scorecard (BSC is discussed by the aim of promoting manager's decision making and directing their attention toward extensive operational vision of organization compared to traditional measurement systems, which only include the financial measures. However, BSC is a qualitative approach and has some disadvantages and its integration by other quantitative techniques such as data envelopment analysis makes it more efficient. The proposed model of this paper uses DEMATEL technique as part of BSC-DEA model to empower strategic planning. The proposed model of this paper is applied for 10 zone university branches of Islamic Azad universities to provide an appropriate road map.

  14. LEADER WITH GOLDEN HEART - SRI CA. A. RAGHAVENDRA RAO

    OpenAIRE

    Aithal Sreeramana P.; Suresh Kumar P.M.; Shailashri V.T.; Prithi Jeevan

    2015-01-01

    Srinivas group of colleges has come into being from a humble beginning in1988, into a chain of institutions due to its visionary founder Sri CA A Raghavendra Rao. Today it spreads over 18 colleges with 70 courses and over 12000 students generating livelihood to 3500 employees and their families. His leadership qualities and values are distinct. He is wired like business people but bottom line oriented and extraordinarily committed to results. The steep ascend from humble person to an accompl...

  15. BSC Final Report: Lessons Learned from Building America Participation; February 1995 - December 2002

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Hendron, Bob [National Renewable Energy Lab. (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

    2004-04-01

    This report chronicles the how and why of the key BSC Building America outcomes. It is organized and put in the context of what the Building Science Consortium has learned from and with its building industry partners.

  16. The Rao-Blackwellized Particle Filter: A Filter Bank Implementation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Karlsson Rickard

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available For computational efficiency, it is important to utilize model structure in particle filtering. One of the most important cases occurs when there exists a linear Gaussian substructure, which can be efficiently handled by Kalman filters. This is the standard formulation of the Rao-Blackwellized particle filter (RBPF. This contribution suggests an alternative formulation of this well-known result that facilitates reuse of standard filtering components and which is also suitable for object-oriented programming. Our RBPF formulation can be seen as a Kalman filter bank with stochastic branching and pruning.

  17. Detection of image structures using the Fisher information and the Rao metric.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Maybank, Stephen J

    2004-12-01

    In many detection problems, the structures to be detected are parameterized by the points of a parameter space. If the conditional probability density function for the measurements is known, then detection can be achieved by sampling the parameter space at a finite number of points and checking each point to see if the corresponding structure is supported by the data. The number of samples and the distances between neighboring samples are calculated using the Rao metric on the parameter space. The Rao metric is obtained from the Fisher information which is, in turn, obtained from the conditional probability density function. An upper bound is obtained for the probability of a false detection. The calculations are simplified in the low noise case by making an asymptotic approximation to the Fisher information. An application to line detection is described. Expressions are obtained for the asymptotic approximation to the Fisher information, the volume of the parameter space, and the number of samples. The time complexity for line detection is estimated. An experimental comparison is made with a Hough transform-based method for detecting lines.

  18. Autonomous Positioning Techniques Based on Cramér-Rao Lower Bound Analysis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Urruela Andreu

    2006-01-01

    Full Text Available We consider the problem of autonomously locating a number of asynchronous sensor nodes in a wireless network. A strong focus lies on reducing the processing resources needed to solve the relative positioning problem, an issue of great interest in resource-constrained wireless sensor networks. In the first part of the paper, based on a well-known derivation of the Cramér-Rao lower bound for the asynchronous sensor positioning problem, we are able to construct optimal preprocessing methods for sensor clock-offset cancellation. A cancellation of unknown clock-offsets from the asynchronous positioning problem reduces processing requirements, and, under certain reasonable assumptions, allows for statistically efficient distributed positioning algorithms. Cramér-Rao lower bound theory may also be used for estimating the performance of a positioning algorithm. In the second part of this paper, we exploit this property in developing a distributed algorithm, where the global positioning problem is solved suboptimally, using a divide-and-conquer approach of low complexity. The performance of this suboptimal algorithm is evaluated through computer simulation, and compared to previously published algorithms.

  19. Introducing a "Balance" in The BSC Through Beauty and Love

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ari Kamayanti

    2010-04-01

    Full Text Available Celebrating the seventeenth anniversary of the Balanced Score Card (BSC since it was born in 1992, this paper revisits its concept as one of the landmarks in performance measurement. The BSC turns out to be ‘not so balanced’ since it lacks certain beauty and love. It hinges on accountability for certain interests when measuring performance, negating or putting other interests as minority. Thus, it fits perfectly with the aim of management accounting that puts managers and customers as priorities. The imbalances comes from secularism and overemphasis in rationalism. Sustainability that becomes the current issue nowadays would not be supported by such performance measurement. In order to insert this balance, a methodology by taking a methapor of nurturing mother is applied in this research that encompasses gentle beauty and subtle love. Gentle beauty refers to a complete harmony of beauty : irrational and the rational; this means introducing those that have been left out in the name of rationality such as religions and spiritualism. Subtle love refers to love towards God that is expressed subtly without lust to overpower. The result is a more balanced set of performance measurements that are filled with beauty and love, insyaAllah.

  20. The use and design of the BSC in the health care sector: A systematic literature review for Italy, Spain, and Portugal.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gonzalez-Sanchez, Maria Beatriz; Broccardo, Laura; Martins Pires, Amélia Maria

    2018-01-01

    The aim of this paper is to gain a better understanding of how the balanced scorecard (BSC) has evolved in Spain, Italy, and Portugal. It reviews all the articles on the BSC in the health care sector written between 1992 and 2015 by Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese authors and published in Spanish, Italian, or Portuguese as well as in English. Our study first shows the state of knowledge on BSC in health care for a homogeneous group of Southern European countries. Second, it uncovers the perspectives, indicators, and generation used in the countries under observation to reveal the extent to which this management tool has evolved. Third, it analyses international variations in design and use within the health care context, especially in the United States. Moreover, it also highlights a number of important issues. The BSC is in its early stage of development in these 3 countries, which do not use it as a tool to implement strategy and align all of the elements that help integrate the organization. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

  1. 77 FR 21778 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-04-11

    ... discussions on CDC's safe water activities, immunization infrastructure, and sexually transmitted diseases... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the...

  2. 76 FR 24031 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-04-29

    ... Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the... and Respiratory Diseases, the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and the..., the meeting will include a focused discussion on ``Transitioning Infectious Disease Prevention...

  3. A novel hybrid MCDM model for performance evaluation of research and technology organizations based on BSC approach.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Varmazyar, Mohsen; Dehghanbaghi, Maryam; Afkhami, Mehdi

    2016-10-01

    Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a strategic evaluation tool using both financial and non-financial indicators to determine the business performance of organizations or companies. In this paper, a new integrated approach based on the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) methods are proposed to evaluate the performance of research centers of research and technology organization (RTO) in Iran. Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) are employed to reflect the interdependencies among BSC perspectives. Then, Analytic Network Process (ANP) is utilized to weight the indices influencing the considered problem. In the next step, we apply four MCDM methods including Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS), Complex Proportional Assessment (COPRAS), Multi-Objective Optimization by Ratio Analysis (MOORA), and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) for ranking of alternatives. Finally, the utility interval technique is applied to combine the ranking results of MCDM methods. Weighted utility intervals are computed by constructing a correlation matrix between the ranking methods. A real case is presented to show the efficacy of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  4. 75 FR 66772 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-10-29

    ... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the... for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious...

  5. 78 FR 13678 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-02-28

    ... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID) Notice of Cancellation: A notice was... management activities, for both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Agency for Toxic...

  6. Fisher Information and the Quantum Cramér-Rao Sensitivity Limit of Continuous Measurements

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Gammelmark, Søren; Mølmer, Klaus

    2014-01-01

    Precision measurements with quantum systems rely on our ability to trace the differences between experimental signals to variations in unknown physical parameters. In this Letter we derive the Fisher information and the ensuing Cramér-Rao sensitivity limit for parameter estimation by continuous...

  7. Autoregressive Model with Partial Forgetting within Rao-Blackwellized Particle Filter

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Dedecius, Kamil; Hofman, Radek

    2012-01-01

    Roč. 41, č. 5 (2012), s. 582-589 ISSN 0361-0918 R&D Projects: GA MV VG20102013018; GA ČR GA102/08/0567 Grant - others:ČVUT(CZ) SGS 10/099/OHK3/1T/16 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z10750506 Keywords : Bayesian methods * Particle filters * Recursive estimation Subject RIV: BB - Applied Statistics, Operational Research Impact factor: 0.295, year: 2012 http://library.utia.cas.cz/separaty/2012/AS/dedecius-autoregressive model with partial forgetting within rao-blackwellized particle filter.pdf

  8. Using Balanced Scorecard (BSC) approach to improve ergonomics programs.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fernandes, Marcelo Vicente Forestieri

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to propose foundations for a theory of using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) methodology to improve the strategic view of ergonomics inside the organizations. This approach may help to promote a better understanding of investing on an ergonomic program to obtain good results in quality and production, as well as health maintenance. It is explained the basics of balanced scorecard, and how ergonomists could use this to work with strategic enterprises demand. Implications of this viewpoint for the development of a new methodology for ergonomics strategy views are offered.

  9. 75 FR 69687 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases, (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-11-15

    ... Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases, (BSC, OID) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the... Diseases, the National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and the National Center for... to increase the public health impact of CDC's infectious disease prevention and control efforts...

  10. 78 FR 69683 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-11-20

    ... Scientific Counselors, Office of Infectious Diseases (BSC, OID) In accordance with section 10(a)(2) of the... and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases, and the National Center for HIV/AIDS, Viral Hepatitis, STD, and TB... the infectious disease national centers; and focused discussions on 1) the public health use of...

  11. A BSC-DEA approach to measure the relative efficiency of service industry: A case study of banking sector

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    M. B. Aryanezhad

    2011-04-01

    Full Text Available Performance evaluation plays an important role in determining faults and difficulties of any organization as well as attempting to increase capabilities and improve activities. Data envelopment analysis (DEA, as a non-parametric method, has been one of the most important and significant management tools for measuring output or efficiency. In this paper, we propose a method to utilize balanced score card (BSC as a tool for designing performance evaluation indices of an organization. The integrated BSC-DEA has been applied as an empirical case for a major private bank organization and the results are analyzed.

  12. Study of the Factors Responsible for the Dropouts from the BSc Programme of Indira Gandhi National Open University

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Bharat Inder Fozdar

    2006-12-01

    Full Text Available This paper presents a report on students who decided to drop out of the BSc programme offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU. This study was designed to determine the reasons leading to students’ decisions to withdraw from the programme. Identified in this study are nine major reasons for dropouts. Results of this study lead to several suggestions for improving current instructional and delivery strategies of IGNOU’s BSc Programme. Following such suggestions could help to reduce students’ dropout rate for this particular programme through implementation of timely interventions at different critical stages of their learning journey.

  13. 75 FR 6402 - Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Health Marketing (BSC, NCHM)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-02-09

    ... on the future course for health communications and marketing at CDC; and a discussion of focus areas... Scientific Counselors, National Center for Health Marketing (BSC, NCHM) In accordance with section 10(a)(2..., goals and organizational structure of the new Office of Communications; discussions on program...

  14. Information letter 12. Information about operation of Jadrova vyradovacia spolocnost, a.s. and plants SE-NPP Bohunice during December 2006

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2007-01-01

    In this leaflet results of exploitation of four units of the Bohunice V1 and V2 NPPs are presented. The electricity and heat production in December 2006 are reviewed. Within a December 2006 the electricity was produced in NPP V1: 301.221 GWh (block 1), 281.125 GWh (block 2), totally 582.346 GWh, and 6179.205 GWh within a January - December 2006. Within a November 2006 the NPP V2: the block 3 and block 4 has worked in stabile regime according to needs of regulation. Processing and storage of radioactive wastes in Jadrova vyradovacia spolocnost (JAVYS) is presented. Twenty pieces of fibre-concrete containers were processed into fibre-concrete containers in Bohunice processing centre of radioactive wastes (BSC RAO) in December 2006. Eight fibre-concrete containers were stored into Republic storage of radioactive wastes (RU RAO). Total number in RU RAO reached 1260 pieces of fibre-concrete containers, which represent 17.50 per cent of storage capacity (7200 containers)

  15. Information letter 10. Information about operation of Jadrova vyradovacia spolocnost, a.s. and plants SE-NPP Bohunice during October 2006

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2006-11-01

    In this leaflet results of exploitation of four units of the Bohunice V1 and V2 NPPs are presented. The electricity and heat production in October 2006 are reviewed. Within a October 2006 the electricity was produced in NPP V1: 313.778 GWh (block 1), 209.838 GWh (block 2), totally 523.616 GWh, and 5125.651 GWh within a January - October 2006. Within a October 2006 the NPP V2: blocks 3 and 4 has worked on nominal power. Processing and storage of radioactive wastes in Jadrova vyradovacia spolocnost (JAVYS) is presented. Seventeen pieces of fibre-concrete containers were processed into fibre-concrete containers in Bohunice processing centre of radioactive wastes (BSC RAO) in October 2006. Thirty-eight fibre-concrete containers were stored into Republic storage of radioactive wastes (RU RAO). Total number in RU RAO reached 1234 pieces of fibre-concrete containers, which represent 17.14 percent of storage capacity (7200 containers)

  16. Information letter 1. Information about operation of plants SE-NPP Bohunice and SE-VYZ during January 2006

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2006-02-01

    In this leaflet results of exploitation of four units of the Bohunice V-1 and V-2 NPPs are presented. The electricity and heat production in January 2006 are reviewed. Within a January 2006 the electricity was produced: 249.149 GWh (block 1), 293.272 GWh (block 2), 305.479 GWh (block 3), 308.378 GWh (block 4), totally 1156 GWh. The heat production in January 2006 was 354 397 GJ. Processing and storage of radioactive wastes in Decommissioning of Nuclear Installations and Spent Fuel and Rad-waste Management (SE-VYZ) is presented. Twenty-two pieces of fibre-concrete containers were processed into fibre-concrete containers in Bohunice processing centre of radioactive wastes (BSC RAO) in January 2006. Sixteen fibre-concrete containers were stored into Republic storage of radioactive wastes (RU RAO). Total number in RU RAO reached 1048 pieces of fibre-concrete containers, which represent 14.55 per cent of storage capacity (7200 containers)

  17. 75 FR 42448 - Board of Scientific Counselors (BSC), Coordinating Center for Health Promotion (CCHP): Notice of...

    Science.gov (United States)

    2010-07-21

    ... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Board of Scientific Counselors (BSC), Coordinating Center for Health Promotion (CCHP): Notice of Charter Amendment... Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP). [[Page 42449

  18. On the Cramér–Rao bound applicability and the role of Fisher information in computational neuroscience

    Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

    Pilarski, Stevan; Pokora, O.

    2015-01-01

    Roč. 136, Oct 2015 (2015), s. 11-22 ISSN 0303-2647 Institutional support: RVO:67985823 Keywords : Fisher information * neuronal coding * Cramér–Rao admissibility Subject RIV: BA - General Mathematics Impact factor: 1.495, year: 2015

  19. The Bayesian Cramér-Rao lower bound in Astrometry

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mendez, R. A.; Echeverria, A.; Silva, J.; Orchard, M.

    2018-01-01

    A determination of the highest precision that can be achieved in the measurement of the location of a stellar-like object has been a topic of permanent interest by the astrometric community. The so-called (parametric, or non-Bayesian) Cramér-Rao (CR hereafter) bound provides a lower bound for the variance with which one could estimate the position of a point source. This has been studied recently by Mendez et al. (2013, 2014, 2015). In this work we present a different approach to the same problem (Echeverria et al. 2016), using a Bayesian CR setting which has a number of advantages over the parametric scenario.

  20. 78 FR 15369 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response (BSC, OPHPR)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-03-11

    ... strategies and goals for the programs and research within OPHPR, monitoring the overall strategic direction...; improving critical information sharing across CDC; biosecurity risk evaluation software; measuring operational readiness; (2) BSC liaison representative updates to the Board highlighting organizational...

  1. Medialogi (Dansk informations brochure om Medialogi-uddannelsen, 1. til 10. semester (B.Sc. & Cand.Scient))

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nordahl, Rolf; Andersen, Hans Jørgen

    2006-01-01

    Informationsbrochure, 28 sider, om Medialogi uddannelsen (Cand. Scient.), der udbydes af Aalborg Universitet i Aalborg, Esbjerg og København. Brochuren beskriver 1. til 10. semester af uddannelsen (B.Sc. og M.Sc.). Informationen er primært rettet mod potentielle ansøgere til Medialogi uddannelsen...

  2. 78 FR 64505 - Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, (BSC, NCIPC)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-10-29

    ... Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, (BSC, NCIPC) In accordance with... reviews progress toward injury prevention goals and provides evidence in injury prevention- related... matters, including the: (1) Review of extramural research concepts for funding opportunity announcements...

  3. 78 FR 56235 - Board of Scientific Counselors, Office of Public Health Preparedness and Response, (BSC, OPHPR)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-09-12

    ... thinking in disaster management; assessing CDC's Emergency Management Program through accreditation; (2) BSC liaison representative updates to the Board highlighting organizational activities relevant to the...) no later than 12:00 noon (EDT) on Tuesday, October 8, 2013: Full Name, Organizational Affiliation...

  4. 76 FR 28790 - Board of Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-05-18

    ... Hearing Loss Prevention; Personal Protective Technologies; Health Hazard Evaluations; Construction Safety... Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH) In accordance with... relating to occupational safety and health and to mine health. The Board of Scientific Counselors shall...

  5. 76 FR 65729 - Board of Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-10-24

    ... Recommendations for Respiratory Diseases, Hearing Loss Prevention, Personal Protective Technologies, and Health... Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH) In accordance with..., and demonstrations relating to occupational safety and health and to mine health. The Board of...

  6. Long-Term Supplementation with Beta Serum Concentrate (BSC, a Complex of Milk Lipids, during Post-Natal Brain Development Improves Memory in Rats

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jian Guan

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available We have previously reported that the supplementation of ganglioside-enriched complex-milk-lipids improves cognitive function and that a phospholipid-enriched complex-milk-lipid prevents age-related cognitive decline in rats. This current study evaluated the effects of post-natal supplementation of ganglioside- and phospholipid-enriched complex-milk-lipids beta serum concentrate (BSC on cognitive function in young rats. The diet of male rats was supplemented with either gels formulated BSC (n = 16 or blank gels (n = 16 from post-natal day 10 to day 70. Memory and anxiety-like behaviors were evaluated using the Morris water maze, dark–light boxes, and elevated plus maze tests. Neuroplasticity and white matter were measured using immunohistochemical staining. The overall performance in seven-day acquisition trials was similar between the groups. Compared with the control group, BSC supplementation reduced the latency to the platform during day one of the acquisition tests. Supplementation improved memory by showing reduced latency and improved path efficiency to the platform quadrant, and smaller initial heading error from the platform zone. Supplemented rats showed an increase in striatal dopamine terminals and hippocampal glutamate receptors. Thus BSC supplementation during post-natal brain development improved learning and memory, independent from anxiety. The moderately enhanced neuroplasticity in dopamine and glutamate may be biological changes underlying the improved cognitive function.

  7. 77 FR 58847 - Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (BSC, NCIPC)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-09-24

    ... the causes, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of physical and mental diseases, and other... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (BSC, NCIPC) In accordance with...

  8. 78 FR 29754 - Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, (BSC, NCIPC)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-05-21

    ... relating to the causes, diagnosis, treatment, control, and prevention of physical and mental diseases, and... DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Board of Scientific Counselors, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, (BSC, NCIPC) In accordance with...

  9. 78 FR 11651 - Board of Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-02-19

    ... Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH) In accordance with..., research, experiments, and demonstrations relating to occupational safety and health and to mine health... Occupational Safety and Health on research and prevention programs. Specifically, the Board shall provide...

  10. 77 FR 47850 - Board of Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-08-10

    ... Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH) In accordance with..., research, experiments, and demonstrations relating to occupational safety and health and to mine health... Occupational Safety and Health on research and prevention programs. Specifically, the Board shall provide...

  11. Evaluating the SAMT English Textbook for BSc Students of Physics

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mina Sajjadi

    2011-11-01

    Full Text Available English for Academic Purposes (EAP and English for Specific Purposes (ESP are developing branches of English as a Foreign Language (EFL instruction in Iran. These branches have a marginal status in the tertiary education, and the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology’s high commission offers no clear guidance for selecting and developing basic academic instructional materials related to the linguistic or communicative standards expected by teachers (Mazdayasna & Tahririan, 2008. This paper tries to evaluate an ESP textbook written for BSc students of physics entitled, ‘English for the students of physics’, which is prepared by the Center for Studying and Compiling University Books in Humanities (SAMT. The present research was based on qualitative and quantitative research techniques and included two steps. First, internal, external and overall evaluation of the book was carried out based on McDonough & Shaw (1993 model. While conducting the external evaluation of the book, the intended audience, the proficiency level, the context of use, the language, the author's views on language and methodology, the inclusion of a vocabulary list/index, visual features, and the cultural aspects were examined. The internal evaluation included the presentation of the skills, grading and sequencing, discourse skills, listening section, the representation of different learning styles. And in overall evaluation, general suitability of the textbook was assessed. In the second step, six teachers each responded to a 22-item textbook evaluation questionnaire to express their perceptions concerning various aspects of the textbooks. The results revealed the extent of appropriateness of the textbook used by BSc students of physics. Suggestions are offered for the future revision and/or designing the textbooks.

  12. 78 FR 51729 - Board of Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH)

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-08-21

    ... Scientific Counselors, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BSC, NIOSH) In accordance with... demonstrations relating to occupational safety and health and to mine health. The Board of Scientific Counselors shall provide guidance to the Director, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health on...

  13. Manajemen Sumber Daya Teknologi Informasi Laboratorium Komputer Menggunakan Balanced Scorecard (BSC dan COBIT 5

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    M. Panji Ismail

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available Laboratorium komputer merupakan salah satu sarana pembelajaran yang berbasis Teknologi Informasi (TI yang terdiri dari tiga sumber daya TI, yaitu software, hardware, dan brainware. Tidak adanya kesesuaian antara kemampuan hardware dengan spesifikasi hardware yang digunakan dapat menghambat pengguna (brainware dalam melakukan praktikum dan pembelajaran di laboratorium. Selain itu, ketidaksesuaian tersebut juga mengakibatkan software berjalan lambat dan computer sering error sehingga praktikum menjadi terganggu dan berjalan tidak lancar. Untuk mengetahui kesesuaian antar sumber daya TI yang ada di laboratorium dibutuhkan proses pengukuran manajemen sumber daya TI yang ada saat ini. Skala likert menjadi salah satu metode untuk mengukur kinerja software, hardware, dan tata kelola laboratorium saat ini. Hasil pengukuran kemudian dievaluasi menggunakan framework Balance Scorecard (BSC dengan melalui beberapa tahapan dan penyelarasan strategi TI. Setelah mengetahui hasil evaluasi dan kendala-kendala apa saka yang ada dalam melakukan pengelolaan maka langkah berikutnya adalah menentukan bagaimana cara memperbaiki dan melakukan peningkatan tata kelola TI. COBIT 5 akan menjadi framework pelengkap untuk memperbaiki sekaligus memprediksi pengembangan manajemen sumber daya TI. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa integrase antara COBIT 5 dengan Balance Scorecard (BSC memberikan kemampuan dalam melakukan pengukuran tata kelola laboratorium serta memberikan kemampuan untuk meningkatkan pelayanan secara kontinyu.

  14. Classification and Prioritization of Strategic Plans in Balanced Score Card (BSC Model by Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment and Zero-One Goal Programming (ZOGP

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    mehdi pourmostafa

    2012-02-01

    Full Text Available Due to continuous changes in organizational environment, there is no warranty for long term survival in the market. Currently, those organizations can succeed that are agile and able to rapidly respond to environmental requirements. In this research a model has been proposed for applying proper strategies for achieving long term organizational success. The proposed model is an integration of Balanced Score Card (BSC approach, Fuzzy Quality Function Development (FQFD and Zero-One Goal Programming (ZOGP. In fact by BSC, appropriate strategic plans can be designed and prioritized by FQFD. Then, based on multiple objectives and existing problem constraints, feasible strategic plans are identified by ZOGP. Findings imply that decision making techniques can be well utilized in designing BSC through a structured methodology make improvement in all aspects and have a positive influence on organization's performance in long term .   Keywords : B alanced Score Card , Fuzzy Quality Function Development, Zero-One Goal Programming, Strategic plans

  15. The BSC implanting process in a nuclear research center in Brazil

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Oliveira, Cezar Augusto de; Guimaraes, Regia Ruth Ramirez; Filgueiras, Sergio Almeida Cunha

    2007-01-01

    The dynamics of the economical development founded due to the markets globalization and also to the increasing of the competition based on innovation, whose leadership belongs to the richest countries, presses for changes and moves the national and regional innovating systems. In a world of constant change, getting along with the external changes became one of the most relevant factors of the organizational success. Knowing and interpreting the external reality; monitoring the transformations; finding the opportunities and being able to answer fast and adequately; neutralize or minimize the threats: these and other abilities are constantly done by the most successful organizations, as part of a structured and conscious process focused on results . The technological research institutes were created in order to support the industries in their effort to overcome the competition by innovating. It is related, in last instance, to be an integrating part of the national or local innovating system, essential to the economical development and also to the improvement of life quality. However, they are put in this mutation atmosphere and fight for adapting to the new premises of the organizational success in order to have their mission fulfilled. In this context, the Development Center for Nuclear Technology - CDTN, makes an effort to adequate its strategically planning, by introducing and adapting the best administrating practices known nowadays. Among them, the Balanced Scorecard - BSC. This paper presents a brief form of each elaborating form of the strategic planning and also of the BSC implantation, it also clears up the level achieved by the organization and discusses the difficulties it faced. (author)

  16. A hybrid TOPSIS-BSC method for strategic planning

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mohammad Reza Shojaee

    2012-09-01

    Full Text Available For years, tangible assets used to be the most important precious wealth of organizations. However, the recent advances in technology has changed this concept and today, intangible assets such as human resources, customers, processes are playing essential roles on making strategies. In this paper, we present a study to setup appropriate strategies using the implementation of balanced score card in four perspectives of customers, processes, learning and financial. The proposed study of this paper gathers important factors through three different brainstorming sessions and prioritize them using TOPSIS method. Based on the results of MCDM technique, selecting appropriate target market for penetration is the number one priority followed by having good accounting system and preparing for more diversified production. These are the most important items influencing strategic planning. Therefore, the study uses BSC for the first two important strategies and discusses possible actions for productivity improvement.

  17. Gating Techniques for Rao-Blackwellized Monte Carlo Data Association Filter

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yazhao Wang

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper studies the Rao-Blackwellized Monte Carlo data association (RBMCDA filter for multiple target tracking. The elliptical gating strategies are redesigned and incorporated into the framework of the RBMCDA filter. The obvious benefit is the reduction of the time cost because the data association procedure can be carried out with less validated measurements. In addition, the overlapped parts of the neighboring validation regions are divided into several separated subregions according to the possible origins of the validated measurements. In these subregions, the measurement uncertainties can be taken into account more reasonably than those of the simple elliptical gate. This would help to achieve higher tracking ability of the RBMCDA algorithm by a better association prior approximation. Simulation results are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed gating techniques.

  18. Particle rejuvenation of Rao-Blackwellized sequential Monte Carlo smoothers for conditionally linear and Gaussian models

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nguyen, Ngoc Minh; Corff, Sylvain Le; Moulines, Éric

    2017-12-01

    This paper focuses on sequential Monte Carlo approximations of smoothing distributions in conditionally linear and Gaussian state spaces. To reduce Monte Carlo variance of smoothers, it is typical in these models to use Rao-Blackwellization: particle approximation is used to sample sequences of hidden regimes while the Gaussian states are explicitly integrated conditional on the sequence of regimes and observations, using variants of the Kalman filter/smoother. The first successful attempt to use Rao-Blackwellization for smoothing extends the Bryson-Frazier smoother for Gaussian linear state space models using the generalized two-filter formula together with Kalman filters/smoothers. More recently, a forward-backward decomposition of smoothing distributions mimicking the Rauch-Tung-Striebel smoother for the regimes combined with backward Kalman updates has been introduced. This paper investigates the benefit of introducing additional rejuvenation steps in all these algorithms to sample at each time instant new regimes conditional on the forward and backward particles. This defines particle-based approximations of the smoothing distributions whose support is not restricted to the set of particles sampled in the forward or backward filter. These procedures are applied to commodity markets which are described using a two-factor model based on the spot price and a convenience yield for crude oil data.

  19. Education of 'nuclear' students (BSc and MSc curricula) at the Faculty of Nuclear Science and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Matejka, K.; Zeman, J.

    2003-01-01

    The Faculty of Nuclear Science and Physical Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague has been educating nuclear power engineering experts for nearly half a century. The article describes the current status and prospects of education of new specialists at the faculty for all nuclear power-related areas within the MSc and BSc level curricula. The current transition to 'European type' structured education, enabling students who have graduated from the BSc programme to continue smoothly their MSc programme, is outlined. The major courses of the 'Nuclear Engineering' educational specialisation, focused on nuclear power, environment, and dosimetry, are highlighted, including the number of lessons taught in each study year. (author)

  20. A Cramer Rao analysis on receiver placement in a FM band commensal radar system based on doppler only measurements

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Maasdorp, FDV

    2014-10-01

    Full Text Available of receiver positions. Further, we show that time history information of a target can cumulatively be used together with FIM that will improve the Cramer-Rao bound. Lastly, we use the theory developed to evaluate receiver placement combinations by means of a...

  1. Measurement of the Strategic Performance of Hospitality in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia: a balanced scorecard Approach (BSC

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mohamed A.M. El-Hindawy, Dr.

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available In this paper, we planned to realize the marketing managers’ perceptions through their perception of Strategic Performance Dimension of view and the Balanced scorecard (BSC technique for the Measurement of the Strategic Performance.The respondents in this study were a group of Marketing managers working in the Hospitality Sector (Experiences in number of years of Madina, Saudi Arabia Hospitality. It has been observed trough literature and a limited Marketing Managers’ survey that only financial perspective measures are used with objectives. Balanced Score Card (BSC enables to measure objectives across four perspectives: (1 the financial perspective, (2 the customer perspective, (3 the internal business process perspective, and (4 the learning and growth perspective. Hypothesis is formulated about the relationship between perception of managers about the Dimension of view and the Balanced Score Card (BSC and the years of Experience. We also designed a questionnaire that was distributed to a population of 130 Marketing managers in the field of Hospitality. The year of study was 2011, with Marketing managers’ survey instruments that measure Balanced Score Card Dimension. The result of the study shows that there are significant differences between the three types of Hospitality Marketing managers’ (Experience in number of years:1-3years, 3-6years, more than 6years. After discussing the findings, some policy implications are suggested for the Hospitality, as well to practitioners seeking an understanding of a practical managerial tool. Limitations of the study are highlighted and further research discussions are suggested.

  2. Measurement of dinitrogen fixation by Biological soil crust (BSC) from the Sahelian zone: an isotopic method.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ehrhardt, F.; Alavoine, G.; Bertrand, I.

    2012-04-01

    Amongst the described ecological roles of Biological Soil Crust, N fixation is of importance for soil fertility, especially in arid and semi-arid ecosystems with low inputs. In BSC, the quantification of N fixation fluxes using an indirect method is widespread, usually with the Acetylene Reduction Assay (ARA) which consists in measuring the nitrogenase activity through the process of acetylene reduction into ethylene. A converting factor, still discussed in the literature and greatly depending of the constitutive organisms of the BSC, is the tool used to convert the amount of reduced ethylene into quantitative fixed Nitrogen. The aim of this poster is to describe an isotopic direct method to quantify the atmospheric dinitrogen fixation fluxes in BSC, while minimizing the variability due to manipulations. Nine different BSC from the Sahelian zone were selected and placed in an incubation room at 28° C in dark and light conditions during three days, while moisture equivalent to pF=2 was regularly adjusted using the gravimetric method with needles and deionized water, in order to activate and reach a dynamic stability of their metabolisms. Subsequently, each crust was placed into a gas-tight glass vial for incubation with a reconstituted 15N2 enriched atmosphere (31.61 % atom 15N, while the proportion of each main gas present in the air was conserved, i.e. 78% N2, 21% O2 and 0.04% CO2). Principal difficulties are to guarantee the airtighness of the system, to avoid crust desiccation and to keep the crust metabolically active under stable conditions for six hours. Several tests were performed to determine the optimum time for 15N2 incubation. Three replicated control samples per crust were also stabilized for three days and then dried at 105° C, without any incubation with 15N2 enriched atmosphere. Total N and 15N were then measured in the grounded (80μm) and dried (105° C) crust, using a Flash EA elemental analyzer (Eurovector, Milan, Italy) coupled to a Delta

  3. Design and construction of demineralized water production and maintenance system for RA-O nuclear reactor

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rumis, D.; Martin, H.R.

    1990-01-01

    The normal operation of zero power RA-O Nuclear Reactor requires a production and maintenance of demineralized water system. This system was designed and built-up during the works for actualization, upgrading and new start up at Cordoba National University of this facility. This paper comments the relevant aspects about the didactical purpose of that system and the details considered for training and practices with it. Similarly, considerations about solids wastes and effluents treatment are discussed. (Author)

  4. Performance measurement in governmental agencies using BSC-AHP: A case study of Civil Registry Office in Tehran

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ahmad Valashjerdi Majd Abad Kohneh

    2013-04-01

    Full Text Available Measuring the performance of governmental organizations plays an important role on increasing public satisfaction in any society. One of the effective models for assessing the organizations performance is balance scorecard (BSC model, which investigates all aspects of organizations. In this paper, we use a hybrid of analytical hierarchy process along with BSC to measure the performance of five different civil registry offices in Tehran, Iran. We use fuzzy terms to handle uncertainty in input numbers and using some technique convert fuzzy numbers into crisp values. The results of our survey indicate that learning and development is number one priority with relative importance of 0.491, followed by customer with relative importance of 0.293, internal process with relative importance of 0.173 and financial affairs comes at last with relative weight of 0.043. The study uses organizational researchers, training, quality, customer satisfaction, performance measurement, expenses and annual budget as major components for analyzing five regions. We have also performed sensitivity analysis to see the effects of different changes on ranking.

  5. Information letter 3. Information about operation of plants SE-NPP Bohunice and SE-VYZ during March 2006

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2006-04-01

    In this leaflet results of exploitation of four units of the Bohunice V-1 and V-2 NPPs are presented. The electricity and heat production in March 2006 are reviewed. Within a March 2006 the electricity was produced: 294.020 GWh (block 1), 287.684 GWh (block 2), 292.636 GWh (block 3), 237.806 GWh (block 4), totally 1112 GWh, and 3330 GWh within a January - March 2005. The heat production in January 2006 was 253 057 GJ, and within a January - March 2006 it was produced 896 226 GJ of heat. Processing and storage of radioactive wastes in Decommissioning of Nuclear Installations and Spent Fuel and Rad-waste Management (SE-VYZ) is presented. Twenty-one pieces of fibre-concrete containers were processed into fibre-concrete containers in Bohunice processing centre of radioactive wastes (BSC RAO) in March 2006. Sixteen fibre-concrete containers were stored into Republic storage of radioactive wastes (RU RAO). Total number in RU RAO reached 1080 pieces of fibre-concrete containers, which represent 15.00 per cent of storage capacity (7200 containers). Celebration of ten years operation of SE-VYZ is described

  6. Metodo integrado para la gestion de Universidades basado en el Balanced Scorecard (bsc y el modelo europeo de calidad (efqm: caso U.C.S.M.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Horacio Vicente Barreda Tamayo

    2010-12-01

    Full Text Available El presente Trabajo realiza la propuesta de un Método Integrado que permite mejorar la competitividad en la Gestión de las Universidades, este método se basa: En una herramienta de Gestión Estratégica: el Balanced Scorecard (BSC, que fue creada por Kaplan y Norton en 1992; y En el Modelo Europeo de Calidad (EFQM, que fue desarrollado como un Modelo de Excelencia en 1991. La metodología utilizada consiste en analizar las características, ventajas y limitaciones del BSC y el EFQM para aplicarlos simultáneamente en la gestión de Tomando como base los 9 criterios del EFQM, se desarrolla un Mapa Estratégico del BSC, para que se alineen todas las perspectivas hacia el logro de los Objetivos Estratégicos de la Organización. El método integrado planteado se aplica en el caso de la Universidad Católica de Santa María (Arequipa- Perú, donde se analiza las ventajas que implicaría la implementación del mismo.

  7. Balanced Score Card (BSC sebagai Alternatif Pengukuran Kinerja Lembaga Pendidikan

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Siti Julaiha

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available Educational institutions can function well if the its performance can be measured clearly. Educational institutions should be empowered towards optimal empowerment, by developing schools with strategic planning, a vision and mission, an independent school, empowering the community by many efforts to increase the role and participation of the community through school committees. To make schools as an education institution in high quality, it needs to be evaluated and controlled. The School achieved can be said that the institution is measurable. One alternative is offered in measuring the performance of schools is known by the Balanced Scorecard (BSC. Balanced Scorecard was introduced by Robert Kaplan and David Norton by understanding the school's mission and strategy into objectives and measures, which are arranged in four perspectives, namely financial perspective, customer perspective, internal business perspective and the perspective of learning.

  8. A BSC- EFQM method for evaluating and detecting performance measurement criteria: A case study of Malavan Footbal team

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Heydar Shojaee Vazhnani

    2013-08-01

    Full Text Available This paper presents an empirical investigation to find important criteria for performance measurement based on two methods of balanced score card (BSC as well as European Foundation of Quality Management (EFQM methods. In order to determine the mission, vision, strategy and values we first review different documents including International Federation of football documentations, AFC and Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran and Charter Club. Next, we determine the necessary criteria for performance measurement using interview with decision makers, design a questionnaire and distribute it among 57 players and coaching staff as well as experts, veterans and supporters club. Next, we study the results using t-student test and analyze them. The results are categorized in terms of four criteria of BSC method including internal processes, learning and growth, costumer and financial. In addition, key performance results based on the Excellence Model are classified according to nine areas of leadership, strategy, human resources, partnerships and resources, processes, customer results, human resource results and society.

  9. Fatores que Influenciam a Adoção do Balanced Scorecard (BSC em uma Cooperativa Agroindustrial: Um Estudo com Base na Teoria de Difusão de Inovação

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Antonio Carlos Vaz Lopes

    2015-11-01

    Full Text Available Este trabalho tem por objetivo compreender o processo de adoção, implementação e utilização de uma inovação do tipo organizacional, no caso o (BSC, em uma cooperativa agroindustrial usando a Teoria da Difusão de Inovação (TDI. Foi utilizada a pesquisa qualitativa e a estratégia de estudo de caso único, os dados foram coletados principalmente por meio de entrevistas semiestruturadas em profundidade com os principais atores envolvidos no processo e documentos da empresa. A adoção do BSC foi motivada principalmente pela busca de eficiência organizacional em relação ao sistema utilizado para avaliação de desempenho, tradução, comunicação, implementação e gestão da estratégia e a decisão tomada pela alta administração que participou ativamente no processo e concedeu todo o apoio necessário para que o mesmo fizesse parte da rotina da empresa. A elaboração e a implementação do BSC foi capitaneada pela equipe interna que adotou abordagem participativa envolvendo gerentes de todos os níveis da organização que atuaram como agentes promotores de mudança e lideres de opinião. Conclui-se que os atributos de inovação: vantagem relativa, facilidade de uso e compatibilidade foram os principais influenciadores de adoção do BSC. Assim, a TDI pode ser utilizada para auxiliar no processo de decisão do BSC.

  10. A new approach to analyze strategy map using an integrated BSC and FUZZY DEMATEL

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Seyed Abdollah Heydariyeh

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available Today, with ever-increasing competition in global economic conditions, the necessity of effective implementation of strategy map has become an inevitable and necessary. The strategy map represents a general and structured framework for strategic objectives and plays an important role in forming competitive advantages for organizations. It is important to find important factors influencing strategy map and prioritize them based on suitable factors. In this paper, we propose an integration of BSC and Fuzzy DEMATEL technique to rank different items influencing strategy of a production plan. The proposed technique is implemented for real-world case study of glass production.

  11. Metodo integrado para la gestion de Universidades basado en el Balanced Scorecard (bsc y el modelo europeo de calidad (efqm: caso U.C.S.M.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Edwing Jesús Ticse Villanueva

    2010-06-01

    Full Text Available http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1983-4535.2010v3n1p01   El presente Trabajo realiza la propuesta de un Método Integrado  que permite mejorar la competitividad en la Gestión de las Universidades, este método se basa: En una herramienta de Gestión Estratégica: el Balanced Scorecard (BSC, que fue creada por Kaplan y Norton en 1992; y En el Modelo  Europeo de Calidad (EFQM, que fue desarrollado como un Modelo de Excelencia en 1991. La metodología utilizada consiste en analizar las características, ventajas y limitaciones del BSC y el EFQM para aplicarlos simultáneamente en la gestión de Tomando como base los 9 criterios del EFQM, se desarrolla un Mapa Estratégico del BSC, para que se alineen todas las perspectivas hacia el logro de los Objetivos Estratégicos de la Organización. El método integrado planteado se aplica en el caso de la Universidad Católica de Santa María (Arequipa- Perú, donde se analiza las ventajas que implicaría la implementación del mismo

  12. APLICAÇÃO DO BALANCED SCORECARD – (BSC COMO FERRAMENTA DE GESTÃO GERENCIAL NUMA DISTRIBUIDORA DE INSUMOS AGRÍCOLAS DE MOSSORÓ-RN: um estudo de caso

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Amanda Gomes de Assis

    2016-08-01

    Full Text Available As questões da globalização e da alta competitividade forçam as organizações a buscarem ferramentas de gestão que auxiliam na tomada de decisão e possibilitem longevidade e sustentabilidade. Esta situação manifesta-se tanto em grandes, pequenas e micro empresas, independente do ramo de atividade. É conveniente nesse cenário competitivo a implantação de ferramentas de gestão estratégicas como o Balanced Scrorecard (BSC, que é um sistema que deve ser implantado de acordo com a estratégia, visão e missão da empresa, com o intuito de colocar em prática o que está estabelecido nesses três pilares. Essa ferramenta está fundamentada em quatro perspectivas: financeira, cliente, processos internos e inovação e aprendizado. Este trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar uma proposta de implantação do BSC numa distribuidora de insumos agrícolas de Mossoró-RN e demonstrar que é possível implantar essa ferramenta de gestão numa pequena empresa. A metodologia aplicada qualifica-se como estudo de caso. As informações da empresa foram coletadas através de entrevista com o proprietário. Para o referencial teórico foi realizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica de caráter exploratório. Como resultados estão apresentados: as estratégias, os objetivos e os indicadores nas quatro perspectivas do BSC, evidenciando a possibilidade de implantação desse sistema de gestão numa pequena empresa. É importante ressaltar que algumas das ações sugeridas por esse trabalho, foram implantadas, proporcionando resultados satisfatórios.   Changes on the world stage in terms of technology, economy, society, among others, forcing organizations to seek management tools that assist in the evaluation of their performance and enable longevity. It is appropriate in this competitive scenario the implementation of strategic management tools such as Balanced Scrorecard (BSC, which is a system that must be implemented according to the strategy, vision

  13. Combined state and parameter identification of nonlinear structural dynamical systems based on Rao-Blackwellization and Markov chain Monte Carlo simulations

    Science.gov (United States)

    Abhinav, S.; Manohar, C. S.

    2018-03-01

    The problem of combined state and parameter estimation in nonlinear state space models, based on Bayesian filtering methods, is considered. A novel approach, which combines Rao-Blackwellized particle filters for state estimation with Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) simulations for parameter identification, is proposed. In order to ensure successful performance of the MCMC samplers, in situations involving large amount of dynamic measurement data and (or) low measurement noise, the study employs a modified measurement model combined with an importance sampling based correction. The parameters of the process noise covariance matrix are also included as quantities to be identified. The study employs the Rao-Blackwellization step at two stages: one, associated with the state estimation problem in the particle filtering step, and, secondly, in the evaluation of the ratio of likelihoods in the MCMC run. The satisfactory performance of the proposed method is illustrated on three dynamical systems: (a) a computational model of a nonlinear beam-moving oscillator system, (b) a laboratory scale beam traversed by a loaded trolley, and (c) an earthquake shake table study on a bending-torsion coupled nonlinear frame subjected to uniaxial support motion.

  14. O BSC COMO SUPORTE NO DIAGNÓSTICO ORGANIZACIONAL DE GESTÃO DO CONHECIMENTO PROPOSTO PELO COMMONKADS: POSSIBILIDADES E PONTOS CRÍTICOS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Cláudia V. Viegas

    2006-08-01

    Full Text Available O CommonKADS, modelo de Engenharia e Gestão do Conhecimento desenvolvido por Schreiber et al. (2002, concebe o conhecimento em relação ao propósito e ao contexto, focado na ação. Nesse sentido, atesta que entre os benefícios esperados de um sistema de conhecimento estão o aumento da rapidez e a melhoria da qualidade na tomada de decisão. No entanto, apresenta pouco suporte quanto a mensurações em seus passos iniciais, voltados à definição dos modelos da organização, do agente e da tarefa. Por isso, o presente artigo propõe a utilização do Balanced Scorecard (BSC - um sistema de avaliação de desempenho formulado por Kaplan e Norton (1997 que busca o equilíbrio entre indicadores financeiros e não-financeiros - como apoio às etapas iniciais do CommonKADS. Supõe-se que o BSC, por estar relacionado aos processos de formulação e implementação de estratégias necessárias à tomada de decisão, possa contemplar mais detalhadamente os propósitos preliminares do CommonKADS. O artigo também leva em consideração abordagens críticas ao BSC e a sua relação com a Gestão do Conhecimento, incorporando-as para atender de modo mais adequado a proposta de integração entre este sistema e o CommonKADS, concebido por Schreiber et al. (2002. Palavras-chave: CommonKADS. Balanced Scorecard. Gestão do Conhecimento. Estratégia.

  15. A framework to select commercial bank partner using fuzzy BSC-DEA method

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Moussa Azarbad

    2011-10-01

    Full Text Available One of the primary concerns of many corporate organizations is to assess the weakness and strength of their future partners in an attempt to reduce all potential risks involved with them. In this paper, we present a BSC-DEA based model to indentify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of a firm. The proposed model of this paper assumes there are various uncertainties associated with all input/output parameters and uses fuzzy numbers to handle the uncertainties. We also consider a real-world case study of banking industry where four major banks are possible candidates of a partnership and implement the proposed model of this paper for this case study. The results of this study reveal some of the issues such as weakness of electronic banking, services and resource allocation as part of their infrastructure problems.

  16. A cause and effect two-stage BSC-DEA method for measuring the relative efficiency of organizations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Seyed Esmaeel Najafi

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper presents an integration of balanced score card (BSE with two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA. The proposed model of this paper uses different financial and non-financial perspectives to evaluate the performance of decision making units in different BSC stages. At each stage, a two-stage DEA method is implemented to measure the relative efficiency of decision making units and the results are monitored using the cause and effect relationships. An empirical study for a banking sector is also performed using the method developed in this paper and the results are briefly analyzed.

  17. Information letter 6. Information about operation of GovCo, a.s. and plant SE-NPP Bohunice during June 2006

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2006-07-01

    In this leaflet results of exploitation of four units of the Bohunice V-1 and V-2 NPPs are presented. The electricity and heat production in June 2006 are reviewed. Within a June 2006 the electricity was produced in GovCo, a.s.: 289.150 GWh (block 1), 262.103 GWh (block 2), totally 551.253 GWh, and 321.515 GWh within a January - June 2006 and in SE-EBO, NPP V2: 278.896 GWh (block 3), 0 GWh (block 4), totally 278.896 GWh, and 2778.249 GWh within a January - June 2006. The heat production in June 2006 was 38 212 GJ, and within a January - June 2006 it was produced 1 098 605 GJ of heat. Processing and storage of radioactive wastes in GovCo, a.s. - Decommissioning of Nuclear Installations and Spent Fuel and Rad-waste Management (VYZ) is presented. Thirty-two pieces of fibre-concrete containers were processed into fibre-concrete containers in Bohunice processing centre of radioactive wastes (BSC RAO) in January 2006. Sixteen fibre-concrete containers were stored into Republic storage of radioactive wastes (RU RAO). Total number in RU RAO reached 1132 pieces of fibre-concrete containers, which represent 15.72 per cent of storage capacity (7200 containers). The technique of SE-VYZ in decommissioning of A1 NPP is described

  18. Novel Mobile Robot Simultaneous Localization and Mapping Using Rao-Blackwellised Particle Filter

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hong Bingrong

    2008-11-01

    Full Text Available This paper presents the novel method of mobile robot simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM, which is implemented by using the Rao-Blackwellised particle filter (RBPF for monocular vision-based autonomous robot in unknown indoor environment. The particle filter is combined with unscented Kalman filter (UKF to extending the path posterior by sampling new poses that integrate the current observation. The landmark position estimation and update is implemented through the unscented transform (UT. Furthermore, the number of resampling steps is determined adaptively, which seriously reduces the particle depletion problem. Monocular CCD camera mounted on the robot tracks the 3D natural point landmarks, which are structured with matching image feature pairs extracted through Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT. The matching for multi-dimension SIFT features which are highly distinctive due to a special descriptor is implemented with a KDTree in the time cost of O(log2N. Experiments on the robot Pioneer3 in our real indoor environment show that our method is of high precision and stability.

  19. Novel Mobile Robot Simultaneous Loclization and Mapping Using Rao-Blackwellised Particle Filter

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Li Maohai

    2006-09-01

    Full Text Available This paper presents the novel method of mobile robot simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM, which is implemented by using the Rao-Blackwellised particle filter (RBPF for monocular vision-based autonomous robot in unknown indoor environment. The particle filter is combined with unscented Kalman filter (UKF to extending the path posterior by sampling new poses that integrate the current observation. The landmark position estimation and update is implemented through the unscented transform (UT. Furthermore, the number of resampling steps is determined adaptively, which seriously reduces the particle depletion problem. Monocular CCD camera mounted on the robot tracks the 3D natural point landmarks, which are structured with matching image feature pairs extracted through Scale Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT. The matching for multi-dimension SIFT features which are highly distinctive due to a special descriptor is implemented with a KD-Tree in the time cost of O(log2N. Experiments on the robot Pioneer3 in our real indoor environment show that our method is of high precision and stability.

  20. The influence of random element displacement on DOA estimates obtained with (Khatri-Rao-)root-MUSIC.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Inghelbrecht, Veronique; Verhaevert, Jo; van Hecke, Tanja; Rogier, Hendrik

    2014-11-11

    Although a wide range of direction of arrival (DOA) estimation algorithms has been described for a diverse range of array configurations, no specific stochastic analysis framework has been established to assess the probability density function of the error on DOA estimates due to random errors in the array geometry. Therefore, we propose a stochastic collocation method that relies on a generalized polynomial chaos expansion to connect the statistical distribution of random position errors to the resulting distribution of the DOA estimates. We apply this technique to the conventional root-MUSIC and the Khatri-Rao-root-MUSIC methods. According to Monte-Carlo simulations, this novel approach yields a speedup by a factor of more than 100 in terms of CPU-time for a one-dimensional case and by a factor of 56 for a two-dimensional case.

  1. Development of a Framework for Sustainable Outsourcing: Analytic Balanced Scorecard Method (A-BSC

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fabio De Felice

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available Nowadays, many enterprises choose to outsource its non-core business to other enterprises to reduce cost and increase the efficiency. Many enterprises choose to outsource their supply chain management (SCM and leave it to a third-party organization in order to improve their services. The paper proposes an integrated and multicriteria tool useful to monitor and to improve performance in an outsourced supply chain. The Analytic Balanced Scorecard method (A-BSC is proposed as an effective method useful to analyze strategic performance within an outsourced supply chain. The aim of the paper is to present the integration of two methodologies: Balanced Scorecard, a multiple perspective framework for performance assessment, and Analytic Hierarchy Process, a decision-making tool used to prioritize multiple performance perspectives and to generate a unified metric. The development of the framework is aimed to provide a performance analysis to achieve better sustainability performance of supply chain. A real case study concerning a typical value chain is presented.

  2. Implementation of Information Management System for Radiation Safety of Personnel at the Russian Northwest Center for Radioactive Waste Management 'SevRAO' - 13131

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Chizhov, K.; Simakov, A.; Seregin, V.; Kudrin, I.; Shandala, N.; Tsovyanov, A.; Kryuchkov, V. [Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Center of Federal Medical Biological Agency, RF Ministry of Health and Social Development. 46, Zhivopisnaya St., Moscow, 123182 (Russian Federation); Krasnoschekov, A.; Kosnikov, A. [Northwest Center for Radioactive Waste Management ' SevRAO' - a branch of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise ' Enterprise for Radioactive Waste Management' ' RosRAO' 183017, Murmansk, Lobova st., 100 (Russian Federation); Kemsky, I. [Regional management - 120 of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency, 184682, Snezhnogorsk, Valentina Biryukova St., 5/1 (Russian Federation); Sneve, M. [Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority, Postboks 55, 1332 Oesteraas (Norway)

    2013-07-01

    The report is an overview of the information-analytical system designed to assure radiation safety of workers. The system was implemented in the Northwest Radioactive Waste Management Center 'SevRAO' (which is a branch of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise 'Radioactive Waste Management Enterprise RosRAO'). The center is located in the Northwest Russia. In respect to 'SevRAO', the Federal Medical-Biological Agency is the regulatory body, which deals with issues of radiation control. The main document to regulate radiation control is 'Reference levels of radiation factors in radioactive wastes management center'. This document contains about 250 parameters. We have developed a software tool to simplify control of these parameters. The software includes: input interface, the database, dose calculating module and analytical block. Input interface is used to enter radiation environment data. Dose calculating module calculates the dose on the route. Analytical block optimizes and analyzes radiation situation maps. Much attention is paid to the GUI and graphical representation of results. The operator can enter the route at the industrial site or watch the fluctuations of the dose rate field on the map. Most of the results are presented in a visual form. Here we present some analytical tasks, such as comparison of the dose rate in some point with control levels at this point, to be solved for the purpose of radiation safety control. The program helps to identify points making the largest contribution to the collective dose of the personnel. The tool can automatically calculate the route with the lowest dose, compare and choose the best route. The program uses several options to visualize the radiation environment at the industrial site. This system will be useful for radiation monitoring services during the operation, planning of works and development of scenarios. The paper presents some applications of this system on real data

  3. Rao-Blackwellization for Adaptive Gaussian Sum Nonlinear Model Propagation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Semper, Sean R.; Crassidis, John L.; George, Jemin; Mukherjee, Siddharth; Singla, Puneet

    2015-01-01

    each component weight during the nonlinear propagation stage an approximation of the true pdf can be successfully reconstructed. Particle filtering (PF) methods have gained popularity recently for solving nonlinear estimation problems due to their straightforward approach and the processing capabilities mentioned above. The basic concept behind PF is to represent any pdf as a set of random samples. As the number of samples increases, they will theoretically converge to the exact, equivalent representation of the desired pdf. When the estimated qth moment is needed, the samples are used for its construction allowing further analysis of the pdf characteristics. However, filter performance deteriorates as the dimension of the state vector increases. To overcome this problem Ref. [5] applies a marginalization technique for PF methods, decreasing complexity of the system to one linear and another nonlinear state estimation problem. The marginalization theory was originally developed by Rao and Blackwell independently. According to Ref. [6] it improves any given estimator under every convex loss function. The improvement comes from calculating a conditional expected value, often involving integrating out a supportive statistic. In other words, Rao-Blackwellization allows for smaller but separate computations to be carried out while reaching the main objective of the estimator. In the case of improving an estimator's variance, any supporting statistic can be removed and its variance determined. Next, any other information that dependents on the supporting statistic is found along with its respective variance. A new approach is developed here by utilizing the strengths of the adaptive Gaussian sum propagation in Ref. [2] and a marginalization approach used for PF methods found in Ref. [7]. In the following sections a modified filtering approach is presented based on a special state-space model within nonlinear systems to reduce the dimensionality of the optimization problem in

  4. Reaching the Quantum Cramér-Rao Bound for Transmission Measurements

    Science.gov (United States)

    Woodworth, Timothy; Chan, Kam Wai Clifford; Marino, Alberto

    2017-04-01

    The quantum Cramér-Rao bound (QCRB) is commonly used to quantify the lower bound for the uncertainty in the estimation of a given parameter. Here, we calculate the QCRB for transmission measurements of an optical system probed by a beam of light. Estimating the transmission of an optical element is important as it is required for the calibration of optimal states for interferometers, characterization of high efficiency photodetectors, or as part of other measurements, such as those in plasmonic sensors or in ellipsometry. We use a beam splitter model for the losses introduced by the optical system to calculate the QCRB for different input states. We compare the bound for a coherent state, a two-mode squeezed-state (TMSS), a single-mode squeezed-state (SMSS), and a Fock state and show that it is possible to obtain an ultimate lower bound, regardless of the state used to probe the system. We prove that the Fock state gives the lowest possible uncertainty in estimating the transmission for any state and demonstrate that the TMSS and SMSS approach this ultimate bound for large levels of squeezing. Finally, we show that a simple measurement strategy for the TMSS, namely an intensity difference measurement, is able to saturate the QCRB. Work supported by the W.M. Keck Foundation.

  5. Effects of Changing the Pedagogical Concept of a Part-time BSc in Accounting from Traditional Lectures into an IT-supported Asyncronous and Flexible Learning Concept - Part 1

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Rasmussen, Tage; Holm, Claus; Dalgas, Annemarie

    2000-01-01

    This paper reports on the results of a change of the pedagogical concept in the second part of a four-year BSc program in Accounting. The program started September 1 1999 when 82 students were enrolled. The change involves a move from traditional lectures to a concept partly based on asynchronous...

  6. リコーにおけるバランストスコアカード(Balanced Scorecard BSC)の活用について-BSCから戦略的目標管理制度(Strategic Management by Objectives:SMO)へ-

    OpenAIRE

    中嶋,教夫

    2005-01-01

    BSC は Kaplan と Norton が 1992年に発表した概念であるが、その特徴は企業の戦略やビジョンを可視化し、それらを実行に移す為の戦略マネジメント・システムとして説明されることが多い。 しかしながら、 BSC は企業の実態に合わせて様々に活用されている。 特に、わが国で最も早い時期に BSC を導入したリコー社は、BSC の活用形態に工夫を加え、戦略的目標管理制度(SMO)を活用している。 そこで、本稿では、リコー社の業績評価システムがどのような変遷をたどって、BSC からさらに SMO を活用するにいたったのかを概観し、リコー社の業績評価システムに対して考察を加えることを目的としている。...

  7. Optimizing wavelength choice for quantitative optoacoustic imaging using the Cramer-Rao lower bound

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Modgil, Dimple; La Riviere, Patrick J

    2010-01-01

    Several papers have recently addressed the issue of estimating chromophore concentration in optoacoustic imaging (OAI) using multiple wavelengths. The choice of wavelengths obviously affects the accuracy and precision of the estimates. One might assume that the wavelengths that maximize the extinction coefficients of the chromophores would be the most suitable. However, this may not always be the case since the distribution of light intensity in the medium is also wavelength dependent. In this paper, we explore a method for optimizing the choice of wavelengths based on the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) on the variance of the chromophore concentration. This lower bound on variance can be evaluated numerically for different wavelengths using the variation of the extinction coefficients and scattering coefficients with wavelength. The wavelengths that give the smallest variance will be considered optimal for multi-wavelength OAI to estimate the chromophore concentrations. The expression for the CRLB has been derived analytically for estimating the concentration of multiple chromophores for several simple phantom models for the case when the optoacoustic signal is proportional to the product of the optical absorption and the illumination function. This approach could be easily extended to other geometries.

  8. Optimizing wavelength choice for quantitative optoacoustic imaging using the Cramer-Rao lower bound.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Modgil, Dimple; La Riviére, Patrick J

    2010-12-07

    Several papers have recently addressed the issue of estimating chromophore concentration in optoacoustic imaging (OAI) using multiple wavelengths. The choice of wavelengths obviously affects the accuracy and precision of the estimates. One might assume that the wavelengths that maximize the extinction coefficients of the chromophores would be the most suitable. However, this may not always be the case since the distribution of light intensity in the medium is also wavelength dependent. In this paper, we explore a method for optimizing the choice of wavelengths based on the Cramer-Rao lower bound (CRLB) on the variance of the chromophore concentration. This lower bound on variance can be evaluated numerically for different wavelengths using the variation of the extinction coefficients and scattering coefficients with wavelength. The wavelengths that give the smallest variance will be considered optimal for multi-wavelength OAI to estimate the chromophore concentrations. The expression for the CRLB has been derived analytically for estimating the concentration of multiple chromophores for several simple phantom models for the case when the optoacoustic signal is proportional to the product of the optical absorption and the illumination function. This approach could be easily extended to other geometries.

  9. Quantum Cramer–Rao Bound for a Massless Scalar Field in de Sitter Space

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marcello Rotondo

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available How precisely can we estimate cosmological parameters by performing a quantum measurement on a cosmological quantum state? In quantum estimation theory, the variance of an unbiased parameter estimator is bounded from below by the inverse of measurement-dependent Fisher information and ultimately by quantum Fisher information, which is the maximization of the former over all positive operator-valued measurements. Such bound is known as the quantum Cramer –Rao bound. We consider the evolution of a massless scalar field with Bunch–Davies vacuum in a spatially flat FLRW spacetime, which results in a two-mode squeezed vacuum out-state for each field wave number mode. We obtain the expressions of the quantum Fisher information as well as the Fisher informations associated to occupation number measurement and power spectrum measurement, and show the specific results of their evolution for pure de Sitter expansion and de Sitter expansion followed by a radiation-dominated phase as examples. We will discuss these results from the point of view of the quantum-to-classical transition of cosmological perturbations and show quantitatively how this transition and the residual quantum correlations affect the bound on the precision.

  10. The Fisher-information-based uncertainty relation, Cramer-Rao inequality and kinetic energy for the D-dimensional central problem

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Dehesa, J S [Departamento de Fisica Atomica, Molecular y Nuclear, Universidad de Granada, 18071-Granada (Spain); Gonzalez-Ferez, R [Departamento de Fisica Atomica, Molecular y Nuclear, Universidad de Granada, 18071-Granada (Spain); Sanchez-Moreno, P [Departamento de Fisica Atomica, Molecular y Nuclear, Universidad de Granada, 18071-Granada (Spain)

    2007-02-23

    The inequality >= (l+1/2){sup 2}, with L being the grand orbital quantum number, and its conjugate relation for ((r{sup 2}) (p{sup -2})) are shown to be fulfilled in the D-dimensional central problem. Their use has allowed us to improve the Fisher-information-based uncertainty relation (I{sub {rho}}I{sub {gamma}}{>=} const) and the Cramer-Rao inequalities ((r{sup 2})I{sub {rho}} {>=} D{sup 2}; (p{sup 2})I{sub {gamma}} {>=} D{sup 2}). In addition, the kinetic energy and the radial expectation value (r{sup 2}) are shown to be bounded from below by the Fisher information in position and momentum spaces, denoted by I{sub {rho}} and I{sub {gamma}}, respectively.

  11. Travel report on a preparatory mission to the Agencija RAO, Ljubljana for a radium conditioning operation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Neubauer, J.

    2001-07-01

    The purpose of the trip was to establish the current status of radioactive waste management in Slovenia, to discuss their plans for the future management of their radioactive wastes and to prepare for a radium source conditioning operation to make safe and secure their known inventory of radium withdrawn from service. The IAEA are considering placing a contract on the Oesterreichisches Forschungszentrum Seibersdorf (OeFZS) to carry out the radium conditioning operation on the agency's behalf in a manner used successfully on a number of previous occasions. In Slovenia responsibility for the management of radioactive wastes arising from nuclear applications in medicine research and industry is delegated to 'Agencija Rao'. First a visit was made to the storage building in which such wastes are stored, the building being within the grounds of the Josef Stefan Institute in Ljubljana. The possibility of carrying out the radium conditioning operation in the building and the improvements and modifications necessary was discussed. The inventory of stored waste was reviewed, the packages containing radium were identified and located in the store. Some of these contained radium-beryllium sources. It was agreed that such sources would not be conditioned during the forthcoming operation. Next a visit was made to the chemistry laboratories of the Josef Stefan Institute, these being a possible alternative location for the operation. On returning to the 'Agencija Rao' office in Ljubljana detail discussion of the merits of the alternative locations were discussed. It was realized that the operation could proceed quicker and at less cost if the existing laboratory was chosen, the unknown factor is the time taken to obtain regulatory approval. Next detailed discussion took place of the availability of necessary equipment and consumable items and agreement reached on what should be supplied locally and what should be brought to Slovenia, by the conditioning team. Plans were made to

  12. Contribuições para a configuração de um sistema de medição de desempenho para incubadoras de empresas baseado no BSC

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    José Antonio Arantes Salles

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available Incubators are designed to provide a more efficient and effective way to survive in today's business world. In turbulent and dynamic business environment, incubators should be quick to react by directing their actions in order to remain consistent with its strategic objectives. This article suggests the use of an adaptation of the Balanced Scorecard - BSC as a tool for measuring and evaluating performance of incubators, as this tool is based on the use of a set of performance indicators, organized and logically articulated in order to match measures that reflect past performance with future performance, aiming to meet mission and long-term goals of the incubators. From this concept is carried out a diagnosis of management of incubators in the state of Sao Paulo, for which were used questionnaires and carried out visits. Considering the answers of the questionnaires, it was noted that in higher or lower number, there are indicators which contribute in the management process of these incubators, in accordance with perspectives of BSC. However, it was evidenced that in none of cases that indicators are associated with a real and effective measuring and evaluating system of performance.

  13. Estimation for aerial detection effectiveness with cooperation efficiency factors of early-warning aircraft in early-warning detection SoS under BSC framework

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zhu, Feng; Hu, Xiaofeng; He, Xiaoyuan; Guo, Rui; Li, Kaiming; Yang, Lu

    2017-11-01

    In the military field, the performance evaluation of early-warning aircraft deployment or construction is always an important problem needing to be explored. As an effective approach of enterprise management and performance evaluation, Balanced Score Card (BSC) attracts more and more attentions and is studied more and more widely all over the world. It can also bring feasible ideas and technical approaches for studying the issue of the performance evaluation of the deployment or construction of early-warning aircraft which is the important component in early-warning detection system of systems (SoS). Therefore, the deep explored researches are carried out based on the previously research works. On the basis of the characteristics of space exploration and aerial detection effectiveness of early-warning detection SoS and the cardinal principle of BSC are analyzed simply, and the performance evaluation framework of the deployment or construction of early-warning aircraft is given, under this framework, aimed at the evaluation issue of aerial detection effectiveness of early-warning detection SoS with the cooperation efficiency factors of the early-warning aircraft and other land based radars, the evaluation indexes are further designed and the relative evaluation model is further established, especially the evaluation radar chart being also drawn to obtain the evaluation results from a direct sight angle. Finally, some practical computer simulations are launched to prove the validity and feasibility of the research thinking and technologic approaches which are proposed in the paper.

  14. Optimization of source and detector configurations based on Cramer-Rao lower bound analysis

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Ling; Chen, Nanguang

    2011-03-01

    Optimization of source and detector (SD) arrangements in a diffuse optical tomography system is helpful for improving measurements' sensitivity to localized changes in imaging domain and enhancing the capacity of noise resistance. We introduced a rigorous and computationally efficient methodology and adapt it into the diffuse optics field to realize the optimizations of SD arrangements. Our method is based on Cramer-Rao lower bound analysis, which combines the diffusion-forward model and a noise model together. This method can be used to investigate the performance of the SD arrangements through quantitative estimations of lower bounds of the standard variances of the reconstructed perturbation depths and values. More importantly, it provides direct estimations of parameters without solving the inverse problem. Simulations are conducted in the reflection geometry to validate the effectiveness of the method on selections of the optimized SD sets, with a fixed number of sources and detectors, from an SD group on a planar probe surface. The impacts of different noise levels and target perturbation depths are considered in the simulations. It is demonstrated that the SD sets selected by this method afford better reconstructed images. This methodology can be adapted to other probe surfaces and other imaging geometries.

  15. The Real-Valued Sparse Direction of Arrival (DOA Estimation Based on the Khatri-Rao Product

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tao Chen

    2016-05-01

    Full Text Available There is a problem that complex operation which leads to a heavy calculation burden is required when the direction of arrival (DOA of a sparse signal is estimated by using the array covariance matrix. The solution of the multiple measurement vectors (MMV model is difficult. In this paper, a real-valued sparse DOA estimation algorithm based on the Khatri-Rao (KR product called the L1-RVSKR is proposed. The proposed algorithm is based on the sparse representation of the array covariance matrix. The array covariance matrix is transformed to a real-valued matrix via a unitary transformation so that a real-valued sparse model is achieved. The real-valued sparse model is vectorized for transforming to a single measurement vector (SMV model, and a new virtual overcomplete dictionary is constructed according to the KR product’s property. Finally, the sparse DOA estimation is solved by utilizing the idea of a sparse representation of array covariance vectors (SRACV. The simulation results demonstrate the superior performance and the low computational complexity of the proposed algorithm.

  16. Faktor-faktor yang berhubungan dengan Pengolahan Sampah Organik Rumah Tangga menjadi Kompos di Jorong IX Pancahan Kecamatan Rao Kebupaten Pasaman Tahun 2013

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Nurdin ,

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available Dari 10 responden yang di wawancarai oleh peneliti 6 responden mengaku mengetahui cara pembuatan kompos dan 4 di antaranya tidak mengetahui bagaimana cala pembuatan kompos. Dari hasil observasi yang peneliti lakukan responden membuang sampah rumah tangganya ke belakang rumah. Penelitian ini berlujuan untuk mengetahui Faktor-Faktor yang berhubungan dengan Pengolahan Sampah Organik Rumah Tangga Menjadi Kompos Di Jorong trX Pancahan Kecamatan Rao Kabupaten Pasaman Tahun 2013.Penelitian ini bersifat Deskriptif Analitik dengan pendekatan Cross secsional. Dan analisis data dilakukan dengan analisis univariat dan analisis bivariat dengan uji Chi Square. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah 330 kepala keluarga dengan jurnlah sampel 75 kepala keluarga yang ada di Jorong IX Pancahan Kecamatan Rao Kabupaten Pasatnan. Data diperoleh dengan cara wawancara dengan menggunakan kuesioner. Dimana variabel dependen adalah Pengolahan sampah organik rumah tangga menjadi kompos. sedangkan paria variabel independennya adalah pengetahuan, kebutuhan, dan kemampuan.Berdasarkan hasil penelitian terdapat 47 (6 I,8% responden mempunyai pengetahuan rendah dengan p=0,03 dan OR=0,308. Responden yang tidak membutuhkan kompos yaitu 44 (57,9% responden dengan p=0,05 dan OR=2,826. Responden yang mampu mengolah sarnpah organik rumah tangga 52 (68,4% responden dengan p=0,10 dan OR=2,623.Dapat disimpulkan bahwa sebagian besar masyarakat di Jorong IX Pancahan memiliki pengetahuan yang rendah" Pengetahuan dan kebutuhan berhubungan dengan pengolahan sampah organik rumah tangga menjadi kompos, sedangkan kemampuan tidak memiliki hubungan yang signifikan. Diperlukan upaya meningkatkan pengetahuan pengolahan sampah organik rumah tangga menjadi kompos dan memberikan pemahaman kepada mayarakat tentang kebutuhan dan manfaat kompos.Kata Kunci: Pengetahuan, kebutuhan, kemampuan, Sampah rumah tangga

  17. Information letter 2. Information about operation of plants SE-NPP Bohunice and SE-VYZ during February 2005

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2005-03-01

    In this leaflet results of exploitation of four units of the Bohunice V-1 and V-2 NPPs are presented. The electricity and heat production in February 2005 are reviewed. Within a February 2005 the electricity was produced: 217 GWh (block 1), 281 GWh (block 2), 277 GWh (block 3), 282 GWh (block 4), totally 1057 GWh, and 2271 GWh within a January - February 2005. The heat production in February 2005 was 266 506 GJ, and within a January - February 2005 it was produced 531 849 GJ of heat. On February 17 Slovak minister of economy Pavol Rusko and general director of ENEL Paolo Scaroni signed the agreement on acquisition of 66 per cent of Slovenske elektrarne (SE) by Italian ENEL for 840 million Eur. SE has capacity of around 7 GW (83 per cent of total Slovakian capacity). In 2004 SE generated 26 TWh of electricity. Processing and storage of radioactive wastes in Decommissioning of Nuclear Installations and Spent Fuel and Rad-waste Management (SE-VYZ) is presented. Since beginning of this year 58 fibre-concrete containers have been filled up in Bohunice processing centre of radioactive wastes. Twenty-three pieces of fibre-concrete containers were processed into fibre-concrete containers in Bohunice processing centre of radioactive wastes (BSC RAO) in February 2005. Twenty fibre-concrete containers were stored into Republic storage of radioactive wastes (RU RAO). Total number in RU RAO reached 830 pieces of fibre-concrete containers, which represent 11.53 per cent of storage capacity (7200 containers). Bohunice processing centre of radioactive wastes was put into active operation just before five years

  18. Analysis of sensor impulse response effects on Cramèr–Rao lower bounds for signal parameter estimators

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ephraim S. Gower

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available In this study, a generic analysis of sensor impulse response effects on linearly filtered channel noise is presented to illustrate the resulting variations to the Cramèr–Rao lower bounds (CRLBs of signal parameter estimators in signal processing and communication applications. The authors start by deriving the density function of a filtered signal, which is shown to be a mixture density, and hence the exact expressions for the mean and variance. Simulation results are used to confirm the derivations, which are then used to investigate the effects of impulse response length and variance, as well as channel noise length and variance effects on the resulting CRLBs. Results indicate that for non-zero-mean channel noise and impulse responses, the resulting mean of filtered noise can be relatively large causing adverse deviations to parameter estimations. The filtered noise variance is shown to be proportional to the impulse response energy, where for long duration of signal capture the CRLB is significantly increased.

  19. Frequency Diverse Array Radar Cramér-Rao Lower Bounds for Estimating Direction, Range, and Velocity

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Yongbing Wang

    2014-01-01

    Full Text Available Different from phased-array radar, frequency diverse array (FDA radar offers range-dependent beampattern and thus provides new application potentials. But there is a fundamental question: what estimation performance can achieve for an FDA radar? In this paper, we derive FDA radar Cramér-Rao lower bounds (CRLBs for estimating direction, range (time delay, and velocity (Doppler shift. Two different data models including pre- and postmatched filtering are investigated separately. As the FDA radar has range-angle coupling, we use a simple transmit subaperturing strategy which divides the whole array into two subarrays, each uses a distinct frequency increment. Assuming temporally white Gaussian noise and linear frequency modulated transmit signal, extensive simulation examples are performed. When compared to conventional phased-array radar, FDA can yield better CRLBs for estimating the direction, range, and velocity. Moreover, the impacts of the element number and frequency increment are also analyzed. Simulation results show that the CRLBs decrease with the increase of the elements number and frequency increment.

  20. Three-Dimensional Target Localization and Cramér-Rao Bound for Two-Dimensional OFDM-MIMO Radar

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Xingxing Li

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available Target localization using a frequency diversity multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO system is one of the hottest research directions in the radar society. In this paper, three-dimensional (3D target localization is considered for two-dimensional MIMO radar with orthogonal frequency division multiplexing linear frequency modulated (OFDM-LFM waveforms. To realize joint estimation for range and angle in azimuth and elevation, the range-angle-dependent beam pattern with high range resolution is produced by the OFDM-LFM waveform. Then, the 3D target localization proposal is presented and the corresponding closed-form expressions of Cramér-Rao bound (CRB are derived. Furthermore, for mitigating the coupling of angle and range and further improving the estimation precision, a CRB optimization method is proposed. Different from the existing methods of FDA-based radar, the proposed method can provide higher range estimation because of multiple transmitted frequency bands. Numerical simulation results are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach and its improved performance of target localization.

  1. Gibbs Sampler-Based λ-Dynamics and Rao-Blackwell Estimator for Alchemical Free Energy Calculation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ding, Xinqiang; Vilseck, Jonah Z; Hayes, Ryan L; Brooks, Charles L

    2017-06-13

    λ-dynamics is a generalized ensemble method for alchemical free energy calculations. In traditional λ-dynamics, the alchemical switch variable λ is treated as a continuous variable ranging from 0 to 1 and an empirical estimator is utilized to approximate the free energy. In the present article, we describe an alternative formulation of λ-dynamics that utilizes the Gibbs sampler framework, which we call Gibbs sampler-based λ-dynamics (GSLD). GSLD, like traditional λ-dynamics, can be readily extended to calculate free energy differences between multiple ligands in one simulation. We also introduce a new free energy estimator, the Rao-Blackwell estimator (RBE), for use in conjunction with GSLD. Compared with the current empirical estimator, the advantage of RBE is that RBE is an unbiased estimator and its variance is usually smaller than the current empirical estimator. We also show that the multistate Bennett acceptance ratio equation or the unbinned weighted histogram analysis method equation can be derived using the RBE. We illustrate the use and performance of this new free energy computational framework by application to a simple harmonic system as well as relevant calculations of small molecule relative free energies of solvation and binding to a protein receptor. Our findings demonstrate consistent and improved performance compared with conventional alchemical free energy methods.

  2. Cognitive impairment in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A comparison of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III and the Wechsler Memory Scale Revised with the Rao Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery

    OpenAIRE

    Fujimori, Juichi; Nakashima, Ichiro; Baba, Toru; Meguro, Yuko; Ogawa, Ryo; Fujihara, Kazuo

    2017-01-01

    Background: Approximately 55% of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) show cognitive impairment as evaluated using the Rao Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery (BRBN), but this frequency appears to be higher than the frequency of specific brain lesions in NMOSD. Objective: We studied whether cognitive impairment could be observed in NMOSD patients with no or minor non-specific brain lesions. Methods: We evaluated cognitive function in 12 NMOSD and 14 MS patients...

  3. Using the BSC Model to Evaluate the Financial Performance of the Urban Water and Wastewater Industry

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mahdi Goli Aysek

    2017-03-01

    Full Text Available Among the different models so far proposed for the guiding and evaluation of organizational performance, the balanced scorecard (BSC model is the only one that has been found capable of guiding an organization towards its goals from the lowest to the topmost levels in an integrated, sustained, efficient, and effective manner. The model in question is based on the goals and strategies adopted by an organization and it is, thus, a holistic approach that envisions the organization in all its aspects, leading to sysnergy among all the organization’s divisions. Moreover, the model has been found capable of lifting the inadequacies in performance evaluation systems in firms which strive to comply with financial milestones that draw heavily on reducing the unit price through practicing scales of economy and mass production. The present study initially investigates the effects of employing the criteria inherent to the BSC model on the financial performance evaluation of the urban water and wastewater industry. The required data are collected from 35 companies forming the statistical population over a four-year period from 2007 to 2010. The (four independent variables belong to the SCR model and performance evaluation (i.e., sales efficiency rate accounts for the independent one. Due to the insignificance of the coefficients of independent variables and the lack of correlation among the dependent ones, the step-by-step method is employed to enter the values for the variables into the model when testing the research hypotheses. The new model is found to confirm all the hypotheses. Moreover, a direct relationship is established between the SCR criteria, on the one hand, and the firm’s performance, on the other, such that any improvements in SCR evaluation criteria directly lead to improvements in performance. Finally, a value equal to unity obtained for hypothesis selection indicates the strong linear relationship holding between the financial SCR

  4. Perturbed soliton excitations of Rao-dust Alfvén waves in magnetized dusty plasmas

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kavitha, L., E-mail: louiskavitha@yahoo.co.in [Department of Physics, School of Basic and Applied Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur 610 101 (India); The Abdus Salam International Centre for Theoretical Physics, Trieste (Italy); Lavanya, C.; Senthil Kumar, V. [Department of Physics, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu 636 011 (India); Gopi, D. [Department of Chemistry, Periyar University, Salem 636 011 (India); Center for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Periyar University, Salem, Tamil Nadu 636 011 (India); Pasqua, A. [Department of Physics, University of Trieste, Trieste (Italy)

    2016-04-15

    We investigate the propagation dynamics of the perturbed soliton excitations in a three component fully ionized dusty magnetoplasma consisting of electrons, ions, and heavy charged dust particulates. We derive the governing equation of motion for the two dimensional Rao-dust magnetohydrodynamic (R-D-MHD) wave by employing the inertialess electron equation of motion, inertial ion equation of motion, the continuity equations in a plasma with immobile charged dust grains, together with the Maxwell's equations, by assuming quasi neutrality and neglecting the displacement current in Ampere's law. Furthermore, we assume the massive dust particles are practically immobile since we are interested in timescales much shorter than the dusty plasma period, thereby neglecting any damping of the modes due to the grain charge fluctuations. We invoke the reductive perturbation method to represent the governing dynamics by a perturbed cubic nonlinear Schrödinger (pCNLS) equation. We solve the pCNLS, along the lines of Kodama-Ablowitz multiple scale nonlinear perturbation technique and explored the R-D-MHD waves as solitary wave excitations in a magnetized dusty plasma. Since Alfvén waves play an important role in energy transport in driving field-aligned currents, particle acceleration and heating, solar flares, and the solar wind, this representation of R-D-MHD waves as soliton excitations may have extensive applications to study the lower part of the earth's ionosphere.

  5. COSMIC MICROWAVE BACKGROUND LIKELIHOOD APPROXIMATION BY A GAUSSIANIZED BLACKWELL-RAO ESTIMATOR

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rudjord, Oe.; Groeneboom, N. E.; Eriksen, H. K.; Huey, Greg; Gorski, K. M.; Jewell, J. B.

    2009-01-01

    We introduce a new cosmic microwave background (CMB) temperature likelihood approximation called the Gaussianized Blackwell-Rao estimator. This estimator is derived by transforming the observed marginal power spectrum distributions obtained by the CMB Gibbs sampler into standard univariate Gaussians, and then approximating their joint transformed distribution by a multivariate Gaussian. The method is exact for full-sky coverage and uniform noise and an excellent approximation for sky cuts and scanning patterns relevant for modern satellite experiments such as the Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) and Planck. The result is a stable, accurate, and computationally very efficient CMB temperature likelihood representation that allows the user to exploit the unique error propagation capabilities of the Gibbs sampler to high ls. A single evaluation of this estimator between l = 2 and 200 takes ∼0.2 CPU milliseconds, while for comparison, a singe pixel space likelihood evaluation between l = 2 and 30 for a map with ∼2500 pixels requires ∼20 s. We apply this tool to the five-year WMAP temperature data, and re-estimate the angular temperature power spectrum, C l , and likelihood, L(C l ), for l ≤ 200, and derive new cosmological parameters for the standard six-parameter ΛCDM model. Our spectrum is in excellent agreement with the official WMAP spectrum, but we find slight differences in the derived cosmological parameters. Most importantly, the spectral index of scalar perturbations is n s = 0.973 ± 0.014, 1.9σ away from unity and 0.6σ higher than the official WMAP result, n s = 0.965 ± 0.014. This suggests that an exact likelihood treatment is required to higher ls than previously believed, reinforcing and extending our conclusions from the three-year WMAP analysis. In that case, we found that the suboptimal likelihood approximation adopted between l = 12 and 30 by the WMAP team biased n s low by 0.4σ, while here we find that the same approximation

  6. A hybrid algorithm of BSC and QFD to determine the criteria affecting implementation of successful outsourcing

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mohammad Hemati

    2012-04-01

    Full Text Available Successful organizations share some identical factors that pave the way for their success. Among these factors, strategic management is the key to success for organizations to contribute more to the competitive world market of today. In this respect, the pivotal role of outsourcing cannot be denied. This research parallelizes the criteria affecting the outsourcing success as presented in Elmuti model with the Balanced score card method in the Tose'e Ta'avon Bank. In this research, questionnaires and interviews with experts helped determine the strategic goals at four perspectives of balanced score card method (at Tose'e Ta'avon Bank and the relative weights were computed for each of balance score card (BSC perspectives by using AHP method. As the next step, the indexes were prioritized by applying the quality function development(QFD technique and considering strategic goals at four perspectives in section "WHAT" and the outsourcing success criteria of Elmuti model in section "HOW". At the end of algorithm, the results are compared with the Elmuti method. Based on the results, the hybrid proposed technique seems to perform better than Elmuti.

  7. The stochastic Cramér-Rao bound for source localization and medium tomography using vector sensors.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Baggeroer, Arthur B

    2017-05-01

    A direct version for the stochastic Cramér-Rao bound (CRB) for parameters of Gaussian signals with additive Gaussian noise is introduced. The formulation applies to passive and active radars/sonars/seismics/structures with vector observations from multiple sources. These sensors include pressure, vector velocity, and/or acceleration sensors for ocean and structural acoustics, seismometers, polarized receivers for electromagnetics, and vector current meters for oceanography. The observations may contain partially coherent signals such as multipath. The parameters represent (i) signal localization or (ii) tomographic ones. As such, their embedding is very general using a Green's function vector and is not limited to direction of arrival problems. This formulation leads to simplified expressions for the stochastic CRB using just three quadratic forms involving just the Green's function and its derivatives with the inverse of the noise matrix for the norm. The number of the parameters sets the dimensions of these quadratic forms, so performance studies over the parameter space can be done with much smaller matrices as the noise covariance is inverted just once. The formulas are applied to vector sensors in jamming with both analytical and numerical results. The results are also compared to often cited papers on the CRB.

  8. Cognitive impairment in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A comparison of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III and the Wechsler Memory Scale Revised with the Rao Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Juichi Fujimori

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Background: Approximately 55% of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD show cognitive impairment as evaluated using the Rao Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery (BRBN, but this frequency appears to be higher than the frequency of specific brain lesions in NMOSD. Objective: We studied whether cognitive impairment could be observed in NMOSD patients with no or minor non-specific brain lesions. Methods: We evaluated cognitive function in 12 NMOSD and 14 MS patients using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III, the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R, and the BRBN. We judged as cognitively impaired patients whose scores were below the average by 2 standard deviations or greater in 2 or more cognitive domains. Results: Cognitive impairment was observed in 5 MS patients (35.7% and in the only NMOSD patient (8.3% with symptomatic brain lesions, but not in the other NMOSD patients who had no or minor non-specific brain lesions. Meanwhile, 5 NMOSD (41.7% and 4 MS (28.6% patients who had normal cognition according to the WAIS-III and WMS-R were assessed as cognitively impaired by the BRBN (which is not standardized for age. Conclusions: Cognitive function in NMOSD patients with no or mild non-specific brain lesions was preserved according to the WAIS-III and WMS-R. Keywords: Neuromyelitis Optica, Cognitive impairment, Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III, Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised, Rao Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery, Multiple sclerosis

  9. Performance indicators in bsc management model: an investigation into the wineries in Rio Grande do Sul (gaúcha region

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Fábio Josende Paz

    2018-06-01

    Full Text Available This segment of the wine industry is booming in the Campaign region in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, and based on this fact, managers need more and more tools to assist them in the management process. One of the main tools in this process is the Balanced Scorecard, which uses performance indicators in different aspects of the company as a way to evaluate it. The research aims to investigate the use of performance indicators in the BSC management model, the wineries of the ‘gaúcha’Campaign region. For this purpose, d, an exploratory and descriptive study of a quantitative and qualitative character was developed, revealing that these wineries use, in large part, indicators of the financial perspective of the business, leaving aside other important aspects and perspectives. Further, it was found that the quality of management does not depend on the number of indicators used, but the correct use of those indicators.

  10. Assessment of cognition using the Rao's Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests on a group of Brazilian patients with multiple sclerosis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Joseph Bruno Bidin Brooks

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available To assess the cognition of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS using the Rao's Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB-N. METHOD: BRB-N was translated and adapted for control subjects. Subsequently, it was applied to a group of patients with relapsing-remitting (RR MS. RESULTS: The assessment on the healthy controls (n=47 showed that the correlation between tests on the same cognitive domain was high and that there was a five-factor solution that explained 90% of the total variance. Except for the Word List Generation subset of tests, the performance of patients with RRMS (n=39 was worse than that of the healthy controls. CONCLUSION: BRB-N is a relatively simple method to assess cognition of patients with MS in the daily clinic. It does not take long to apply and does not require special skills or equipment.

  11. An internal reference model-based PRF temperature mapping method with Cramer-Rao lower bound noise performance analysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Cheng; Pan, Xinyi; Ying, Kui; Zhang, Qiang; An, Jing; Weng, Dehe; Qin, Wen; Li, Kuncheng

    2009-11-01

    The conventional phase difference method for MR thermometry suffers from disturbances caused by the presence of lipid protons, motion-induced error, and field drift. A signal model is presented with multi-echo gradient echo (GRE) sequence using a fat signal as an internal reference to overcome these problems. The internal reference signal model is fit to the water and fat signals by the extended Prony algorithm and the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm to estimate the chemical shifts between water and fat which contain temperature information. A noise analysis of the signal model was conducted using the Cramer-Rao lower bound to evaluate the noise performance of various algorithms, the effects of imaging parameters, and the influence of the water:fat signal ratio in a sample on the temperature estimate. Comparison of the calculated temperature map and thermocouple temperature measurements shows that the maximum temperature estimation error is 0.614 degrees C, with a standard deviation of 0.06 degrees C, confirming the feasibility of this model-based temperature mapping method. The influence of sample water:fat signal ratio on the accuracy of the temperature estimate is evaluated in a water-fat mixed phantom experiment with an optimal ratio of approximately 0.66:1. (c) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

  12. A comparison of likelihood ratio tests and Rao's score test for three separable covariance matrix structures.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Filipiak, Katarzyna; Klein, Daniel; Roy, Anuradha

    2017-01-01

    The problem of testing the separability of a covariance matrix against an unstructured variance-covariance matrix is studied in the context of multivariate repeated measures data using Rao's score test (RST). The RST statistic is developed with the first component of the separable structure as a first-order autoregressive (AR(1)) correlation matrix or an unstructured (UN) covariance matrix under the assumption of multivariate normality. It is shown that the distribution of the RST statistic under the null hypothesis of any separability does not depend on the true values of the mean or the unstructured components of the separable structure. A significant advantage of the RST is that it can be performed for small samples, even smaller than the dimension of the data, where the likelihood ratio test (LRT) cannot be used, and it outperforms the standard LRT in a number of contexts. Monte Carlo simulations are then used to study the comparative behavior of the null distribution of the RST statistic, as well as that of the LRT statistic, in terms of sample size considerations, and for the estimation of the empirical percentiles. Our findings are compared with existing results where the first component of the separable structure is a compound symmetry (CS) correlation matrix. It is also shown by simulations that the empirical null distribution of the RST statistic converges faster than the empirical null distribution of the LRT statistic to the limiting χ 2 distribution. The tests are implemented on a real dataset from medical studies. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

  13. Implantação do Balanced Scorecard (BSC sob o enfoque da velha economia institucional em uma instituição de ensino superior do estado do RS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Maria Margarete Bacin Brizolla

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available O estudo teve como objetivo investigar como a adoção do BSC em um ambiente de ensino superior influência os conceitos institucionalizados e são convertidos em novos valores, hábitos e rotinas em uma em uma Instituição de Ensino Superior no Estado do RS. Para atender a este objetivo, foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva, qualitativa, por meio de estudo de caso, por meio de entrevistas com os envolvidos no processo de implantação de BSC da instituição. Os resultados indicaram que a primeira conclusão observada é que a dimensão institucional é tão importante quanto a dimensão técnico-racional, na fase de concepção do modelo conceitual do sistema, não bastando planejar racionalmente os melhores conceitos, rotinas e regras para implantar um sistema de gestão, mas ter a base conceitual em sintonia com as diretrizes do campo institucional da organização. Percebe-se um processo consciente de identificação de princípios institucionais e de codificação do Balanced Scorecard especificando conceitos e rotinas coerentes com os princípios institucionais compartilhados pelos gestores institucionais. O estudo contribui para a compreensão mais adequada dos fenômenos reais de mudança e institucionalização de sistemas de gestão a partir de uma estrutura conceitual ficando evidenciado que a visão normativa é necessária, no sentido da adoção de melhores práticas de gestão, e a visão institucional tem sua importância no sentido de se assegurar a efetiva institucionalização do sistema idealizado.

  14. Fisher information and Cramér-Rao lower bound for experimental design in parallel imaging.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bouhrara, Mustapha; Spencer, Richard G

    2018-06-01

    The Cramér-Rao lower bound (CRLB) is widely used in the design of magnetic resonance (MR) experiments for parameter estimation. Previous work has considered only Gaussian or Rician noise distributions in this calculation. However, the noise distribution for multi-coil acquisitions, such as in parallel imaging, obeys the noncentral χ-distribution under many circumstances. The purpose of this paper is to present the CRLB calculation for parameter estimation from multi-coil acquisitions. We perform explicit calculations of Fisher matrix elements and the associated CRLB for noise distributions following the noncentral χ-distribution. The special case of diffusion kurtosis is examined as an important example. For comparison with analytic results, Monte Carlo (MC) simulations were conducted to evaluate experimental minimum standard deviations (SDs) in the estimation of diffusion kurtosis model parameters. Results were obtained for a range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), and for both the conventional case of Gaussian noise distribution and noncentral χ-distribution with different numbers of coils, m. At low-to-moderate SNR, the noncentral χ-distribution deviates substantially from the Gaussian distribution. Our results indicate that this departure is more pronounced for larger values of m. As expected, the minimum SDs (i.e., CRLB) in derived diffusion kurtosis model parameters assuming a noncentral χ-distribution provided a closer match to the MC simulations as compared to the Gaussian results. Estimates of minimum variance for parameter estimation and experimental design provided by the CRLB must account for the noncentral χ-distribution of noise in multi-coil acquisitions, especially in the low-to-moderate SNR regime. Magn Reson Med 79:3249-3255, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

  15. Predicting minimum uncertainties in the inversion of ocean color geophysical parameters based on Cramer-Rao bounds.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jay, Sylvain; Guillaume, Mireille; Chami, Malik; Minghelli, Audrey; Deville, Yannick; Lafrance, Bruno; Serfaty, Véronique

    2018-01-22

    We present an analytical approach based on Cramer-Rao Bounds (CRBs) to investigate the uncertainties in estimated ocean color parameters resulting from the propagation of uncertainties in the bio-optical reflectance modeling through the inversion process. Based on given bio-optical and noise probabilistic models, CRBs can be computed efficiently for any set of ocean color parameters and any sensor configuration, directly providing the minimum estimation variance that can be possibly attained by any unbiased estimator of any targeted parameter. Here, CRBs are explicitly developed using (1) two water reflectance models corresponding to deep and shallow waters, resp., and (2) four probabilistic models describing the environmental noises observed within four Sentinel-2 MSI, HICO, Sentinel-3 OLCI and MODIS images, resp. For both deep and shallow waters, CRBs are shown to be consistent with the experimental estimation variances obtained using two published remote-sensing methods, while not requiring one to perform any inversion. CRBs are also used to investigate to what extent perfect a priori knowledge on one or several geophysical parameters can improve the estimation of remaining unknown parameters. For example, using pre-existing knowledge of bathymetry (e.g., derived from LiDAR) within the inversion is shown to greatly improve the retrieval of bottom cover for shallow waters. Finally, CRBs are shown to provide valuable information on the best estimation performances that may be achieved with the MSI, HICO, OLCI and MODIS configurations for a variety of oceanic, coastal and inland waters. CRBs are thus demonstrated to be an informative and efficient tool to characterize minimum uncertainties in inverted ocean color geophysical parameters.

  16. Cramer-Rao Lower Bound Evaluation for Linear Frequency Modulation Based Active Radar Networks Operating in a Rice Fading Environment.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Shi, Chenguang; Salous, Sana; Wang, Fei; Zhou, Jianjiang

    2016-12-06

    This paper investigates the joint target parameter (delay and Doppler) estimation performance of linear frequency modulation (LFM)-based radar networks in a Rice fading environment. The active radar networks are composed of multiple radar transmitters and multichannel receivers placed on moving platforms. First, the log-likelihood function of the received signal for a Rician target is derived, where the received signal scattered off the target comprises of dominant scatterer (DS) component and weak isotropic scatterers (WIS) components. Then, the analytically closed-form expressions of the Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLBs) on the Cartesian coordinates of target position and velocity are calculated, which can be adopted as a performance metric to access the target parameter estimation accuracy for LFM-based radar network systems in a Rice fading environment. It is found that the cumulative Fisher information matrix (FIM) is a linear combination of both DS component and WIS components, and it also demonstrates that the joint CRLB is a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), target's radar cross section (RCS) and transmitted waveform parameters, as well as the relative geometry between the target and the radar network architectures. Finally, numerical results are provided to indicate that the joint target parameter estimation performance of active radar networks can be significantly improved with the exploitation of DS component.

  17. Cramer-Rao Lower Bound Evaluation for Linear Frequency Modulation Based Active Radar Networks Operating in a Rice Fading Environment

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chenguang Shi

    2016-12-01

    Full Text Available This paper investigates the joint target parameter (delay and Doppler estimation performance of linear frequency modulation (LFM-based radar networks in a Rice fading environment. The active radar networks are composed of multiple radar transmitters and multichannel receivers placed on moving platforms. First, the log-likelihood function of the received signal for a Rician target is derived, where the received signal scattered off the target comprises of dominant scatterer (DS component and weak isotropic scatterers (WIS components. Then, the analytically closed-form expressions of the Cramer-Rao lower bounds (CRLBs on the Cartesian coordinates of target position and velocity are calculated, which can be adopted as a performance metric to access the target parameter estimation accuracy for LFM-based radar network systems in a Rice fading environment. It is found that the cumulative Fisher information matrix (FIM is a linear combination of both DS component and WIS components, and it also demonstrates that the joint CRLB is a function of signal-to-noise ratio (SNR, target’s radar cross section (RCS and transmitted waveform parameters, as well as the relative geometry between the target and the radar network architectures. Finally, numerical results are provided to indicate that the joint target parameter estimation performance of active radar networks can be significantly improved with the exploitation of DS component.

  18. Application of a partitioning procedure based on Rao quadratic entropy index to characterize the temporal evolution of in situ varietal and genetic diversity of bread wheat in France over the period 1981-2006.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Perronne, Rémi; Goldringer, Isabelle

    2018-04-01

    We present and highlight a partitioning procedure based on the Rao quadratic entropy index to assess temporal in situ inter-annual varietal and genetic changes of crop diversity. For decades, Western-European agroecosystems have undergone profound changes, among which a reduction of crop genetic diversity. These changes have been highlighted in numerous studies, but no unified partitioning procedure has been proposed to compute the inter-annual variability in both varietal and genetic diversity. To fill this gap, we tested, adjusted and applied a partitioning procedure based on the Rao quadratic entropy index that made possible to describe the different components of crop diversity as well as to account for the relative acreages of varieties. To emphasize the relevance of this procedure, we relied on a case study focusing on the temporal evolution of bread wheat diversity in France over the period 1981-2006 at both national and district scales. At the national scale, we highlighted a decrease of the weighted genetic replacement indicating that varieties sown in the most recent years were more genetically similar than older ones. At the district scale, we highlighted sudden changes in weighted genetic replacement in some agricultural regions that could be due to fast shifts of successive leading varieties over time. Other regions presented a relatively continuous increase of genetic similarity over time, potentially due to the coexistence of a larger number of co-leading varieties that got closer genetically. Based on the partitioning procedure, we argue that a tendency of in situ genetic homogenization could be compared to some of its potential causes, such as a decrease in the speed of replacement or an increase in between-variety genetic similarity over time.

  19. Estruturação do Balanced Scorecard (BSC) para uma empresa do segmento varejista, com foco na avaliação do desempenho da ação estratégica de marketing promocional

    OpenAIRE

    Lucas Back; Ademar Dutra; Jacir Leonir Casagrande

    2012-01-01

    A avaliação de desempenho de ações estratégicas aplicadas a uma organização requer a adoção de ferramenta específica que atenda às necessidades e ao contexto organizacional. Este artigo tem como objetivo estruturar o Balanced Scorecard (BSC) da organização Alpha Comércio de Gêneros Alimentícios Ltda, com foco na avaliação do desempenho da ação estratégica de marketing promocional, utilizando-o como ferramenta de gestão, controle e avaliação do desempenho organizacional. Na pesquisa destacam-s...

  20. Planejamento estratégico em vigilância sanitária: aplicação do Balanced Scorecard (BSC | Strategic planning in health regulation: application of the Balanced Scorecard framework

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Raquel Gonçalves Coimbra Flexa

    2017-05-01

    Full Text Available Este artigo objetiva apresentar o método e a estrutura do ciclo de Planejamento Estratégico (PE para o período de 2016 a 2019 na Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (Anvisa. Para isso, utilizou-se o referencial teórico sobre PE, apresentando, especificamente, a metodologia Balanced Scorecard (BSC, com destaque para o emprego desses conceitos na Gestão Pública. A partir disso, é apresentado como a metodologia BSC foi aplicada na Anvisa, na forma de um estudo de caso, com ênfase no método utilizado para a construção do PE, bem como nas diretrizes para sua elaboração. Discute-se ainda a revisão do Mapa Estratégico da Agência, com análise comparativa entre os mapas anteriormente vigente e o atual, descrevendo-se as etapas de construção e validação dos diferentes elementos do Mapa. Conclui-se que o método de Planejamento apontado é aplicável à Gestão Pública, de tal forma que é possível desenhar a estratégia e priorizar os objetivos, com vistas a alcançar resultados e melhorar o desempenho da instituição pública. ================================================ This article main objective is to present the method, framework and guidelines applied by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa Strategic Planning, for the period 2016-2019. In order to provide information about the concepts that are used in the project, there is a section that shows Strategic Planning and Balanced Scorecard theoretical frameworks, with an emphasis on how these concepts are applied to Public Management. Then, the authors show how these frameworks were implemented by Anvisa. This article focuses on the Strategy Map review and, in this regard, it compares the previous Strategy Map and the current one. In this comparison, there is a discussion about its elaboration and validation methods, as well as about the guidelines for its preparation.

  1. Balanced Scorecard implementation in small companies: a literature review

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Estefanie Argüello-Solano

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available The Balanced Scorecard (BSC has been used for performance measurement and strategy management for many years. This literature review analyzed studies about the implementation of the BSC in small companies, identifying implementation cases of BSC reported in small enterprises, factors of influence of small enterprises to implement the BSC model, main stages of implementation of the BSC in small enterprises, and future research lines. As a result 23 papers, 12 academic theses and 8 industry reports were identified. Our results shown that small enterprises can take advantage of its specific characteristics to implement the BSC and the implementation process in small companies may differ from the original BSC implementation process. There is little literature on the implementation of the BSC in small businesses, thus it is necessary additional empirical evidence on the effectiveness of CMI implementations in small businesses.

  2. Revisiting the Cramér Rao Lower Bound for Elastography: Predicting the Performance of Axial, Lateral and Polar Strain Elastograms.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Verma, Prashant; Doyley, Marvin M

    2017-09-01

    We derived the Cramér Rao lower bound for 2-D estimators employed in quasi-static elastography. To illustrate the theory, we modeled the 2-D point spread function as a sinc-modulated sine pulse in the axial direction and as a sinc function in the lateral direction. We compared theoretical predictions of the variance incurred in displacements and strains when quasi-static elastography was performed under varying conditions (different scanning methods, different configuration of conventional linear array imaging and different-size kernels) with those measured from simulated or experimentally acquired data. We performed studies to illustrate the application of the derived expressions when performing vascular elastography with plane wave and compounded plane wave imaging. Standard deviations in lateral displacements were an order higher than those in axial. Additionally, the derived expressions predicted that peak performance should occur when 2% strain is applied, the same order of magnitude as observed in simulations (1%) and experiments (1%-2%). We assessed how different configurations of conventional linear array imaging (number of active reception and transmission elements) influenced the quality of axial and lateral strain elastograms. The theoretical expressions predicted that 2-D echo tracking should be performed with wide kernels, but the length of the kernels should be selected using knowledge of the magnitude of the applied strain: specifically, longer kernels for small strains (<5%) and shorter kernels for larger strains. Although the general trends of theoretical predictions and experimental observations were similar, biases incurred during beamforming and subsample displacement estimation produced noticeable differences. Copyright © 2017 World Federation for Ultrasound in Medicine & Biology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Effects of open-air temperature on air temperature inside biological safety cabinet.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Umemura, Masayuki; Shigeno, Katsuro; Yamamura, Keiko; Osada, Takashi; Soda, Midori; Yamada, Kiyofumi; Ando, Yuichi; Wakiya, Yoshifumi

    2011-02-14

    In Japan, biological safety cabinets (BSCs) are normally used by medical staff while handling antineoplastic agents. We have also set up a class II B2 BSC at the Division of Chemotherapy for Outpatients. The air temperature inside this BSC, however, decreases in winter. We assumed that this decrease is caused by the intake of open-air. Therefore, we investigated the effects of low open-air temperature on the BSC temperature and the time of admixtures of antineoplastic agents. The studies were conducted from January 1 to March 31, 2008. The outdoor air temperature was measured in the shade near the intake nozzle of the BSC and was compared with the BSC temperature. The correlation between the outdoor air temperature and the BSC temperature, the dissolution time of cyclophosphamide (CPA) and gemcitabine (GEM), and accurate weight measurement of epirubicin (EPI) solution were investigated for low and normal BSC temperatures. The BSC temperature was correlated with the open-air temperature for open-air temperatures of 5-20°C (p air is drawn from outdoors. We showed that the BSC temperature affects the dissolution rate of antineoplastic agents. Further, we suggested that the BSC temperature drop might delay the affair of the admixtures of antineoplastic agents and increase the waiting time of outpatients for chemotherapy.

  4. Impact of Base Station Cooperation on Cell Planning

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ian Dexter Garcia

    2010-01-01

    Full Text Available Base station cooperation (BSC has been identified as a key radio access technology for next-generation cellular networks such as LTE-Advanced. BSC impacts cell planning, which is the methodical selection of base station (BS sites, and BS equipment configuration for cost-effective cellular networks. In this paper, the impact of BSC on cell plan parameters (coverage, traffic, handover, and cost, as well as additional cell planning steps required for BSC are discussed. Results show that BSC maximizes its gains over noncooperation (NC in a network wherein interference from cooperating BSs is the main limitation. Locations exist where NC may produce higher throughputs, therefore dynamic or semistatic switching between BSC and NC, called fractional BSC, is recommended. Because of interference from noncooperating BSs, the gains of BSC over NC are upper bounded, and diminishes at greater intersite distances because of noise. This encourages smaller cell sizes, higher transmit powers, and dynamic clustering of cooperative BSs.

  5. Understanding the context of balanced scorecard implementation: a hospital-based case study in Pakistan.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rabbani, Fauziah; Lalji, Sabrina Nh; Abbas, Farhat; Jafri, Sm Wasim; Razzak, Junaid A; Nabi, Naheed; Jahan, Firdous; Ajmal, Agha; Petzold, Max; Brommels, Mats; Tomson, Goran

    2011-03-31

    As a response to a changing operating environment, healthcare administrators are implementing modern management tools in their organizations. The balanced scorecard (BSC) is considered a viable tool in high-income countries to improve hospital performance. The BSC has not been applied to hospital settings in low-income countries nor has the context for implementation been examined. This study explored contextual perspectives in relation to BSC implementation in a Pakistani hospital. Four clinical units of this hospital were involved in the BSC implementation based on their willingness to participate. Implementation included sensitization of units towards the BSC, developing specialty specific BSCs and reporting of performance based on the BSC during administrative meetings. Pettigrew and Whipp's context (why), process (how) and content (what) framework of strategic change was used to guide data collection and analysis. Data collection methods included quantitative tools (a validated culture assessment questionnaire) and qualitative approaches including key informant interviews and participant observation. Method triangulation provided common and contrasting results between the four units. A participatory culture, supportive leadership, financial and non-financial incentives, the presentation of clear direction by integrating support for the BSC in policies, resources, and routine activities emerged as desirable attributes for BSC implementation. The two units that lagged behind were more involved in direct inpatient care and carried a considerable clinical workload. Role clarification and consensus about the purpose and benefits of the BSC were noted as key strategies for overcoming implementation challenges in two clinical units that were relatively ahead in BSC implementation. It was noted that, rather than seeking to replace existing information systems, initiatives such as the BSC could be readily adopted if they are built on existing infrastructures and data

  6. Understanding the context of balanced scorecard implementation: a hospital-based case study in pakistan

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ajmal Agha

    2011-03-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background As a response to a changing operating environment, healthcare administrators are implementing modern management tools in their organizations. The balanced scorecard (BSC is considered a viable tool in high-income countries to improve hospital performance. The BSC has not been applied to hospital settings in low-income countries nor has the context for implementation been examined. This study explored contextual perspectives in relation to BSC implementation in a Pakistani hospital. Methods Four clinical units of this hospital were involved in the BSC implementation based on their willingness to participate. Implementation included sensitization of units towards the BSC, developing specialty specific BSCs and reporting of performance based on the BSC during administrative meetings. Pettigrew and Whipp's context (why, process (how and content (what framework of strategic change was used to guide data collection and analysis. Data collection methods included quantitative tools (a validated culture assessment questionnaire and qualitative approaches including key informant interviews and participant observation. Results Method triangulation provided common and contrasting results between the four units. A participatory culture, supportive leadership, financial and non-financial incentives, the presentation of clear direction by integrating support for the BSC in policies, resources, and routine activities emerged as desirable attributes for BSC implementation. The two units that lagged behind were more involved in direct inpatient care and carried a considerable clinical workload. Role clarification and consensus about the purpose and benefits of the BSC were noted as key strategies for overcoming implementation challenges in two clinical units that were relatively ahead in BSC implementation. It was noted that, rather than seeking to replace existing information systems, initiatives such as the BSC could be readily adopted if

  7. Reviewing the application of the balanced scorecard with implications for low-income health settings.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rabbani, Fauziah; Jafri, S M Wasin; Abbas, Farhat; Pappas, Gregory; Brommels, Mats; Tomson, Goran

    2007-01-01

    High-income countries (HICs) are increasingly making use of the balanced scorecard (BSC) in healthcare. Evidence about BSC usage in low-income countries (LICs) is deficient. This study assessed feasibility of BSC use in LICs. Systematic review of electronic databases shows that the BSC improved patient, staff, clinical, and financial outcomes in HICs. To translate the experience of BSC use in HICs to their use in LICs, the applicability parameters of the National Committee for Quality Assurance were applied. Despite contextual challenges, pilot testing of BSC use can be undertaken in selected LICs. Committed leadership, cultural readiness, quality information systems, viable strategic plans, and optimum resources are required.

  8. Retinal artery occlusion and associated recurrent vascular risk with underlying etiologies.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jeong-Ho Hong

    Full Text Available RAO is caused by various etiologies and subsequent vascular events may be associated with underlying etiologies. Our aim is to investigate the etiologies of RAO, the occurrence of subsequent vascular events and their association in patients with RAO.We analyzed data from 151 consecutive patients presenting with acute non-arteritic RAO between 2003 and 2013 in a single tertiary-care hospital. The primary outcome was the occurrence of a vascular event defined as stroke, myocardial infarction, and vascular death within 365 days of the RAO onset. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard model were used to estimate the hazard ratio of the vascular events.Large artery atherosclerosis (LAA was the etiology more frequently associated with of RAO (41.1%, 62/151. During the one year follow-up, ischemic stroke and vascular events occurred in 8.6% and 9.9% of patients, respectively. Ten vascular events occurred in RAO patients attributed to LAA and 4 occurred in undetermined etiology. RAO patients with LAA had a nearly four times higher risk of vascular events compared to those without LAA (hazard ratio 3.94, 95% confidence interval 1.21-12.81. More than a half of all events occurred within one month and over three fourths of ischemic strokes occurred ipsilateral to the RAO.After occurrence of RAO, there is a high risk of a subsequent vascular event, particularly ipsilateral stroke, within one month. LAA is an independent factor for the occurrence of a subsequent vascular event. Management for the prevention of secondary vascular events is necessary in patients with RAO especially with LAA. Large clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings.

  9. Verdine and glaucony facies from surficial sediments of the eastern continental margin of India

    Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

    Rao, V.P.; Thamban, M.; Lamboy, M.

    -trioctahedral Fe-rich 1:l clay mineral. Clay Miner., 23: 237-247. Murthy, K.S.R., 1989. Seismic stratigraphy of Ongole-Paradip continental shelf East coast of India. Indian J. Mar. Sci., 16: 47-58. Murthy, K.S.R., Rao, T.C.S., Subramanyam, AS., Rao, M... at the continent- ocean boundary: the verdine facies. Clay Miner. 25: 477-483. Rao, K.M. and Rao, T.C.S., 1994. Holocene sea levels of Visakhapatnam shelf, East Coast of India. J. Geol. Sot. India, 44: 685-689. Rao, V.P., 1991. Clay mineral distribution...

  10. Radiological protection regulation during spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste management in the western branch of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise 'SevRAO'.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Simakov, A V; Sneve, M K; Abramov, Yu V; Kochetkov, O A; Smith, G M; Tsovianov, A G; Romanov, V V

    2008-12-01

    The site of temporary storage of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, situated at Andreeva Bay in Northwest Russia, was developed in the 1960s, and it has carried out receipt and storage of fresh and spent nuclear fuel, and solid and liquid radioactive waste generated during the operation of nuclear submarines and nuclear-powered icebreakers. The site is now operated as the western branch of the Federal State Unitary Enterprise, SevRAO. In the course of operation over several decades, the containment barriers in the Spent Nuclear Fuel and Radioactive Waste storage facilities partially lost their containment effectiveness, so workshop facilities and parts of the site became contaminated with radioactive substances. This paper describes work being undertaken to provide an updated regulatory basis for the protection of workers during especially hazardous remediation activities, necessary because of the unusual radiation conditions at the site. It describes the results of recent survey work carried out by the Burnasyan Federal Medical Biophysical Centre, within a programme of regulatory cooperation between the Norwegian Radiation Protection Authority and the Federal Medical-Biological Agency of Russia. The survey work and subsequent analyses have contributed to the development of special regulations setting out radiological protection requirements for operations planned at the site. Within these requirements, and taking account of a variety of other factors, a continuing need arises for the implementation of optimisation of remediation at Andreeva Bay.

  11. The CO2 exchange of biological soil crusts in a semiarid grass-shrubland at the northern transition zone of the Negev desert, Israel

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    M. O. Andreae

    2008-10-01

    Full Text Available Biological soil crusts (BSC contribute significantly to the soil surface cover in many dryland ecosystems. A mixed type of BSC, which consists of cyanobacteria, mosses and cyanolichens, constitutes more than 60% of ground cover in the semiarid grass-shrub steppe at Sayeret Shaked in the northern Negev Desert, Israel. This study aimed at parameterizing the carbon sink capacity of well-developed BSC in undisturbed steppe systems. Mobile enclosures on permanent soil borne collars were used to investigate BSC-related CO2 fluxes in situ and with natural moisture supply during 10 two-day field campaigns within seven months from fall 2001 to summer 2002. Highest BSC-related CO2 deposition between –11.31 and –17.56 mmol m−2 per 15 h was found with BSC activated from rain and dew during the peak of the winter rain season. Net CO2 deposition by BSC was calculated to compensate 120%, –26%, and less than 3% of the concurrent soil CO2 efflux from November–January, February–May and November–May, respectively. Thus, BSC effectively compensated soil CO2 effluxes when CO2 uptake by vascular vegetation was probably at its low point. Nighttime respiratory emission reduced daily BSC-related CO2 deposition within the period November–January by 11–123% and on average by 27%. The analysis of CO2 fluxes and water inputs from the various sources showed that the bulk of BSC-related CO2 deposition occurs during periods with frequent rain events and subsequent condensation from water accumulated in the upper soil layers. Significant BSC activity on days without detectable atmospheric water supply emphasized the importance of high soil moisture contents as additional water source for soil-dwelling BSC, whereas activity upon dew formation at low soil water contents was not of major importance for BSC-related CO2 deposition. However, dew may still be important in attaining a pre-activated status during the transition from a long "summer" anabiosis towards

  12. Discussing Feedback System Thinking in Relation to a Balanced Scorecard, Inspired by an Actual Case

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Steen; Nielsen, Erland Hejn

    Since the emergence of the Balanced Scorecard at the beginning of the 1990s, only few articles have proposed a framework of translating BSC into an analytical numerical model. This paper addresses two research themes : (1) a discussion of the cause-and-effect modeling within the BSC and (2), how...... may the feedback systems thinking and causal loop reasoning be conducted within BSC. In contrast to previous literature on BSC this paper focuses on a System Dynamics Modeling approach to transform a static BSC into a dynamic and analytical closed loop management model by incorporating both time......-lags and cause-and-effect schemes. Our main result shows that SDM is a relevant and possible approach for building a BSC. The SDM model adds additional benefit to the BSC by (1) providing a translation of the strategy into operational terms and (2) offering possibilities for the decision maker to simulate...

  13. Clinicopahological features of superficial basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Oguma, J; Ozawa, S; Kazuno, A; Nitta, M; Ninomiya, Y; Tomita, S

    2017-12-01

    Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma (BSC) of the esophagus is classified as an epithelial malignant tumor and is a rare variant of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Most previous reports have suggested that advanced BSC has a poorer prognosis than typical SCC because of its high biological malignancy, but the biological activity of superficial BSC remains unclear. Twenty cases of superficial BSC, which underwent surgical resection in Tokai University Hospital between January 2004 and December 2013, were analyzed retrospectively. Among these cases, 19 cases with a T1 depth of invasion (BSC group) were compared with 180 cases of SCC that were resected during the same period and were pathologically diagnosed as T1 (SCC group). The frequency of lymph node metastasis in the T1 BSC group was significantly lower (2 patients, 11%) than that in the SCC group (84 patients, 47%) (P = 0.005). The frequency of lymphatic invasion in the BSC group was also lower (9 patients, 47%) than that in the SCC group (131 patients, 73%) (P = 0.021). The pathological type of the metastatic lymph node was BSC in all the superficial BSC cases with lymph node metastasis. This study demonstrated that lymph node metastasis was less likely to occur in cases with superficial BSC than in cases with superficial SCC. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

  14. Menilai Keberhasilan Balanced Scorecard sebagai Sistem Pengukuran Kinerja Strategik

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Tri Ramaraya Koroy

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper reviews the literature of Balanced Scorecard (BSC as a strategic performance measurement tool. The research concerning the effectiveness of BSC indicate that BSC is a useful tool for communicating strategy, strategic learning and developing organizational culture. However, related research also shows that the implementation of BSC is not associated with economic benefit particularly for short-term period. This suggests that the adoption of BSC need a careful inquiry by the organization and the organization should not accept it as a ‘generic’ solution as a performance measurement tool.

  15. Using the balanced scorecard to measure Chinese and Japanese hospital performance.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Xiao-yun; Yamauchi, Kazunobu; Kato, Ken; Nishimura, Akio; Ito, Katuski

    2006-01-01

    The objective of the paper is to confirm the feasibility and value of using the balanced scorecard (BSC) to measure performance in two hospitals in different countries. One hospital from China and another from Japan were chosen and key indicators were selected according to the BSC framework. A comparative hospital performance measurement model was set up using the BSC framework to comprehensively compare hospital performance in two countries. The BSC was found to be effective for underlining existing problems and identifying opportunities for improvements. The BSC also revealed the hospitals' contribution to performance improvement of each country's total health system. Hospital performance comparisons between countries using the BSC depend on the selection of feasible and appropriate key performance indicators, which is occasionally limited by data collection problems. The first use of the BSC to compare hospital performance between China and Japan shows benefits that not only suggests performance improvements in individual hospitals but also reveals effective health factors allowing implementation of valid national health policies.

  16. National Statistical Commission and Indian Official Statistics

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Author Affiliations. T J Rao1. C. R. Rao Advanced Institute of Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science (AIMSCS) University of Hyderabad Campus Central University Post Office, Prof. C. R. Rao Road Hyderabad 500 046, AP, India.

  17. Rao, Prof. Sumathi

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Ethical Guidelines and Procedures document. Posted on 17 January 2017. A revised version of the document 'Scientific Values: Ethical Guidelines and Procedures' has been produced by the Academy's Panel on Scientific Values. For more details, see the Academy Committee on Scientific Values page.

  18. Info (TR Rao)

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    ) measured in Scoville Units (SUs). Pure capsaicin: 16 M SU. Smoking Ed's Carolina reaper: 1.47 MSU. Tezpur mirchi: 0.855 MSU; 163 times the jalapeno pepper. Bhut Jolokia 1.6M; infinity chilli: 1.2M, Naga Viper: 1.4 M; Trinidad Moruga ...

  19. Recovery of biological soil crust richness and cover 12–16 years after wildfires in Idaho, USA

    OpenAIRE

    H. T. Root; J. C. Brinda; E. K. Dodson

    2017-01-01

    Changing fire regimes in western North America may impact biological soil crust (BSC) communities that influence many ecosystem functions, such as soil stability and C and N cycling. However, longer-term effects of wildfire on BSC abundance, species richness, functional groups, and ecosystem functions after wildfire (i.e., BSC resilience) are still poorly understood. We sampled BSC lichen and bryophyte communities at four sites in Idaho, USA, within foothill steppe commu...

  20. Evaluating the balanced scorecard at the University Health Network: an impact assessment.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Young, Justin; Bell, Robert; Khalfan, Adil; Lindquist, Evert

    2008-01-01

    The balanced scorecard (BSC) has become increasing popular in healthcare organizations. A recent study conducted at the University Health Network in Toronto explored the extent to which the BSC has focused and aligned various organizational units and departments around shared goals and objectives. The evaluation also assessed the BSC's impact on front-line staff and how the development and rollout of the BSC should be modified in the next planning iteration.

  1. Managing the backscatter component from the robotic arm of an a-Si EPID

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Lee, C.G.; Menk, F.; Greer, P.B.

    2010-01-01

    Full text: Backscatter from the robotic arm mechanism of an a-Si EPID in IMRT images was examined. Images corrected with a conventional flood field (FF) containing a backscatter component (BSC) from the robotic ann were compared with a BSC-free FF. A Yarian 21 EX linac (6 MV, 18 MV) was used. All images were acquired with two aS500 EPIDs, one R-arm and one E-arm. The BSC of an EPID image is the ratio of an image acquired with the EPID attached to the arm then detaching the arm from the EPID and acquiring the same image. A range of square field sizes from 2.5 x 2.5 cm to 27.5 x 27.5 cm were acquired and the BSC analyzed. The BSC of the FFs were also measured. A series of IMRT fields were acquired. Each field was corrected with a conventional FF and compared with a BSC-free FF. Figure I shows the magnitude of the BSC from each arm in the inplane for a 6 x beam. Square fields above 16 x l6 cm (R-arm) and lO x 10 cm (E-arm) benefited from a conventional FF as it tended to cancel out the BSC in the acquired square field. The opposite was observed for smaller field sizes. A gamma analysis of the IMRT fields showed a FF correction containing a BSC reduces the effect of the arm in the final image. IMRT EPID images using conventional FFs have been shown to be less affected by backscatter from the robotic arm compared to BSC-free flood fields. (author)

  2. Radiation 2006. In association with the Polymer Division, Royal Australian Chemical Institute. Incorporating the 21st AINSE Radiation Chemistry Conference and the 18th Radiation Biology Conference, conference handbook

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ghorbani, A.; Bruce, D.; Tiver, F.; Brien, C.

    2006-01-01

    Full text: In Australia there have been reported more than 200 species of Biological Soil Crusts (BSC) including: cyanobacteria, mosses and lichens. Working at the species level of BSC poses particular difficulties for different aspects of environmental management because of the problems caused by in taxonomy, small size, lack of experts for identification and the intermixing of taxa. From the 1970s BSC classification based on the morphology has been utilised for ecological studies. This study explores the possibility of spectral classification of BSC components for ecological studies and considers the use of hyperspectral remote sensing techniques. Although, in some locations the percentage cover of BSC exceeds 70% of land cover, many previous remote sensing studies of land cover have either neglected BSC, or considered it as one group. In this study visible and near-infrared (350-1100 nm) reflectance spectra of BSC were collected with a UniSpec PPSystem spectrometer in the laboratory under a 1000 W Halogen lamp. Biological components varied in chlorophyll, physiological status, colour and other pigment contents. The measured spectra demonstrate considerable variation both within and between species. Factors contributing to spectral variation were identified by principal components analysis. Functional, taxonomic and morphological groups of BSC species were classified using discriminant analysis of the narrow-bands (3.3 nm) spectra. Both principal components and discriminant analysis showed promising results for grouping BSC variation and finally 9 groups from 21 field groups (33 species) were classified

  3. Atrial Fibrillation and Coronary Artery Disease as Risk Factors of Retinal Artery Occlusion: A Nationwide Population-Based Study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ju-Chuan Yen

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available We use Taiwanese national health insurance research database (NHIRD to investigate whether thrombolism (carotid artery disease (CAD as a surrogate or embolism (atrial fibrillation (AF as a surrogate plays roles in later retinal artery occlusion (RAO development and examine their relative weights. The relative risks of RAO between AF and CAD patients and controls were compared by estimating the crude hazard ratio with logistic regression. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to calculate the cumulative incidence rates of developing RAO, and a log-rank test was used to analyze the differences between the survival curves. Separate Cox proportional hazard regressions were done to compute the RAO-free rate after adjusting for possible confounding factors such as age and sex. The crude hazard ratios were 7.98 for the AF group and 5.27 for the CAD group, and the adjusted hazard ratios were 8.32 and 5.34 for the AF and CAD groups, respectively. The observation time with RAO-free was shorter for AF compared with CAD group (1490 versus 1819 days. AF and CAD were both risk factors for RAO with different hazard ratios. To tackle both AF and CAD is crucial for curbing RAO.

  4. Meeting the challenge in performance management: the diffusion and implementation of the balanced scorecard in Chinese hospitals.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gao, Tian; Gurd, Bruce

    2015-03-01

    The bonus system used in Chinese hospitals has been criticized for eroding doctors' professional ethics and aggravating patient expense. This research article focuses on one system to improve hospital performance, the balanced scorecard (BSC). We use three data sources to examine the diffusion and implementation of the BSC in China: a questionnaire survey in Shandong Province, a print-media indicators and content analysis of the published BSC papers and semi-structured interviews with managers of Chinese hospitals that use the BSC. The research evidence shows that bonus systems are important, partially because of the poor pay of hospital professionals, and the BSC is perceived as providing a fair system to award such bonuses. This helps explain the relative endurance of the BSC in Chinese hospitals. Published by Oxford University Press in association with The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine © The Author 2014; all rights reserved.

  5. Recovery of biological soil crust richness and cover 12–16 years after wildfires in Idaho, USA

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    H. T. Root

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available Changing fire regimes in western North America may impact biological soil crust (BSC communities that influence many ecosystem functions, such as soil stability and C and N cycling. However, longer-term effects of wildfire on BSC abundance, species richness, functional groups, and ecosystem functions after wildfire (i.e., BSC resilience are still poorly understood. We sampled BSC lichen and bryophyte communities at four sites in Idaho, USA, within foothill steppe communities that included wildfires from 12 to 16 years old. We established six plots outside each burn perimeter and compared them with six plots of varying severity within each fire perimeter at each site. BSC cover was most strongly negatively impacted by wildfire at sites that had well-developed BSC communities in adjacent unburned plots. BSC species richness was estimated to be 65 % greater in unburned plots compared with burned plots, and fire effects did not vary among sites. In contrast, there was no evidence that vascular plant functional groups or fire severity (as measured by satellite metrics differenced normalized burn ratio (dNBR or relativized differenced normalized burn ratio (RdNBR significantly affected longer-term BSC responses. Three large-statured BSC functional groups that may be important in controlling wind and water erosion (squamulose lichens, vagrant lichens, and tall turf mosses exhibited a significant decrease in abundance in burned areas relative to adjacent unburned areas. The decreases in BSC cover and richness along with decreased abundance of several functional groups suggest that wildfire can negatively impact ecosystem function in these semiarid ecosystems for at least 1 to 2 decades. This is a concern given that increased fire frequency is predicted for the region due to exotic grass invasion and climate change.

  6. Recovery of biological soil crust richness and cover 12-16 years after wildfires in Idaho, USA

    Science.gov (United States)

    Root, Heather T.; Brinda, John C.; Dodson, E. Kyle

    2017-09-01

    Changing fire regimes in western North America may impact biological soil crust (BSC) communities that influence many ecosystem functions, such as soil stability and C and N cycling. However, longer-term effects of wildfire on BSC abundance, species richness, functional groups, and ecosystem functions after wildfire (i.e., BSC resilience) are still poorly understood. We sampled BSC lichen and bryophyte communities at four sites in Idaho, USA, within foothill steppe communities that included wildfires from 12 to 16 years old. We established six plots outside each burn perimeter and compared them with six plots of varying severity within each fire perimeter at each site. BSC cover was most strongly negatively impacted by wildfire at sites that had well-developed BSC communities in adjacent unburned plots. BSC species richness was estimated to be 65 % greater in unburned plots compared with burned plots, and fire effects did not vary among sites. In contrast, there was no evidence that vascular plant functional groups or fire severity (as measured by satellite metrics differenced normalized burn ratio (dNBR) or relativized differenced normalized burn ratio (RdNBR)) significantly affected longer-term BSC responses. Three large-statured BSC functional groups that may be important in controlling wind and water erosion (squamulose lichens, vagrant lichens, and tall turf mosses) exhibited a significant decrease in abundance in burned areas relative to adjacent unburned areas. The decreases in BSC cover and richness along with decreased abundance of several functional groups suggest that wildfire can negatively impact ecosystem function in these semiarid ecosystems for at least 1 to 2 decades. This is a concern given that increased fire frequency is predicted for the region due to exotic grass invasion and climate change.

  7. Applications of the balanced scorecard for strategic management and performance measurement in the health sector.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Behrouzi, Farshad; Shaharoun, Awaluddin Mohamed; Ma'aram, Azanizawati

    2014-05-01

    In order to attain a useful balanced scorecard (BSC), appropriate performance perspectives and indicators are crucial to reflect all strategies of the organisation. The objectives of this survey were to give an insight regarding the situation of the BSC in the health sector over the past decade, and to afford a generic approach of the BSC development for health settings with specific focus on performance perspectives, performance indicators and BSC generation. After an extensive search based on publication date and research content, 29 articles published since 2002 were identified, categorised and analysed. Four critical attributes of each article were analysed, including BSC generation, performance perspectives, performance indicators and auxiliary tools. The results showed that 'internal business process' was the most notable BSC perspective as it was included in all reviewed articles. After investigating the literature, it was concluded that its comprehensiveness is the reason for the importance and high usage of this perspective. The findings showed that 12 cases out of 29 reviewed articles (41%) exceeded the maximum number of key performance indicators (KPI) suggested in a previous study. It was found that all 12 cases were large organisations with numerous departments (e.g. national health organisations). Such organisations require numerous KPI to cover all of their strategic objectives. It was recommended to utilise the cascaded BSC within such organisations to avoid complexity and difficulty in gathering, analysing and interpreting performance data. Meanwhile it requires more medical staff to contribute in BSC development, which will result in greater reliability of the BSC.

  8. Development and implementation of a balanced scorecard in an academic hospitalist group.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hwa, Michael; Sharpe, Bradley A; Wachter, Robert M

    2013-03-01

    Academic hospitalist groups (AHGs) are often expected to excel in multiple domains: quality improvement, patient safety, education, research, administration, and clinical care. To be successful, AHGs must develop strategies to balance their energies, resources, and performance. The balanced scorecard (BSC) is a strategic management system that enables organizations to translate their mission and vision into specific objectives and metrics across multiple domains. To date, no hospitalist group has reported on BSC implementation. We set out to develop a BSC as part of a strategic planning initiative. Based on a needs assessment of the University of California, San Francisco, Division of Hospital Medicine, mission and vision statements were developed. We engaged representative faculty to develop strategic objectives and determine performance metrics across 4 BSC perspectives. There were 41 metrics identified, and 16 were chosen for the initial BSC. It allowed us to achieve several goals: 1) present a broad view of performance, 2) create transparency and accountability, 3) communicate goals and engage faculty, and 4) ensure we use data to guide strategic decisions. Several lessons were learned, including the need to build faculty consensus, establish metrics with reliable measureable data, and the power of the BSC to drive goals across the division. We successfully developed and implemented a BSC in an AHG as part of a strategic planning initiative. The BSC has been instrumental in allowing us to achieve balanced success in multiple domains. Academic groups should consider employing the BSC as it allows for a data-driven strategic planning and assessment process. Copyright © 2013 Society of Hospital Medicine.

  9. Sediment texture, distribution and transport on the Ayeyarwady continental shelf, Andaman Sea

    Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

    Rao, P.S.; Ramaswamy, V.; Thwin, S.

    . Kluwer Academic Publishers, The Nether- lands, pp. 63–85. Milliman, J.D., Meade, R.H., 1983. World-wide delivery of river sediment to the oceans. J. Geol. 91, 1–21. Ramaswamy, V., Rao, P.S., Rao, K.H., Swe Thwin, Srinivasa Rao, N., Raiker, V., 2004. Tidal...

  10. Habitat stress initiates changes in composition, CO2 gas exchange and C-allocation as life traits in biological soil crusts.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Colesie, Claudia; Green, T G Allan; Haferkamp, Ilka; Büdel, Burkhard

    2014-10-01

    Biological soil crusts (BSC) are the dominant functional vegetation unit in some of the harshest habitats in the world. We assessed BSC response to stress through changes in biotic composition, CO2 gas exchange and carbon allocation in three lichen-dominated BSC from habitats with different stress levels, two more extreme sites in Antarctica and one moderate site in Germany. Maximal net photosynthesis (NP) was identical, whereas the water content to achieve maximal NP was substantially lower in the Antarctic sites, this apparently being achieved by changes in biomass allocation. Optimal NP temperatures reflected local climate. The Antarctic BSC allocated fixed carbon (tracked using (14)CO2) mostly to the alcohol soluble pool (low-molecular weight sugars, sugar alcohols), which has an important role in desiccation and freezing resistance and antioxidant protection. In contrast, BSC at the moderate site showed greater carbon allocation into the polysaccharide pool, indicating a tendency towards growth. The results indicate that the BSC of the more stressed Antarctic sites emphasise survival rather than growth. Changes in BSC are adaptive and at multiple levels and we identify benefits and risks attached to changing life traits, as well as describing the ecophysiological mechanisms that underlie them.

  11. Journal of Earth System Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Journal of Earth System Science. V V S Gurunadha Rao. Articles written in Journal of Earth System Science. Volume 122 Issue 3 June 2013 pp 855-867. Hydrogeochemistry and groundwater quality assessment of Ranipet industrial area, Tamil Nadu, India · G Tamma Rao V V S Gurunadha Rao K ...

  12. Developing a balanced scorecard with System Dynamics

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Akkermans, H.A.; Oorschot, van K.E.

    2002-01-01

    The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a popular concept for performance measurement, because it focuses attention of management on just a few measures and bridges different functional areas (both financial and non-financial measures are included in the BSC). But, the BSC has also received some criticism.

  13. Strategi Mengatasi Common Measures Bias dalam Balanced Scorecard

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sekar Akrom Faradiza

    2016-06-01

    Balanced Scorecard (BSC is a comprehensive performance measurement. BSC is not only used financial indicators but also non financial indicators there are customer, internal process business and learning and growth perspective. By using BSC, evaluators have common and unique measures. When evaluate manager performance, evaluator tends to only use common measures and ignore unique measures. This is called common measures bias. This study aims to investigate whether dissaggregated and aggregated BSC and management communication can overcome common measures bias and intent to BSC approach. This study also will evaluate whether these approach will affect evaluator decision when allocated compensation. We conduct 2x2x2 experiment of undergraduate accounting students. Participant act as a senior manager and evaluate the performance of two divisions and then allocated the bonus. ANOVA repeated measurement are used to conduct hypothesis test. The results showed that dissaggregated BSC and management communication could not overcome common measures bias but effected  management decision when allocated compensation.

  14. Jevgenij V. Doc: We do not want to build a monument at Mochovce

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Janoska, J.

    2004-01-01

    In this paper the interview with the General Manager of Inter RAO JES - Jevgenij V. Doc is published. Inter RAO JES applies for the privatisation of Slovenske elektrarne (Slovak Electric - SE). According to the General Manager of Inter RAO JES, the company does not need a foreign partner to provide financial support after the privatisation of SE, but rather it requires a political support. Plans about Bohunice NPP and of completion of the Mochovce NPP as well as of privatisation of the SE by the Inter RAO JES are presented

  15. CZCSL3BSC

    Data.gov (United States)

    National Aeronautics and Space Administration — The Coastal Zone Color Scanner Experiment (CZCS) was the first instrument devoted to the measurement of ocean color and flown on a spacecraft. Although other...

  16. A dynamic balanced scorecard for identification internal process factor

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Javad sofiyabadi

    2012-08-01

    Full Text Available We present a dynamic balanced score card (BSC to investigate the strategic internal process management factors. The proposed dynamic BSC emphasizes on internal processes aspect, and using VIKOR and Shannon Entropy, determinants the internal processes, process management and improvement and all important factors are ranked. The current study first introduces dynamic BSC and examines effective factors on the process. The proposed model focuses on internal processes perspective of BSC and determines importance degree of each factor is used using VIKOR decision-making techniques.

  17. Cognitive impairment in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders: A comparison of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III and the Wechsler Memory Scale Revised with the Rao Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Fujimori, Juichi; Nakashima, Ichiro; Baba, Toru; Meguro, Yuko; Ogawa, Ryo; Fujihara, Kazuo

    2017-12-01

    Approximately 55% of patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) show cognitive impairment as evaluated using the Rao Brief Repeatable Neuropsychological Battery (BRBN), but this frequency appears to be higher than the frequency of specific brain lesions in NMOSD. We studied whether cognitive impairment could be observed in NMOSD patients with no or minor non-specific brain lesions. We evaluated cognitive function in 12 NMOSD and 14 MS patients using the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-III (WAIS-III), the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WMS-R), and the BRBN. We judged as cognitively impaired patients whose scores were below the average by 2 standard deviations or greater in 2 or more cognitive domains. Cognitive impairment was observed in 5 MS patients (35.7%) and in the only NMOSD patient (8.3%) with symptomatic brain lesions, but not in the other NMOSD patients who had no or minor non-specific brain lesions. Meanwhile, 5 NMOSD (41.7%) and 4 MS (28.6%) patients who had normal cognition according to the WAIS-III and WMS-R were assessed as cognitively impaired by the BRBN (which is not standardized for age). Cognitive function in NMOSD patients with no or mild non-specific brain lesions was preserved according to the WAIS-III and WMS-R.

  18. Chlamydophila spp. infection in horses with recurrent airway obstruction: similarities to human chronic obstructive disease

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Hotzel Helmut

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO in horses is a naturally occurring dust-induced disease mainly characterized by bronchiolitis which shows histological and pathophysiological similarities to human chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD. In human COPD previous investigations indicated an association with Chlamydophila psittaci infection. The present study was designed (1 to clarify a possible role of this infectious agent in RAO and (2 to investigate the suitability of this equine disorder as a model for human COPD. Methods Clinico-pathological parameters of a total of 45 horses (25 horses with clinical signs of RAO and 20 clinically healthy controls were compared to histological findings in lung tissue samples and infection by Chlamydiaceae using light microscopy, immunohistochemistry, and PCR. Results Horses with clinical signs of RAO vs. controls revealed more inflammatory changes in histology (p = 0.01, and a higher detection rate of Chlamydia psittaci antigens in all cells (p OmpA sequencing identified Chlamydophila psittaci (n = 9 and Chlamydophila abortus (n = 13 in both groups with no significant differences. Within the group of clinically healthy horses subgroups with no changes (n = 15 and slight inflammation of the small airways (n = 5 were identified. Also in the group of animals with RAO subgroups with slight (n = 16 and severe (n = 9 bronchiolitis could be formed. These four subgroups can be separated in parts by the number of cells positive for Chlamydia psittaci antigens. Conclusion Chlamydophila psittaci or abortus were present in the lung of both clinically healthy horses and those with RAO. Immunohistochemistry revealed acute chlamydial infections with inflammation in RAO horses, whereas in clinically healthy animals mostly persistent chlamydial infection and no inflammatory reactions were seen. Stable dust as the known fundamental abiotic factor in RAO is comparable to smoking in human disease. These

  19. Alignment of University Information Technology Resources with the Malcolm Baldrige Results Criteria for Performance Excellence in Education: A Balanced Scorecard Approach

    Science.gov (United States)

    Beard, Deborah F.; Humphrey, Roberta L.

    2014-01-01

    The authors suggest using a balanced scorecard (BSC) approach to evaluate information technology (IT) resources in higher education institutions. The BSC approach illustrated is based on the performance criteria of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in Education. This article suggests areas of potential impact of IT on BSC measures in…

  20. Software de balanced scorecard: proposta de um roteiro de implantação Balanced scorecard software: proposal of a guideline implementation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Oswaldo Keiji Hikage

    2006-04-01

    Full Text Available Em 1992, o conceito de Balanced Scorecard (BSC foi apresentado por Robert Kaplan e David Norton e em razão de sua disseminação muitas empresas que o adotaram e passaram por processos de fusões e aquisições tiveram suas informações aumentadas consideravelmente em seus bancos de dados. Esta série de informações e a necessidade de gerenciar com eficiência os indicadores estratégicos, de disponibilizar rapidamente relatórios gerenciais, analisar e simular cenários levaram as empresas a buscar um sistema automatizado. Dessa forma, algumas preocupações passaram a ter importância: como selecionar um software de BSC? Como implantar um software de BSC? Além das dificuldades inerentes à aquisição de qualquer software, a situação especificamente tratada neste artigo apresenta algumas peculiaridades, diante da intensa interação entre a sistemática do BSC e os softwares que o suportam. Este artigo, por meio de um estudo de caso realizado em uma empresa do setor de telecomunicações, enfoca a implantação de um software de BSC, visando ao desenvolvimento de um roteiro que possa sistematizar o processo.Since 1992, when Robert Kaplan and David Norton developed the concepts of Balanced Scorecard (BSC, many companies that adopted these concepts and survived in a higher competitive environment charicterized of high number of mergers, purchases and shutdowns increased the volume of information in their database. So, in consequence of the adoption of BSC, there is the needed for implementing a computerized control system, due to the work with the BSC and the management of a great volume of information. In this context, when the companies decide to implement a BSC software, they faced two problems: how to choose the BSC software? How to implement the selected software? This study proposes to develop a guideline for the BSC software introduction based on a case study in a telecommunication company and the experience from the practice on

  1. Techniques and evaluation from a cross-platform imaging comparison of quantitative ultrasound parameters in an in vivo rodent fibroadenoma model.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wirtzfeld, Lauren A; Nam, Kibo; Labyed, Yassin; Ghoshal, Goutam; Haak, Alexander; Sen-Gupta, Ellora; He, Zhi; Hirtz, Nathaniel R; Miller, Rita J; Sarwate, Sandhya; Simpson, Douglas G; Zagzebski, James A; Bigelow, Timothy A; Oelze, Michael; Hall, Timothy J; O'Brien, William D

    2013-07-01

    This contribution demonstrates that quantitative ultrasound (QUS) capabilities are platform independent, using an in vivo model. Frequency-dependent attenuation estimates, backscatter coefficient, and effective scatterer diameter estimates are shown to be comparable across four different ultrasound imaging systems with varied processing techniques. The backscatter coefficient (BSC) is a fundamental material property from which several QUS parameters are estimated; therefore, consistent BSC estimates among different systems must be demonstrated. This study is an intercomparison of BSC estimates acquired by three research groups (UIUC, UW, ISU) from four in vivo spontaneous rat mammary fibroadenomas using three clinical array systems and a single-element laboratory scanner system. Because of their highly variable backscatter properties, fibroadenomas provided an extreme test case for BSC analysis, and the comparison is across systems for each tumor, not across the highly heterogeneous tumors. RF echo data spanning the 1 to 12 MHz frequency range were acquired in three dimensions from all animals using each system. Each research group processed their RF data independently, and the resulting attenuation, BSC, and effective scatterer diameter (ESD) estimates were compared. The attenuation estimates across all systems showed the same trends and consistently fit the power-law dependence on frequency. BSCs varied among the multiple slices of data acquired by each transducer, with variations between transducers being of a similar magnitude as those from slice to slice. Variation between BSC estimates was assessed via functional signal-to-noise ratios derived from backscatter data. These functional signal-to-noise ratios indicated that BSC versus frequency variations between systems ranged from negligible compared with the noise level to roughly twice the noise level. The corresponding functional analysis of variance (fANOVA) indicated statistically significant differences

  2. Publisher Correction

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Bonàs-Guarch, Sílvia; Guindo-Martínez, Marta; Miguel-Escalada, Irene

    2018-01-01

    In the originally published version of this Article, the affiliation details for Santi González, Jian'an Luan and Claudia Langenberg were inadvertently omitted. Santi González should have been affiliated with 'Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Joint BSC-CRG-IRB Research Program in Computatio......In the originally published version of this Article, the affiliation details for Santi González, Jian'an Luan and Claudia Langenberg were inadvertently omitted. Santi González should have been affiliated with 'Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Joint BSC-CRG-IRB Research Program...

  3. Fulltext PDF

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    IAS Admin

    91, 1945 and the author is C R Rao, or, in full, Calyampudi Radhakrishna Rao, writing from the 'Statistical. Laboratory, Calcutta', which is now the Indian Statistical Institute, Kolkata. To get a feel for the issues that Rao's paper addresses, let us look at two very simple examples. The fraction of all the voters who favour a given ...

  4. Bulletin of Materials Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Bulletin of Materials Science; Volume 37; Issue 4. Structural, spectroscopic and electrochemical study of V5+ substituted LiTi2(PO4)3 solid electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries. A Venkateswara Rao V Veeraiah A V Prasada Rao B Kishore Babu B Swarna Latha K Rama Rao. Volume 37 Issue 4 June 2014 pp ...

  5. Impaired Cell Cycle Regulation in a Natural Equine Model of Asthma.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Alicja Pacholewska

    Full Text Available Recurrent airway obstruction (RAO is a common and potentially debilitating lower airway disease in horses, which shares many similarities with human asthma. In susceptible horses RAO exacerbation is caused by environmental allergens and irritants present in hay dust. The objective of this study was the identification of genes and pathways involved in the pathology of RAO by global transcriptome analyses in stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs. We performed RNA-seq on PBMCs derived from 40 RAO affected and 45 control horses belonging to three cohorts of Warmblood horses: two half-sib families and one group of unrelated horses. PBMCs were stimulated with hay dust extract, lipopolysaccharides, a recombinant parasite antigen, or left unstimulated. The total dataset consisted of 561 individual samples. We detected significant differences in the expression profiles between RAO and control horses. Differential expression (DE was most marked upon stimulation with hay dust extract. An important novel finding was a strong upregulation of CXCL13 together with many genes involved in cell cycle regulation in stimulated samples from RAO affected horses, in addition to changes in the expression of several HIF-1 transcription factor target genes. The RAO condition alters systemic changes observed as differential expression profiles of PBMCs. Those changes also depended on the cohort and stimulation of the samples and were dominated by genes involved in immune cell trafficking, development, and cell cycle regulation. Our findings indicate an important role of CXCL13, likely macrophage or Th17 derived, and the cell cycle regulator CDC20 in the immune response in RAO.

  6. Biological soil crusts exhibit a dynamic response to seasonal rain and release from grazing with implications for soil stability

    Science.gov (United States)

    Jimenez, Aguilar A.; Huber-Sannwald, E.; Belnap, J.; Smart, D.R.; Arredondo, Moreno J.T.

    2009-01-01

    In Northern Mexico, long-term grazing has substantially degraded semiarid landscapes. In semiarid systems, ecological and hydrological processes are strongly coupled by patchy plant distribution and biological soil crust (BSC) cover in plant-free interspaces. In this study, we asked: 1) how responsive are BSC cover/composition to a drying/wetting cycle and two-year grazing removal, and 2) what are the implications for soil erosion? We characterized BSC morphotypes and their influence on soil stability under grazed/non-grazed conditions during a dry and wet season. Light- and dark-colored cyanobacteria were dominant at the plant tussock and community level. Cover changes in these two groups differed after a rainy season and in response to grazing removal. Lichens with continuous thalli were more vulnerable to grazing than those with semi-continuous/discontinuous thalli after the dry season. Microsites around tussocks facilitated BSC colonization compared to interspaces. Lichen and cyanobacteria morphotypes differentially enhanced resistance to soil erosion; consequently, surface soil stability depends on the spatial distribution of BSC morphotypes, suggesting soil stability may be as dynamic as changes in the type of BSC cover. Longer-term spatially detailed studies are necessary to elicit spatiotemporal dynamics of BSC communities and their functional role in biotically and abiotically variable environments. ?? 2009 Elsevier Ltd.

  7. [Balanced scorecard for performance measurement of a nursing organization in a Korean hospital].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hong, Yoonmi; Hwang, Kyung Ja; Kim, Mi Ja; Park, Chang Gi

    2008-02-01

    The purpose of this study was to develop a balanced scorecard (BSC) for performance measurement of a Korean hospital nursing organization and to evaluate the validity and reliability of performance measurement indicators. Two hundred fifty-nine nurses in a Korean hospital participated in a survey questionnaire that included 29-item performance evaluation indicators developed by investigators of this study based on the Kaplan and Norton's BSC (1992). Cronbach's alpha was used to test the reliability of the BSC. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis with a structure equation model (SEM) was applied to assess the construct validity of the BSC. Cronbach's alpha of 29 items was .948. Factor analysis of the BSC showed 5 principal components (eigen value >1.0) which explained 62.7% of the total variance, and it included a new one, community service. The SEM analysis results showed that 5 components were significant for the hospital BSC tool. High degree of reliability and validity of this BSC suggests that it may be used for performance measurements of a Korean hospital nursing organization. Future studies may consider including a balanced number of nurse managers and staff nurses in the study. Further data analysis on the relationships among factors is recommended.

  8. Strategic planning and performance measurement using balanced scorecard: A case study of Iran Kaolin and Barite company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    A. Danaei

    2013-06-01

    Full Text Available This paper presents an empirical investigation to measure the performance of a mining firm in province of Semnan, Iran based on balanced scorecard (BSC. The proposed study investigates the present status of the case study in terms of four BSC perspectives including internal process, learning and growth, customer and financial figures. The firm uses BSC for one year and after that, we compared the performance of the firm prior and after BSC implementation. The preliminary results indicate that the firm was able to make a 30% improvement on its performance after one-year implementation of BSC. In other words, the firm was able to make 59% improvement on learning and growth, 33% growth on internal process, 32% growth on customer and 21% improvement on financial figures.

  9. Success factors for implementation of the balanced scorecard in a NHS multi-agency setting.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Radnor, Zoe; Lovell, Bill

    2003-01-01

    Even though the balanced scorecard (BSC) has become a highly popular performance management tool, usage in local public sector National Health Service (NHS) organisations is still rare. This paper conditionally outlines some grounds in supporting such usage. In particular underlying conceptual concerns with the BSC system and its implementation pitfalls require full consideration. This paper then outlines some factors to be taken into account for "successful" BSC implementation in a NHS multi-agency setting. These findings emerged from a series of focus groups that took place with contributors drawn from all the key organisations within the Bradford Health Action Zone. Finally, this paper argues that if key criteria are met, successful implementation of the BSC may then proceed. However, "blind" BSC implementation without consideration of these factors may result in potential "failure".

  10. A Study on the Use of the Balanced Scorecard for Strategy Implementation in a Large Brazilian Mixed Economy Company

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Ricardo Vinícius Dias Jordão

    2013-09-01

    Full Text Available The research described in this paper has analyzed the use of the balanced scorecard (BSC as part of a management control system for implementing strategies in a large mixed economy company. The shareholder structure of the company combines traditional shareholder interests with those of the government. Based on a case study in Brazil, the research innovates on analyzing BSC use and contributions to translate a company’s strategy (which requires bringing together different views into objectives and goals aligned to the four BSC perspectives: financial, learning and growth, improvement of internal processes and customer. The results point out that: (1 BSC, when used as part of a MCS, provides effective improvement of the strategy implementation process and its diffusion across the different organizational levels; (2 in the company under analysis, the performance evaluation integrated qualitative, financial and productive dimensions; (3 BSC appeared as an important tool in strategy conception and implementation; and (4 BSC enables to translate the company’s strategy into objectives and goals aligned to the financial, learning and growth, improvement of internal processes and customer perspectives.

  11. Establishment proper of the balanced scorecard indicators to support decision making in a university: a case study in Institut Teknologi Indonesia

    Science.gov (United States)

    Theresia, L.; Lahuddin, A. H.; Bangun, R.

    2017-12-01

    Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a powerful tool in decision making process. Nevertheless, it is not rare that the BSC does not give satisfactory results because the indicators chosen do not reflect the needs of the organization. Therefore, indicator establishment is very crucial in the utilization of BSC. This research aims to determine the indicators BSC for a university and the research is a case study in Institut Teknologi Indonesia (ITI). In this study, BSC structure and indicators, comparison made by 4 previous researchers was used as the initial guide to determine the structure and indicators of ITI. And then, questionnaires were distributed to selected respondents and a focus group discussion (FGD) was conducted in order to produce indicators of BSC based on the mental model of the ITI. It is found 15 indicators based on the mental model of ITI. Furthermore, the relationships between the indicators are seen as dynamic relationships, and by using system dynamics, some feedback loops that are considered critical to organizational success can be identified and isolated.

  12. Evidence of heterogeneity within bovine satellite cells isolated from young and adult animals.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, J; Gonzalez, J M; Walker, D K; Hersom, M J; Ealy, A D; Johnson, S E

    2011-06-01

    Satellite cells are a heterogeneous population of myogenic precursors responsible for muscle growth and repair in mammals. The objectives of the experiment were to examine the growth rates and degree of heterogeneity within bovine satellite cells (BSC) isolated from young and adult animals. The BSC were harvested from the semimembranosus of young (4.3 ± 0.5 d) and adult (estimated 24 to 27 mo) cattle and cultured en masse. Young animal BSC re-enter the cell cycle sooner and reach maximal 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation earlier (P animals after 3, 4, and 5 d in culture. These results indicate that BSC from young animals activate, proliferate, and differentiate sooner than isolates from adult animals. Lineage heterogeneity within BSC was examined using antibodies specific for Pax7 and Myf5, lineage markers of satellite cells, and myoblasts. Immunocytochemistry revealed the majority of Pax7-expressing BSC also express Myf5; a minor population (~5%) fails to exhibit Myf5 immunoreactivity. The percentage of Pax7:Myf5 BSC from young animals decreases sooner (P cell clones were established and analyzed after 10 d. Colonies segregated into 2 groups based upon population doubling time. Immunostaining of the slow-growing colonies (population doubling time ≥ 3 d) revealed that a portion exhibited asymmetric distribution of the lineage markers Pax7 and Myf5, similar to self-renewable mouse muscle stem cells. In summary, these results offer insight into the heterogeneity of BSC and provide evidence for subtle differences between rodent and bovine myogenic precursors.

  13. Hotel Section Management by Using Balanced Scorecard

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Anna Lysy

    2009-04-01

    Full Text Available The paper presents some problems in using Balanced Scorecard (BSC in a hotel section. Fundamental element, which marks out BSC conception, is consolidation around vision and strategy appointed by the hotel management. Well compiled strategy should join all the targets and indexes, which compose four perspectives in BSC. Hotel section is the main gaining centre in the hotel, because the service quality is the main target of management strategy. BSC is a tool, which should not only measure effectiveness, but also implement changes, as soon as possible, so that the effects and expected results will be quick achieved. Most of the companies, which have used this conception, have treated it as a basic management system that joins strategy and operational activity. Therefore it is necessary to improve, modernize and create new sub perspectives in compiled BSC.

  14. Balanced Scorecards As a Tool for Developing Patient-Centered Pharmacy Services

    Science.gov (United States)

    Enwere, Emmanuel N.; Keating, Ellen A.; Weber, Robert J.

    2014-01-01

    Having accurate data is essential for the pharmacy director to manage the department and develop patient-centered pharmacy services. A balanced scorecard (BSC) of essential department data, which is a broad view of a department’s function beyond its financial performance, is an important part of any department’s strategic plan. This column describes how the pharmacy director builds and promotes a department’s BSC. Specifically, this article reviews how the BSC supports the department’s mission and vision, describes the metrics of the BSC and how they are collected, and recommends how the pharmacy director can effectively use the scorecard results in promoting the pharmacy. If designed properly and updated consistently, a BSC can present a broad view of the pharmacy’s performance, serve as a guide for strategic decision making, and improve on the quality of its services. PMID:24958976

  15. KINERJA AKADEMIK PASCA SERTIFIKASI AUN-QA PADA PROGRAM STUDI DI INSTITUT PERTANIAN BOGOR

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Adelyna Adelyna

    2016-05-01

    Full Text Available The aims of the research are to evaluate the academic performance progress of the six study programs of IPB after the certification of AUN-QA. The research was a case study in six study programs that had been certified by AUN-QA until December 2014. This research was conducted with the objectives of defining the relevant indicators of BSC IPB and AUN-QA criteria, analyzing the criteria values of AUN-QA after the AUN-QA certification, analyzing the academic performance based on KPI BSC after the AUN-QA certification, and analyzing the problems in improving academic performance as the basis for the formulation of strategies for improving academic quality. The method used in this research was the balanced scorecard approach (BSC. The results showed that the certification of AUN-QA contains 15 relevant criteria and supports the achievement of BSC IPB. Key performance indicators (KPI BSC IPB supported by the AUN-QA criteria consist of 21 of the 33 indicators of BSC IPB, and 14 of them are relegated to the BSC department indicators. The AUN-QA criteria values on the study program have increased with the highest criterion value in student quality and the lowest one in support staff quality. The weak criteria required to be improved include support staff quality, student assessment, stakeholder feedback, and program specification.Keywords: AUN-QA certification, academic performance, balanced scorecard

  16. Germination, survival and growth of three vascular plants on biological soil crusts from a Mexican tropical desert.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Godínez-Alvarez, H; Morín, C; Rivera-Aguilar, V

    2012-01-01

    Information about the effects of biological soil crusts (BSC) on germination, seedling survival and growth of vascular plants is controversial because they can have positive, neutral or negative effects. This controversy may be because most studies conducted until now have just analysed one or two recruitment stages independently. To understand the BSC effects on vascular plants, it is necessary to consider each stage of the recruitment process and synthesise all this information. The goal of this study was twofold. First, we analyse germination, seedling survival and growth of three vascular plants (Agave marmorata, Prosopis laevigata and Neobuxbaumia tetetzo) on BSC (cyanobacteria and mixed crust) from a tropical desert region of south-central México. Second, we synthesise the information to determine the total effect of BSC on plant species performance. We conducted experiments under controlled conditions to evaluate the proportion of germinated seeds, proportion of surviving seedlings and seedling dry weight in BSC and bare soil. Results showed that BSC have different effects on germination, seedling survival and growth of plant species. Plant species performance was qualitatively higher on BSC than bare soil. The highest performance of A. marmorata and P. laevigata was observed on cyanobacteria and mixed crusts, respectively. The highest performance of N. tetetzo was on both crust types. © 2011 German Botanical Society and The Royal Botanical Society of the Netherlands.

  17. Estimating Net Photosynthesis of Biological Soil Crusts in the Atacama Using Hyperspectral Remote Sensing

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Lukas W. Lehnert

    2018-06-01

    Full Text Available Biological soil crusts (BSC encompassing green algae, cyanobacteria, lichens, bryophytes, heterotrophic bacteria and microfungi are keystone species in arid environments because of their role in nitrogen- and carbon-fixation, weathering and soil stabilization, all depending on the photosynthesis of the BSC. Despite their importance, little is known about the BSCs of the Atacama Desert, although especially crustose chlorolichens account for a large proportion of biomass in the arid coastal zone, where photosynthesis is mainly limited due to low water availability. Here, we present the first hyperspectral reflectance data for the most wide-spread BSC species of the southern Atacama Desert. Combining laboratory and field measurements, we establish transfer functions that allow us to estimate net photosynthesis rates for the most common BSC species. We found that spectral differences among species are high, and differences between the background soil and the BSC at inactive stages are low. Additionally, we found that the water absorption feature at 1420 nm is a more robust indicator for photosynthetic activity than the chlorophyll absorption bands. Therefore, we conclude that common vegetation indices must be taken with care to analyze the photosynthesis of BSC with multispectral data.

  18. The balanced scorecard logic in the management control and reporting of small business company networks: A case study

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Selena Aureli

    2018-06-01

    Full Text Available The purpose of this paper is to assess and integrate the application of the balance scorecard (BSC logic into business networks identifying functions and use that such performance measuring tool may undertake for SME’s collaborative development. Thus, the paper analyses a successful case study regarding an Italian network of small companies, evaluating how the multidimensional perspective of BSC can support strategic and operational network management as well as communication of financial and extra financial performance to stakeholders. The study consists of a qualitative method, proposing the application of BSC model for business networks from international literature. Several meetings and interviews as well as triangulation with primary and secondary documents have been conducted. The case study allows to recognize how BSC network logic can play a fundamental role on defining network mission, supporting management control as well as measuring and reporting the intangible assets formation along the network development lifecycle. This is the first time application of a BSC integrated framework for business networks composed of SMEs. The case study demonstrates operational value of BSC for SME’s collaborative development and success.

  19. A management approach that drives actions strategically: balanced scorecard in a mental health trust case study.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schmidt, Stefan; Bateman, Ian; Breinlinger-O'Reilly, Jochen; Smith, Peter

    2006-01-01

    Achieving excellence is a current preoccupation in U.K. public health organisations. This article aims to use a case study to explain how a mental health trust delivers excellent performance using a balanced scorecard (BSC) management approach. Reports a project to implement a BSC approach in the South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust to achieve its "excellence" objectives. The authors were participants in the project. The design of the pilot project was informed theoretically by the work of Kaplan and Norton and practically by in-house discussions on a strategy to achieve excellence. Explains the process of building a BSC strategy step-by-step. Discusses how the vision and strategies of a mental health trust can be translated into tangible measures, which are the basis for actions that are driven strategically. There are many possibilities for a BSC management approach and this case study is specific to mental health trusts in the UK, although it is believed that the case has a universally applicable modus operandi. This article will help healthcare managers to evaluate the benefits of a BSC management approach. This article explains how actions can be structured in connection with a BSC management approach.

  20. Motives, Diffusion and Utilization of the Balanced Scorecard in Denmark

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Steen; Sørensen, René

    2003-01-01

    The Balanced ScoreCard (BSC) has achieved great attention in Denmark by now but no large surveys exist concerning motives for implementing BSC in Denmark. A questionnaire survey of 53 respondents from Danish medium-sized and larger manufacturing companies showed that areas such as "working...... with strategy", "communication", "early warning", "character of measures", "focus" and "chain of cause-and-effect logic" are the most important aspects when a company considers the implementation of BSC. The main objective of a BSC is that the company can translate vision and strategy into operational terms...... - from management level and down to day-to-day level. Finally, they can focus on long-term potentials in the company and create better profitability in the long run. The level of knowledge ap-pears to be high, about 80%, whereas only 20% give high priority to BSC. Besides, we have tested significance...

  1. New species and new records of earthworms of the genus Drawida from Kerala part of the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot, India (Oligochaeta, Moniligastridae).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Narayanan, S Prasanth; Sathrumithra, S; Christopher, G; Julka, J M

    2017-01-01

    Two new species of Drawida Michaelsen, 1900, namely Drawida polydiverticulata Narayanan & Julka, sp. n. and Drawida thomasi Narayanan & Julka, sp. n. , are described from material collected from the Indian state of Kerala, which lies in the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Drawida elegans Rao, 1921, Drawida kanarensis Stephenson, 1917, Drawida modesta Rao, 1921, Drawida somavarpatana Rao, 1921, and Drawida thurstoni Gates, 1945 are recorded for the first time from the state.

  2. Developing and using a balanced scorecard: a case study with SWOT analysis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gumbus, Andra; Lussier, Robert N

    2003-01-01

    Have you tried to measure your laboratory's performance lately? Do you measure and assess financial results, customer satisfaction, internal process efficiency, and learning and growth? If any of these metrics are missing from your performance measurement system, you are not using the latest management tool that is sweeping the health-care industry--the balanced scorecard (BSC). This article begins with a discussion of the BSC and why you should use it in your laboratory, followed by SWOT analysis to assess the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) a BSC offers your laboratory. A laboratory case study is then presented to assist you in developing and using a BSC in your laboratory.

  3. Phase relations in the pseudobinary systems RAO3-R2Ti2O7 (R: rare earth element and Y, A: Fe, Ga, Al, Cr and Mn) and syntheses of new compounds R(A1-xTix)O3+x/2 (2/3≤x≤3/4) at elevated temperatures in air

    Science.gov (United States)

    Brown, Francisco; Jacobo-Herrera, Ivan; Alvarez-Montaño, Victor; Kimizuka, Noboru; Kurashina, Keiji; Michiue, Yuichi; Matsuo, Yoji; Mori, Shigeo; Ikeda, Naoshi; Medrano, Felipe

    2017-07-01

    Phase relations in the pseudo-binary systems RFeO3-R2Ti2O7 (R: Lu, Ho and Dy), RGaO3-R2Ti2O7 (R: Lu and Er), LuAlO3-Lu2Ti2O7 and RAO3-R2Ti2O7 (R: Lu and Yb. A: Cr and Mn) at elevated temperatures in air were determined by means of a classic quenching method. There exist Lu(Fe1-xTix)O3+x/2, R(Ga1-xTix)O3+x/2 (R: Lu and Er) and Lu(Al1-xTix)O3+x/2 (2/3≤ x≤3/4) having the Yb(Fe1-xTix)O3+x/2-type of crystal structure (x=0.72, space group: R3m, a(Å)=17.9773 and c(Å)=16.978 as a hexagonal setting) in these pseudo binary systems. Eighteen compounds R(A1-xTix)O3+x/2 (R: Lu-Sm and Y, A: Fe, Ga and Al) were newly synthesized and their lattice constants as a hexagonal setting were measured by means of the X-ray powder diffraction method. The R occupies the octahedral site and both A and Ti does the trigonalbipyramidal one in these compounds. Relation between lattice constants for the rhombic R(A1-xTix)O3+x/2 and the monoclinic In(A1-xTix)O3+x/2 are as follows, ah≈5 x bm, ch≈3 x cm x sin β and am=31/2 x bm, where ah and ch are the lattice constants as a hexagonal setting for R(A1-xTix)O3+x/2 and am, bm, cm and β are those of the monoclinic In(A1-xTix)O3+x/2. Crystal structural relationships among α-InGaO3 (hexagonal, high pressure form, space group: P63/mmc), InGaO3 (rhombic, hypothetical), (RAO3)n(BO)m and RAO3(ZnO)m (R: Lu-Ho, Y and In, A: Fe, Ga, and Al, B: divalent cation element, m, n: natural number), the orthorhombic-and monoclinic In(A1-xTix)O3+x/2 (A: Fe, Ga, Al, Cr and Mn) and the hexagonal-and rhombic R(A1-xTix)O3+x/2 (R: Lu-Sm and Y, A: Fe, Ga and Al) are schematically presented. We concluded that the crystal structures of both the α-InGaO3 (high pressure form, hexagonal, space group: P63/mmc) and the hypothetical InGaO3 (rhombic) are the key structures for constructing the crystal structures of these compounds having the cations with CN=5.

  4. A Network-Based Data Envelope Analysis Model in a Dynamic Balanced Score Card

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mojtaba Akbarian

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Performance assessment during the time and along with strategies is the most important requirements of top managers. To assess the performance, a balanced score card (BSC along with strategic goals and a data envelopment analysis (DEA are used as powerful qualitative and quantitative tools, respectively. By integrating these two models, their strengths are used and their weaknesses are removed. In this paper, an integrated framework of the BSC and DEA models is proposed for measuring the efficiency during the time and along with strategies based on the time delay of the lag key performance indicators (KPIs of the BSC model. The causal relationships during the time among perspectives of the BSC model are drawn as dynamic BSC at first. Then, after identifying the network-DEA structure, a new objective function for measuring the efficiency of nine subsidiary refineries of the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company (NIORDC during the time and along with strategies is developed.

  5. Serum concentrations of allergen-specific IgE in horses with equine recurrent airway obstruction and healthy controls assessed by ELISA.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Niedzwiedz, Artur; Jaworski, Zbigniew; Kubiak, Krzysztof

    2015-09-01

    Equine recurrent airway obstruction (RAO), also known as heaves, is one of the most common respiratory problems in older horses. When RAO-affected horses stay pastured or in a dust-free environment for a prolonged time, clinical signs as well as airway inflammation wane. A number of environmental, immunologic, infectious, and genetic factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of RAO, and the immunologic basis of this disease is still poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the concentrations of allergen-specific IgE in the serum of horses suffering from RAO and healthy controls. The study included a group of 14 adult Polish Konik horses, kept in a standardized environment, and divided into 2 groups: 7 horses which did not have any respiratory problems comprised the control group and 7 horses with a history of RAO constituted the study group. A clinical and laboratory evaluation, endoscopic examination, and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed in all horses. Sera of all horses were tested against allergens from 9 molds and 3 mites using the Heska Allercept assay. In the serologic tests, a statistically significant difference between both groups was found for specific IgE against mites, wherein Tyrophagus putrescentia correlated most clearly with RAO. There was no difference between groups for IgE specific against molds. On the basis of our observations and results, we conclude that RAO is associated with increased serum concentrations of specific serum IgE against mites, in particular T putrescentia. © 2015 American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology.

  6. Functional diversity through the mean trait dissimilarity: resolving shortcomings with existing paradigms and algorithms.

    Science.gov (United States)

    de Bello, Francesco; Carmona, Carlos P; Lepš, Jan; Szava-Kovats, Robert; Pärtel, Meelis

    2016-04-01

    While an increasing number of indices for estimating the functional trait diversity of biological communities are being proposed, there is a growing demand by ecologists to clarify their actual implications and simplify index selection. Several key indices relate to mean trait dissimilarity between species within biological communities. Among them, the most widely used include (a) the mean species pairwise dissimilarity (MPD) and (b) the Rao quadratic entropy (and related indices). These indices are often regarded as redundant and promote the unsubstantiated yet widely held view that Rao is a form of MPD. Worryingly, existing R functions also do not always simplify the use and differentiation of these indices. In this paper, we show various distinctions between these two indices that warrant mathematical and biological consideration. We start by showing an existing form of MPD that considers species abundances and is different from Rao both mathematically and conceptually. We then show that the mathematical relationship between MPD and Rao can be presented simply as Rao = MPD × Simpson, where the Simpson diversity index is defined as 1 - dominance. We further show that this relationship is maintained for both species abundances and presence/absence. This evidence dismantles the paradigm that the Rao diversity is an abundance-weighted form of MPD and indicates that both indices can differ substantially at low species diversities. We discuss the different interpretations of trait diversity patterns in biological communities provided by Rao and MPD and then provide a simple R function, called "melodic," which avoids the unintended results that arise from existing mainstream functions.

  7. Applying the Balanced Scorecard Strategic Evaluation Method to a University Athletic Department

    OpenAIRE

    THANOS KRIEMADIS, ANDREAS KOTSOVOS & PANAYIOTIS ALEXOPOULOS

    2008-01-01

    The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) has been extensively used in manufacturing organisations, service organisations, non-profit organisations, and governmental organizations with outstanding results (Kaplan and Norton, 2001b). Performance measures are at the core of the BSC system.However, financial measurement alone does not reflect the organisational mission of governmental and non-profit organisations; rather the mission of government or non-profitorganisation should be placed at top of the BSC i...

  8. Costo Efectividad del Tratamiento de Tumores Neuroendócrinos Pancreáticos Avanzados no Operables con Sunitinib en México.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Muciño Ortega, Emilio; Chi-Chan, Alfredo; Peniche-Otero, Gustavo; Gutiérrez-Colín, Consuelo I; Herrera-Rojas, Joaquín; Galindo-Suárez, Rosa María

    2012-12-01

    Sunitinib had showed a substantial clinical benefit in patients with non-resectable pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors (NET). The objective of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of sunitinib in the treatment of non-resectable pancreatic NET, from the perspective of the Social Security Mexican Institute (IMSS). A Markov model (2-week cycles) was used to estimate the health and economic consequences of sunitinib 37.5mg/day+best supportive care (BSC) regarding placebo+BSC (ten-years horizon, discount rate: 5%). Effectiveness measures were: overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and quality adjusted life years (QALY). Resource utilization (BSC, adverse events management, medical follow-up) was estimated through a survey with Mexican oncologists (n=10). Unit costs of medication and medical resources were obtained from institutional sources. Sensitivity analyses were performed and acceptability curves were constructed. Sunitinib+BSC gained 0.49 years (PFS), 1.18 years (OS) and 0.70 QALY against placebo+BSC. Sunitinib+BSC increased medical direct costs (2011 US$) per patient in $20,854, which was driven by acquisition costs of sunitinib and medical follow up before progression. ICER's were $42,157, $17,662 and $29,808 per progression-free year, life-year and QALY gained, respectively, which remained robust through±25% changes in main parameters. At willingness to pay higher than $40,000, $22,400 and $37,600 sunitinib+BSC becomes the most cost-effective alternative in regards to PFS, OS and QALYs, respectively. At IMSS, sunitinib+BSC would provide substantial clinical benefits to patients suffering unresectable pancreatic NET, although the latter would increase medical costs of treatment and clinical follow up. Copyright © 2012 International Society for Pharmacoeconomics and Outcomes Research (ISPOR). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  9. Dose apportionment for BARC facilities

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Preetha, J.; Sundar, D.; Munshi, S.K.; Pradeepkumar, K.S.

    2017-01-01

    One of the important responsibilities of BARC Safety Council (BSC) is to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to protect the members of the public and the environment from the undue effects of radioactive releases from the facilities regulated by BSC. It is with this aim in mind that a Standing Committee for Dose Apportionment (DAC) was constituted by BSC in 2005, to ensure that the limits are set by the regulatory body for release of low-level gaseous and liquid effluents into the environment from BARC facilities. There are three Committees for dose apportionment constituted by the Chairman, BSC, viz, DAC-TK for Tarapur and Kalpakkam facilities, DAC-TV for Trombay and DACSF for specific faculties

  10. Balanced scorecard applied to city’s management

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carolina Elena Leyton Pavez

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available Transparenting, improving and strengthening city management demands of updated tools to aid key aspects of decision making process in a city’s administration. This study presents a Balanced Scorecard (BSC for Chilean cities government. Cause-effect analysis was applied to draw up a Strategic Map to identify Kaplan and Norton’s BSC management indicators, which were adapted to Barros and Rodriguez’s perspectives on public sector management. It is possible to outstand that the BSC allows to improve strategy structure to achieve both a city’s mission and vision. Chilean municipalities will be able to improve transparency and management with the BSC designed under the new perspectives of the public sector.

  11. A novel binary shape context for 3D local surface description

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dong, Zhen; Yang, Bisheng; Liu, Yuan; Liang, Fuxun; Li, Bijun; Zang, Yufu

    2017-08-01

    3D local surface description is now at the core of many computer vision technologies, such as 3D object recognition, intelligent driving, and 3D model reconstruction. However, most of the existing 3D feature descriptors still suffer from low descriptiveness, weak robustness, and inefficiency in both time and memory. To overcome these challenges, this paper presents a robust and descriptive 3D Binary Shape Context (BSC) descriptor with high efficiency in both time and memory. First, a novel BSC descriptor is generated for 3D local surface description, and the performance of the BSC descriptor under different settings of its parameters is analyzed. Next, the descriptiveness, robustness, and efficiency in both time and memory of the BSC descriptor are evaluated and compared to those of several state-of-the-art 3D feature descriptors. Finally, the performance of the BSC descriptor for 3D object recognition is also evaluated on a number of popular benchmark datasets, and an urban-scene dataset is collected by a terrestrial laser scanner system. Comprehensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed BSC descriptor obtained high descriptiveness, strong robustness, and high efficiency in both time and memory and achieved high recognition rates of 94.8%, 94.1% and 82.1% on the considered UWA, Queen, and WHU datasets, respectively.

  12. Validation of cross-contamination control in biological safety cabinet for biotech/pharmaceutical manufacturing process.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hu, Shih-Cheng; Shiue, Angus; Tu, Jin-Xin; Liu, Han-Yang; Chiu, Rong-Ben

    2015-12-01

    For class II, type A2 biological safety cabinets (BSC), NSF/ANSI Standard 49 should be conformed in cabinet airflow velocity derivation, particle contamination, and aerodynamic flow properties. However, there exists a potential problem. It has been built that the cabinet air flow stabilize is influenced by the quantity of downflow of air and the height above the cabinet exhaust opening. Three air downflow quantities were compared as an operating apparatus was placed from 20 to 40 cm above the bench of the cabinet. The results show that the BSC air downflow velocity is a function of increased sampling height, displaying that containment is improvingly permitted over product protection as the sampling height decreases. This study investigated the concentration gradient of particles at various heights and downflow air quantity from the bench of the BSC. Experiment results indicate that performance near the bench was better than in the rest of the BSC. In terms of height, the best cleanliness was measured at a height of 10 cm over the bench; it reduced actually with add in height. The empirical curves accommodate, founded on the concentration gradient of particle created was elaborated for evaluating the particle concentration at different heights and downflow air quantity from the source of the bench of the BSC. The particle image velocimetry system applied for BSC airflow research to fix amount of airflow patterns and air distribution measurement and results of measurements show how obstructions can greatly influence the airflow and contaminant transportation in a BSC.

  13. Evolution of nuclear safety regulation for BARC Facilities

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jayarajan, K.; Taly, Y.K.

    2017-01-01

    Safety programmes in BARC stared during the formative years and grown its stature, as the years passed by. Seventeen years of BSC, with one hundred meetings, have been quite eventful with several achievements. BSC could bring all facilities of BARC under its safety umbrella and could streamline many safety and regulatory activities. BSC aims at incident free operation of all facilities and protection of the workers, the public, the environment from radiation and other hazards. Although, incidents could not be entirely prevented, BSC have taken every event as a lesson and used the experience for improving safety. Safety enhancement is an endless journey, which has to be performed by joining hands of the managers, designers, manufacturers, inspectors and operators, in addition to the regulators

  14. Global Carriers’ Governance and Business Scope

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Taylor Tae Hwee Lee

    2016-09-01

    Full Text Available Recent structural changes to the shipping industry triggered severe liquidity risks for not only small and medium-sized shipping lines but also global lines. Despite a severe downturn in the industry, a few lines have shown stable performance their finances. This study thus raises two research questions. Why do a few shipping lines maintain stable financial performance (FP? How much does the governance feature (GVF and the business scope (BSC influence FP? To answer these questions, this research uses regression analysis (RA to verify the relationships among the variables, GVF, BSC, and FP. The result of the RA showed a positive relationship between BSC and FP, but slight relationship between BSC and GVF and between knowledge and FP.

  15. Assessing The Role Of Integrated Learning In The BSc International Field Geosciences (IFG) Joint Degree Programme At University College Cork, the University of Montana and the University of Potsdam.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Meere, Patrick; Hendrix, Marc; Strecker, Manfred; Berger, Andreas

    2010-05-01

    The Department of Geology at University College Cork (UCC), Ireland, in conjunction with the Universities of Montana (UM) and Potsdam (UP) launched a new BSc in International Field Geosciences in Autumn 2008. In this program superb natural field geoscience laboratories available in Europe and the western United States are utilized as learning environments forming the basis for a ‘Joint' Bachelor of Science undergraduate degree. This programme focuses on the documentation, interpretation, and synthesis of critical geological issues in the field. It rests upon a backbone of existing modules that are the foundation of current geology programs at three partner institutions complemented by an emphasis on the development of field-based learning in an intercultural setting. The core curriculum is identical to that required for the existing BSc Geology at UCC except the third Year is spent abroad at UM while additional courses are taken at the UP at the start the fourth year. The mobility component of the programme is funded as part of a joint EU/US ATLANTIS project. The motivation for the new programme was primarily driven by the growing international demand for geoscientists with integrated field skills. Over the last two decades existing geoscience programmes in Europe and the US have tended to progressively reduce their field based learning components. One of the major reasons for this neglect is the increasing cost associated with physically transporting students into the field and maintaining a safe outdoor working environment. Heath and safety considerations in an increasingly litigious society have led to increasingly limited choices for suitable field areas in the last few decades. Lastly, recent technological advances such as GIS and various other forms of remote sensing have led to new ways of analyzing geospatial data that, while certainly useful, divert the attention of the Geoscience community away from collecting ‘ground truth' data and making direct

  16. The application of balanced scorecards in the performance measurement of a large communication corporation in China

    OpenAIRE

    Qiu, FC

    2015-01-01

    This thesis explores the application of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) as a means employee appraisal in Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs). In the earlier documents, it was found that BSCs were not successful. This thesis examines the reasons why the BSC has not worked as a method of appraising individual employees. Operational, capability and cultural systems are the three perspectives used to study the performance of the employee BSC. In addition, this thesis attempts to restructure a new...

  17. Evaluating the Fraser Health Balanced Scorecard--a formative evaluation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Barnardo, Catherine; Jivanni, Amin

    2009-01-01

    Fraser Health (FH), a large, Canadian, integrated health care network, adopted the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) approach to monitor organizational performance in 2006. This paper reports on the results of a formative evaluation, conducted in April, 2008, to assess the usefulness of the BSC as a performance-reporting system and a performance management tool. Results indicated that the BSC has proven to be useful for reporting performance but is not currently used for performance management in a substantial way.

  18. Calibrated Properties Model

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Ghezzehej, T.

    2004-01-01

    The purpose of this model report is to document the calibrated properties model that provides calibrated property sets for unsaturated zone (UZ) flow and transport process models (UZ models). The calibration of the property sets is performed through inverse modeling. This work followed, and was planned in, ''Technical Work Plan (TWP) for: Unsaturated Zone Flow Analysis and Model Report Integration'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169654], Sections 1.2.6 and 2.1.1.6). Direct inputs to this model report were derived from the following upstream analysis and model reports: ''Analysis of Hydrologic Properties Data'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170038]); ''Development of Numerical Grids for UZ Flow and Transport Modeling'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169855]); ''Simulation of Net Infiltration for Present-Day and Potential Future Climates'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170007]); ''Geologic Framework Model'' (GFM2000) (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170029]). Additionally, this model report incorporates errata of the previous version and closure of the Key Technical Issue agreement TSPAI 3.26 (Section 6.2.2 and Appendix B), and it is revised for improved transparency

  19. The Balanced Scorecard in Portuguese Private Organizations: A Descriptive Analysis

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Patrícia Rodrigues Quesado

    2012-06-01

    Full Text Available The understanding that the existing models applied to business performance evaluation were obsolete and could induce companies to taking erroneous decisions led to the development of information and management control systems that reflect the evolution of the non-financial or qualitative key success factors, such as the Balanced Scorecard (BSC. Nowadays, the BSC is one of the most popular management accounting tools. However, reports of high rates of failure require a more close analysis at the challenges and key issues with which various private organizations were confronted in its implementation. Consequently, even after more than two decades after the creation of the model, and despite the introduction of some improvements, investment in BSC projects within the corporate and academic environments can still be confirmed. Thus, in order to find out if Portuguese organizations know and implement the BSC, we sent a questionnaire to 549 private organizations, obtaining a response rate of 28.2%. The results suggest that although the majority of respondents know the BSC, its implementation in these organizations is limited and very recent.

  20. Browse Author Index

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Items 51 - 100 of 141 ... A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z All. R. Ramírez-León, A · Ramin, M · Ramirez-Mares, Marco Vinicio · Ramlagan, S · Ramzi, M · Ran, Afou · Rana, M · Rankoana, Sejabaledi Agnes · Rao, K · Rao, Nadendla Rama · Rao, USM · Ras, Sari Abu · Rashid, AZM Manzoor · Raval, SK

  1. Microbial Community and Biochemical Dynamics of Biological Soil Crusts across a Gradient of Surface Coverage in the Central Mojave Desert

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rakesh Mogul

    2017-10-01

    Full Text Available In this study, we expand upon the biogeography of biological soil crusts (BSCs and provide molecular insights into the microbial community and biochemical dynamics along the vertical BSC column structure, and across a transect of increasing BSC surface coverage in the central Mojave Desert, CA, United States. Next generation sequencing reveals a bacterial community profile that is distinct among BSCs in the southwestern United States. Distribution of major phyla in the BSC topsoils included Cyanobacteria (33 ± 8%, Proteobacteria (26 ± 6%, and Chloroflexi (12 ± 4%, with Phormidium being the numerically dominant genus. Furthermore, BSC subsurfaces contained Proteobacteria (23 ± 5%, Actinobacteria (20 ± 5%, and Chloroflexi (18 ± 3%, with an unidentified genus from Chloroflexi (AKIW781, order being numerically dominant. Across the transect, changes in distribution at the phylum (p < 0.0439 and genus (p < 0.006 levels, including multiple biochemical and geochemical trends (p < 0.05, positively correlated with increasing BSC surface coverage. This included increases in (a Chloroflexi abundance, (b abundance and diversity of Cyanobacteria, (b OTU-level diversity in the topsoil, (c OTU-level differentiation between the topsoil and subsurface, (d intracellular ATP abundances and catalase activities, and (e enrichments in clay, silt, and varying elements, including S, Mn, Co, As, and Pb, in the BSC topsoils. In sum, these studies suggest that BSCs from regions of differing surface coverage represent early successional stages, which exhibit increasing bacterial diversity, metabolic activities, and capacity to restructure the soil. Further, these trends suggest that BSC successional maturation and colonization across the transect are inhibited by metals/metalloids such as B, Ca, Ti, Mn, Co, Ni, Mo, and Pb.

  2. Microbial Community and Biochemical Dynamics of Biological Soil Crusts across a Gradient of Surface Coverage in the Central Mojave Desert.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mogul, Rakesh; Vaishampayan, Parag; Bashir, Mina; McKay, Chris P; Schubert, Keith; Bornaccorsi, Rosalba; Gomez, Ernesto; Tharayil, Sneha; Payton, Geoffrey; Capra, Juliana; Andaya, Jessica; Bacon, Leonard; Bargoma, Emily; Black, David; Boos, Katie; Brant, Michaela; Chabot, Michael; Chau, Danny; Cisneros, Jessica; Chu, Geoff; Curnutt, Jane; DiMizio, Jessica; Engelbrecht, Christian; Gott, Caroline; Harnoto, Raechel; Hovanesian, Ruben; Johnson, Shane; Lavergne, Britne; Martinez, Gabriel; Mans, Paul; Morales, Ernesto; Oei, Alex; Peplow, Gary; Piaget, Ryan; Ponce, Nicole; Renteria, Eduardo; Rodriguez, Veronica; Rodriguez, Joseph; Santander, Monica; Sarmiento, Khamille; Scheppelmann, Allison; Schroter, Gavin; Sexton, Devan; Stephenson, Jenin; Symer, Kristin; Russo-Tait, Tatiane; Weigel, Bill; Wilhelm, Mary B

    2017-01-01

    In this study, we expand upon the biogeography of biological soil crusts (BSCs) and provide molecular insights into the microbial community and biochemical dynamics along the vertical BSC column structure, and across a transect of increasing BSC surface coverage in the central Mojave Desert, CA, United States. Next generation sequencing reveals a bacterial community profile that is distinct among BSCs in the southwestern United States. Distribution of major phyla in the BSC topsoils included Cyanobacteria (33 ± 8%), Proteobacteria (26 ± 6%), and Chloroflexi (12 ± 4%), with Phormidium being the numerically dominant genus. Furthermore, BSC subsurfaces contained Proteobacteria (23 ± 5%), Actinobacteria (20 ± 5%), and Chloroflexi (18 ± 3%), with an unidentified genus from Chloroflexi (AKIW781, order) being numerically dominant. Across the transect, changes in distribution at the phylum ( p < 0.0439) and genus ( p < 0.006) levels, including multiple biochemical and geochemical trends ( p < 0.05), positively correlated with increasing BSC surface coverage. This included increases in (a) Chloroflexi abundance, (b) abundance and diversity of Cyanobacteria, (b) OTU-level diversity in the topsoil, (c) OTU-level differentiation between the topsoil and subsurface, (d) intracellular ATP abundances and catalase activities, and (e) enrichments in clay, silt, and varying elements, including S, Mn, Co, As, and Pb, in the BSC topsoils. In sum, these studies suggest that BSCs from regions of differing surface coverage represent early successional stages, which exhibit increasing bacterial diversity, metabolic activities, and capacity to restructure the soil. Further, these trends suggest that BSC successional maturation and colonization across the transect are inhibited by metals/metalloids such as B, Ca, Ti, Mn, Co, Ni, Mo, and Pb.

  3. The Insertion of the Tool Balanced Scorecard in the Strategic Planning of a Growing Company: A Case Study in the Company Metadil Metalúrgica Indústria e Comércio Ltda

    OpenAIRE

    Queiroz, Rafaela Thomaz; Lobosco, Antonio; de Almeida, Martinho Isnard Ribeiro; Maccari, Emerson Antonio

    2015-01-01

    The aim of this study was to analyze how the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) can assist in the building the strategic planning of a small growing company, in order to achieve its strategic targets. For this purpose, it was carried out a study in a small company of the furniture segment, with a view to identify the benefits derived from the use of BSC at the organization. The following departments were analyzed: Human Resources, Marketing/Customers, Finances, and Production, and identified as BSC per...

  4. À LA RECHERCHE DES FONDEMENTS CONCEPTUELS ET METHODOLOGIQUES DU BALANCED SCORECARD : LE MODELE DE KAPLAN ET NORTON REVISITÉ À TRAVERS LE CADRE CONCEPTUEL DES LEVIERS DE CONTROLE.

    OpenAIRE

    Gérald Naro; Denis Travaillé

    2009-01-01

    International audience; The aim of this paper is to confront the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) with Simons' (1995) levers of control framework and to discuss its role in the various stages of the strategic process. Whereas Kaplan and Norton present the BSC above all as a system of diagnostic control, Simons' (1995) levers of control model leads us to privilege a representation of the BSC in the form of an interactive process. Such an approach presents several theoretical and methodological implica...

  5. The evolution of balanced scorecard

    OpenAIRE

    Eremina G.

    2016-01-01

    The article describes the evolution of the Balanced scorecard (BSC) as one of the world's most popular systems of measuring performance. The BSC, developed by Robert Kaplan and David Norton as a strategic management tool, has been constantly changing with the accumulation of practical experience of its use. The author of the article establishes the chronology of the publication of articles and books that have become milestones on the way of development of the BSC and traces of system changes ...

  6. Multiscale Thermohydrologic Model

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    T. Buscheck

    2004-10-12

    The purpose of the multiscale thermohydrologic model (MSTHM) is to predict the possible range of thermal-hydrologic conditions, resulting from uncertainty and variability, in the repository emplacement drifts, including the invert, and in the adjoining host rock for the repository at Yucca Mountain. Thus, the goal is to predict the range of possible thermal-hydrologic conditions across the repository; this is quite different from predicting a single expected thermal-hydrologic response. The MSTHM calculates the following thermal-hydrologic parameters: temperature, relative humidity, liquid-phase saturation, evaporation rate, air-mass fraction, gas-phase pressure, capillary pressure, and liquid- and gas-phase fluxes (Table 1-1). These thermal-hydrologic parameters are required to support ''Total System Performance Assessment (TSPA) Model/Analysis for the License Application'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 168504]). The thermal-hydrologic parameters are determined as a function of position along each of the emplacement drifts and as a function of waste package type. These parameters are determined at various reference locations within the emplacement drifts, including the waste package and drip-shield surfaces and in the invert. The parameters are also determined at various defined locations in the adjoining host rock. The MSTHM uses data obtained from the data tracking numbers (DTNs) listed in Table 4.1-1. The majority of those DTNs were generated from the following analyses and model reports: (1) ''UZ Flow Model and Submodels'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169861]); (2) ''Development of Numerical Grids for UZ Flow and Transport Modeling'' (BSC 2004); (3) ''Calibrated Properties Model'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169857]); (4) ''Thermal Conductivity of the Potential Repository Horizon'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169854]); (5) ''Thermal Conductivity of the Non-Repository Lithostratigraphic Layers

  7. Balanced ScoreCard Y las Normas de Integración PAS 99:2006

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Soler González, Rafael H.

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available For the development of this work the authors used the Norton & Kaplan recommendations for the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC, and novel diagnostic tools as SISTRAT, strategy maps software for LINUX UBUNTU DC Map.xls and development of Box Mando. Once the BSC was implemented, a longitudinal study of data in the scorecard was carried out in order to analyze to what extent the implementation of the BSC in the Design and Engineering Company (EDIN coincided with the seven principles of integration standards PAS 99:2006. For this comparison Hamming´s relative distances were used as a measurement tool. Respective analyzes were performed to the extent that the relative distances were declining which showed that the BSC implemented in EDIN was consistent with PAS 99:2006.

  8. Modifying the Balanced Scorecard for a Network Industry The Case of the Clearing Industry

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chlistalla, Michael; Schaper, Torsten

    The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a well-established framework for the management of a company as it integrates financial and non-financial perspectives. Little attention has been given to its theoretical and conceptual valuation. We illustrate how the stakeholder value theory corresponds with the concept of the BSC and show the importance of underlying cause-and-effect relationships between its perspectives. For the case of clearing in Europe which is currently facing profound changes, we present our three-phased approach how to adjust and to extend Kaplan and Norton’s original concept. We modify the generic BSC by adding risk management as a separate perspective and by integrating competition and IT. Based on multiple case studies, we then validate whether the modified BSC is suited to meet the specifics of the clearing industry.

  9. A study of a nursing department performance measurement system: using the Balanced Scorecard and the Analytic Hierarchy Process.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chu, Hsuan-Lien; Wang, Chen-Chin; Dai, Yu-Tzu

    2009-01-01

    The health care industry is under pressure from government and private entities as well as from market conditions to contain costs. In an effort to respond to these pressures, the case hospital in this study implemented a Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in January 2003 and integrated it with the hospital's formal incentive plan for non-physicians in January 2005. The nursing department's performance improved in the 2 years following the introduction of the plan. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the performance improvement that results from integrating the BSC with an incentive plan in the nursing field. The results provide insight into the current BSC performance metrics applied by the case nursing department, and could be used as guidelines by other health care organizations that wish to implement BSC-based incentive plans.

  10. [Balanced scorecard in health].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Leyton-Pavez, Carolina Elena; Huerta-Riveros, Patricia Carolina; Paúl-Espinoza, Iván Renato

    2015-01-01

    To evaluate the installation of strategies in the higher complexity hospitals (HMC, in Spanish) of public health in Chile starting from the results of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC), during the years 2011-2012. The implementation of the BSC is described, the strategies and indicators identified, and the results of the 57 HMC compared and analyzed. Starting from the comparison of the results it is discovered that the BSC allows to evaluate the installation of the strategies. Differences are identified in the installation of the strategies by geographical area, with North presenting a higher score (20.21), followed by Center (10.41) and South (19.50), which can be explained by the size and complexity of this establishments, variables that should be incorporated in the evaluation of the results of the BSC.

  11. BALANCED SCORECARD AS AN ADVANCED MANAGEMENT CONCEPT WITHIN THE INTEGRATED QUALITY MANAGEMENT MODEL

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Stevan Zivojinovic

    2008-03-01

    Full Text Available The significance of >Integratedquality management< (IQM model, originating form St.Gallen-model, is reflected in the need for synergic application of new and advanced concepts of management theory and practise. Balanced score card (BSC within IQM model becomes a catalyst of business success for a modern organization by focusing on organizational variables-business strategy, organization structure and corporate culture. BSC is the leading system of performance tracking and strategy implementation, consistent with other management concepts and methods for managing process improvement. Through BSC, IQM processes' activities correlate with organization business results. BSC management processes enable integration of all decision-making levels, from institutional via strategic to operative, in the process starting from planing, i.e. formulating and implementation of strategy, to feed back by performance measurement and control.

  12. Toward a dynamic balanced scorecard model for humanitarian relief organizations’ performance management

    NARCIS (Netherlands)

    Anjomshoae, Ali; Hassan, Adnan; Kunz, Nathan; Wong, Kuan Yew; de Leeuw, S.L.J.M.

    2017-01-01

    Purpose – In recent years, the balanced scorecard (BSC) has received considerable interest among practitioners for managing their organization’s performance. Unfortunately existing BSC frameworks, particularly for humanitarian supply chains, lack causal relationships among performance indicators,

  13. Inclusive blue swimming crab fishery management initiative in Betahwalang Demak, Indonesia

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ghofar, A.; Redjeki, S.; Madduppa, H.; Abbey, M.; Tasunar, N.

    2018-02-01

    There has been a growing interest in the sustainability of the blue swimming crab (Portunus pelagicus, BSC) fisheries in Indonesia. The fishery is operated on a small-scale basis and yet it significantly contributes to the Indonesia’s fisheries as the third biggest export commodities following tuna and shrimp. The project inclusively (i) brings together coastal and fishing communities, university, the private sector, government at various levels and international agencies, (ii) bottom up approach is integrated with top-down (government policy) approach and (iii) integration o f conservation into fisheries management. This approach resulted in better understanding and participation among the coastal fishing communities on sustainable fisheries and the necessity to perform fisheries management. This led to the establishment of BSC fishery management body (legally support by Village Regulation - No.06/2013 on BSC fishery management in 2013, followed by a District Regulation No.523/0166/2014 on BSC fishery management in 2014. More recently, the Governor of Central Java issued a Governor Regulation No. 33/2017 on Crab and Lobster fisheries management and a Governor Decree No. 523/93/2017 on the establishment of the BSC fisheries management committee in Central Java. Further impacts have been raised awareness in sustainable BSC fishery management in surrounding districts in other provinces, namely East Java and Southeast Sulawesi. There remains, further needs to strengthen fishery governance by means of integrating national and local government effort in sustaining the fisheries, including the Issuance and effective implementation of the provincial decree on BSC fishery management for Central Java, that will enable the use of province’s resource to implement fisheries management and strengthen law enforcement. To help improve the stock, a plan for stock enhancement should also be developed with proper monitoring program and community commitment to avoid “put and

  14. Matched-Pair Comparison of Radioembolization Plus Best Supportive Care Versus Best Supportive Care Alone for Chemotherapy Refractory Liver-Dominant Colorectal Metastases

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Seidensticker, Ricarda, E-mail: ricarda.seidensticker@med.ovgu.de [Universitaetsklinikum Magdeburg, Klinik fuer Radiologie and Nuklearmedizin (Germany); Denecke, Timm [Universitaetsmedizin Berlin (Germany); Kraus, Patrick; Seidensticker, Max; Mohnike, Konrad [Universitaetsklinikum Magdeburg, Klinik fuer Radiologie and Nuklearmedizin (Germany); Fahlke, Joerg [Universitaetsklinikum Magdeburg, Klinik fuer Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Gefaesschirurgie (Germany); Kettner, Erika [Klinik fuer Haematologie/Onkologie, Klinikum Magdeburg (Germany); Hildebrandt, Bert [Universitaetsmedizin Berlin (Germany); Dudeck, Oliver; Pech, Maciej; Amthauer, Holger; Ricke, Jens [Universitaetsklinikum Magdeburg, Klinik fuer Radiologie and Nuklearmedizin (Germany)

    2012-10-15

    Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate overall survival after radioembolization or best supportive care (BSC) in patients with chemotherapy-refractory liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods: This was a matched-pair comparison of patients who received radioembolization plus BSC or BSC alone for extensive liver disease. Twenty-nine patients who received radioembolization were retrospectively matched with a contemporary cohort of >500 patients who received BSC from 3 centers in Germany. Using clinical databases, patients were initially matched for prior treatments and tumor burden and then 29 patients were consecutively identified with two or more of four matching criteria: synchronous/metachronous metastases, tumor burden, increased ALP, and/or CEA >200 U/ml. Survival was calculated from date of progression before radioembolization or BSC by using Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: Of 29 patients in each study arm, 16 pairs (55.2%) matched for all four criteria, and 11 pairs (37.9%) matched three criteria. Patients in both groups had a similar performance status (Karnofsky index, median 80% [range, 60-100%]). Compared with BSC alone, radioembolization prolonged survival (median, 8.3 vs. 3.5 months; P < 0.001) with a hazard ratio of 0.3 (95% confidence interval, 0.16-0.55; P < 0.001) in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. Treatment-related adverse events following radioembolization included: grade 1-2 fatigue (n = 20, 69%), grade 1 abdominal pain/nausea (n = 14, 48.3%), and grade 2 gastrointestinal ulceration (n = 3, 10.3%). Three cases of grade 3 radiation-induced liver disease were symptomatically managed. Conclusions: Radioembolization offers a promising addition to BSC in treatment-refractory patients for whom there are limited options. Survival was prolonged and adverse events were generally mild-to-moderate in nature and manageable.

  15. Diel hysteresis between soil respiration and soil temperature in a biological soil crust covered desert ecosystem.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Guan, Chao; Li, Xinrong; Zhang, Peng; Chen, Yongle

    2018-01-01

    Soil respiration induced by biological soil crusts (BSCs) is an important process in the carbon (C) cycle in arid and semi-arid ecosystems, where vascular plants are restricted by the harsh environment, particularly the limited soil moisture. However, the interaction between temperature and soil respiration remains uncertain because of the number of factors that control soil respiration, including temperature and soil moisture, especially in BSC-dominated areas. In this study, the soil respiration in moss-dominated crusts and lichen-dominated crusts was continuously measured using an automated soil respiration system over a one-year period from November 2015 to October 2016 in the Shapotou region of the Tengger Desert, northern China. The results indicated that over daily cycles, the half-hourly soil respiration rates in both types of BSC-covered areas were commonly related to the soil temperature. The observed diel hysteresis between the half-hourly soil respiration rates and soil temperature in the BSC-covered areas was limited by nonlinearity loops with semielliptical shapes, and soil temperature often peaked later than the half-hourly soil respiration rates in the BSC-covered areas. The average lag times between the half-hourly soil respiration rates and soil temperature for both types of BSC-covered areas were two hours over the diel cycles, and they were negatively and linearly related to the volumetric soil water content. Our results highlight the diel hysteresis phenomenon that occurs between soil respiration rates and soil temperatures in BSC-covered areas and the negative response of this phenomenon to soil moisture, which may influence total C budget evaluations. Therefore, the interactive effects of soil temperature and moisture on soil respiration in BSC-covered areas should be considered in global carbon cycle models of desert ecosystems.

  16. Matched-Pair Comparison of Radioembolization Plus Best Supportive Care Versus Best Supportive Care Alone for Chemotherapy Refractory Liver-Dominant Colorectal Metastases

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Seidensticker, Ricarda; Denecke, Timm; Kraus, Patrick; Seidensticker, Max; Mohnike, Konrad; Fahlke, Jörg; Kettner, Erika; Hildebrandt, Bert; Dudeck, Oliver; Pech, Maciej; Amthauer, Holger; Ricke, Jens

    2012-01-01

    Purpose: This study was designed to evaluate overall survival after radioembolization or best supportive care (BSC) in patients with chemotherapy-refractory liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Methods: This was a matched-pair comparison of patients who received radioembolization plus BSC or BSC alone for extensive liver disease. Twenty-nine patients who received radioembolization were retrospectively matched with a contemporary cohort of >500 patients who received BSC from 3 centers in Germany. Using clinical databases, patients were initially matched for prior treatments and tumor burden and then 29 patients were consecutively identified with two or more of four matching criteria: synchronous/metachronous metastases, tumor burden, increased ALP, and/or CEA >200 U/ml. Survival was calculated from date of progression before radioembolization or BSC by using Kaplan–Meier analysis. Results: Of 29 patients in each study arm, 16 pairs (55.2%) matched for all four criteria, and 11 pairs (37.9%) matched three criteria. Patients in both groups had a similar performance status (Karnofsky index, median 80% [range, 60–100%]). Compared with BSC alone, radioembolization prolonged survival (median, 8.3 vs. 3.5 months; P < 0.001) with a hazard ratio of 0.3 (95% confidence interval, 0.16–0.55; P < 0.001) in a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model. Treatment-related adverse events following radioembolization included: grade 1–2 fatigue (n = 20, 69%), grade 1 abdominal pain/nausea (n = 14, 48.3%), and grade 2 gastrointestinal ulceration (n = 3, 10.3%). Three cases of grade 3 radiation-induced liver disease were symptomatically managed. Conclusions: Radioembolization offers a promising addition to BSC in treatment-refractory patients for whom there are limited options. Survival was prolonged and adverse events were generally mild-to-moderate in nature and manageable.

  17. BALANCED SCORECARDS EVALUATION MODEL THAT INCLUDES ELEMENTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM USING AHP MODEL

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jelena Jovanović

    2010-03-01

    Full Text Available The research is oriented on improvement of environmental management system (EMS using BSC (Balanced Scorecard model that presents strategic model of measurem ents and improvement of organisational performance. The research will present approach of objectives and environmental management me trics involvement (proposed by literature review in conventional BSC in "Ad Barska plovi dba" organisation. Further we will test creation of ECO-BSC model based on business activities of non-profit organisations in order to improve envir onmental management system in parallel with other systems of management. Using this approach we may obtain 4 models of BSC that includ es elements of environmen tal management system for AD "Barska plovidba". Taking into acc ount that implementation and evaluation need long period of time in AD "Barska plovidba", the final choice will be based on 14598 (Information technology - Software product evaluation and ISO 9126 (Software engineering - Product quality using AHP method. Those standards are usually used for evaluation of quality software product and computer programs that serve in organisation as support and factors for development. So, AHP model will be bas ed on evolution criteria based on suggestion of ISO 9126 standards and types of evaluation from two evaluation teams. Members of team & will be experts in BSC and environmental management system that are not em ployed in AD "Barska Plovidba" organisation. The members of team 2 will be managers of AD "Barska Plovidba" organisation (including manage rs from environmental department. Merging results based on previously cr eated two AHP models, one can obtain the most appropriate BSC that includes elements of environmental management system. The chosen model will present at the same time suggestion for approach choice including ecological metrics in conventional BSC model for firm that has at least one ECO strategic orientation.

  18. The Role of the Balanced Scorecard as a Tool of Strategic Management and Control

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marin Georgiev

    2017-06-01

    Full Text Available Modern organizations focus on the importance of strategic management and control over current and short-term goals and their corrective role on the strategic success factors of the organization in the process of using the resources of the external environment, ignoring the challenges; as the priorities of the activity are to maximally satisfy public expectations, to minimize the spending of resources, to use its own priorities, to successfully overcome uncertainty and risk, to introduce the adequacy of management decisions against the background of reasonable and measured risk. In the study alternatives are discussed as the Balanced Scorecard model suggested by observations and practice, and implications are provided in regard to changing and improving the architecture of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC as a tool for management and control in conditions of high variability and uncertainty of the economic and social environment. Examined are some models in place to develop and implement the BSC and on this basis are structured conclusions and recommendations in the following aspects: the organization's strategy, which involves the application of BSC and the inclusion of elements to develop key aspects of the strategy; the potential of the BSC model and its application according to the different needs of management; the needs of the process of developing and implementing BSC and to further expand the applications of the BSC as a strategic management tool requiring an assessment of the expected status and priorities in the control of the indicators included.

  19. SU-F-T-197: Investigating Optimal Oblique-Beam Arrangement for Bilateral Metallic Prosthesis Prostate Cancer in Pencil Beam Scanning Proton Therapy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Rana, S; Tesfamicael, B; Park, S [McLaren Proton Therapy Center, Karmanos Cancer Institute at McLaren-Flint, Flint, MI (United States); Zheng, Y; Singh, H; Twyford, T [Procure Proton Therapy Center, Oklahoma City, OK (United States); Cheng, C [Vantage Oncology, West Hills, CA (United States)

    2016-06-15

    Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to investigate the optimum oblique-beam arrangement for bilateral metallic prosthesis prostate cancer treatment in pencil beam scanning (PBS) proton therapy. Methods: A computed tomography dataset of bilateral metallic prosthesis prostate cancer case was selected for this retrospective study. A total of four beams (rightanterior- oblique [RAO], left-anterior-oblique [LAO], left-posterior-oblique [LPO], and right-posterior-oblique [RPO]) were selected for treatment planning. PBS plans were generated using multi-field-optimization technique for a total dose of 79.2 Gy[RBE] to be delivered in 44 fractions. Specifically, five different PBS plans were generated based on 2.5% ± 2 mm range uncertainty using five different beam arrangements (i)LAO+RAO+LPO+RPO, (ii)LAO+RAO, (iii)LPO+RPO, (iv)RAO+LPO, and (v)LAO+RPO. Each PBS plan was optimized by applying identical dose-volume constraints to the PTV, rectum, and bladder. Treatment plans were then compared based on the dose-volume histograms results. Results: The PTV coverage was found to be greater than 99% in all five plans. The homogeneity index (HI) was found to be almost identical (range, 0.03–0.04). The PTV mean dose was found to be comparable (range, 81.0–81.1 Gy[RBE]). For the rectum, the lowest mean dose (8.0 Gy[RBE]) and highest mean dose (31.1 Gy[RBE]) were found in RAO+LAO plan and LPO+RPO plan, respectively. LAO+RAO plan produced the most favorable dosimetric results of the rectum in the medium-dose region (V50) and high-dose region (V70). For the bladder, the lowest (5.0 Gy[RBE]) and highest mean dose (10.3 Gy[RBE]) were found in LPO+RPO plan and RAO+LAO plan, respectively. Other dosimetric results (V50 and V70) of the bladder were slightly better in LPO+RPO plan than in other plans. Conclusion: Dosimetric findings from this study suggest that two anterior-oblique proton beams arrangement (LAO+RAO) is a more favorable option with the possibility of reducing rectal

  20. Precipitates/Salts Model Calculations for Various Drift Temperature Environments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Marnier, P.

    2001-01-01

    The objective and scope of this calculation is to assist Performance Assessment Operations and the Engineered Barrier System (EBS) Department in modeling the geochemical effects of evaporation within a repository drift. This work is developed and documented using procedure AP-3.12Q, Calculations, in support of ''Technical Work Plan For Engineered Barrier System Department Modeling and Testing FY 02 Work Activities'' (BSC 2001a). The primary objective of this calculation is to predict the effects of evaporation on the abstracted water compositions established in ''EBS Incoming Water and Gas Composition Abstraction Calculations for Different Drift Temperature Environments'' (BSC 2001c). A secondary objective is to predict evaporation effects on observed Yucca Mountain waters for subsequent cement interaction calculations (BSC 2001d). The Precipitates/Salts model is documented in an Analysis/Model Report (AMR), ''In-Drift Precipitates/Salts Analysis'' (BSC 2001b)

  1. The Moderating Effect of Procedural Justice on the Effectiveness of the Balanced Scorecard in Improving Managerial Performance through Organizational Commitment

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Supriyadi Supriyadi

    2010-09-01

    Full Text Available This study extends prior studies on the effectiveness of theBalanced Scorecard (BSC to improve managerial performancedone by Lau and Mosser (2008 and Lau and Sholihin (2005.Specifically, the study empirically tests the moderating effects ofprocedural justice on the relationship between the financial andnonfinancial dimensions of BSC and managerial performance. Italso tests the impact of organizational commitment on performance.Based on survey data from 76 respondents, the results indicate thatperceived procedural justice in the use financial and nonfinancialdimensions of the BSC is associated with managers’ organizationalcommitment. It further finds that organizational commitment ispositively related to performance. The study extends the literatureby providing empirical evidence about the moderating effect ofprocedural justice on the relationship between the financial andnonfinancial dimensions of BSC and organizational commitment. Keywords: balanced scorecard; organizational commitment; financial measures;managerial performance; moderating effect; nonfinancial measures;procedural justice

  2. Model simulation of storm surge potential for Andaman islands

    Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

    Kumar, V.S.; RameshBabu, V.; Babu, M.T.; Dhinakaran, G.; Rajamanickam, G.V.

    Hydraulics and Oceanography, the Hydrodynamics Module Reference Manual. DHI Water and Environment, Horsholm, Denmark, 58 p. Dube, S.K., Sinha, P C , Rao, A.D., and Rao, G.S., 1985. Numerical modeling of storm surges in the Arabian Sea, Appl. Math Modelling, 9...

  3. Internal Performance Measurement Systems: Problems and Solutions

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jakobsen, Morten; Mitchell, Falconer; Nørreklit, Hanne

    2010-01-01

    This article pursues two aims: to identify problems and dangers related to the operational use of internal performance measurement systems of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) type and to provide some guidance on how performance measurement systems may be designed to overcome these problems....... The analysis uses and extends N rreklit's (2000) critique of the BSC by applying the concepts developed therein to contemporary research on the BSC and to the development of practice in performance measurement. The analysis is of relevance for many companies in the Asia-Pacific area as an increasing numbers...

  4. Modelo de Gestión de la Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Soler-González, Rafael

    2015-04-01

    Full Text Available Within the Prometeo Project, the Escuela Superior Politécnica de Chimborazo (ESPOCH started implementing the Balanced Scorecard (BSC as a model of University Management. The objectives of this project are to implement BSC in the ESPOCH, in its five subsystems and seven faculties. In order to develop of the research, we considered the theories of Robert Kaplan and David Norton and the use of the dashboard ODUN. A comparative analysis with other university management methods was carried out. Finally, the BSC was implemented; this benefitted the operational management of ESPOCH.

  5. Training of trainers in active learning methods at the Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Ikonen, Anne Leena; Eklund Karlsson, Leena; Andersen, Pernille Tanggaard

    (from SDU to Princess Nourah University - PNU) in Bachelor level education in 2013-17. The SDU BSc in Public Health curriculum was adjusted into a BSc in Health Education and Promotion and BSc in Epidemiology Programmes to fit into the Saudi context and culture and education needs. Training the PNU......Abstract title: Training of trainers in active learning methods at the Princess Nourah Bint Abdul Rahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Students’ learning outcome of teaching activity/course presented: University of Southern Denmark (SDU) conducted a cross-cultural knowledge transfer project...

  6. Pengaruh Budaya Organisasi terhadap Kinerja dalam Perspektif Balanced Scorecard

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    I Gusti Ayu Made Asri Dwija Putri

    2012-12-01

    Full Text Available This research is purposed to gain empirical evidence that process, employee and pragmatic oriented organizational culture have effect on performance perspectives of Balanced Scorecard (BSC. Research population were cooperations in the Denpasar Bali area. Primary data collected through questionnaires were easured in likert scale. Research finding indicated that process-oriented culture affected BSC performance in financial, consumer, internal business process dan learning and growth perspectives. Employee-oriented culture affects consumers perspective only; while pragmatic-oriented culture affects BSC performance in the perspectives of financial, consumer, internal business process.

  7. Safety evaluation of Bon-santé cleanser® polyherbal in male Wistar rats: Further investigations on androgenic and toxicological profile

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    O. Awodele

    2018-01-01

    Conclusion: Overall, our data suggest BSC at low doses may increase reproductive hormones regulated by FSH and LH as observed in this study. However, BSC administration should be done with caution as it may induce reproductive toxicity in large doses.

  8. Fe speciation and Fe/Al ratio in the sediments of southeastern Arabian Sea as an indicator of climate change

    Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

    Pattan, J.N.; Parthiban, G.; Gupta, S.M.; Mir, I.A.

    the delivery of dissolved Fe into the Arabian Sea. Some part of the dissolved iron in the continental shelf has been 8 used in the formation of authigenic verdine and glaucony mineral grains (Rao et al., 1993; Thamban and Rao, 2000). The remaining part...

  9. The Twelfth Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica: Events and achievements

    Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

    Dhargalkar, V.K.

    Chief Minister of Goa on 5 December 1992 at 1945 hours. Other dignitories present on the occasion were Shri Simon D'Souza, Dy. Speaker, Goa Assembly, Dr. P. Rama Rao, Secretary, Shri J.V.R. Prasad Rao, Jt Secretary, Department of Ocean Development, New...

  10. Thermal Cycle Annealing and its Application to Arsenic-Ion Implanted HgCdTe

    Science.gov (United States)

    2014-06-26

    Rao Mulpuri Sina Simingalam, Priyalal Wijewarnasuriya, Mulpuri V. Rao 1720BH c. THIS PAGE The public reporting burden for this collection of...Implanted HgCdTe Sina Simingalama,b,c, Priyalal Wijewarnasuriyab, Mulpuri V. Raoc a. School of Physics, Astronomy and Computational Sciences, George

  11. Resonance – Journal of Science Education | Indian Academy of ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Resonance – Journal of Science Education; Volume 13; Issue 8. Fermion Number Fractionization. Kumar Rao Narendra Sahu Prasanta K ... Author Affiliations. Kumar Rao1 Narendra Sahu1 Prasanta K Panigrahi1. Theoretical Physics Division, Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad 380 009, India ...

  12. An investigation on weld quality characteristics of pulsed current ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    user

    generally defined as an iron alloy containing a minimum of 12 wt. ... When steel is held at critical temperature range (600-800 °C) chromium precipitates out of the matrix and forms chrome carbides ..... Prasad K.S., Rao C.S., Rao D.N., 2011a.

  13. Resonance – Journal of Science Education | Indian Academy of ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Durgesh D Rao. Articles written in Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Volume 3 Issue 7 July 1998 pp 61-70 General Article. Machine Translation - A Gentle Introduction · Durgesh D Rao · More Details Fulltext PDF ...

  14. Marketing Information Products and Services : A Primer for ...

    International Development Research Centre (IDRC) Digital Library (Canada)

    Marketing Information Products and Services : A Primer for Librarians and Information Professionals. Couverture du livre Marketing Information Products and Services : A Primer for Librarians and Information Professionals. Directeur(s) : Abhinandan K. Jain, Ashok Jambhekar, T.P.Rama Rao et S. Sreenivas Rao. Maison(s) ...

  15. Resonance – Journal of Science Education | Indian Academy of ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Resonance – Journal of Science Education. U R Rao. Articles written in Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Volume 6 Issue 12 December 2001 pp 10-18 General Article. Vikram Sarabhai, the Scientist · U R Rao · More Details Fulltext PDF ...

  16. Basement configuration of Visakhapatnam - Paradip continental margin from inversion of magnetic anomalies

    Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

    Rao, M.M.M.; Rao, S.J.; Venkateswarlu, K.; Murthy, K.S.R.; Murthy, I.V.R.; Subrahmanyam, A.S.

    . References 1 Curray J R, Emmel F J, Moore D G & Raitt R W, in: Ocean basins and margins, 6 (Plenum, New York) 1982, pp. 399-450. 2 Rao T C S & Murthy K S R, Magnetic surveys over the con- tinental shelf off Visakhapatnam, Mahasagar - Bull Nat Inst... Visakhapatnam, east coast of India, Indian J Earth Sci, 14(1987) 109-113. 8 Murthy K S R, Rao M M M, Rao T C S & Subrahmanyam A S, A comparative study of Werner deconvolution and con- ventional modelling of marine magnetic data, Geophy Res Bull, 25(1987) 152...

  17. Atmospheric Dust Modeling from Meso to Global Scales with the Online NMMB/BSC-Dust Model Part 2: Experimental Campaigns in Northern Africa

    Science.gov (United States)

    Haustein, K.; Perez, C.; Baldasano, J. M.; Jorba, O.; Basart, S.; Miller, R. L.; Janjic, Z.; Black, T.; Nickovic, S.; Todd, M. C.; hide

    2012-01-01

    The new NMMB/BSC-Dust model is intended to provide short to medium-range weather and dust forecasts from regional to global scales. It is an online model in which the dust aerosol dynamics and physics are solved at each model time step. The companion paper (Perez et al., 2011) develops the dust model parameterizations and provides daily to annual evaluations of the model for its global and regional configurations. Modeled aerosol optical depth (AOD) was evaluated against AERONET Sun photometers over Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe with correlations around 0.6-0.7 on average without dust data assimilation. In this paper we analyze in detail the behavior of the model using data from the Saharan Mineral dUst experiment (SAMUM-1) in 2006 and the Bodele Dust Experiment (BoDEx) in 2005. AOD from satellites and Sun photometers, vertically resolved extinction coefficients from lidars and particle size distributions at the ground and in the troposphere are used, complemented by wind profile data and surface meteorological measurements. All simulations were performed at the regional scale for the Northern African domain at the expected operational horizontal resolution of 25 km. Model results for SAMUM-1 generally show good agreement with satellite data over the most active Saharan dust sources. The model reproduces the AOD from Sun photometers close to sources and after long-range transport, and the dust size spectra at different height levels. At this resolution, the model is not able to reproduce a large haboob that occurred during the campaign. Some deficiencies are found concerning the vertical dust distribution related to the representation of the mixing height in the atmospheric part of the model. For the BoDEx episode, we found the diurnal temperature cycle to be strongly dependant on the soil moisture, which is underestimated in the NCEP analysis used for model initialization. The low level jet (LLJ) and the dust AOD over the Bodélé are well reproduced

  18. B J Rao, TIFR, Mumbai

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    admin

    With the knowledge of discrete spatial chromosome territory organization within interphase nuclei, our current studyinvestigates the effect of DNA damage at the whole chromosome level. DNA damage,in a dose dependent manner,indeed induces a spatial repositioning of chromosomes specifically with higher gene density.

  19. Angiographic Assessment of the Right Hepatic Artery for Encasement by Hilar Cholangiocarcinoma: Comparison Between Antero-Posterior and Right Anterior Oblique Projections

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Furukawa, Hiroyoshi; Iwata, Ryoko; Moriyama, Noriyuki

    2001-01-01

    Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of right anterior oblique (RAO) arteriography for evaluating encasement of the right hepatic artery (RHA) by hilar cholangiocarcinoma.Methods: Celiac arteriography was performed in both the antero-posterior (AP) and RAO projection in ten patients with cholangiocarcinoma. The lengths of the arteries between the bifurcation of the anterior and posterior branch of the liver and the following points were measured: (a) the bifurcation of the left and right hepatic artery (AP-LR), (b) the bifurcation of the proper hepatic artery and the gastroduodenal artery (AP-PG). Additionally, image quality in investigating the invasion of the RHA was evaluated.Results: On the AP images, the average lengths of AP-LR and AP-PG were 24.5 ± 5.1 mm and 30.0 ± 4.9 mm, respectively. On RAO images, the lengths were 28.2 ± 4.6 mm and 32.7 ± 4.8 mm, respectively. Every length was different between the two projections (p < 0.01). In 6 of 10 patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, images in RAO projections were superior to AP images for evaluation of encasement.Conclusion: We conclude that angiography obtained in the RAO projection yields images that are superior to those obtained in the conventional AP projection for assessment of RHA encasement

  20. Wound Dressing Procedure and Prevention of Contamination and ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    Malawi Medical Journal. Wound Dressing Procedure and Prevention of Contamination and. Cross Infection. By: Chimwaza AF, MRN, MRN, Bsc (Hons) MSN Lecturer. Kachingwe-Sisya M., MRN, MRM. Bsc Nsg Edu. & Adm. MSN. Lecturer. Medical Surgical Nursing Department. Kamuzu College of Nursing. Blantyre. Malawi.

  1. BARC safety framework

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jayarajan, K.; Taly, Y.K.

    2017-01-01

    BARC has a large number facilities and a large number of employees. It has a variety of activities, carried out in different parts of India. All activities related nuclear fuel cycle are carried out in BARC. In addition, BARC has many non-nuclear facilities and projects. Therefore, regulation of BARC facilities is a challenging task. BSC was constituted in the year 2000 to address the challenges of regulating safety of the projects, plants and facilities of BARC. It has a comprehensive regulatory framework, which makes use of the expertise of more than one thousand experts of BARC for safety and regulatory activities. BSC has completed hundred meetings and issued regulatory consents to many projects, facilities and activities. During the last 17 years, BSC has constituted 44 committees in three tiers, which had conducted more than 2000 meetings to support safety and regulatory activities of BSC

  2. Air flow optimization for energy efficient blower of biosafety cabinet class II A2

    Science.gov (United States)

    Ibrahim, M. D.; Mohtar, M. Z.; Alias, A. A.; Wong, L. K.; Yunos, Y. S.; Rahman, M. R. A.; Zulkharnain, A.; Tan, C. S.; Thayan, R.

    2017-04-01

    An energy efficient Biosafety Cabinet (BSC) has become a big challenge for manufacturers to develop BSC with the highest level of protection. The objective of research is to increase air flow velocity discharge from centrifugal blower. An aerodynamic duct shape inspired by the shape of Peregrine Falcon’s wing during diving flight is added to the end of the centrifugal blower. Investigation of air movement is determined by computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. The results showed that air velocity can be increased by double compared to typical manufactured BSC and no air recirculation. As conclusion, a novel design of aerodynamic duct shape successfully developed and proved that air velocity can be increase naturally with same impeller speed. It can contribute in increasing energy efficiency of the centrifugal blower. It is vital to BSC manufacturer and can be apply to Heating, Air Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industries.

  3. O Uso do Balanced Scorecard como Instrumento de Medição para Comparar os Modelos de Excelência em Gestão

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jackson André da Silva

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available Este trabalho tem como objetivo fazer uma análise comparativa dos modelos de excelência em gestão European Foundation Quality Management (EFQM, Baldridge Performance Excellence Program (BPEP e Modelo de Excelência da Gestão (MEG, utilizando como instrumento de medição as perspectivas do Balanced Scorecard (BSC. A metodologia utilizada foi a análise de conteúdo, onde se buscou analisar a pontuação dos critérios e dos subcritérios de cada um dos modelos, relacionando-os com as perspectivas do BSC. Os resultados demonstram os pontos similares entre os três modelos avaliados (EFQM, BPEP e MEG, bem como um relacionamento entre cada subcritério e sua respectiva pontuação com as perspectivas do BSC, sendo possível quantificar percentualmente quanto cada modelo contribui para cada perspectiva do BSC

  4. Contributions of Organizational Performance Measurement Model Performance Prism to the Balanced Scorecard: a study from the stakeholder’s perspective

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sady Darcy da Silva Jr

    2013-12-01

    Full Text Available Measuring the organizational performance is a big challenge to companies. Thus, we should highlight the organizational performance measurement model Balanced Scorecard (BSC. However, the Performance Prism (PP model emphasizes the organizational stakeholders and states that BSC treats them in a superficial way, giving more importance to the shareholders and the customers. The objective of this research is to identify the PP contributions to the BSC, from the stakeholders perspective. With this objective, a semi-structured script to the interviews was applied to professionals of the strategic area. In parallel, the structure of the models was compared to enrich the results, as well as to complement the analysis of the perceptions of respondents. The results were very relevant given important contributions of the PP to the BSC, opposing the original criticisms of the PP. These criticisms became questionable through the perception of respondents and the comparison between the models.

  5. Discussing Feedback System Thinking in Relation to Scenario Evaluation in a Balanced Scorecard Setup

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Steen; Nielsen, Erland Hejn

    2012-01-01

    Since the emergence of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) at the beginning of the 1990s, literature has intensively discussed the problems of the cause and effect relationships, the time-delay elements between measures and perspectives and the concepts of feedback loops. This paper focuses on the use...... of the System Dynamics Modeling approach to deal with these three problems, an approach first suggested by Forrester back in 1958. The wide scope of application of BSC as a decision-supporting instrument continues to spur the interest in BSC. We have used an actual case as inspiration on which our model...... construction and our simulation scenarios are based. Our findings suggest that the idea of linking BSC and System Dynamics together based on properties of the systems dynamic nature seem to be both a natural and a relevant development. Furthermore, our simulations demonstrate the ability to: (1) provide...

  6. Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy. N. Kameswara Rao. Articles written in Journal of Astrophysics and Astronomy. Volume 26 Issue 2-3 June-September 2005 pp 331-338. High Resolution Stellar Spectroscopy with VBT Echelle Spectrometer · N. Kameswara Rao S. Sriram K. Jayakumar F. Gabriel.

  7. Sadhana | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Sadhana. G Venkateswara Rao. Articles written in Sadhana. Volume 25 Issue 4 August 2000 pp 367-380. Nonlinear oscillations of laminated plates using an accurate four-node rectangular shear flexible material finite element · Gajbir Singh G Venkateswara Rao · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF.

  8. Journal of Earth System Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Journal of Earth System Science. G Sasibhushana Rao. Articles written in Journal of Earth System Science. Volume 116 Issue 5 October 2007 pp 407-411. GPS satellite and receiver instrumental biases estimation using least squares method for accurate ionosphere modelling · G Sasibhushana Rao.

  9. Resonance – Journal of Science Education | Indian Academy of ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Resonance – Journal of Science Education. A R Rao. Articles written in Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Volume 6 Issue 1 January 2001 pp 28-41 General Article. The Football - From Euclid to Soccer it is... A R Rao · More Details Fulltext PDF ...

  10. Journal of Chemical Sciences | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Journal of Chemical Sciences. B Jayachander Rao. Articles written in Journal of Chemical Sciences. Volume 119 Issue 5 September 2007 pp 401-407. Reactive chemical dynamics through conical intersections · S Ghosal B Jayachander Rao S Mahapatra · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. Reaction ...

  11. Performance Measurement of Management System Standards Using the Balanced Scorecard

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jan Kopia

    2017-11-01

    Full Text Available Management system standards (MSS, such as ISO standards, TQM, etc. are widely-used standards adopted by millions of organizations worldwide. It is still an unclear question whether these standards are beneficial for an organization, besides the fact that they might be required or expected by law or customers. The question, whether MSS increase the efficiency, the output, or the performance of an organization is still discussed in scientific research. One reason might be that performance measurement itself is not fully understood or in constant development ranging from pure financial evaluations over intellectual capital rating to calculating of levels of environmental, social or economic expectations known as the Trible Bottom Line. The Balanced Scorecard is one possible solution for performance measurement on a strategic and operational level and therefore useful for the measurement of the influence of MSS within organizations. This study summarized current research in the field of performance measurement in the context of MSS and IMS and the use of BSC and quantitatively and qualitatively tests the usefulness of BSC in measuring the effect of MSSs using the Execution Premium. It was found that BSC is often used, that an average number of companies integrate their measurement initiatives of their MSSs into the BSC-process, and that a high integration of MSS into the BSC improves the organizational performance. This research is useful for researchers and practitioners in order to understand the benefits of the usage of the BSC in the context of MSS or Integrated Management Systems.

  12. Environmental contamination by cyclophosphamide preparation: Comparison of conventional manual production in biological safety cabinet and robot-assisted production by APOTECAchemo.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Schierl, Rudolf; Masini, Carla; Groeneveld, Svenja; Fischer, Elke; Böhlandt, Antje; Rosini, Valeria; Paolucci, Demis

    2016-02-01

    The aim of this study was to compare environmental contamination of cyclophosphamide (CP) during 1 week of drug compounding by conventional manual procedure in a biological safety cabinet (BSC) with laminar airflow and a new robotic drug preparation system (APOTECAchemo). During four consecutive days, similar numbers of infusion bags with cyclophosphamide were prepared with both techniques in a cross-over design. Wipe samples (49 for BSC, 50 for APOTECAchemo) were taken at several locations (gloves, infusion bags, trays, BSC-benches, floor) in the pharmacy and analyzed for CP concentrations by GC-MSMS (LOD 0.2 ng/sample). The detection rate was 70% in the BSC versus 15% in APOTECAchemo. During manual preparation of admixtures using BSC contamination with CP was below 0.001 ng/cm(2) at most locations, but significant on gloves (0.0004-0.0967 ng/cm(2)) and the majority (70%) of infusion bags (preparation by APOTECAchemo, gloves (1 of 8: 0.0007 ng/cm(2)) and infusion bags (3 of 20: 0.0005, 0.0019, 0.0094 ng/cm(2)) were considerably less contaminated. Residual contamination was found on the surfaces under the dosing device in the compounding area (0.0293-0.1603 ng/cm(2)) inside the robotic system. Compared to outcomes of other studies, our results underline good manufacturing procedures in this pharmacy with low contamination for both techniques (BSC and APOTECAchemo). Comparison of both preparation procedures validated that contamination of infusion bags was much lower by using the robotic system. © The Author(s) 2014.

  13. A balanced scorecard for health services in Afghanistan.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Peters, David H; Noor, Ayan Ahmed; Singh, Lakhwinder P; Kakar, Faizullah K; Hansen, Peter M; Burnham, Gilbert

    2007-02-01

    The Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in Afghanistan has developed a balanced scorecard (BSC) to regularly monitor the progress of its strategy to deliver a basic package of health services. Although frequently used in other health-care settings, this represents the first time that the BSC has been employed in a developing country. The BSC was designed via a collaborative process focusing on translating the vision and mission of the MOPH into 29 core indicators and benchmarks representing six different domains of health services, together with two composite measures of performance. In the absence of a routine health information system, the 2004 BSC for Afghanistan was derived from a stratified random sample of 617 health facilities, 5719 observations of patient-provider interactions, and interviews with 5597 patients, 1553 health workers, and 13,843 households. Nationally, health services were found to be reaching more of the poor than the less-poor population, and providing for more women than men, both key concerns of the government. However, serious deficiencies were found in five domains, and particularly in counselling patients, providing delivery care during childbirth, monitoring tuberculosis treatment, placing staff and equipment, and establishing functional village health councils. The BSC also identified wide variations in performance across provinces; no province performed better than the others across all domains. The innovative adaptation of the BSC in Afghanistan has provided a useful tool to summarize the multidimensional nature of health-services performance, and is enabling managers to benchmark performance and identify strengths and weaknesses in the Afghan context.

  14. Use of Self-Organizing Maps for Balanced Scorecard analysis to monitor the performance of dialysis clinic chains.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cattinelli, Isabella; Bolzoni, Elena; Barbieri, Carlo; Mari, Flavio; Martin-Guerrero, José David; Soria-Olivas, Emilio; Martinez-Martinez, José Maria; Gomez-Sanchis, Juan; Amato, Claudia; Stopper, Andrea; Gatti, Emanuele

    2012-03-01

    The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a validated tool to monitor enterprise performances against specific objectives. Through the choice and the evaluation of strategic Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), it provides a measure of the past company's outcome and allows planning future managerial strategies. The Fresenius Medical Care (FME) BSC makes use of 30 KPIs for a continuous quality improvement strategy within its dialysis clinics. Each KPI is monthly associated to a score that summarizes the clinic efficiency for that month. Standard statistical methods are currently used to analyze the BSC data and to give a comprehensive view of the corporate improvements to the top management. We herein propose the Self-Organizing Maps (SOMs) as an innovative approach to extrapolate information from the FME BSC data and to present it in an easy-readable informative form. A SOM is a computational technique that allows projecting high-dimensional datasets to a two-dimensional space (map), thus providing a compressed representation. The SOM unsupervised (self-organizing) training procedure results in a map that preserves similarity relations existing in the original dataset; in this way, the information contained in the high-dimensional space can be more easily visualized and understood. The present work demonstrates the effectiveness of the SOM approach in extracting useful information from the 30-dimensional BSC dataset: indeed, SOMs enabled both to highlight expected relationships between the KPIs and to uncover results not predictable with traditional analyses. Hence we suggest SOMs as a reliable complementary approach to the standard methods for BSC interpretation.

  15. Transcribing the balanced scorecard into system dynamics

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Steen; Nielsen, Erland Hejn

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to show how a System Dynamics Modelling approach can be integrated into the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) for a case company with special focus on the handling of causality in a dynamic perspective. The BSC model includes five perspectives and a number of financial and non...... the cause-and-effect relationships of an integrated BSC model. Including dynamic aspects of BSCs into the discussion is only in its infancy, so the aim of our work is also to contribute to both scholars’ and practitioners’ general understanding of how such delayed dynamic effects propagate through system...

  16. Strategic Balanced Scorecard Simulation

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Steen; Nielsen, Erland Hejn

    2012-01-01

    The purpose of this article is to show how a System Dynamics Modelling approach can be integrated into the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) for a case company with special focus on the handling of causality in a dynamic perspective. The case company’s BSC model includes five perspectives and a number...... of financial and non-financial measures. The overall idea of BSC is to make the strategy operational, as proposed by Kaplan and Norton (1992; 1996; 2007) and to use the strategy for simulation. Our results indicate that a company may gain great learning insight from such simulation studies. The whole article...

  17. Implementation of the Balanced Scorecard in the Hotel Sector through Transformational Leadership and Empowerment

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    José Carlos Ballester-Miquel

    2017-04-01

    Full Text Available One of the current problems of the entrepreneurial world is the successful implementation of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC, which is why it is interesting to study the variables that can influence its application in business. The main purpose of this paper is to establish a theoretical model through the literature review, that should consider the relationship between the transformational leadership among company staff (Avolio, Bass and Jung, 1999 and the empowerment of the rest of employees (Thomas and Velthouse, 1990 Spritzer, 1995 upon the achievement of an increased capacity for organizational learning in the implementation of the BSC in companies (Easterby-Smith & Araujo,1999 from the following perspectives: financial, customer, business process, learning and growth in major companies in the hotel sector, specifically in four and five-star hotels. The Balanced Scorecard (BSC is a strategic management model (Norton & Kaplan, 1992 that allows the measurement and control of the tangible and intangible objectives based on the company´s mission and vision statements. The implementation of BSC has a great influence on the predisposition, training and motivation in middle as well as executive management through empowerment and leadership, hence the importance of the analysis of these variables by means of the BSC.

  18. An Effective Model for Efficiency Evaluation of Strategic Project Based on

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Virgil ROTARU

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available When analyzing a strategic development project implemented by universities both the system created, as a temporary organization having the participant organizations as distinctive actors and the universities have to be seen as learning organizations. As a consequence, the evaluation of such projects should always be more complex since there are intangible results and outcomes to be considered and an appropriate method for analyze is a must. Such a complex method, initially introduced by Caplan and Norton (1992 as balanced scorecard (BSC was later on developed based on frequently addressed critics. Nevertheless, more than 40% of the biggest 500 companies in the world, use BSC as an evaluation method for their strategic performance and almost all of strategic development projects analysis includes financial and non-financial perspectives as those of BSC. Although a lot of improvements have been done already, there are still very few steps done in the direction of connection BSC with the social networking analysis. This study reflects our actual research aiming to design a more effectiv system for strategic analysis, that to integrate social network analysis and a system dynamics BSC in a more complex analysis method for efficiency evaluation of the strategic project

  19. Randomized phase III study comparing best supportive care to biafine as a prophylactic agent for radiation-induced skin toxicity for women undergoing breast irradiation: Radiation therapy oncology group (RTOG) 97-13

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Fisher, J.; Scott, Charles; Stevens, Randy; Marconi, Barbara; Champion, Lorraine; Freedman, Gary M.; Asrari, Fariba; Pilepich, M.V.; Gagnon, James D.; Wong, Gene

    2000-01-01

    Purpose: To determine if Biafine compared to Best Supportive Care (BSC) is effective in minimizing or preventing radiation-induced dermatitis in women undergoing breast irradiation. Methods and Materials: Patients were randomized between Biafine (n = 83) vs. BSC (n = 89). The institutions identified preference for BSC at the time of randomization. A no-treatment arm was allowed (16% received no treatment). Patients were instructed to apply randomized product three times a day, but not within 4 h of their daily RT session. Application began following their first radiation treatment and continued 2 weeks postradiation. Skin dermatitis was scored weekly utilizing the RTOG and ONS (Oncology Nursing Society) skin toxicity scales, a weekly patient satisfaction and quality-of-life questionnaire. Results: Using the RTOG toxicity scale there was no overall difference for maximum dermatitis during RT between Biafine and BSC (p = 0.77). There was no difference in maximum toxicity by arm or breast size. There was an interaction between breast size and toxicity, with large-breasted women exhibiting more toxicity. Large-breasted women receiving Biafine were more likely to have no toxicity 6 weeks post RT. Conclusion: There was no overall difference between BSC and Biafine in the prevention, time to, or duration of radiation-induced dermatitis.

  20. Untitled

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Syriaca and Crété (1950) Linum variation of Solanad type of embryo develop- ment in Asclepias curassavica. Rao and Rao (1954) published an account of male and female gametophytes, endosperm and embryo development in. Cryptostegia grandiflora and Caralluma attenuata. Biswas (1957) studied the embryology of ...

  1. Sadhana | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Sadhana. G Srinivasa Rao. Articles written in Sadhana. Volume 40 Issue 2 April 2015 pp 395-410 Electrical and Computer Sciences. Parametric based morphological transformation for contrast enhancement of color images in poor-lighting · Atluri Srikrishna M Pompapathi G Srinivasa Rao · More Details ...

  2. Proceedings – Mathematical Sciences | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Proceedings – Mathematical Sciences. B V Rao. Articles written in Proceedings – Mathematical Sciences. Volume 116 Issue 1 February 2006 pp 83-96. On Characterisation of Markov Processes Via Martingale Problems · Abhay G Bhatt Rajeeva L Karandikar B V Rao · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF.

  3. concentrations, two light regimes of in vitro rooting and ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    PRECIOUS

    2009-11-16

    Nov 16, 2009 ... Mahmood AW (1998). Viability of Planting Teak and Sentang in. Malaysia. Forest Research Institute Malaysia. pp. 23-27. Lee SK, Rao AN (1981). In vitro plantlets development in tropical trees-. Calophyllum inophyllum and Eugenia grandis. In. Tissue culture of economically important plants. Rao AN (ed.).

  4. Carotid ultrasonographic and brain computerized tomographic findings in patients with vascular ocular syndromes

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Iwamoto, Toshihiko; Matsushima, Chikage; Shimizu, Souichirou; Takasaki, Masaru; Iwasaki, Takuya; Usui, Masahiko [Tokyo Medical Coll. (Japan)

    2002-02-01

    To clarify the characteristics of cerebrovascular lesions in subtypes of vascular ocular syndrome, including amaurosis fugax (AF), retinal artery occlusion (RAO), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), 93 patients with vascular ocular syndrome were studied by means of carotid ultrasonography (US) and brain computerized tomography (CT). The subjects comprised 21 patients with AF, 37 with RAO, and 35 with RVO who were sequentially given these diagnoses by the department of ophthalmology. On the basis of US findings, carotid lesions were defined as the presence of plaque or stenotic changes. CT findings were assessed for the presence and distribution of low-density areas (LDAs). Mean age was similar in each group, ranging from 64.5 to 67.4 years. The RAO group had high rates of men, hypertension, and smokers. US showed that the prevalence of carotid lesions ipsilateral to the affected eye was high in the RAO group and that severe stenosis and ulcerated plaque were present in 28.6% of the AF group and 45.9% of the RAO group. On CT examination, cerebral infarctions appeared as LDAs in about 10% of the patients in each group, and the incidence and distribution of LDAs were similar. Of 13 patients with cerebral infarction, only 2 were presumably due to carotid lesions; the others had a variety of causes. The discrepancy between US and CT findings was attributed to the small number of patients with cerebral infarction, since most patients had visual defects as an initial symptom. Our results suggest that extracranial carotid lesions, considered to be a major risk factor for stroke, should be carefully assessed in patients with AF or RAO to prevent further stroke. (author)

  5. The missing evaluation codes from order domain theory

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Andersen, Henning Ejnar; Geil, Olav

    The Feng-Rao bound gives a lower bound on the minimum distance of codes defined by means of their parity check matrices. From the Feng-Rao bound it is clear how to improve a large family of codes by leaving out certain rows in their parity check matrices. In this paper we derive a simple lower...... generalized Hamming weight. We interpret our methods into the setting of order domain theory. In this way we fill in an obvious gap in the theory of order domains. The improved codes from the present paper are not in general equal to the Feng-Rao improved codes but the constructions are very much related....

  6. Spi2 gene polymorphism is not associated with recurrent airway obstruction and inflammatory airway disease in thoroughbred horses

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Aline Correa da Silva

    2011-01-01

    Full Text Available The aim was to detect the presence of polymorphisms at exons 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Spi2 gene, and evaluate a possible association between them and recurrent airway obstruction (RAO or inflammatory airway disease (IAD in thoroughbred horses, through single-strand conformational-polymorphism (SSCP screening. Although polymorphism was not detected in exons 1, 2 and 3, three alleles and six genotypes were identified in exon 4. The frequencies of allele A (0.6388 and genotype AA (0.3888 were higher in horses affected by RAO, although no association was found between polymorphism and horses with either RAO or IAD.

  7. Follow-up osteomyelitis of infants with systemic serum parameters and bone scintigraphy

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Aigner, R.M.; Fueger, G.F.; Vejda, M.

    1996-01-01

    AHPO was characterized initially and during the course of disease by clinical findings. C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), total and differential white blood cell (WBC) count, BSC, and plain radiography. CRP was the most effective serum parameter for follow-up of disease. The first sign of BSC to signal adequate response to antibiotic treatment was the decrease or normalization of hyperperfusion. Escape from therapy or poor prognosis, even when the serum parameters were normalized, was signaled by the recurrence of focal hyperperfusion and the persistent or increasing local uptake ratios on the 3-h-image over 6 weeks during a course of antibiotic treatment. Antibiotic treatment masks the clinical presentation, and the radiographic findings, causes non-characteristic laboratory findings, but do not prevent the scintigraphic visualization; BSC and serum parameters used in the right completion are the most successful and efficient modalities for follow-up of AHPO. Maintenance of antibiotic therapy should be done until BSC findings have reverted to normal. (orig.) [de

  8. Precipitates/Salts Model Calculations for Various Drift Temperature Environments

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    P. Marnier

    2001-12-20

    The objective and scope of this calculation is to assist Performance Assessment Operations and the Engineered Barrier System (EBS) Department in modeling the geochemical effects of evaporation within a repository drift. This work is developed and documented using procedure AP-3.12Q, Calculations, in support of ''Technical Work Plan For Engineered Barrier System Department Modeling and Testing FY 02 Work Activities'' (BSC 2001a). The primary objective of this calculation is to predict the effects of evaporation on the abstracted water compositions established in ''EBS Incoming Water and Gas Composition Abstraction Calculations for Different Drift Temperature Environments'' (BSC 2001c). A secondary objective is to predict evaporation effects on observed Yucca Mountain waters for subsequent cement interaction calculations (BSC 2001d). The Precipitates/Salts model is documented in an Analysis/Model Report (AMR), ''In-Drift Precipitates/Salts Analysis'' (BSC 2001b).

  9. Determining large deflections in rectangular combined loaded ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    (Bisshopp & Drucker 1945; Scott et al 1955; Lau 1982; Rao & Rao 1986; Baker 1993; Lee et al 1993; Frisch-Fay 1962; Fertis 1999). Prathap and Varadan (1976) had calculated large deflections in cantilever beams made of non-linear Ramberg–Osgood type material on which concentrated load effected on the free end.

  10. Resonance – Journal of Science Education | Indian Academy of ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Sudhakar M Rao. Articles written in Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Volume 12 Issue 5 May 2007 pp 37-40 General Article. Reverse Osmosis · Sudhakar M Rao · More Details Fulltext PDF. Volume 16 Issue 12 December 2011 pp 1333-1336.

  11. Fermi–Dirac Statistics

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Subhash Chaturvedi1 Shyamal Biswas2. School of Physics University of Hyderabad C R Rao Road, Gachibowli Hyderabad 500 046, India. University of Hyderabad C R Rao Road, Gachibowli Hyderabad 500 046, India. Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Current Issue : Vol. 23, Issue 4 · Current Issue Volume 23 ...

  12. Sadhana | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Sadhana. K Veerabhadra Rao. Articles written in Sadhana. Volume 25 Issue 1 February 2000 pp 37-43. A study of correlation technique on pyramid processed images · M Sankar Kishore K Veerabhadra Rao · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. The pyramid algorithm is potentially a powerful tool for ...

  13. Sadhana | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Sadhana. PATTABHI R K RAO. Articles written in Sadhana. Volume 43 Issue 2 February 2018 pp 27. Enhancing multi-document summarization using concepts · PATTABHI R K RAO S LALITHA DEVI · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. In this paper we propose a methodology to mine concepts from ...

  14. 76 FR 47275 - Postal Service Initiative on Retail Postal Locations

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-08-04

    .... Id. The RAO initiative applies to postal retail facilities across the country, without limit to geography or population, and is driven by Headquarters. The Commission finds that because the Postal Service... be applied in the RAO initiative. Id. at 19-23. \\3\\ See 39 CFR Part 241. The Request and all...

  15. Resonance – Journal of Science Education | Indian Academy of ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Rama Rao Nadendla. Articles written in Resonance – Journal of Science Education. Volume 9 Issue 5 May 2004 pp 51-60 General Article. Molecular Modeling: A Powerful Tool for Drug Design and Molecular Docking · Rama Rao Nadendla · More Details Fulltext ...

  16. Atmospheric dust modeling from meso to global scales with the online NMMB/BSC-Dust model – Part 2: Experimental campaigns in Northern Africa

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    K. Haustein

    2012-03-01

    Full Text Available The new NMMB/BSC-Dust model is intended to provide short to medium-range weather and dust forecasts from regional to global scales. It is an online model in which the dust aerosol dynamics and physics are solved at each model time step. The companion paper (Pérez et al., 2011 develops the dust model parameterizations and provides daily to annual evaluations of the model for its global and regional configurations. Modeled aerosol optical depth (AOD was evaluated against AERONET Sun photometers over Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe with correlations around 0.6–0.7 on average without dust data assimilation. In this paper we analyze in detail the behavior of the model using data from the Saharan Mineral dUst experiment (SAMUM-1 in 2006 and the Bodélé Dust Experiment (BoDEx in 2005. AOD from satellites and Sun photometers, vertically resolved extinction coefficients from lidars and particle size distributions at the ground and in the troposphere are used, complemented by wind profile data and surface meteorological measurements. All simulations were performed at the regional scale for the Northern African domain at the expected operational horizontal resolution of 25 km. Model results for SAMUM-1 generally show good agreement with satellite data over the most active Saharan dust sources. The model reproduces the AOD from Sun photometers close to sources and after long-range transport, and the dust size spectra at different height levels. At this resolution, the model is not able to reproduce a large haboob that occurred during the campaign. Some deficiencies are found concerning the vertical dust distribution related to the representation of the mixing height in the atmospheric part of the model. For the BoDEx episode, we found the diurnal temperature cycle to be strongly dependant on the soil moisture, which is underestimated in the NCEP analysis used for model initialization. The low level jet (LLJ and the dust AOD over the Bodélé are

  17. Identifying Balance in a Balanced Scorecard System

    Science.gov (United States)

    Aravamudhan, Suhanya; Kamalanabhan, T. J.

    2007-01-01

    In recent years, strategic management concepts seem to be gaining greater attention from the academicians and the practitioner's alike. Balanced Scorecard (BSC) concept is one such management concepts that has spread in worldwide business and consulting communities. The BSC translates mission and vision statements into a comprehensive set of…

  18. System Dynamic Modelling for a Balanced Scorecard: A Case Study

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Steen; Nielsen, Erland Hejn

    Purpose - The purpose of this research is to make an analytical model of the BSC foundation by using a dynamic simulation approach for a 'hypothetical case' model, based on only part of an actual case study of BSC. Design/methodology/approach - The model includes five perspectives and a number...

  19. A Simulation-Based Approach for Teaching the Systems Perspective of Strategic Performance Management

    Science.gov (United States)

    Capelo, Carlos; Lopes, Ana; Mata, Ana

    2015-01-01

    Kaplan and Norton introduced the balanced scorecard (BSC), which is based on a systems perspective of the business strategy and performance measurement. Many organisations around the world use the BSC to define, implement and manage strategy. Nevertheless, there are studies that identify problems and limitations associated with the implementation…

  20. Teaching the Balanced Scorecard through Simulation

    Science.gov (United States)

    Capelo, Carlos; Lopes, Ana Isabel; Mata, Ana

    2012-01-01

    Kaplan and Norton introduced the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) which is based on a systems perspective of the business strategy and performance measurement. Many organizations around the world are using the BSC to define, implement and manage strategy. Nevertheless there exist studies that identify problems and limitations associated with the…

  1. Implementation and Performance Evaluation Using the Fuzzy Network Balanced Scorecard

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tseng, Ming-Lang

    2010-01-01

    The balanced scorecard (BSC) is a multi-criteria evaluation concept that highlights the importance of performance measurement. However, although there is an abundance of literature on the BSC framework, there is a scarcity of literature regarding how the framework with dependence and interactive relationships should be properly implemented in…

  2. Nominal Performance Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Analysis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    M.A. Wasiolek

    2003-07-25

    This analysis report is one of the technical reports containing documentation of the Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain, Nevada (ERMYN), a biosphere model supporting the Total System Performance Assessment (TSPA) for the license application (LA) for the Yucca Mountain repository. This analysis report describes the development of biosphere dose conversion factors (BDCFs) for the groundwater exposure scenario, and the development of conversion factors for assessing compliance with the groundwater protection standard. A graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN is presented in Figure 1-1. This figure shows the interrelationships among the products (i.e., analysis and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and provides an understanding of how this analysis report contributes to biosphere modeling. This report is one of two reports that develop biosphere BDCFs, which are input parameters for the TSPA model. The ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2003 [DIRS 164186]) describes in detail the ERMYN conceptual model and mathematical model. The input parameter reports (BSC 2003 [DIRS 160964]; BSC 2003 [DIRS 160965]; BSC 2003 [DIRS 160976]; BSC 2003 [DIRS 161239]; BSC 2003 [DIRS 161241]) contain detailed description of the model input parameters. This report describes biosphere model calculations and their output, the BDCFs, for the groundwater exposure scenario. The objectives of this analysis are to develop BDCFs and conversion factors for the TSPA. The BDCFs will be used in performance assessment for calculating annual doses for a given concentration of radionuclides in groundwater. The conversion factors will be used for calculating gross alpha particle activity in groundwater and the annual dose from beta- and photon-emitting radionuclides.

  3. Unconscious integration of multisensory bodily inputs in the peripersonal space shapes bodily self-consciousness.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Salomon, Roy; Noel, Jean-Paul; Łukowska, Marta; Faivre, Nathan; Metzinger, Thomas; Serino, Andrea; Blanke, Olaf

    2017-09-01

    Recent studies have highlighted the role of multisensory integration as a key mechanism of self-consciousness. In particular, integration of bodily signals within the peripersonal space (PPS) underlies the experience of the self in a body we own (self-identification) and that is experienced as occupying a specific location in space (self-location), two main components of bodily self-consciousness (BSC). Experiments investigating the effects of multisensory integration on BSC have typically employed supra-threshold sensory stimuli, neglecting the role of unconscious sensory signals in BSC, as tested in other consciousness research. Here, we used psychophysical techniques to test whether multisensory integration of bodily stimuli underlying BSC also occurs for multisensory inputs presented below the threshold of conscious perception. Our results indicate that visual stimuli rendered invisible through continuous flash suppression boost processing of tactile stimuli on the body (Exp. 1), and enhance the perception of near-threshold tactile stimuli (Exp. 2), only once they entered PPS. We then employed unconscious multisensory stimulation to manipulate BSC. Participants were presented with tactile stimulation on their body and with visual stimuli on a virtual body, seen at a distance, which were either visible or rendered invisible. We found that participants reported higher self-identification with the virtual body in the synchronous visuo-tactile stimulation (as compared to asynchronous stimulation; Exp. 3), and shifted their self-location toward the virtual body (Exp.4), even if stimuli were fully invisible. Our results indicate that multisensory inputs, even outside of awareness, are integrated and affect the phenomenological content of self-consciousness, grounding BSC firmly in the field of psychophysical consciousness studies. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

  4. Multidimensional evaluation of performance with experimental application of balanced scorecard: a two year experience

    Science.gov (United States)

    2011-01-01

    Background In today's dynamic health-care system, organizations such as hospitals are required to improve their performance for multiple stakeholders and deliver an integrated care that means to work effectively, be innovative and organize efficiently. Achieved goals and levels of quality can be successfully measured by a multidimensional approach like Balanced Scorecard (BSC). The aim of the study was to verify the opportunity to introduce BSC framework to measure performance in St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, applying it to the Clinical Laboratory Operative Unit in order to compare over time performance results and achievements of assigned targets. Methods In the first experience with BSC we distinguished four perspectives, according to Kaplan and Norton, identified Key Performance Areas and Key Performance Indicators, set standards and weights for each objective, collected data for all indicators, recognized cause-and-effect relationships in a strategic map. One year later we proceeded with the next data collection and analysed the preservation of framework aptitude to measure Operative Unit performance. In addition, we verified the ability to underline links between strategic actions belonging to different perspectives in producing outcomes changes. Results The BSC was found to be effective for underlining existing problems and identifying opportunities for improvements. The BSC also revealed the specific perspective contribution to overall performance enhancement. After time results comparison was possible depending on the selection of feasible and appropriate key performance indicators, which was occasionally limited by data collection problems. Conclusions The first use of BSC to compare performance at Operative Unit level, in course of time, suggested this framework can be successfully adopted for results measuring and revealing effective health factors, allowing health-care quality improvements. PMID:21586111

  5. Multidimensional evaluation of performance with experimental application of balanced scorecard: a two year experience.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lupi, Silvia; Verzola, Adriano; Carandina, Gianni; Salani, Manuela; Antonioli, Paola; Gregorio, Pasquale

    2011-05-17

    In today's dynamic health-care system, organizations such as hospitals are required to improve their performance for multiple stakeholders and deliver an integrated care that means to work effectively, be innovative and organize efficiently. Achieved goals and levels of quality can be successfully measured by a multidimensional approach like Balanced Scorecard (BSC). The aim of the study was to verify the opportunity to introduce BSC framework to measure performance in St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, applying it to the Clinical Laboratory Operative Unit in order to compare over time performance results and achievements of assigned targets. In the first experience with BSC we distinguished four perspectives, according to Kaplan and Norton, identified Key Performance Areas and Key Performance Indicators, set standards and weights for each objective, collected data for all indicators, recognized cause-and-effect relationships in a strategic map. One year later we proceeded with the next data collection and analysed the preservation of framework aptitude to measure Operative Unit performance. In addition, we verified the ability to underline links between strategic actions belonging to different perspectives in producing outcomes changes. The BSC was found to be effective for underlining existing problems and identifying opportunities for improvements. The BSC also revealed the specific perspective contribution to overall performance enhancement. After time results comparison was possible depending on the selection of feasible and appropriate key performance indicators, which was occasionally limited by data collection problems. The first use of BSC to compare performance at Operative Unit level, in course of time, suggested this framework can be successfully adopted for results measuring and revealing effective health factors, allowing health-care quality improvements.

  6. Sadhana | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Sadhana. B R Shrinivasa Rao. Articles written in Sadhana. Volume 40 Issue 2 April 2015 pp 515-535 Mechanical Sciences. Prediction models for performance and emissions of a dual fuel CI engine using ANFIS · A Adarsh Rai P Srinivasa Pai B R Shrinivasa Rao · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF.

  7. History | About IASc | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    O. Siddiqi; 1989 - 1991: Prof. C. N. R. Rao; 1992 - 1994: Prof. R. Narasimha; 1995 - 1997: Prof. P. Rama Rao; 1998 - 2000: Prof. N. Kumar; 2001 - 2003: Dr K. Kasturirangan; 2004 - 2006: Prof. T. V. Ramakrishnan; 2007 - 2009: Prof. D. Balasubramanian; 2010 - 2012: Prof. A. K. Sood; 2013 - 2015: Prof. Dipankar Chatterji ...

  8. Journal of Biosciences | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Journal of Biosciences. Shobha Rao. Articles written in Journal of Biosciences. Volume 26 Issue 4 November 2001 pp 481-489. Nutritional status of the Indian population · Shobha Rao · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. High prevalence of low birth weight, high morbidity and mortality in children and poor ...

  9. Journal of Genetics | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    VEENA RAO. Articles written in Journal of Genetics. Volume 96 Issue 5 November 2017 pp 717-717 Haldane at 125. Preface · Partha P. Majumder Vidyanand Nanjundiah Veena Rao · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. Volume 96 Issue 5 November 2017 pp 765-772 HALDANE AT 125. Haldane's view of natural selection.

  10. Untitled

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Karady G, Rogers P 1985 Sadhana 8:135-145. MaassMM, Hufschmidt A, Dorfman R, Thomas HA, Marglin SA, Fair GM 1962 Design ofwater resources systems (Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard University Press). Rao PS, Ramaseshan S 1985a Sadhana 8: 179–206. Rao PS, Ramaseshan S 1985b Sadhana 8: 206– ...

  11. The role of a blue ocean strategy on performance evaluation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mojtaba Tabari

    2014-08-01

    Full Text Available This paper develops a balanced scorecard (BSC in order to prepare a comprehensive tool for performance evaluation. In this way, an experimental test is conducted in the Resorts of Ramsar Green City located in the north of Iran, in which the factors of a blue ocean strategy influence on the dimensions of the BSC. The sample number of this study consists of 90 managers and experts of the employees who work for Resorts of Ramsar Green City. The acquired data are analyzed with using the t-test. The obtained results show that the blue ocean strategy changes in the objects and the scales of the BSC.

  12. AHP IN IMPLEMENTATION OF BALANCED SCORECARD

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jelena Jovanovic

    2015-11-01

    Full Text Available BSC as a matrix of balanced indicators gives a review of organization activities within four or more perspectives (fields (finance, users, business processes, learning and development where by necessary conditions for development and continual improvement are created. As BSC is essentially a frame for realization of defined strategy in the organization, its implementation asks for an adequate choice of measures-indicators and therefore this paper is oriented towards importance and methodology of the choice of indicators. This paper particularly emphasizes a possibility of implementation of AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process and ANP (Analytic Network Process as methods of multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM inmplementation of BSC.

  13. As melhores práticas de controladoria: o Balanced Scorecard como ferramenta de gestão

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Antonio M. da Silva Carpes

    2007-11-01

    Full Text Available As constantes mudanças no ambiente competitivo moderno exigem cada vez mais o aprimoramento dos sistemas de informações. O estudo apresenta o Balanced Scorecard (BSC e discute sua importância como uma ferramenta de gestão que desafia a empresa e tem por objetivo apresentar uma proposta de avaliação estratégica, fundamentada no conceito de Balanced Scorecard, alinhada às estratégias das empresas objeto de estudo. Como objetivos específicos buscou-se conceituar o BSC como instrumento de gestão, caracterizar as empresas objeto de estudo, identificar a missão, a visão e a estratégia respectivas, para aplicar os meios disponíveis, alinhados àquelas estratégias. Para atingir esses objetivos utilizou-se pesquisa exploratória, por meio de um estudo multi caso, com abordagem qualitativa. A pesquisa de campo envolveu três empresas do Estado de Santa Catarina, por meio de entrevistas semi-estrutura das em que foram identificadas as necessidades e as informações necessárias para a proposta de um conjunto de indicadores estratégicos do BSC. Os resultados da pesquisa evidenciam a importância do BSC como ferramenta de gestão. The constant changes demand each time more the improvement of the systems ofinformation. The research it presents Balanced Scorecard (BSC and argues itsimportance as a management tool that the company. The study it has for objective topresent a proposal of strategical evaluation based on the concept of Balanced lined upScorecard the strategies of the companies study object. As objective specific onesearched to appraise the BSC as management instrument, to characterize thecompanies study object, to identify the mission, the vision and the strategy of thecompanies to present strategical pointers lined up its strategies. To reach theseobjectives, it was used of exploratória research, through a study multiin case that,with qualitative boarding. The field research involved three companies of the State of

  14. Recruitment and Retention with a Spin

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lindgren, Rita; Hixson, Carla Braun

    2010-01-01

    Strategic planning and innovation at Bismarck State College (BSC) found common ground in the college's goal to recruit and retain employees in an environment of low unemployment and strong competition for skilled employees. BSC's strategic plan for 2007-09 included the objective "to increase retention of employees." One of the strategies…

  15. Sadhana | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Sadhana. K Mallikarjuna Rao. Articles written in Sadhana. Volume 26 Issue 6 December 2001 pp 549-590. A set of pathological tests to validate new finite elements · K Mallikarjuna Rao U Shrinivasa · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. The finite element method entails several approximations. Hence it is ...

  16. Journal of Earth System Science | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Journal of Earth System Science. T K Gundu Rao. Articles written in Journal of Earth System Science. Volume 111 Issue 2 June 2002 pp 103-113. Electron spin resonance dating of fault gouge from Desamangalam, Kerala: Evidence for Quaternary movement in Palghat gap shear zone · T K Gundu Rao C P ...

  17. Sadhana | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Comparative efficiencies of three parallel algorithms for nonlinear implicit transient dynamic analysis · A Rama Mohan Rao T V S R Appa Rao B Dattaguru · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. The work reported in this paper is motivated by the need to develop portable parallel processing algorithms and codes which can ...

  18. CMS Observes Single Top-Quark

    CERN Multimedia

    2011-01-01

      One of the many excellent results harvested by CMS from 2010 data. (Figure shows events vs cosine of the angle between lepton and light jets in t rest-frame.)   If you have any comments / suggestions please contact the editors: Marzena Lapka (marzena.lapka@cern.ch) and Achintya Rao (achintya.rao@cern.ch)  

  19. Journal of Chemical Sciences | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Journal of Chemical Sciences. G Ranga Rao. Articles written in Journal of Chemical Sciences. Volume 113 Issue 5-6 October-December 2001 pp 651-658. XRD and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance analysis of CeO2-ZrO2 solid solutions synthesized by combustion method · G Ranga Rao H Ranjan Sahu.

  20. Implementation of the balanced scorecard in a brazilian state-owned company: the case of Petrobras El proceso de implantación del balanced scorecard en una empresa estatal brasileña: el caso Petrobras O processo de implantação do balanced scorecard em uma empresa estatal brasileira: o caso Petrobras

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Aline de Almeida Filgueiras

    2010-03-01

    Full Text Available The Balanced Scorecard (BSC, developed by Kaplan and Norton in 1992, responded to a need for consolidating the performance complexity of the organization and has been increasingly used since then. Among the advantages are the composition and visualization of performance measurements that reflect the company’s business strategy. The BSC summarizes and indicates in a single document, performance from four perspectives, financial, clients, internal processes and learning and growth. This study is important because the BSC is the first systematic attempt to develop a project for a performance evaluation process that focuses on company objectives, coordination of individual decisions and a basis for the organizational learning. Therefore, applicable literature was reviewed and a presentation was made on implementation of the BSC at Petrobras, an integrated state-owned company acting in exploration, production, refining, commercialization and transport of oil and derivatives in Brazil and abroad.El Balanced Scorecard (BSC, desarrollado por Kaplan y Norton en 1992, resultó de la necesidad de captar toda la complejidad del desempeño de la organización, y ha sido amplia y creciente su utilización en empresas y organizaciones. Entre sus contribuciones están la composición y la visualización de medidas de desempeño que reflejen la estrategia de negocios de la empresa. El BSC resume, en un único documento, indicadores de desempeño en cuatro perspectivas: financiera, clientes, procesos internos y aprendizaje, y crecimiento. La importancia del estudio está en el hecho de que el BSC constituye el primer intento sistemático de desarrollar un proyecto para el sistema de evaluación de desempeño que enfoque los objetivos de la empresa, la coordinación de la tomada de decisión individual y la provisión de una base para el aprendizaje organizacional. Así, en este trabajo fue realizada una revisión de la

  1. GILT - A randomised phase III study of oral vinorelbine and cisplatin with concomitant radiotherapy followed by either consolidation therapy with oral vinorelbine and cisplatin or best supportive care alone in stage III non-small cell lung cancer

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Flentje, Michael [University Hospital Wuerzburg, Dept. of Radiotherapy, Wuerzburg (Germany); Huber, Rudolf M. [University Hospital Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL CPC-M), Munich (Germany); Engel-Riedel, Walburga [University Hospital Merheim, Dept. of Pneumonology, Cologne (Germany); Andreas, Stefan [Dept. of Pneumonology, Immenhausen (Germany); Kollmeier, Jens [Helios Emil-von-Behring Hospital, Berlin (Germany); Staar, Susanne [Municipal Hospital Bremen-Mitte, Bremen (Germany); Dickgreber, Nicolas [University Hospital Hannover, Hannover (Germany); Vaissiere, Nathalie; Almeida, Cecilia de [Institut de Recherche Pierre Fabre, Boulogne (France); Edlich, Birgit [Pierre Fabre Pharma GmbH, Freiburg (Germany); Fietkau, Rainer [University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen (Germany)

    2016-04-15

    Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT) is considered standard for inoperable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Consolidation chemotherapy (CC) following CRT is intended to further improve outcomes, yet studies have shown discordant results. This phase III study assessed CRT followed by best supportive care (BSC) or consolidation with oral vinorelbine and cisplatin. Patients received two cycles of oral vinorelbine (50 mg/m{sup 2} days 1, 8 and 15) + cisplatin (20 mg/m{sup 2} days 1-4) q4w + radiotherapy (RT; 66 Gy). Patients with at least stable disease (SD) were randomised to either two cycles oral vinorelbine (60-80 mg/m{sup 2} days 1 and 8) + cisplatin (80 mg/m{sup 2} day 1) q3w + BSC or BSC alone. Primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). A total of 279 patients were enrolled for CRT and 201 patients were randomised to CC or BSC. Both CRT and CC were well tolerated, with limited radiation-mediated grade 3/4 toxicities (CRT/CC/BSC: oesophagitis-related events 12.9 %/3.1 %/0 %; grade 3 pneumonitis 0 %/0 %/2 %) and chemotherapy-mediated grade 3/4 toxicities (CRT/CC: neutropenia 11.2 %/22.1 %; leukopenia 18.3 %/26.7 %; grade 3 nausea 5.0 %/2.3 %, grade 3 vomiting 3.2 %/3.5 %). Median PFS from randomisation was 6.4 (5.0-8.7) and 5.5 (3.8-7.4) months in the CC and BSC arms (hazard ratio, HR = 0.93 [0.69-1.26]; p = 0.63), respectively; median overall survival (OS) 20.8 (13.5-25.3) and 18.5 (13.6-24.7) months, respectively. Consolidation chemotherapy after concurrent CRT did not prolong PFS or OS. Concurrent RT with oral vinorelbine and cisplatin demonstrated a favourable safety profile and represents a suitable treatment regimen for inoperable stage III NSCLC. (orig.) [German] Simultane Radiochemotherapie (CRT) wird als Standardtherapie beim inoperablen Stadium III des nicht-kleinzelligen Lungenkarzinoms (NSCLC) angesehen. Konsolidierende Chemotherapie (CC) nach der CRT zielt darauf ab, das Therapieergebnis zu verbessern, allerdings zeigen Studien

  2. Service quality in contracted facilities.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rabbani, Fauziah; Pradhan, Nousheen Akber; Zaidi, Shehla; Azam, Syed Iqbal; Yousuf, Farheen

    2015-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to explore the readiness of contracted and non-contracted first-level healthcare facilities in Pakistan to deliver quality maternal and neonatal health (MNH) care. A balanced scorecard (BSC) was used as the assessment framework. Using a cross-sectional study design, two rural health centers (RHCs) contracted out to Aga Khan Health Service, Pakistan were compared with four government managed RHCs. A BSC was designed to assess RHC readiness to deliver good quality MNH care. In total 20 indicators were developed, representing five BSC domains: health facility functionality, service provision, staff capacity, staff and patient satisfaction. Validated data collection tools were used to collect information. Pearson χ2, Fisher's Exact and the Mann-Whitney tests were applied as appropriate to detect significant service quality differences among the two facilities. Contracted facilities were generally found to be better than non-contracted facilities in all five BSC domains. Patients' inclination for facility-based delivery at contracted facilities was, however, significantly higher than non-contracted facilities (80 percent contracted vs 43 percent non-contracted, p=0.006). The study shows that contracting out initiatives have the potential to improve MNH care. This is the first study to compare MNH service delivery quality across contracted and non-contracted facilities using BSC as the assessment framework.

  3. PERFORMANCE CRITERIA of RUBBER UKM BASED ON COOPERATIVE USING BALANCED SCORECARD METHOD

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dessy Iriani Putri

    2017-01-01

    Full Text Available Small and Medium Enterprises (UKM of Usaha Mandiri is the only UKM in Putri Hijau district, North Bengkulu that carries out its activities based on cooperative principles. The UKM was established in 2010 due to the rubber farmer’s concern about their future. In the last few years, the rubber price has declined, resulting in the decreasing performance of UKM Usaha Mandiri’s.  The objective of this research is to analyze the performance of UKM of Usaha Mandiri.  The method used is balanced scorecard (BSC and Focus Group Discussion (FGD to identify the UKM’s strategic aim and the BSC value. The result of the research shows that the performance of UKM of Usaha Mandiri   started to decline from 2013–2015.  The BSC score from 2011–2015 was 112.93 (excellent, 141.84 (excellent, 95.41 (excellent, 47.42 (average and 81.62 (very good.  The decline of the performance was due to the decline of natural rubber price.  The conclusion for the research is that in 2015 the performance of UKM of Usaha Mandiri   was categorized as very good (BSC method with the most contribution from growth and learning perspective.        Keywords : Balanced scorecard, BSC, cooperation, performance measurement, UKM

  4. A Review: Proteomics in Retinal Artery Occlusion, Retinal Vein Occlusion, Diabetic Retinopathy and Acquired Macular Disorders.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cehofski, Lasse Jørgensen; Honoré, Bent; Vorum, Henrik

    2017-04-28

    Retinal artery occlusion (RAO), retinal vein occlusion (RVO), diabetic retinopathy (DR) and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are frequent ocular diseases with potentially sight-threatening outcomes. In the present review we discuss major findings of proteomic studies of RAO, RVO, DR and AMD, including an overview of ocular proteome changes associated with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) treatments. Despite the severe outcomes of RAO, the proteome of the disease remains largely unstudied. There is also limited knowledge about the proteome of RVO, but proteomic studies suggest that RVO is associated with remodeling of the extracellular matrix and adhesion processes. Proteomic studies of DR have resulted in the identification of potential therapeutic targets such as carbonic anhydrase-I. Proliferative diabetic retinopathy is the most intensively studied stage of DR. Proteomic studies have established VEGF, pigment epithelium-derived factor (PEDF) and complement components as key factors associated with AMD. The aim of this review is to highlight the major milestones in proteomics in RAO, RVO, DR and AMD. Through large-scale protein analyses, proteomics is bringing new important insights into these complex pathological conditions.

  5. Segmental wall-motion analysis in the right anterior oblique projection: comparison of exercise equilibrium radionuclide ventriculography and exercise contrast ventriculography

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Brady, T.J.; Thrall, J.H.; Keyes, J.W. Jr.; Brymer, J.F.; Walton, J.A.; Pitt, B.

    1980-01-01

    Thirty-nine patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease were studied at rest and during supine bicycle exercise with radionuclide and contrast left ventriculography. Analysis of regional wall motion was made by visual evaluation of the five standard 30 0 right anterior oblique (RAO) wall segments in the contrast images and the corresponding 10 0 RAO radionuclide segments. The radionuclide studies were evaluated independently by three observers using a five-point grading system. The interobserver wall-motion grading agreed completely in more than 80% of segments at rest and exercise, and agreed within one wall-motion grade in more than 95% of segments. The comparison of wall-motion grades between radionuclide and contrast ventriculograms showed complete agreement in 86% of segments at rest and in 78% during exercise, and agreement within one wall-motion grade in 97% of rest and 96% of exercise segments. Visual evaluation of 10 0 RAO rest and exercise radionuclide ventriculograms compares favorably with rest and exercise 30 0 RAO contrast ventriculograms and demonstrates satisfactory interobserver agreement

  6. Phase III trial of vinflunine plus best supportive care compared with best supportive care alone after a platinum-containing regimen in patients with advanced transitional cell carcinoma of the urothelial tract

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Bellmunt, Joaquim; Théodore, Christine; Demkov, Tomasz

    2009-01-01

    neutropenia (50%), febrile neutropenia (6%), anemia (19%), fatigue (19%), and constipation (16%). In the intent-to-treat population, the objective of a median 2-month survival advantage (6.9 months for VFL + BSC v 4.6 months for BSC) was achieved (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.88; 95% CI, 0.69 to 1...

  7. Entrance Qualifications Affect the Performance of Nutrition Students at University: A Pilot Study

    Science.gov (United States)

    Owusu-Apenten, Richard; Xu, Wen Li

    2012-01-01

    This study assessed the effect of admissions qualifications on the subsequent academic performances of BSc nutrition students at a UK university. Entrance qualifications for three groups (Grp01, Grp02, Grp03) reading for a BSc(Hons) degree in, Dietetics, Food & Nutrition or Human Nutrition (n = 105) were determined from their UCAS…

  8. Motives, Diffusion and Utilisation of the Balanced Scorecard in Demark

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Steen; Sørensen, René

    2004-01-01

    and down to day-to-day level. The level of knowledge appears to be high, about 80%, whereas less than 20% give high priority to BSC. Besides, we have tested significance relations between the level of priority, usage, suitability of current system and the need for BSC. Compared to the results in other...

  9. Ratify, Reject or Revise: Balanced Scorecard and Universities

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sayed, Naqi

    2013-01-01

    Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the use of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in universities. Initially directed toward profit-oriented businesses, the BSC has since been adopted by many non-profit organisations with seemingly diverse objectives. A number of primarily publicly-funded universities and institutions, which are part of…

  10. Applying the Balanced Scorecard to Education

    Science.gov (United States)

    Karathanos, Demetrius; Karathanos, Patricia

    2005-01-01

    Although the application of the balanced scorecard (BSC) in the business sector is well documented, very little research has been reported regarding the adaptation or application of the BSC in the education sector. In this article, the authors (a) describe how the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence has adapted the concept of…

  11. Sadhana | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Sadhana. M D Ghouse. Articles written in Sadhana. Volume 36 Issue 1 February 2011 pp 35-51. Numerical modelling of failure of cement concrete using a unit cell approach · M D Ghouse C Lakshmana Rao B N Rao · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. In this paper, a unit cell based approach is followed, ...

  12. Resonance – Journal of Science Education | Indian Academy of ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    More Details Fulltext PDF. Volume 4 Issue 1 January 1999 pp 8-22 Series Article. 175 Years of Linear Programming - Pivots in Column Space · Vijay Chandru M R Rao · More Details Fulltext PDF. Volume 4 Issue 5 May 1999 pp 31-39 Series Article. 175 Years of Linear Programming - Pune's Gift · Vijay Chandru M R Rao.

  13. Sadhana | Indian Academy of Sciences

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Home; Journals; Sadhana. S R Koteswara Rao. Articles written in Sadhana. Volume 37 Issue 5 October 2012 pp 587-593. Comparative evaluation of tungsten inert gas and laser beam welding of AA5083-H321 · K Subbaiah M Geetha B Shanmugarajan S R Koteswara Rao · More Details Abstract Fulltext PDF. In this study ...

  14. Ulnar Artery Compression: A Feasible and Effective Approach to Prevent the Radial Artery Occlusion after Coronary Intervention

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Jun Tian

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available Background: Radial artery (RA occlusion (RAO is not rare in patients undergoing coronary intervention by transradial approach (TRCI. Predictors of and prevention from RAO have not been systematically studied. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of the weakness of RA pulsation (RAP and its predictive value for RAO after TRCI, and simultaneously to describe a feasible and effective approach to maintain RA patency. Methods: Between June 2006 and March 2010, all patients who underwent TRCI were classified according to the weakness of RAP after removing compression bandage with confirmation by Doppler ultrasound for the first 30 consecutive patients. Among a total of 2658 patients studied, 187 (7% patients having a weaker RAP were prospectively monitored. At 1 h after bandage removal, the ulnar artery in puncture side of all patients was blocked with manual compression to favor brachial and collateral artery blood flow through the RA until a good RAP was restored. The primary analysis was the occurrence of RAO. Results: Doppler ultrasound demonstrated the significant reduction of both systolic velocity (61.24 ± 3.95 cm/s vs. 72.31 ± 3.57 cm/s and diastolic velocity (1.83 ± 0.32 cm/s vs. 17.77 ± 3.97 cm/s in RA at access side as compared to the contralateral RA (all P < 0.001, but these velocities in ipsilateral ulnar artery (81.2 ± 2.16 cm/s and 13.1 ± 2.86 cm/s, respectively increased profoundly. The average time of ulnar artery compression was 4.1 ± 1.2 h (ranged 2.5-6.5 h. There were two patients experienced persistent RAO with a success rate of 98.9% and RAO in 0.075% of patients after ulnar artery compression was applied. The pulsation of the ulnar artery after compression was removed had not been influenced by the compression. Conclusions: After intervention using TRCI approach, the presence of a weaker RAP is an indicator of imminent RAO. The continuing compression of ipsilateral ulnar artery is an effective approach to

  15. Identification of factors influencing the restoration of cyanobacteria-dominated biological soil crusts.

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Chongfeng Bu

    Full Text Available Biological soil crusts (BSCs cover >35% of the Earth's land area and contribute to important ecological functions in arid and semiarid ecosystems, including erosion reduction, hydrological cycling, and nutrient cycling. Artificial rapid cultivation of BSCs can provide a novel alternative to traditional biological methods for controlling soil and water loss such as the planting of trees, shrubs, and grasses. At present, little is known regarding the cultivation of BSCs in the field due to lack of knowledge regarding the influencing factors that control BSCs growth. Thus, we determined the effects of various environmental factors (shade; watering; N, P, K, and Ca concentrations on the growth of cyanobacteria-dominated BSCs from the Sonoran Desert in the southwestern United States. The soil surface changes and chlorophyll a concentrations were used as proxies of BSC growth and development. After 4 months, five factors were found to impact BSC growth with the following order of importance: NH4NO3 ≈ watering frequency>shading>CaCO3 ≈ KH2PO4. The soil water content was the primary positive factor affecting BSC growth, and BSCs that were watered every 5 days harbored greater biomass than those watered every 10 days. Groups that received NH4NO3 consistently exhibited poor growth, suggesting that fixed N amendment may suppress BSC growth. The effect of shading on the BSC biomass was inconsistent and depended on many factors including the soil water content and availability of nutrients. KH2PO4 and CaCO3 had nonsignificant effects on BSC growth. Collectively, our results indicate that the rapid restoration of BSCs can be controlled and realized by artificial "broadcasting" cultivation through the optimization of environmental factors.

  16. Multidimensional evaluation of performance with experimental application of balanced scorecard: a two year experience

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Antonioli Paola

    2011-05-01

    Full Text Available Abstract Background In today's dynamic health-care system, organizations such as hospitals are required to improve their performance for multiple stakeholders and deliver an integrated care that means to work effectively, be innovative and organize efficiently. Achieved goals and levels of quality can be successfully measured by a multidimensional approach like Balanced Scorecard (BSC. The aim of the study was to verify the opportunity to introduce BSC framework to measure performance in St. Anna University Hospital of Ferrara, applying it to the Clinical Laboratory Operative Unit in order to compare over time performance results and achievements of assigned targets. Methods In the first experience with BSC we distinguished four perspectives, according to Kaplan and Norton, identified Key Performance Areas and Key Performance Indicators, set standards and weights for each objective, collected data for all indicators, recognized cause-and-effect relationships in a strategic map. One year later we proceeded with the next data collection and analysed the preservation of framework aptitude to measure Operative Unit performance. In addition, we verified the ability to underline links between strategic actions belonging to different perspectives in producing outcomes changes. Results The BSC was found to be effective for underlining existing problems and identifying opportunities for improvements. The BSC also revealed the specific perspective contribution to overall performance enhancement. After time results comparison was possible depending on the selection of feasible and appropriate key performance indicators, which was occasionally limited by data collection problems. Conclusions The first use of BSC to compare performance at Operative Unit level, in course of time, suggested this framework can be successfully adopted for results measuring and revealing effective health factors, allowing health-care quality improvements.

  17. , , , , , and Gene Expression in Single- and Co-cultured Bovine Satellite Cells and Intramuscular Preadipocytes Treated with Palmitic, Stearic, Oleic, and Linoleic Acid

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    S. H. Choi

    2015-03-01

    Full Text Available We previously demonstrated that bovine subcutaneous preadipocytes promote adipogenic gene expression in muscle satellite cells in a co-culture system. Herein we hypothesize that saturated fatty acids would promote adipogenic/lipogenic gene expression, whereas mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids would have the opposite effect. Bovine semimembranosus satellite cells (BSC and intramuscular preadipocytes (IPA were isolated from crossbred steers and cultured with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS/Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM and 1% antibiotics during the 3-d proliferation period. After proliferation, cells were treated for 3 d with 3% horse serum/DMEM (BSC or 5% FBS/DMEM (IPA with antibiotics. Media also contained 10 μg/mL insulin and 10 μg/mL pioglitazone. Subsequently, differentiating BSC and IPA were cultured in their respective media with 40 μM palmitic, stearic, oleic, or linoleic acid for 4 d. Finally, BSC and IPA were single- or co-cultured for an additional 2 h. All fatty acid treatments increased (p = 0.001 carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 beta (CPT1β gene expression, but the increase in CPT1β gene expression was especially pronounced in IPA incubated with palmitic and stearic acid (6- to 17- fold increases. Oleic and linoleic acid decreased (p = 0.001 stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD gene expression over 80% in both BSC and IPA. Conversely, palmitic and stearic acid increased SCD gene expression three fold in co-cultured in IPA, and stearic acid increased AMPKα gene expression in single- and co-cultured BSC and IPA. Consistent with our hypothesis, saturated fatty acids, especially stearic acid, promoted adipogenic and lipogenic gene expression, whereas unsaturated fatty acids decreased expression of those genes associated with fatty acid metabolism.

  18. The balanced scorecard framework-a case study of patient and employee satisfaction: what happens when it does not work as planned?

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lorden, Andrea; Coustasse, Alberto; Singh, Karan P

    2008-01-01

    The successful utilization of the balanced scorecard (BSC) framework in health care has been demonstrated in the literature. Given these successes, a financially struggling hospital implemented a BSC framework intervention which attempted a culture change centered upon patient satisfaction which it hoped would translate to improved financial stability. Despite the evidence of BSC successes, the intervention, entitled Route 99, did not succeed in this hospital. This case study was conducted to identify learnable lessons and confounding factors associated with the successes and failures of Route 99. Metrics for patient satisfaction and employee satisfaction were examined as reflections of the intervention, the BSC framework, and the confounding financial condition of the hospital. Through case study methodology, mean quarterly patient satisfaction scores tabulated by an outside vendor for inpatient and outpatient services were divided into four time intervals and compared through analysis of variance. Employee satisfaction was measured through a hospital-provided 12-question employee survey, administered through convenience sampling at the beginning and 7 months into Route 99. Each question utilized a 5-point Likert scale and generated two samples which were verified for sample independence through chi-square analysis. Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison. Inpatient patient satisfaction scores exhibited a nonsignificant upward trend. However, the analysis of variance demonstrated a significant rise in outpatient patient satisfaction (p < .05). An interesting finding was that employee satisfaction declined (p < .05) significantly for supervisors and directors in three areas. The inverse relationship between patient satisfaction and employee satisfaction is in contrast to that found in the literature by the authors. Examination of the BSC framework, the hospital's financial standing, and the metrics for patient satisfaction and employee satisfaction illuminated

  19. The potential of the synergistic use of passive and active remote sensing measurements for the validation of a regional dust model

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    V. Amiridis

    2009-08-01

    Full Text Available A long-lasting Saharan dust event affected Europe on 18–23 May 2008. Dust was present in the free troposphere over Greece, in height ranges between the surface and approximately 4–5 km above sea level. The event was monitored by ground-based CIMEL sunphotometric and multi-wavelength combined backscatter/Raman lidar measurements over Athens, Greece. The dust event had the maximum of its intensity on 20 May. Three-dimensional dust spatial distribution over Greece on that day is presented through satellite synergy of passive and active remote sensing using MODIS and CALIPSO data, respectively. For the period under study, the ground-based measurements are used to characterize the dust event and evaluate the latest version of the BSC Dust Regional Atmospheric Modeling (BSC-DREAM system. Comparisons of modeled and measured aerosol optical depths over Athens show that the Saharan dust outbreak is fairly well captured by BSC-DREAM simulations. Evaluation of BSC-DREAM using Raman lidar measurements on 20 May shows that the model consistently reproduces the dust vertical distribution over Athens.

  20. [Development of nursing key performance indicators for an intensive care unit by using a balanced scorecard].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Choi, Yun Jeong; Lim, Ji Young; Lee, Young Whee; Kim, Hwa Soon

    2008-10-01

    The purpose of this study was to develop visions of nursing service, nursing strategies and key performance indicators (KPIs) for an intensive care unit (ICU) based on a Balanced Scorecard (BSC). This study was undertaken by using methodological research. The development process consisted of four phases; the first phase was to develop the vision of nursing in ICUs. The second phase was to develop strategies according to 4 perspectives of a BSC. The third phase was to develop KPIs according to the 4 perspectives of BSC and the final phase was to combine the nursing visions, strategies and KPIs of ICUs. Two main visions of nursing service for ICUs were established. These were 'realization of harmonized professional nursing with human respect' and 'recovery of health through specialized nursing' respectively. In order to reach the aim of developing nursing visions, thirteen practical strategies and nineteen KPIs were developed by four perspectives of the BSC. The results will be used as objective fundamental data to attain business outcomes for the achievement of nursing visions and strategies of ICUs.

  1. Performance Management in Healthcare Organizations: Concept and Practicum.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Dimitropoulos, Panagiotis E

    2017-01-01

    Organizational performance can create and sustain competitive advantages for corporations and even improve their sustainability and future prospects. Health care organizations present a sector where performance management is structured by multiple dimensions. The scope of this study is to analyze the issue of performance management in healthcare organizations and specifically the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) methodology on organizations providing health services. The study provides a discussion on the BSC development process, the steps that management has to take in order to prepare the implementation of the BSC and finally discusses a practical example of a scorecard with specific strategic goals and performance indicators. Managers of healthcare organizations and specifically those providing services to the elderly and the general population could use the propositions of the study as a roadmap for processing, analyzing, evaluating and implementing the balanced scorecard approach in their organizations' daily operations. BSC methodology can give an advantage in terms of enhanced stakeholder management and preservation within a highly volatile and competitive economic environment.

  2. Multidimensional Balanced Efficiency Decision Model

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Antonella Petrillo

    2015-10-01

    Full Text Available In this paper a multicriteria methodological approach, based on Balanced Scorecard (BSC and Analytic Network Process (ANP, is proposed to evaluate competitiveness performance in luxury sector. A set of specific key performance indicators (KPIs have been proposed. The contribution of our paper is to present the integration of two methodologies, BSC – a multiple perspective framework for performance assessment – and ANP – a decision-making tool to prioritize multiple performance perspectives and indicators and to generate a unified metric that incorporates diversified issues for conducting supply chain improvements. The BSC/ANP model is used to prioritize all performances within a luxury industry. A real case study is presented.

  3. Balanced scorecard model for Paulinian educational institutions

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sr. Evangeline Lorenzo Anastacio

    2016-05-01

    Full Text Available The researcher aimed to come up with a mission-centered strategic management system for Paulinian schools using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC approach. To achieve this project, a consensus was derived from 39 schools in the Philippines run by the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres (SPC using the Delphi technique. The resulting BSC model included five perspectives, namely, spirituality, internal processes, learner and external community, learning organization, and fiscal resources perspectives. Strategic objectives with the corresponding key performance indicators (KPIs were identified. Unique to the resulting BSC model is the inclusion of spirituality perspective which ensures the conscious infusion of long-lasting values in all aspects of the school.

  4. Education quality monitoring in a comprehensive secondary institution with the use of modern IT-based means

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Оксана Николаевна Ромашкова

    2014-12-01

    Full Text Available In the article one can find an example of the Balanced Score Card (BSC development for a comprehensive secondary organization. The idea of using the BSC for the education quality monitoring is justified. The interrelation between the modern IT-based means introduction and the educational process quality improvement in a comprehensive secondary organization has been set.

  5. Introducing the Balanced Scorecard: Creating Metrics to Measure Performance

    Science.gov (United States)

    Gumbus, Andra

    2005-01-01

    This experiential exercise presents the concept of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) and applies it in a university setting. The Balanced Scorecard was developed 12 years ago and has grown in popularity and is used by more than 50% of the Fortune 500 companies as a performance measurement and strategic management tool. The BSC expands the traditional…

  6. Balanced Scorecards in Managing Higher Education Institutions: An Indian Perspective

    Science.gov (United States)

    Umashankar, Venkatesh; Dutta, Kirti

    2007-01-01

    Purpose: The paper aims to look at the balanced scorecard (BSC) concept and discuss in what way it should be applied to higher education programs/institutions in the Indian context. Design/methodology/approach: The paper is based on extant literature on the balanced scorecard concept per se, as well as applications of BSC in higher education as…

  7. Nominal Performance Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    M.A. Wasiolek

    2005-01-01

    This analysis report is one of the technical reports containing documentation of the Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain, Nevada (ERMYN), a biosphere model supporting the Total System Performance Assessment (TSPA) for the license application (LA) for the Yucca Mountain repository. This analysis report describes the development of biosphere dose conversion factors (BDCFs) for the groundwater exposure scenario, and the development of conversion factors for assessing compliance with the groundwater protection standards. A graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN is presented in Figure 1-1. This figure shows the interrelationships among the products (i.e., analysis and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and provides an understanding of how this analysis report contributes to biosphere modeling. This report is one of two reports that develop BDCFs, which are input parameters for the TSPA-LA model. The ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) describes in detail the ERMYN conceptual model and mathematical model. The input parameter reports, shown to the right of the ''Biosphere Model Report'' in Figure 1-1, contain detailed description of the model input parameters, their development, and the relationship between the parameters and specific features events and processes (FEPs). This report describes biosphere model calculations and their output, the BDCFs, for the groundwater exposure scenario. This analysis receives direct input from the outputs of the ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) and the five analyses that develop parameter values for the biosphere model (BSC 2005 [DIRS 172827]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169672]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169673]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169458]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169459]). The results of this report are further analyzed in the ''Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Importance and Sensitivity Analysis'' (Figure 1-1). The objectives of this analysis are to develop BDCFs for the

  8. Fundamental and clinical evaluation of Fourier analysis for the detection of regional wall contraction abnormalities in the patients with myocardial infarction

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Murata, H.; Toyama, H.; Tabuchi, H.; Muraki, T.; Ohtake, E.; Chiba, K.; Yamada, H.

    1982-01-01

    The purpose of the present study are to evaluate fundamentally the method of Fourier analysis and to detect regional wall motion abnormality of the infarcted lesions by Fourier analysis. Fourier analyses were performed using the data obtained by first pass method in right anterior oblique projection (RAO) and by equilibrium method in left anterior oblique projection (LAO), and amplitude and phase were calculated. Amplitude and phase values needed to be corrected by R-R interval. On the detection of myocardial infarction, Fourier analyses in RAO and in LAO had same value for anterior infarctions. The analysis in RAO was more sensitive to detect infero-posterior lesions. On the other hand, the analysis in LAO was more sensitive for septal and lateral lesions

  9. Ethical Issues in Using Children's Blood Lead Levels as a Remedial Action Objective

    Science.gov (United States)

    Evans, Emily Lorraine

    2011-01-01

    The Environmental Protection Agency measures the success or failure of Superfund site remediation efforts against remedial action objectives (RAOs). RAOs are frequently based on environmental contaminant concentrations, but with lead exposure, blood lead levels from the population at risk are often used. Although childhood lead screening is an important public health tool, an RAO based on child blood lead levels raises ethical concerns: public health efforts that are more reactive than preventive, a blood lead standard (10 μg/dL) that may not be fully protective, the use of a measure whose validity and reliability may be easily compromised, and exacerbation of environmental injustice and systematic disadvantages. The example of Bunker Hill mine, Kellogg, Idaho, allowed an examination of these ethical concerns. PMID:21836120

  10. The Balanced Scorecard as a Management Tool for Arable Farming

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Margit Paustian

    2015-07-01

    Full Text Available Management requirements for crop farming are high and will rise in the future. Arable farms are challenged by volatile markets, growing administrative burdens, increasing operating costs and growing competition for land. Management skills have become much more important for farmers in recent years and this trend will continue in the future. There are numerous instruments like accounting software or crop field cards integrated in daily management practice, but there is a deficiency of a fully integrated management system to give an overview of all areas of the farming business. This gap can be closed by the management tool Balanced Scorecard (BSC that provides an overview of all production and management activities on a farm. Therefore, with the aim to transfer the BSC concept to crop farming, German farmers and agricultural advisors were surveyed to get insights into the success factors and key performance indicators in the four BSC perspectives they consider most relevant for the operational success of arable farms. By the use of a cluster analysis, three different farm types were identified according to their visions and strategies. For the three farm types the key performance indicators that the respondents considered most relevant for farm performance were figured out. Implementation of the BSC to crop farming can result in a big benefit for management practice. The BSC focuses vision and long-term strategy with the main goal to ensure consistency of the farm and increase farm performance.

  11. Evaluation of different co-inoculation time of non-Saccharomyces/Saccharomyces yeasts in order to obtain reduced ethanol wines

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mestre María Victoria

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Decreasing ethanol content in wines has become one of the main objectives of winemakers in different areas of the world. The use of selected wine yeasts can be considered one of the most effective and simple tools. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of co-inoculation times of selected non-Saccharomyces/Saccharomyces yeasts on the reduction of ethanol levels in wines. Hanseniaspora uvarum BHu9, Starmerella bacillaris BSb55 and Candida membranaefasciens BCm71 were co-inoculate with Saccharomyces cerevisiae under fermentative conditions. Treatments assayed were: pure fermentations of S. cerevisiae BSc203 and non-Saccharomyces yeasts BHu9, BSb55 and BCm71; -co-fermentations: A-BHu9/BSc203; B-BSb55/BSc203 and C-BCm71/BSc203. These co-inoculations were carried out under mixed (simultaneous inoculation, and sequential conditions (non-Saccharomyces yeasts inoculated at initial time and S. cerevisiae at 48, 96 and 144 h. Lower fermentative efficiencies were registered when BHu9 and BSb55 remained pure more time. Conversely, the conversion efficiency was reduced in co-inocula of BCm71/BSc203, when both yeasts interact more time. Metabolites produced during all vinification processes were within acceptable concentration ranges according to the current legislations. Conclusion Time interaction during fermentation processes of non-Saccharomyces and Saccharomyces yeasts showed influence on ethanol production, and this effect would be dependent on the co-inoculated species.

  12. Integrando técnicas de simulação com balanced scorecard na gestão de operações de serviços

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mauricio Uriona Maldonado

    2011-04-01

    Full Text Available A intangibilidade, simultaneidade e não-estocabilidade da produção de serviços dificultam a gestão eficiente dos mesmos. O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar um framework metodológico que contribua com a gestão eficiente dos serviços, baseado na simulação dinâmica. Para isto, o framework proposto se apoia na integração da sistemática de mensuração e avaliação do Balanced Scorecard (BSC com as técnicas e métodos de simulação da Dinâmica de Sistemas. É apresentado um modelo de simulação dinâmico como exemplo de aplicação de um sistema de produção de serviços, utilizando, para a estrutura do modelo, as quatro perspectivas do BSC. Os resultados do modelo se dividem em dois tipos: i a comprovação da efetividade de utilizar modelos dinâmicos de simulação com base no BSC para incrementar a eficiência da gestão de serviços, ii as implicações para os gestores de serviços, com base no exemplo apresentado. Conclui-se que modelos de simulação, com base na visualização de cenários, contribuem na gestão de serviços e que técnicas de Dinâmica de Sistemas ajudam a estruturar a utilização do BSC e facilitam na compreensão dos comportamentos do sistema de produção de serviços. Intangibility, simultaneity and non-stockability in service operations difficult its efficient management. The purpose of this paper is to introduce a methodological framework that contributes with the efficiency of service management, based on dynamic simulation. In order to achieve this, the proposed framework is supported by the integration of: the measurement and evaluative features of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC, and in the simulation techniques of System Dynamics. A dynamic model is presented, exemplifying a service production system, structured on the four perspectives of the BSC. The results are divided into two: i the validation of the effectiveness of dynamic models based on BSC in service management, ii the managerial

  13. Skeletal dosimetry for external exposures to photons based on {mu}CT images of spongiosa: Consideration of voxel resolution, cluster size, and medullary bone surfaces

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Kramer, R.; Khoury, H. J.; Vieira, J. W.; Brown, K. A. Robson [Departamento de Energia Nuclear, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Luiz Freire 1000, Cidade Universitaria, CEP 50740-540, Recife, Pernambuco (Brazil); Centro Federal de Educacao Tecnologica de Pernambuco, Avenida Professor Luiz Freire 500, CEP 50740-540, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil and Escola Politecnica, UPE, Rua Benfica 455, CEP 50751-460, Recife, Pernambuco (Brazil); Imaging Laboratory, Department of Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Bristol, 43 Woodland Road, Bristol BS8 1UU (United Kingdom)

    2009-11-15

    Skeletal dosimetry based on {mu}CT images of trabecular bone has recently been introduced to calculate the red bone marrow (RBM) and the bone surface cell (BSC) equivalent doses in human phantoms for external exposure to photons. In order to use the {mu}CT images for skeletal dosimetry, spongiosa voxels in the skeletons were replaced at run time by so-called micromatrices, which have exactly the size of a spongiosa voxel and contain segmented trabecular bone and marrow microvoxels. A cluster (=parallelepiped) of 2x2x2=8 micromatrices was used systematically and periodically throughout the spongiosa volume during the radiation transport calculation. Systematic means that when a particle leaves a spongiosa voxel to enter into a neighboring spongiosa voxel, then the next micromatrix in the cluster will be used. Periodical means that if the particle travels through more than two spongiosa voxels in a row, then the cluster will be repeated. Based on the bone samples available at the time, clusters of up to 3x3x3=27 micromatrices were studied. While for a given trabecular bone volume fraction the whole-body RBM equivalent dose showed converging results for cluster sizes between 8 and 27 micromatrices, this was not the case for the BSC equivalent dose. The BSC equivalent dose seemed to be very sensitive to the number, form, and thickness of the trabeculae. In addition, the cluster size and/or the microvoxel resolution were considered to be possible causes for the differences observed. In order to resolve this problem, this study used a bone sample large enough to extract clusters containing up to 8x8x8=512 micromatrices and which was scanned with two different voxel resolutions. Taking into account a recent proposal, this investigation also calculated the BSC equivalent dose on medullary surfaces of cortical bone in the arm and leg bones. The results showed (1) that different voxel resolutions have no effect on the RBM equivalent dose but do influence the BSC equivalent

  14. Biological soil crust as a bio-mediator alters hydrological processes in stabilized dune system of the Tengger Desert, China

    Science.gov (United States)

    Li, Xinrong

    2016-04-01

    Biological soil crust (BSC) is a vital component in the stabilized sand dunes with a living cover up to more than 70% of the total, which has been considered as a bio-mediator that directly influences and regulates the sand dune ecosystem processes. However, its influences on soil hydrological processes have been long neglected in Chinese deserts. In this study, BSCs of different successional stages were chose to test their influence on the hydrological processes of stabilized dune, where the groundwater deep exceeds 30m, further to explore why occur the sand-binding vegetation replacement between shrubs and herbs. Our long-term observation (60 years) shows that cyanobacteria crust has been colonized and developed after 3 years since the sand-binding vegetation has been established and dune fixation using planted xerophytic shrubs and made sand barrier (straw-checkerboard) on shifting dune surface, lichen and moss crust occurred after 20 years, and the cover of moss dominated crust could reach 70 % after 50 years. The colonization and development of BSC altered the initial soil water balance of revegetated areas by influencing rainfall infiltration, soil evaporation and dew water entrapment. The results show that BSC obviously reduced the infiltration that occurred during most rainfall events (80%), when rainfall was greater than 5 mm or less than 20 mm. The presence of BSC reduced evaporation of topsoil after small rainfall (<5 mm) because its high proportion of finer particles slowed the evaporation rate, thus keeping the water in the soil surface longer, and crust facilitated topsoil evaporation when rainfall reached 10 mm. The amount of dew entrapment increases with the succession of BSC. Moreover, the effect of the later successional BSC to dew entrapment, rainfall infiltration and evaporation was more obvious than the early successional BSC on stabilized dunes. In general, BSC reduced the amount of rainfall water that reached deeper soil (0.4-3m), which is

  15. Cost Effectiveness Analysis of Different Management Strategies between Best Supportive Care and Second-line Chemotherapy for Platinum-resistant or Refractory Ovarian Cancer.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Luealon, Phanida; Khempech, Nipon; Vasuratna, Apichai; Hanvoravongchai, Piya; Havanond, Piyalamporn

    2016-01-01

    There is no standard treatment for patients with platinum-resistant or refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. Single agent chemotherapies have evidence of more efficacy and less toxicity than combination therapy. Most are very expensive, with appreciable toxicity and minimal survival. Since it is difficult to make comparison between outcomes, economic analysis of single-agent chemotherapy regimens and best supportive care may help to make decisions about an appropriate management for the affected patients. To evaluate the cost effectiveness of second-line chemotherapy compared with best supportive care for patients with platinum-resistant or refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. A Markov model was used to estimate the effectiveness and total costs associated with treatments. The hypothetical patient population comprised women aged 55 with platinum-resistant or refractory epithelial ovarian cancer. Four types of alternative treatment options were evaluated: 1) gemcitabine followed by BSC; 2) pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) followed by BSC; 3) gemcitabine followed by topotecan; and 4) PLD followed by topotecan. Baseline comparator of alternative treatments was BSC. Time horizon of the analysis was 2 years. Health care provider perspective and 3% discount rate were used to determine the costs of medical treatment in this study. Quality-adjusted life-years (QALY) were used to measure the treatment effectiveness. Treatment effectiveness data were derived from the literature. Costs were calculated from unit cost treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer patients at various stages of disease in King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital (KCMH) in the year 2011. Parameter uncertainty was tested in probabilistic sensitivity analysis by using Monte Carlo simulation. One-way sensitivity analysis was used to explore each variable's impact on the uncertainty of the results. Approximated life expectancy of best supportive care was 0.182 years and its total cost was 26,862 Baht. All

  16. Performance evaluation of Al-Zahra academic medical center based on Iran balanced scorecard model.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Raeisi, Ahmad Reza; Yarmohammadian, Mohammad Hossein; Bakhsh, Roghayeh Mohammadi; Gangi, Hamid

    2012-01-01

    Growth and development in any country's national health system, without an efficient evaluation system, lacks the basic concepts and tools necessary for fulfilling the system's goals. The balanced scorecard (BSC) is a technique widely used to measure the performance of an organization. The basic core of the BSC is guided by the organization's vision and strategies, which are the bases for the formation of four perspectives of BSC. The goal of this research is the performance evaluation of Al-Zahra Academic Medical Center in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, based on Iran BSC model. This is a combination (quantitative-qualitative) research which was done at Al-Zahra Academic Medical Center in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2011. The research populations were hospital managers at different levels. Sampling method was purposive sampling in which the key informed personnel participated in determining the performance indicators of hospital as the BSC team members in focused discussion groups. After determining the conceptual elements in focused discussion groups, the performance objectives (targets) and indicators of hospital were determined and sorted in perspectives by the group discussion participants. Following that, the performance indicators were calculated by the experts according to the predetermined objectives; then, the score of each indicator and the mean score of each perspective were calculated. Research findings included development of the organizational mission, vision, values, objectives, and strategies. The strategies agreed upon by the participants in the focus discussion group included five strategies, which were customer satisfaction, continuous quality improvement, development of human resources, supporting innovation, expansion of services and improving the productivity. Research participants also agreed upon four perspectives for the Al-Zahra hospital BSC. In the patients and community perspective (customer), two objectives and

  17. Designing and Using Projects with Real World Application in a MBA Managerial Accounting Class: The Case of The Balanced Scorecard

    Science.gov (United States)

    Houke, Charlotte

    2017-01-01

    This paper explores the purpose of designing and using projects with real world application in a M.B.A. managerial accounting class. Included is a discussion of how and why the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) Project has been used in classes to link theory with practice by providing real world application of the BSC framework. M.B.A. students represent a…

  18. Fundus autofluorescence in retinal artery occlusion: A more precise diagnosis.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bacquet, J-L; Sarov-Rivière, M; Denier, C; Querques, G; Riou, B; Bonin, L; Barreau, E; Labetoulle, M; Rousseau, A

    2017-10-01

    Retinal artery occlusion (RAO) is a medical emergency associated with a high risk of cerebral vascular accident and other cardiovascular events. Among patients with non-arteritic RAO, a retinal embolus is observed in approximately 40% of cases. Fundus examination and retinography are not reliable to predict the nature of the emboli. We report three consecutive cases of central and branch RAO that were investigated with fundus autofluorescence, fluorescein angiography and color retinal photographs. All patients underwent complete neurological and cardiovascular workups, with brain imaging, cardiac Doppler ultrasound, carotid Dopplers and Holter ECG's, to determine the underlying mechanism of retinal embolism. In the three cases, aged 77.7±4 years (2 women and 1 man), fundus autofluorescence demonstrated hyperautofluorescent emboli. In two cases, it allowed visualization of emboli that were not detected with fundus examination or retinography. The cardiovascular work-up demonstrated atheromatous carotid or aortic plaques in all patients. In one case, it permitted the diagnosis of RAO. Two of the three cases were considered to be of atherosclerotic origin and one of undefined origin. Fundus autofluorescence may help to detect and characterize retinal emboli. Since lipofuscin, which is present in large quantity in atherosclerotic plaques, is the main fluorophore detected with fundus autofluorescence, this non-invasive and simple examination may give information about the underlying mechanism of retinal embolism, and thus impact the etiologic assessment of RAO. Additional studies are necessary to confirm this potential role of autofluorescence. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  19. A performance measurement using balanced scorecard and structural equation modeling

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rosha Makvandi

    2014-02-01

    Full Text Available During the past few years, balanced scorecard (BSC has been widely used as a promising method for performance measurement. BSC studies organizations in terms of four perspectives including customer, internal processes, learning and growth and financial figures. This paper presents a hybrid of BSC and structural equation modeling (SEM to measure the performance of an Iranian university in province of Alborz, Iran. The proposed study of this paper uses this conceptual method, designs a questionnaire and distributes it among some university students and professors. Using SEM technique, the survey analyzes the data and the results indicate that the university did poorly in terms of all four perspectives. The survey extracts necessary target improvement by presenting necessary attributes for performance improvement.

  20. Electron absorbed fractions in skeletal soft tissues based on red bone marrow segmentation at runtime in muCT images of human trabecular bone;Fracoes absorvidas de eletrons em tecidos moles do esqueleto avaliadas com base na segmentacao em tempo de execucao da medula ossea vermelha contida em imagens muCT do osso trabecular humano

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Vieira, J.W. [Instituto Federal de Educacao, Ciencia e Tecnologia de Pernambuco, Recife, PE (Brazil); Kramer, R. [Universidade de Pernambuco (UPE), Recife, PE (Brazil). Escola Politecnica; Khoury, H.J. [Universidade Federal de Pernambuco (UFPE), Recife, PE (Brazil). Dept. de Energia Nuclear; Robson-Brown, K. [University of Bristol, Bristol (United Kingdom). Dept. of Archaeology and Anthropology

    2009-07-01

    Skeletal dosimetry determines equivalent dose or absorbed fractions in the red bone marrow (RBM) and the osteogenic cells on bone surfaces (BSC). Following a method used earlier for the BSC, RBM and yellow bone marrow (YBM) have been segmented in the marrow cavities of muCT images of human spongiosa at runtime, i.e. during the execution of the Monte Carlo calculation, which avoids the necessity to segment RBM and YBM externally in muCT images for many different cellularities and to store the data. Using this internal RBM/YBM segmentation, this study presents electron absorbed fractions for the RBM and the BSC as a function of the voxel resolution and also compares the results with data from other investigations. (author)

  1. Using path analysis to examine causal relationships among balanced scorecard performance indicators for general hospitals: the case of a public hospital system in Taiwan.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Yang, Ming-Chin; Tung, Yu-Chi

    2006-01-01

    Examining whether the causal relationships among the performance indicators of the balanced scorecard (BSC) framework exist in hospitals is the aim of this article. Data were collected from all twenty-one general hospitals in a public hospital system and their supervising agency for the 3-year period, 2000-2002. The results of the path analyses identified significant causal relationships among four perspectives in the BSC model. We also verified the relationships among indicators within each perspective, some of which varied as time changed. We conclude that hospital administrators can use path analysis to help them identify and manage leading indicators when adopting the BSC model. However, they should also validate causal relationships between leading and lagging indicators periodically because the management environment changes constantly.

  2. Recent results in the decoding of Algebraic geometry codes

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Høholdt, Tom; Jensen, Helge Elbrønd; Nielsen, Rasmus Refslund

    1998-01-01

    We analyse the known decoding algorithms for algebraic geometry codes in the case where the number of errors is [(dFR-1)/2]+1, where dFR is the Feng-Rao distance......We analyse the known decoding algorithms for algebraic geometry codes in the case where the number of errors is [(dFR-1)/2]+1, where dFR is the Feng-Rao distance...

  3. Temperature hysteretic effect and its influence on colossal ...

    Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

    Financial support from IUC-DAEF, Mumbai, India is greatly appreciated. References. [1] G H Rao, J R Sun, J K Liang, W Y Zhou and X R Cheng, Appl. Phys. Lett. 69, 424 (1996). [2] J R Sun, G H Rao, J K Liang and W Y Zhou, Appl. Phys. Lett. 69, 3924 (1996). [3] J Baszynski, J Kovac, A Kowalczyk, J. Magn. Magn. Mater. 195 ...

  4. The Shock and Vibration Digest. Volume 16, Number 12

    Science.gov (United States)

    1984-12-01

    Rades, M. Beards, G.EF. Ibrahim, R.A. Ramamurti, V. Beltzer, A. gnaczak, J. Rao, D. K. *BenzlIey, S. E. lwatsubo, T. Rao, J.S. Bernard , J.E. Jennings...Baskar, S .................. 2733 Bernante, R .......... 2152, 2200 Bojarskl, N.N ......... 743, 1818 Bass, H.E ................... 713 Bernard , R.D...2004 Chung, A.W ................. 1077 Cornwell , R.E ............... 396 Dalmotas, D.J .............. 1966 Chung, H ................... 2400

  5. Erythrocyte deformation in ischemic acute tubular necrosis and amelioration by splenectomy in the dog.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Mandal, A K; Taylor, C A; Bell, R D; Hillman, N M; Jarnot, M D; Cunningham, J D; Phillips, L G

    1991-11-01

    Bilateral renal artery occlusion (RAO) for 120 minutes in dogs results in acute tubular necrosis (ATN) and peritubular capillary (PTC) congestion with rapidly deteriorating renal function. We have shown that prior splenectomy minimizes RAO-induced renal functional and histopathologic changes. The purpose of this study was to examine whether this renal protection is due to prevention of red blood cell echinocyte formation and resultant renal PTC congestion. Echinocytes (burr cells) are poorly deformable, impart high viscosity to the blood, and may hinder reperfusion by increasing resistance to renal capillary blood flow. Splenectomized (SPLX) or sham-SPLX dogs were treated with bilateral RAO for 120 minutes. After RAO, renal function and renal blood flow were monitored, and peripheral blood red blood cells were examined at 1 hour and at 24-hour intervals for 96 hours. Renal biopsies were taken 1 hour after RAO and the kidneys removed 96 hours after RAO. The RBCs and renal tissues were studied using scanning electron microscopy. Renal function was assessed by endogenous creatinine clearance. Sham-SPLX animals showed a marked and sustained decrease in creatinine clearance, consistently elevated serum creatinine levels and fractional excretion of sodium, and diffuse ATN and PTC congestion with echinocytes. These animals had a peak in circulating echinocytes 1 hour after RAO (p less than 0.05), which showed an excellent negative correlation with creatinine clearance (r = -0.999; p less than 0.001). On the contrary, SPLX animals had essentially no change in serum creatinine or fractional excretion of sodium, minimal tubular changes, no PTC congestion, and no rise in circulating echinocytes during the 96-hour observation. In vitro treatment of the postischemic red blood cells from sham animals with adenosine-inosine or fresh postischemic plasma from the SPLX animals showed almost complete reversal to discocytes (normal red blood cells), whereas in vitro treatment of

  6. Proceedings of the theme meeting on the journey of BARC Safety Council for strengthening safety culture in BARC facilities: 2000-2017

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Jayarajan, K.; Jolly, V.M.

    2017-07-01

    The book has about one hundred articles, written by the regulators and the authorities of the facilities and projects of BARC. The articles are organised into four parts. Part-I gives an overview of the history of safety regulation in BARC and the details of BARC Safety Framework. Part-II of the book has articles about the facilities and projects of BARC, for which BSC had issued of regulatory consents. The facility-specific articles, written by the concerned project/facility authorities, emphasis safety aspects of the facilities and the regulatory processes they had undergone. This part is divided into seven sections, based on the broad category of facility. Experts in the concerned areas have written general articles on each category of facility. The Part-III consists of the work carried out by the specialised committees, which are under the purview of BSC. Some of the other regulatory activities of BSC are summarised in Part-IV of this book. In addition to safety and regulatory activities of BSC, the book contains the details of the major facilities and upcoming projects of BARC. Papers relevant to INIS are indexed separately

  7. Characterize Eruptive Processes at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    D. Krier

    2004-01-01

    The purpose of this scientific analysis report, ''Characterize Eruptive Processes at Yucca Mountain, Nevada'', is to present information about natural volcanic systems and the parameters that can be used to model their behavior. This information is used to develop parameter-value distributions appropriate for analysis of the consequences of volcanic eruptions through a repository at Yucca Mountain. This scientific analysis report provides information to four other reports: ''Number of Waste Packages Hit by Igneous Intrusion'', (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170001]); ''Atmospheric Dispersal and Deposition of Tephra from Potential Volcanic Eruption at Yucca Mountain, Nevada'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170026]); ''Dike/Drift Interactions'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170028]); ''Development of Earthquake Ground Motion Input for Preclosure Seismic Design and Postclosure Performance Assessment of a Geologic Repository at Yucca Mountain, NV'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170027], Section 6.5). This report is organized into seven major sections. This section addresses the purpose of this document. Section 2 addresses quality assurance, Section 3 the use of software, Section 4 identifies the requirements that constrain this work, and Section 5 lists assumptions and their rationale. Section 6 presents the details of the scientific analysis and Section 7 summarizes the conclusions reached

  8. Pemodelan Sistem Informasi Untuk Mengukur Kualitas Kinerja Perguruan Tinggi dengan Pendekatan Balanced Scorecard dan Blue Ocean Strategy

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Herlinah Baharuddin

    2016-01-01

    Full Text Available Semakin tingginya persaingan saat ini, khususnya perguruan tinggi bidang pendidikan, memunculkan kebutuhan strategi bisnis untuk bertahan. Pemodelan Sistem Informasi dengan pendekatan Balanced Scorecardkini merupakan salah satu tujuan dalam pencapaian pengukuran hasil kinerja untuk mencapai sasaran perguruan tinggi serta menciptakan inovasi solusi dengan menerapkan Blue Ocean sehingga selaras dengan strategi bisnis yang dijalankan. Pemodelan sistem informasi yang akan dibahas adalah menggunakan strategi bisnis Balanced Scorecard (BSC diintegrasikan dengan Blue Ocean Strategy (BOS. Dengan sifat-sifat pada BSC dan BOS, model ini menjawab kebutuhan Strategi Sistem Informasi pada perguruan tinggi yang berkarakteristik dinamis, inovatif, dan tingkat persaingan tinggi dengan hasil pencapaian kinerja yang terukur. Pemodelan sistem informasi diimplementasikan pada Universitas Pancasakti Makassar. Hasil menunjukkan komponen-komponen perguruan tinggi yang dipetakan ke dalam 4 perspektif BSC, yaitu perspektif pelanggan, finansial, proses bisnis internal, pembelajaran dan pertumbuhan dan kanvas strategi serta kerangka kerja 4 langkah pada BOS yaitu kurangi-tingkatkan-hapus-ciptakan. Hasil penelitian berupa pengukuran penilaian kinerja dengan program aplikasi berbasis web, yang merupakan bagian dari sistem informasi management perguruan tinggi. Sistem ini memberikan informasi kepada seluruh anggota yang terkait tentang kualitas kinerja. Kata kunci : Balanced Scorecard(BSC; Kualitas kinerja; Blue ocean strategy(BOS; Web; Perguruan tinggi

  9. Balanced scorecard: application in the General Panarcadian Hospital of Tripolis, Greece.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Koumpouros, Yiannis

    2013-01-01

    The purpose of this paper is to discuss the application of the balanced scorecard (BSC) in the Greek public health sector. The basic balanced scorecard theory has been adopted in the characteristics and individualities of the Greek public health system. The theoretical model developed was applied in the General Panarcadian Hospital of Tripolis (GPHT) in Greece. GPHT is a representative paradigm of a big regional Greek public hospital. It has about 300 beds and many clinics and specialties (internal medicine, cardiology, general surgery, intensive care unit, artificial kidney unit, etc.). Strategic management was performed for almost three years. The BSC model was formulated in an appropriate software program. The problems (both technical and managerial) faced during a three-year period along with the results of this management approach are presented in the current paper. The paper highlights some important gaps in the Greek public health system, while proposing actions to be taken. The BSC theory can be very successful under certain conditions. Special attention is given to the peculiarities of the Greek public health situation. The paper presents for the first time a real life example of applying BSC in the Greek public health sector.

  10. The Balanced Scorecard and the Strategic Learning Process: A System Dynamics Modeling Approach

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Steen Nielsen

    2015-01-01

    Full Text Available The main purpose of this paper is to improve on the conceptual as well as the methodological aspects of BSC as a quantitative model by combining elements from traditional balanced scorecard (BSC thinking with the Systems Thinking. This is done by combining short and long term aspects of measurements. The result is then used to build and construct a balanced scorecard model for strategic learning with the specific aim to maintain satisfied customers and motivated employees. Strategic planning, operational execution, feedback, and learning are some of the most important key features of any performance measurement model. This paper aims to address not only the conceptual domain related to BSC, that is, learning and system dynamics causality and feedback, but also the methodological domain concept of precision solved by differential equations. Our results show how a potential move from a static strategic vision map to a linked and dynamic understanding may be not fully realistic but very useful for learning purposes. The new knowledge obtained from the learning feedbacks fertilizes both decision discussion and decision-making and what may be required in order to move to the next level of BSC and system dynamics integration.

  11. Dust modelling and forecasting in the Barcelona Supercomputing Center: Activities and developments

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Perez, C; Baldasano, J M; Jimenez-Guerrero, P; Jorba, O; Haustein, K; Basart, S [Earth Sciences Department. Barcelona Supercomputing Center. Barcelona (Spain); Cuevas, E [Izanaa Atmospheric Research Center. Agencia Estatal de Meteorologia, Tenerife (Spain); Nickovic, S [Atmospheric Research and Environment Branch, World Meteorological Organization, Geneva (Switzerland)], E-mail: carlos.perez@bsc.es

    2009-03-01

    The Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) is the National Supercomputer Facility in Spain, hosting MareNostrum, one of the most powerful Supercomputers in Europe. The Earth Sciences Department of BSC operates daily regional dust and air quality forecasts and conducts intensive modelling research for short-term operational prediction. This contribution summarizes the latest developments and current activities in the field of sand and dust storm modelling and forecasting.

  12. Dust modelling and forecasting in the Barcelona Supercomputing Center: Activities and developments

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Perez, C; Baldasano, J M; Jimenez-Guerrero, P; Jorba, O; Haustein, K; Basart, S; Cuevas, E; Nickovic, S

    2009-01-01

    The Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC) is the National Supercomputer Facility in Spain, hosting MareNostrum, one of the most powerful Supercomputers in Europe. The Earth Sciences Department of BSC operates daily regional dust and air quality forecasts and conducts intensive modelling research for short-term operational prediction. This contribution summarizes the latest developments and current activities in the field of sand and dust storm modelling and forecasting.

  13. Establishing Information Security Systems via Optical Imaging

    Science.gov (United States)

    2015-08-11

    SLM, spatial light modulator; BSC, non - polarizing beam splitter cube; CCD, charge-coupled device. In computational ghost imaging, a series of...Laser Object Computer Fig. 5. A schematic setup for the proposed method using holography: BSC, Beam splitter cube; CCD, Charge-coupled device. The...interference between reference and object beams . (a) (e) (d) (c) (b) Distribution Code A: Approved for public release, distribution is unlimited

  14. A HYBRID BALANCED SCORECARD AND SYSTEM DYNAMICS FOR MEASURING PUBLIC SECTOR PERFORMANCE

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    TRI GUNARSIH

    2016-04-01

    Full Text Available Performance measurement on an organization whether it is a profit or nonprofit, has to be conducted in order to evaluate plan attainment. This measurement is considered incomplete as the performance of a company is not only based on financial perspective, but also other perspectives. Balanced Score Card (BSC is a performance measurement method using four perspectives: financial, customers, internal business processes and learning and growth. BSC measurement can be applied on profit and non-profit organizations. BSC focuses on causality (cause and effect which is based only on linear correlation. This situation is the weakness on BSC because it cannot continue to the specific forward step that can predict the future activities. In this study, BSC is combined with System Dynamics (SD that can identify the interaction among four perspectives and also related variable through a causal loop design model. Hybrid modelling design between BSC and SD gives an effective and interesting contemporary study. Then, the model performed with 2012 data input and performance forecasting until 2017. The result obtained for the financial perspectives related to fund absorption from 2013 until 2017 consecutively 100%, 100%, 85%, 72% and 100% with the most influential variable of tax and non-tax by 44.3% and the smallest variable effect is levies variable with 0,08%.Perspectives toward customers related to the efficiency and effective value by 50%, 43%, 43%, 48%, 49 % to customer dissatisfaction variable 48.09%, and 12.03% of customer's satisfaction. Internal business process perspective relates to the value of the total effective capacity by 80%, 71%, 69%, 71%, and 70%. With the most influential variable is the productivity and innovation for 50.77% and 1.94% variable staff morale. The last perspectives is learning and growth effective value for 50%, 44%, 56%, 47%, 46% with the most influential variable is the skill level of workers 27.98% and the smallest effect is

  15. Nominal Performance Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Analysis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    M.A. Wasiolek

    2005-04-28

    This analysis report is one of the technical reports containing documentation of the Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain, Nevada (ERMYN), a biosphere model supporting the Total System Performance Assessment (TSPA) for the license application (LA) for the Yucca Mountain repository. This analysis report describes the development of biosphere dose conversion factors (BDCFs) for the groundwater exposure scenario, and the development of conversion factors for assessing compliance with the groundwater protection standards. A graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN is presented in Figure 1-1. This figure shows the interrelationships among the products (i.e., analysis and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and provides an understanding of how this analysis report contributes to biosphere modeling. This report is one of two reports that develop BDCFs, which are input parameters for the TSPA-LA model. The ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) describes in detail the ERMYN conceptual model and mathematical model. The input parameter reports, shown to the right of the ''Biosphere Model Report'' in Figure 1-1, contain detailed description of the model input parameters, their development, and the relationship between the parameters and specific features events and processes (FEPs). This report describes biosphere model calculations and their output, the BDCFs, for the groundwater exposure scenario. This analysis receives direct input from the outputs of the ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) and the five analyses that develop parameter values for the biosphere model (BSC 2005 [DIRS 172827]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169672]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169673]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169458]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169459]). The results of this report are further analyzed in the ''Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Importance and Sensitivity Analysis

  16. Balanced Scorecard – Strategic Management Tool of Performance in Public Institutions

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Carmen Cretu

    2015-02-01

    Full Text Available Balanced Scorecard (BSC is used to achieve an operational strategic vision at all levels of the organization regarding issues related to performance, strategy, communication, resource allocation, decision-making and competitiveness. BSC was created to restrict the limits of traditional financial and management tools and ensure unity of vision and long-term action in an organization. The main advantage of the method consists in guiding managers and departments, human resources, technological and financial resources towards the strategy of the organization. Unfortunately BSC is mainly used in private companies, because high costs and lack of specialists pose a real obstacle in implementing this instrument in public institutions. Our arguments attempts to show that the Balanced Scorecard can be the most appropriate among all the management tools for the public sector.

  17. Regulatory measures for occupational health monitoring in BARC facilities

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rajdeep; Chattopadhyay, S.

    2017-01-01

    Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) is the premier organization actively engaged in the research and developmental activities related to nuclear science and technology for the benefit of society and the nation. BARC has various facilities like nuclear fuel fabrication facilities, research reactors, spent fuel storage facilities, nuclear fuel re-cycling facilities, radioactive waste management facilities, machining workshops and various Physics, Chemistry and Biological laboratories. In BARC, aspects related to Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) are given paramount importance. The issues related OSH are subjected to multi-tier review process. BARC Safety Council (BSC) is the apex committee in the three-tier safety and security review framework of BARC. BSC functions as regulatory body for BARC facilities. BSC is responsible for occupational safety and health of employees in BARC facilities

  18. Scenario optimization modeling approach for design and management of biomass-to-biorefinery supply chain system.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Sharma, Bhavna; Ingalls, Ricki G; Jones, Carol L; Huhnke, Raymond L; Khanchi, Amit

    2013-12-01

    The aim of this study was to develop a scenario optimization model to address weather uncertainty in the Biomass Supply Chain (BSC). The modeling objective was to minimize the cost of biomass supply to biorefineries over a one-year planning period using monthly time intervals under different weather scenarios. The model is capable of making strategic, tactical and operational decisions related to BSC system. The performance of the model was demonstrated through a case study developed for Abengoa biorefinery in Kansas. Sensitivity analysis was done to demonstrate the effect of input uncertainty in yield, land rent and storage dry matter loss on the model outputs. The model results show that available harvest work hours influence major cost-related decisions in the BSC. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  19. DNA methylation analysis from saliva samples for epidemiological studies.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nishitani, Shota; Parets, Sasha E; Haas, Brian W; Smith, Alicia K

    2018-06-18

    Saliva is a non-invasive, easily accessible tissue, which is regularly collected in large epidemiological studies to examine genetic questions. Recently, it is becoming more common to use saliva to assess DNA methylation. However, DNA extracted from saliva is a mixture of both bacterial and human DNA derived from epithelial and immune cells in the mouth. Thus, there are unique challenges to using salivary DNA in methylation studies that can influence data quality. This study assesses: (1) quantification of human DNA after extraction; (2) delineation of human and bacterial DNA; (3) bisulfite conversion (BSC); (4) quantification of BSC DNA; (5) PCR amplification of BSC DNA from saliva and; (6) quantitation of DNA methylation with a targeted assay. The framework proposed will allow saliva samples to be more widely used in targeted epigenetic studies.

  20. Disruptive Event Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Analysis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    M. Wasiolek

    2004-09-08

    This analysis report is one of the technical reports containing documentation of the Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain, Nevada (ERMYN), a biosphere model supporting the total system performance assessment (TSPA) for the license application (LA) for the Yucca Mountain repository. This analysis report describes the development of biosphere dose conversion factors (BDCFs) for the volcanic ash exposure scenario, and the development of dose factors for calculating inhalation dose during volcanic eruption. A graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN is presented in Figure 1-1. This figure shows the interrelationships among the products (i.e., analysis and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and provides an understanding of how this analysis report contributes to biosphere modeling. This report is one of two reports that develop biosphere BDCFs, which are input parameters for the TSPA model. The ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) describes in detail the ERMYN conceptual model and mathematical model. The input parameter reports, shown to the right of the Biosphere Model Report in Figure 1-1, contain detailed descriptions of the model input parameters, their development and the relationship between the parameters and specific features, events and processes (FEPs). This report describes biosphere model calculations and their output, the BDCFs, for the volcanic ash exposure scenario. This analysis receives direct input from the outputs of the ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) and from the five analyses that develop parameter values for the biosphere model (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169671]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169672]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169673]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169458]; and BSC 2004 [DIRS 169459]). The results of this report are further analyzed in the ''Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Importance and Sensitivity Analysis''. The objective of this

  1. Disruptive Event Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    M. Wasiolek

    2004-01-01

    This analysis report is one of the technical reports containing documentation of the Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain, Nevada (ERMYN), a biosphere model supporting the total system performance assessment (TSPA) for the license application (LA) for the Yucca Mountain repository. This analysis report describes the development of biosphere dose conversion factors (BDCFs) for the volcanic ash exposure scenario, and the development of dose factors for calculating inhalation dose during volcanic eruption. A graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN is presented in Figure 1-1. This figure shows the interrelationships among the products (i.e., analysis and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and provides an understanding of how this analysis report contributes to biosphere modeling. This report is one of two reports that develop biosphere BDCFs, which are input parameters for the TSPA model. The ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) describes in detail the ERMYN conceptual model and mathematical model. The input parameter reports, shown to the right of the Biosphere Model Report in Figure 1-1, contain detailed descriptions of the model input parameters, their development and the relationship between the parameters and specific features, events and processes (FEPs). This report describes biosphere model calculations and their output, the BDCFs, for the volcanic ash exposure scenario. This analysis receives direct input from the outputs of the ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) and from the five analyses that develop parameter values for the biosphere model (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169671]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169672]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169673]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169458]; and BSC 2004 [DIRS 169459]). The results of this report are further analyzed in the ''Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Importance and Sensitivity Analysis''. The objective of this analysis was to develop the BDCFs for the volcanic ash

  2. Comparison of a priori versus provisional heparin therapy on radial artery occlusion after transradial coronary angiography and patent hemostasis (from the PHARAOH Study).

    Science.gov (United States)

    Pancholy, Samir B; Bertrand, Olivier F; Patel, Tejas

    2012-07-15

    Systemic anticoagulation decreases the risk of radial artery occlusion (RAO) after transradial catheterization and standard occlusive hemostasis. We compared the efficacy and safety of provisional heparin use only when the technique of patent hemostasis was not achievable to standard a priori heparin administration after radial sheath introduction. Patients referred for coronary angiography were randomized in 2 groups. In the a priori group, 200 patients received intravenous heparin (50 IU/kg) immediately after sheath insertion. In the provisional group, 200 patients did not receive heparin during the procedure. After sheath removal, hemostasis was obtained using a TR band (Terumo corporation, Tokyo, Japan) with a plethysmography-guided patent hemostasis technique. In the provisional group, no heparin was given if radial artery patency could be obtained and maintained. If radial patency was not achieved, a bolus of heparin (50 IU/kg) was given. Radial artery patency was evaluated at 24 hours (early RAO) and 30 days after the procedure (late RAO) by plethysmography. Patent hemostasis was obtained in 67% in the a priori group and 74% in the provisional group (p = 0.10). Incidence of RAO remained similar in the 2 groups at the early (7.5% vs 7.0%, p = 0.84) and late (4.5% vs 5.0%, p = 0.83) evaluations. Women, patients with diabetes, patients having not received heparin, and patients without radial artery patency during hemostasis had more RAO. By multivariate analysis, patent radial artery during hemostasis (odds ratio [OR] 0.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.004 to 0.28, p = 0.002) and diabetes (OR 11, 95% CI 3 to 38,p patent hemostasis is maintained. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

  3. Latitude gradient influences the age of onset of rheumatoid arthritis: a worldwide survey.

    Science.gov (United States)

    2017-03-01

    The age of onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an important outcome predictor. Northern countries report an age of RA onset of around 50 years, but apparently, variability exists across different geographical regions. The objective of the present study is to assess whether the age of onset of RA varies across latitudes worldwide. In a proof-of-concept cross-sectional worldwide survey, rheumatologists from preselected cities interviewed 20 consecutive RA patients regarding the date of RA onset (RAO, when the patient first noted a swollen joint). Other studied variables included location of each city, rheumatologist settings, latitudes (10° increments, south to north), longitudes (three regions), intracountry consistency, and countries' Inequality-adjusted Human Development Index (IHDI). Data from 2481 patients (82% females) were obtained from 126 rheumatologists in 77 cities of 41 countries. Worldwide mean age of RAO was 44 ± 14 years (95% CI 44-45). In 28% of patients, RA began before age 36 years and before age 46 years in 50% of patients. RAO was 8 years earlier around the Tropic of Cancer when compared with northern latitudes (p worldwide. We postulate that countries' developmental status and their geographical and geomagnetic location influence the age of RAO.

  4. The optimal project position for demonstrating tricuspid annulus in angiography: an experimental study

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bai Yuan; Zong Gongjun; Wang Hongru; Qin Yongwen; Huang Xinmiao; Jiang Haibin

    2009-01-01

    Objective: To explore the optimal project position for demonstrating tricuspid annulus angiographically in experimental goats. Methods: Eight healthy goats underwent right atrial angiography by using 6 F pig tail catheters. Under fluoroscopic monitoring the contrast media (total 110 ml, flow rate 12 ml/ s, pressure 800 psi) was injected continuously while a serious exposures were performed from RAO position to LAO position (totally 180 degree rotation). The maximum diameter of the tricuspid annulus in every picture was measured and the results were compared with that obtained from sonography. Results: The procedure was successful in all 8 experimental goats. The optimal project position to display the tricuspid annulus was at 27 degree ± 3 degree in RAO position. Conclusion: In angiography, the tricuspid annulus can be best demonstrated at the project position of 27 degree ± 3 degree in RAO. (authors)

  5. Critical appraisal of cerebral blood flow measured from brain stem and cerebellar regions after 133 Xe inhalation in humans

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Juge, O.; Meyer, J.S.; Sakai, F.; Yamaguchi, F.; Yamamoto, M.; Shaw, T.

    1979-01-01

    Validity of regional blood flow (rCBF) measurements recorded over the human posterior fossa after 133Xe inhalation was tested. Recording of counts from both brain stem and cerebellum (BSC) was reproducible and contamination by counts derived from surrounding anatomical structures was low and no greater than that found over hemispheres. BSC flow values showed significant correlation with the state of awareness as judged by clinical and EEG evaluation

  6. Performance Analysis of a Decoding Algorithm for Algebraic Geometry Codes

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Jensen, Helge Elbrønd; Nielsen, Rasmus Refslund; Høholdt, Tom

    1998-01-01

    We analyse the known decoding algorithms for algebraic geometry codes in the case where the number of errors is greater than or equal to [(dFR-1)/2]+1, where dFR is the Feng-Rao distance......We analyse the known decoding algorithms for algebraic geometry codes in the case where the number of errors is greater than or equal to [(dFR-1)/2]+1, where dFR is the Feng-Rao distance...

  7. The role of non-rainfall water on physiological activation in desert biological soil crusts

    Science.gov (United States)

    Zheng, Jiaoli; Peng, Chengrong; Li, Hua; Li, Shuangshuang; Huang, Shun; Hu, Yao; Zhang, Jinli; Li, Dunhai

    2018-01-01

    Non-rainfall water (NRW, e.g. fog and dew), in addition to rainfall and snowfall, are considered important water inputs to drylands. At the same time, biological soil crusts (BSCs) are important components of drylands. However, little information is available regarding the effect of NRW inputs on BSC activation. In this study, the effects of NRW on physiological activation in three BSC successional stages, including the cyanobacteria crust stage (Crust-C), moss colonization stage (Crust-CM), and moss crust stage (Crust-M), were studied in situ. Results suggest NRW inputs hydrated and activated physiological activity (Fv/Fm, carbon exchange, and nitrogen fixation) in BSCs but led to a negative carbon balance and low rates of nitrogen fixation in BSCs. One effective NRW event could hydrate BSCs for 7 h. Following simulated rainfall, the physiological activities recovered within 3 h, and net carbon gain occurred until 3 h after hydration, whereas NRW-induced physiological recovery processes were slower and exhibited lower activities, leading to a negative carbon balance. There were significant positive correlations between NRW amounts and the recovered values of Fv/Fm in all the three BSC stages (p < .001). The thresholds for Fv/Fm activation decreased with BSC succession, and the annual effective NRW events increased with BSC succession, with values of 29.8, 89.2, and 110.7 in Crust-C, Crust-CM and Crust-M, respectively. The results suggest that moss crust and moss-cyanobacteria crust use NRW to prolong metabolic activity and reduce drought stress more efficiently than cyanobacteria crusts. Therefore, these results suggest that BSCs utilize NRW to sustain life while growth and biomass accumulation require precipitation (rainfall) events over a certain threshold.

  8. Treatment patterns in patients with advanced gastric cancer in Taiwan.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cuyun Carter, Gebra; Kaltenboeck, Anna; Ivanova, Jasmina; Liepa, Astra M; San Roman, Alexandra; Koh, Maria; Rajan, Narayan; Cheng, Rebecca; Birnbaum, Howard; Chen, Jen-Shi

    2017-06-01

    To describe treatment patterns, outcomes and healthcare resource use in patients with metastatic and/or locally recurrent, unresectable gastric cancer (MGC) in Taiwan. Patients who had received first-line therapy (platinum and/or fluoropyrimidine) followed by second-line therapy or best supportive care (BSC) only were eligible. Participating physicians provided de-identified information from patient charts. Data were summarized descriptively and Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to describe time to events. Overall, 37 physicians contributed 122 patient charts. Of the 122 patients (median age, 61 years; 62% male), 43 (35%) received BSC only following first-line therapy, whereas 79 (65%) received second-line therapy. There was heterogeneity in second-line treatment, although fluoropyrimidine with or without a platinum agent was most frequently used. Median survival was 12.5 (interquartile range [IQR], 8.2-20.8) months from MGC diagnosis for patients receiving second-line therapy and 8.0 (IQR, 5.6-not reached) months for patients receiving BSC only. The most common treatment-related symptoms were nausea/vomiting (58%); the most common cancer-related symptoms were pain (61%), ascites (35%) and nausea/vomiting (33%). Inpatient and outpatient hospitalizations were numerically more common for patients receiving second-line therapy than for those receiving BSC only; the prevalence of hospice and skilled nursing facility stays were numerically more common for patients receiving BSC only. In this Taiwanese MGC population, 65% received active second-line therapy with heterogeneity seen in the regimen used. Clinical outcomes suggest an unmet medical need in this population. This study may help inform clinical practice and future research to ultimately improve patient outcomes in Taiwan. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.

  9. Concepts and definitions for "supportive care," "best supportive care," "palliative care," and "hospice care" in the published literature, dictionaries, and textbooks.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Hui, David; De La Cruz, Maxine; Mori, Masanori; Parsons, Henrique A; Kwon, Jung Hye; Torres-Vigil, Isabel; Kim, Sun Hyun; Dev, Rony; Hutchins, Ronald; Liem, Christiana; Kang, Duck-Hee; Bruera, Eduardo

    2013-03-01

    Commonly used terms such as "supportive care," "best supportive care," "palliative care," and "hospice care" were rarely and inconsistently defined in the palliative oncology literature. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to further identify concepts and definitions for these terms. We searched MEDLINE, PsycInfo, EMBASE, and CINAHL for published peer-reviewed articles from 1948 to 2011 that conceptualized, defined, or examined these terms. Two researchers independently reviewed each citation for inclusion and then extracted the concepts/definitions when available. Dictionaries/textbooks were also searched. Nine of 32 "SC/BSC," 25 of 182 "PC," and 12 of 42 "HC" articles focused on providing a conceptual framework/definition. Common concepts for all three terms were symptom control and quality-of-life for patients with life-limiting illness. "SC" focused more on patients on active treatment compared to other categories (9/9 vs. 8/37) and less often involved interdisciplinary care (4/9 vs. 31/37). In contrast, "HC" focused more on volunteers (6/12 vs. 6/34), bereavement care (9/12 vs. 7/34), and community care (9/12 vs. 6/34). Both "PC" and "SC/BSC" were applicable earlier in the disease trajectory (16/34 vs. 0/9). We found 13, 24, and 17 different definitions for "SC/BSC," "PC," and "HC," respectively. "SC/BSC" was the most variably defined, ranging from symptom management during cancer therapy to survivorship care. Dictionaries/textbooks showed similar findings. We identified defining concepts for "SC/BSC," "PC," and "HC" and developed a preliminary conceptual framework unifying these terms along the continuum of care to help build consensus toward standardized definitions.

  10. Strategic Performance Measurement Using Balanced Scorecard: A Case of Machine Tool Industry

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kshatriya Anil

    2017-02-01

    Full Text Available This paper focuses on implementation, monitoring, and application of balanced scorecard (BSC techniques in an organization involved in providing machine tool solutions to the industrial sector. The growth of the company considered in real time constituted improvements of both top and bottom lines. In the industry under consideration, it was observed that in our company, the top line was steadily growing but not the bottom line. This is when we started getting down to brass tacks and strategically focusing on growth in overall profits of the company. This included growing revenues by improving of EBITDA (earnings before interests, taxes, depreciation, and amortization and by increasing efficiency (i.e., cutting costs. These improvements were implemented by chalking out a comprehensive BSC designed to suit the machine tool industry. The four perspectives of the management, namely, internal business process, organizational learning, financial perspective, and customer perspective, have been considered lucidly and enunciate the parameters that affect the BSC very aptly. The BSC designed considered 9 objectives and 27 relative measures of these factors to quantify the various quantitative and qualitative dimensions that affect the company’s performance. A Balanced Lean Index (BL Score was used to measure the results for company X.

  11. General Corrosion and Localized Corrosion of the Drip Shield

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    F. Hua

    2004-09-16

    The repository design includes a drip shield (BSC 2004 [DIRS 168489]) that provides protection for the waste package both as a barrier to seepage water contact and a physical barrier to potential rockfall. The purpose of the process-level models developed in this report is to model dry oxidation, general corrosion, and localized corrosion of the drip shield plate material, which is made of Ti Grade 7. This document is prepared according to ''Technical Work Plan For: Regulatory Integration Modeling and Analysis of the Waste Form and Waste Package'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 171583]). The models developed in this report are used by the waste package degradation analyses for TSPA-LA and serve as a basis to determine the performance of the drip shield. The drip shield may suffer from other forms of failure such as the hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) or stress corrosion cracking (SCC), or both. Stress corrosion cracking of the drip shield material is discussed in ''Stress Corrosion Cracking of the Drip Shield, the Waste Package Outer Barrier, and the Stainless Steel Structural Material'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169985]). Hydrogen induced cracking of the drip shield material is discussed in ''Hydrogen Induced Cracking of Drip Shield'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169847]).

  12. The Insertion of the Tool Balanced Scorecard in the Strategic Planning of a Growing Company: A Case Study in the Company Metadil Metalúrgica Indústria e Comércio Ltda

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Rafaela Thomaz Queiroz

    2015-08-01

    Full Text Available The aim of this study was to analyze how the Balanced Scorecard (BSC can assist in the building the strategic planning of a small growing company, in order to achieve its strategic targets. For this purpose, it was carried out a study in a small company of the furniture segment, with a view to identify the benefits derived from the use of BSC at the organization. The following departments were analyzed: Human Resources, Marketing/Customers, Finances, and Production, and identified as BSC perspectives, they assisted in meeting the strategic targets of the company. In this study, it was adopted the qualitative methodology, with exploratory and descriptive nature, through case study. By the close analysis of BSC use, it was noticed, that there should be greater interaction among the different areas, with effective acting from HR area, regarding improvement in the company learning and growth, such as training and motivation programs; at the Production section, indicators were created in order to meet the increasing demand; concerning Marketing/Customers section, it was identified, through indicators at customers perspective, their real needs, in order to keep them satisfied with products and services; and, regarding to Finances, indicators were created to manage the investments and the minimization of production costs.

  13. Measuring the Level of Organizational Performance in the Yemeni Public Universities from the Perspective of the Balanced Score Card: A Field Study in the Universities of Sana'a and Aden

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    بسام مسلم

    2017-12-01

    Full Text Available The research aimed at measuring the level of organizational performance according to the perspective of the Balanced Score Card (BSC. It also aimed to identify the nature of the differences in measuring the performance level in the light of the variables and type of higher management positions, faculty type, and years of service years. The researcher used the descriptive analytical methodology, where the concept of organizational performance was explained, and the related previous studies were reviewed and presented, with a focus on the strategic approach to measure the performance from the BSC perspective. To achieve the objective of the study, a questionnaire was designed, consisting of 36 indictors distributed over the four dimensions of the BSC (learning and growth, internal operations, clients, and finance. The sample included 80 participants representing academic and administrative leaders in the Universities of Sana'a and Aden. The research concluded that the organizational performance level was generally low in both universities. This was a reflection of weak performance in the BSC four dimensions. No differences occurred in the evaluation levels of those dimensions that could be attributed to these variables: type of higher management positions, faculty type, and years of service. Keywords: Balanced Score Card, Organizational performance, Public universities.

  14. A model proposal concerning balance scorecard application integrated with resource consumption accounting in enterprise performance management

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    ORHAN ELMACI

    2014-06-01

    Full Text Available The present study intended to investigate the “Balance Scorecard (BSC model integrated with Resource Consumption Accounting (RCA” which helps to evaluate the enterprise as matrix structure in its all parts. It aims to measure how much tangible and intangible values (assets of enterprises contribute to the enterprises. In other words, it measures how effectively, actively, and efficiently these values (assets are used. In short, it aims to measure sustainable competency of enterprises. As expressing the effect of tangible and intangible values (assets of the enterprise on the performance in mathematical and statistical methods is insufficient, it is targeted that RCA Method integrated with BSC model is based on matrix structure and control models. The effects of all complex factors in the enterprise on the performance (productivity and efficiency estimated algorithmically with cause and effect diagram. The contributions of matrix structures for reaching the management functional targets of the enterprises that operate in market competitive environment increasing day to day, is discussed. So in the context of modern management theories, as a contribution to BSC approach which is in the foreground in today’s administrative science of enterprises in matrix organizational structures, multidimensional performance evaluation model -RCA integrated with BSC Model proposal- is presented as strategic planning and strategic evaluation instrument.

  15. General Corrosion and Localized Corrosion of the Drip Shield

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    F. Hua

    2004-01-01

    The repository design includes a drip shield (BSC 2004 [DIRS 168489]) that provides protection for the waste package both as a barrier to seepage water contact and a physical barrier to potential rockfall. The purpose of the process-level models developed in this report is to model dry oxidation, general corrosion, and localized corrosion of the drip shield plate material, which is made of Ti Grade 7. This document is prepared according to ''Technical Work Plan For: Regulatory Integration Modeling and Analysis of the Waste Form and Waste Package'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 171583]). The models developed in this report are used by the waste package degradation analyses for TSPA-LA and serve as a basis to determine the performance of the drip shield. The drip shield may suffer from other forms of failure such as the hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) or stress corrosion cracking (SCC), or both. Stress corrosion cracking of the drip shield material is discussed in ''Stress Corrosion Cracking of the Drip Shield, the Waste Package Outer Barrier, and the Stainless Steel Structural Material'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169985]). Hydrogen induced cracking of the drip shield material is discussed in ''Hydrogen Induced Cracking of Drip Shield'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169847])

  16. Characterize Eruptive Processes at Yucca Mountain, Nevada

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    D. Krier

    2004-10-04

    The purpose of this scientific analysis report, ''Characterize Eruptive Processes at Yucca Mountain, Nevada'', is to present information about natural volcanic systems and the parameters that can be used to model their behavior. This information is used to develop parameter-value distributions appropriate for analysis of the consequences of volcanic eruptions through a repository at Yucca Mountain. This scientific analysis report provides information to four other reports: ''Number of Waste Packages Hit by Igneous Intrusion'', (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170001]); ''Atmospheric Dispersal and Deposition of Tephra from Potential Volcanic Eruption at Yucca Mountain, Nevada'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170026]); ''Dike/Drift Interactions'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170028]); ''Development of Earthquake Ground Motion Input for Preclosure Seismic Design and Postclosure Performance Assessment of a Geologic Repository at Yucca Mountain, NV'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 170027], Section 6.5). This report is organized into seven major sections. This section addresses the purpose of this document. Section 2 addresses quality assurance, Section 3 the use of software, Section 4 identifies the requirements that constrain this work, and Section 5 lists assumptions and their rationale. Section 6 presents the details of the scientific analysis and Section 7 summarizes the conclusions reached.

  17. Adapting the balanced scorecard for mental health and addictions: an inpatient example.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Lin, Elizabeth; Durbin, Janet

    2008-05-01

    The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a performance-monitoring framework that originated in the business sector but has more recently been applied to health services. The province of Ontario is using the BSC approach to monitor quality of inpatient care in five service areas. Feasibility of the scorecard framework for each area has been assessed using a standard approach. This paper reports results of the feasibility study for the mental health sector, focusing on three issues: framework relevance, underlying strategic goals and indicator selection. Based on a literature review and extensive stakeholder input, the BSC quadrant structure was recommended with some modifications, and indicators were selected that aligned with provincial mental health reform policy goals. The mental health report has completed two cycles of reporting, and has received good support from the field. Copyright © 2008 Longwoods Publishing.

  18. The Sleep of the Saved and Thankful

    Science.gov (United States)

    2009-03-16

    the media working with the BSC, including Henry Luce, publisher of Time, Life and Fortune magazines; Walter Lippmann, columnist for the Herald Tribune...Walter Winchell, whose syndicated gossip column was read by over 50 million people in more than 2,000 papers worldwide; Arthur H. Sulzberger...York Herald Tribune, the New York Post, and the Baltimore Sun, – the places where the BSC had the most success in finding sympathetic columnists and

  19. Balanced scorecard in SMEs – a proposal for small gas stations in Portugal

    OpenAIRE

    Monte, Ana Paula; Fontenete, Christiane Nicole Santos Morais

    2012-01-01

    As current business environment is demanding a constant adaptation of companies, the planning and strategic management should be an ongoing and natural process in all kind of organizations. The use of management and monitoring strategic performance tools such as the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) have been popular; even to Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. This paper aims to investigate whether the BSC is being used in monitoring the performance of small businesses, particularly in small fu...

  20. Using the balanced scorecard to mobilize human resources in organizational transformation.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Tsasis, Peter; Harber, Bruce

    2008-05-01

    Traditionally, the balanced scorecard (BSC) has been an effective tool in linking measurement to strategy. However, what is least understood is how the BSC can be used to redefine organizational relationships, re-engineer fundamental processes and transform organizational culture, for superior performance in an organization with the same people, services and technology that previously delivered dismal performance. This paper highlights the process and uses York Central Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, Canada as an illustrative example.

  1. The designing and development of a "Balanced Scorecard" for the International Procurement Department of the Procurement Directorate in the Hellenic Navy Supply Center

    OpenAIRE

    Polymenidis, Ilias

    2003-01-01

    Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited The Balanced Scorecard (BSC) is a performance management model that has been successfully implemented both in the private and public sectors. It is a framework for translating an organization's mission into an integrated set of performance indicators. Kaplan and Norton (1996) developed a BSC model, which has four generic perspectives: Financial, Customer, Internal Processes, and Learning and Growth. The objective of this research is to...

  2. Comment on ''Topologically Massive Gauge Theories''

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bezerra de Mello, E.R.

    1988-01-01

    In a recent paper by R. Pisarski and S. Rao concerning topologically massive quantum Yang--Mills theory, the expression of the P-even part of the non-Abelian gauge field self-energy at one-loop order is shown to obey a consistency condition, which is not fulfilled by the formula originally presented by S. Deser, R. Jackiw, and S. Templeton. In this comment, I present a recalculation which agress with Pisarski and Rao. copyright 1988 Academic Press, Inc

  3. Disruptive Event Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Analysis

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    M. A. Wasiolek

    2003-07-21

    This analysis report, ''Disruptive Event Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Analysis'', is one of the technical reports containing documentation of the ERMYN (Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain Nevada) biosphere model for the geologic repository at Yucca Mountain, its input parameters, and the application of the model to perform the dose assessment for the repository. The biosphere model is one of a series of process models supporting the Total System Performance Assessment (TSPA) for the Yucca Mountain repository. A graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN is presented in Figure 1-1. This figure shows the interrelationships among the products (i.e., analysis and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and provides an understanding of how this analysis report contributes to biosphere modeling. This report is one of the two reports that develop biosphere dose conversion factors (BDCFs), which are input parameters for the TSPA model. The ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2003 [DIRS 164186]) describes in detail the conceptual model as well as the mathematical model and lists its input parameters. Model input parameters are developed and described in detail in five analysis report (BSC 2003 [DIRS 160964], BSC 2003 [DIRS 160965], BSC 2003 [DIRS 160976], BSC 2003 [DIRS 161239], and BSC 2003 [DIRS 161241]). The objective of this analysis was to develop the BDCFs for the volcanic ash exposure scenario and the dose factors (DFs) for calculating inhalation doses during volcanic eruption (eruption phase of the volcanic event). The volcanic ash exposure scenario is hereafter referred to as the volcanic ash scenario. For the volcanic ash scenario, the mode of radionuclide release into the biosphere is a volcanic eruption through the repository with the resulting entrainment of contaminated waste in the tephra and the subsequent atmospheric transport and dispersion of contaminated material in

  4. Disruptive Event Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Analysis

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    M. A. Wasiolek

    2003-01-01

    This analysis report, ''Disruptive Event Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Analysis'', is one of the technical reports containing documentation of the ERMYN (Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain Nevada) biosphere model for the geologic repository at Yucca Mountain, its input parameters, and the application of the model to perform the dose assessment for the repository. The biosphere model is one of a series of process models supporting the Total System Performance Assessment (TSPA) for the Yucca Mountain repository. A graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN is presented in Figure 1-1. This figure shows the interrelationships among the products (i.e., analysis and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and provides an understanding of how this analysis report contributes to biosphere modeling. This report is one of the two reports that develop biosphere dose conversion factors (BDCFs), which are input parameters for the TSPA model. The ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2003 [DIRS 164186]) describes in detail the conceptual model as well as the mathematical model and lists its input parameters. Model input parameters are developed and described in detail in five analysis report (BSC 2003 [DIRS 160964], BSC 2003 [DIRS 160965], BSC 2003 [DIRS 160976], BSC 2003 [DIRS 161239], and BSC 2003 [DIRS 161241]). The objective of this analysis was to develop the BDCFs for the volcanic ash exposure scenario and the dose factors (DFs) for calculating inhalation doses during volcanic eruption (eruption phase of the volcanic event). The volcanic ash exposure scenario is hereafter referred to as the volcanic ash scenario. For the volcanic ash scenario, the mode of radionuclide release into the biosphere is a volcanic eruption through the repository with the resulting entrainment of contaminated waste in the tephra and the subsequent atmospheric transport and dispersion of contaminated material in the biosphere. The biosphere process

  5. The use of UML activity diagrams and the i* language in the modeling of the balanced scorecard implantation process

    OpenAIRE

    Haya, Mariela; Franch, Xavier; Mayol, Enric

    2005-01-01

    Business management is a complex task that can be facilitated using different methodologies and models. One of their most relevant purposes is to align the organization strategy with the daily functioning of the organization. One of these models is the Balanced Scorecard (BSC). In this paper, we propose a modeling strategy for the BSC implantation process. We will model it using UML Activity Diagrams and Strategy Dependency models of the language i*. The Activity Diagrams allow determining th...

  6. The F-16 Onboard Oxygen Generating System: Performance Evaluation and Man Rating

    Science.gov (United States)

    1983-08-01

    OXYGEN GENERATING , YSTEM: PERFORMANCE EVALUATION AND MAN RATING Thomas C. Horch , Captain, USAF Richard L. Miller, Ph.D. John B. Bomar, Jr...C. Horch , Capt, USAF; R. L. Miller, 8. CONTRACT OR GRANT NUMBER(i) Ph.D.; J. B. Bomar, Jr., Lt Col, IJSAF, BSC; J. B. Tedor, Maj, USAF, BSC; R. D...limitation (as of 1983); however, the information may no longer need protection since it is 14 years. At the time of its publication, Capt Thomas Horch

  7. Tail swing performance of the South African car-carrier fleet

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    De Saxe, C

    2012-09-01

    Full Text Available PERFORMANCE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN CAR-CARRIER FLEET Obtained BSc and currently completing MSc at the University of the Witwatersrand. Researcher at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) through the CSIR?s Studentship programme.... Obtained BSc and MSc from the University of the Witwatersrand and PhD from the University of Cambridge. Senior Lecturer in the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering at the University of the Witwatersrand. C. DE SAXE...

  8. Marketing residential grid-connected PV systems using a balanced scorecard as a marketing tool

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Bach, N.; Calais, P.; Calais, M.

    2001-01-01

    A strategic analysis of the electricity market in Western Australia yields a market potential for renewable energy in Western Australia. However, from a purely financial viewpoint the installation of grid-connected pv-systems still is not economically viable. In this paper a balanced scorecard (BSC) is developed to capture and visualize other than financial benefits. Therefore, the BSC can be used as a marketing tool to communicate the benefits of a privately owned GCPV system to potential customers. (author)

  9. Applying the Balanced Scorecard Strategic Evaluation Method to a University Athletic Department

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    THANOS KRIEMADIS, ANDREAS KOTSOVOS & PANAYIOTIS ALEXOPOULOS

    2008-01-01

    Full Text Available The Balanced Scorecard (BSC has been extensively used in manufacturing organisations, service organisations, non-profit organisations, and governmental organizations with outstanding results (Kaplan and Norton, 2001b. Performance measures are at the core of the BSC system.However, financial measurement alone does not reflect the organisational mission of governmental and non-profit organisations; rather the mission of government or non-profitorganisation should be placed at top of the BSC in measuring whether such an organisation has been successful. Hence, the greatest difference between businesses and nonprofit organisations lies in the achievement of the mission.The purpose of this article is to present the evaluation of the performance of a University Athletic Department using the balanced scorecard strategic approach which includes four dimensions such as: (a the customer dimension, (b the financial dimension,(c the learning and growth dimension and (d the internal business process dimension.

  10. Determinant Factors of the Implementation of the Balanced Scorecard in Portugal: empirical evidence in public and private organizations

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Patricia Rodrigues Quesado

    2014-09-01

    Full Text Available In this article we aim to identify and analyze a set of variables that can potentially influence the adoption of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC in Portugal. Hypotheses were tested using data obtained from a questionnaire sent to 591 publicly-owned organizations (local governments, municipal corporations and hospitals and 549 privately-owned organizations (large companies and small and medium enterprises in Portugal, with an overall response rate of 31.3%. The results allow us to conclude that although the majority of respondents claimed to know the BSC, its use in Portugal is still limited and very recent, particularly in the public sector organizations. However, it should be noted that its use has increased in Portugal in recent years. Using as theoretical framework the contingency and institutional theories, we found that decentralization, vertical differentiation and the degree of higher education are associated with the implementation of the BSC.

  11. Trace and rare earth elemental variation in Arabian Sea sediments through a transect across the oxygen minimum zone

    Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

    Nath, B.N.; Bau, M.; Rao, B.R.; Rao, Ch.M.

    with the sediments from local gneissic sources (Rao and Rao, 1995). 3. ANALYTICAL METHODS Calcium carbonate content of the samples was determined by the Karbonate-Bombe method (MueUer and Gastner, 1971 ) and organic carbon by the wet oxidation method (El Wakeel... analytical results, which is generally better than 4% for all the elements, except for Zr and Th (<8%). Comparison to reference data (Govindaraju, 1994) and to data determined by Garbe-Shoenberg (1993) em- ploying ICP-MS shows that our results...

  12. BALANCED SCORECARD: ESTRATÉGIA DE GESTÃO VINCULADA À MELHORIA DA QUALIDADE ORGANIZACIONAL

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Juliana Andréia Rüdell Boligon

    2014-09-01

    Full Text Available As decisões gerenciais têm sido fortemente marcadas pela necessidade de aplicação de novas técnicas e ferramentas de gestão. Nesse sentido, o Balanced Scorecard (BSC, inicialmente concebido como um sistema de avaliação organizacional e, posteriormente, tido como uma metodologia de gestão estratégica é uma sistemática de gestão capaz de concentrar energia e recursos da organização no que é essencial - seu sucesso na criação de valor. Dessa forma, este artigo propõe-se a analisar de que forma o BSC, como sistemática de gestão, pode servir de ferramenta para apoio ao desdobramento das estratégias organizacionais e contribuir para a melhoria contínua da qualidade organizacional. Para a coleta das informações, empregou-se a observação simples e entrevista pré-estruturada aplicada à gerência da organização em estudo. Diante do aporte dessas informações, propôs-se uma metodologia de implantação do BSC na organização através do cumprimento de três estágios: conhecer e interpretar a missão, a visão e a estratégia da empresa; levantamento e estruturação dos indicadores estratégicos e, efetivação da estrutura de indicadores estratégicos. Como resultados, obteve-se o conhecimento de quais são os principais benefícios auferidos com o BSC, bem como alguns pontos críticos sendo o BSC uma possibilidade de alinhar estratégia, processos e pessoas em busca de um objetivo comum.

  13. Evidence for micronutrient limitation of biological soil crusts: Importance to arid-lands restoration

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bowker, M.A.; Belnap, J.; Davidson, D.W.; Phillips, S.L.

    2005-01-01

    Desertification is a global problem, costly to national economies and human societies. Restoration of biological soil crusts (BSCs) may have an important role to play in the reversal of desertification due to their ability to decrease erosion and enhance soil fertility. To determine if there is evidence that lower fertility may hinder BSC recolonization, we investigated the hypothesis that BSC abundance is driven by soil nutrient concentrations. At a regional scale (north and central Colorado Plateau, USA), moss and lichen cover and richness are correlated with a complex water-nutrient availability gradient and have approximately six-fold higher cover and approximately two-fold higher species richness on sandy soils than on shale-derived soils. At a microscale, mosses and lichens are overrepresented in microhabitats under the north sides of shrub canopies, where water and nutrients are more available. At two spatial scales, and at the individual species and community levels, our data are consistent with the hypothesis that distributions of BSC organisms are determined largely by soil fertility. The micronutrients Mn and Zn figured prominently and consistently in the various analyses, strongly suggesting that these elements are previously unstudied limiting factors in BSC development. Structural-equation modeling of our data is most consistent with the hypothesis of causal relationships between the availability of micronutrients and the abundance of the two major nitrogen (N) fixers of BSCs. Specifically, higher Mn availability may determine greater Collema tenax abundance, and both Mn and Zn may limit Collema coccophorum; alternative causal hypotheses were less consistent with the data. We propose experimental trials of micronutrient addition to promote the restoration of BSC function on disturbed lands. Arid lands, where BSCs are most prevalent, cover ???40% of the terrestrial surface of the earth; thus the information gathered in this study is potentially useful

  14. The role of nonmagnetic d{sup 0} vs. d{sup 10}B-type cations on the magnetic exchange interactions in osmium double perovskites

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Feng, Hai L., E-mail: Hai.Feng@cpfs.mpg.de [Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Dresden 01187 (Germany); Yamaura, Kazunari [Research Center for Functional Materials, National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044 (Japan); Tjeng, Liu Hao [Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Dresden 01187 (Germany); Jansen, Martin, E-mail: M.Jansen@fkf.mpg.de [Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids, Dresden 01187 (Germany); Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569 (Germany)

    2016-11-15

    Polycrystalline samples of double perovskites Ba{sub 2}BOsO{sub 6} (B=Sc, Y, In) were synthesized by solid state reactions. They adopt the cubic double perovskite structures (space group, Fm-3m) with ordered B and Os arrangements. Ba{sub 2}BOsO{sub 6} (B=Sc, Y, In) show antiferromagnetic transitions at 93 K, 69 K, and 28 K, respectively. The Weiss-temperatures are −590 K for Ba{sub 2}ScOsO{sub 6}, −571 K for Ba{sub 2}YOsO{sub 6}, and −155 K for Ba{sub 2}InOsO{sub 6}. Sc{sup 3+} and Y{sup 3+} have the open-shell d{sup 0} electronic configuration, while In{sup 3+} has the closed-shell d{sup 10}. This indicates that a d{sup 0} B-type cation induces stronger overall magnetic exchange interactions in comparison to a d{sup 10}. Comparison of Ba{sub 2}BOsO{sub 6} (B=Sc, Y, In) to their Sr and Ca analogues shows that the structural distortions weaken the overall magnetic exchange interactions. - Graphical abstract: Magnetic properties of osmium double perovskites Ba{sub 2}BOsO{sub 6} (B=Sc, Y, In) were studied. Comparison of Ba{sub 2}BOsO{sub 6}indicates that a d{sup 0} B-type cation induces stronger overall magnetic exchange interactions in comparison to a d{sup 10}. - Highlights: • Magnetic properties of double perovskites Ba{sub 2}BOsO{sub 6} (B=Sc, Y, In) were studied. • A d{sup 0}B-type cation induces stronger magnetic interactions than a d{sup 10}. • Structural distortions weaken the overall Os{sup 5+}-Os{sup 5+} magnetic interactions.

  15. Evaluation Codes from Order Domain Theory

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Andersen, Henning Ejnar; Geil, Hans Olav

    2008-01-01

    bound is easily extended to deal with any generalized Hamming weights. We interpret our methods into the setting of order domain theory. In this way we fill in an obvious gap in the theory of order domains. [28] T. Shibuya and K. Sakaniwa, A Dual of Well-Behaving Type Designed Minimum Distance, IEICE......The celebrated Feng-Rao bound estimates the minimum distance of codes defined by means of their parity check matrices. From the Feng-Rao bound it is clear how to improve a large family of codes by leaving out certain rows in their parity check matrices. In this paper we derive a simple lower bound...... on the minimum distance of codes defined by means of their generator matrices. From our bound it is clear how to improve a large family of codes by adding certain rows to their generator matrices. The new bound is very much related to the Feng-Rao bound as well as to Shibuya and Sakaniwa's bound in [28]. Our...

  16. Cirurgia valvar e coronária simultânea Combined coronary and valvular surgery

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Pablo M. A Pomerantzeff

    1994-12-01

    Full Text Available Este trabalho analisa 172 pacientes consecutivos operados de cirurgia valvar e coronária simultânea, no período compreendido entre julho de 1980 e junho de 1989.0 número de pacientes submetidos a revascularização do miocárdio e tratamento cirúrgico da valva aórtica (RAo foi de 95, sendo que 75 foram submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico da valva mitral e revascularização do miocárdio (RMi. As lesões valvares mais freqüentes foram a estenose aórtica, 44 casos de insuficiência mitral em 40 casos. O número de anastomoses por paciente foi de 1,87 em média para os pacientes RMi e de 1,56 nos pacientes RAo. A mortalidade hospitalar foi de 9,8% sendo que a mortalidade para os pacientes RAo foi de 7,3% e para os pacientes RMi foi de 12%. Não houve diferença significativa (x²=04423 entre a mortalidade dos pacientes portadores de insuficiência mitral isquémica, operados eletivamente ou em caráter de emergência, sendo a mortalidade de 20% nos eletivos e de 37,5% nos de emergência. Não houve relação entre mortalidade e número de anastomoses por paciente. Houve tendência de melhores resultados com relação à mortalidade nos pacientes RMi com cirurgia conservadora (x²=1,6382. A curva actuarial de sobrevida mostra 82,6% em 19 semestres para os pacientes RMi, 90,4% para os pacientes RAo e 86,3% para o estudo global de pacientes. Com uma evolução de 5172 meses/pacientes, 75% apresentam-se em classe funcional I (NYHA.In the period between July 1980 and June 1989,172 consecutive patients were submitted to combined coronary and valvular surgery. There were patients with predominantly valvular indications and others with predominant coronary indications. In 95 cases, myocardial revascularization and surgical treatment of the aortic valve (RAo were simultaneously performed. Seventy five patients were submitted to myocardial revascularization and surgical treatment of the mitral valve (RMi. The more frequent valvular lesions were

  17. Advanced image processing methods as a tool to map and quantify different types of biological soil crust

    Science.gov (United States)

    Rodríguez-Caballero, Emilio; Escribano, Paula; Cantón, Yolanda

    2014-04-01

    Biological soil crusts (BSCs) modify numerous soil surface properties and affect many key ecosystem processes. As BSCs are considered one of the most important components of semiarid ecosystems, accurate characterisation of their spatial distribution is increasingly in demand. This paper describes a novel methodology for identifying the areas dominated by different types of BSCs and quantifying their relative cover at subpixel scale in a semiarid ecosystem of SE Spain. The approach consists of two consecutive steps: (i) First, Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification to identify the main ground units, dominated by homogenous surface cover (bare soil, cyanobacteria BSC, lichen BSC, green and dry vegetation), which are of strong ecological relevance. (ii) Spectral mixture analysis (SMA) of the ground units to quantify the proportion of each type of surface cover within each pixel, to correctly characterize the complex spatial heterogeneity inherent to semiarid ecosystems. SVM classification showed very good results with a Kappa coefficient of 0.93%, discriminating among areas dominated by bare soil, cyanobacteria BSC, lichen BSC, green and dry vegetation. Subpixel relative abundance images achieved relatively high accuracy for both types of BSCs (about 80%), whereas general overestimation of vegetation was observed. Our results open the possibility of introducing the effect of presence and of relative cover of BSCs in spatially distributed hydrological and ecological models, and assessment and monitoring aimed at reducing degradation in these areas.

  18. Economic analysis of blood product transfusions according to the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in the elderly.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Cannas, G; Fattoum, J; Boukhit, M; Thomas, X

    2015-01-01

    Blood transfusion requirement represents one of the most significant cost driver associated with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Low-intensity treatments (low-dose cytarabine, hypomethylating agents) have the potential to reduce transfusion dependence, and improve health-related quality of life. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of treatment types regarding blood product transfusions in a cohort of 214 AML patients aged ≥ 70 years. Analyzes did not indicate any significant overall survival (OS) advantage of intensive chemotherapy comparatively to low-intensity treatment. The difference was significant when compared to best supportive care (BSC) (Ptransfusion cost per patient was 1.3 times lower with low-intensity therapy and 2.7 times lower with BSC than with intensive chemotherapy. Mean transfusion cost per patient according to OS varied from 2.4 to 1.3 times less with low-intensity treatment comparatively to intensive chemotherapy for patients having OS ≤ 13.3 months. Costs varied from 3.5 to 2.6 times less with BSC comparatively to intensive chemotherapy. In contrast, mean transfusion costs were comparable among treatments for patients with OS>13.3 months. Low-intensity treatments represent a cost-effective alternative to BSC and require a reduced number of transfused blood products comparatively to intensive chemotherapy, while OS was not significantly different. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

  19. Application of the balanced scorecard to an academic medical center in Taiwan: the effect of warning systems on improvement of hospital performance.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Chen, Hsueh-Fen; Hou, Ying-Hui; Chang, Ray-E

    2012-10-01

    The balanced scorecard (BSC) is considered to be a useful tool for management in a variety of business environments. The purpose of this article is to utilize the experimental data produced by the incorporation and implementation of the BSC in hospitals and to investigate the effects of the BSC red light tracking warning system on performance improvement. This research was designed to be a retrospective follow-up study. The linear mixed model was applied for correcting the correlated errors. The data used in this study were secondary data collected by repeated measurements taken between 2004 and 2010 by 67 first-line medical departments of a public academic medical center in Taipei, Taiwan. The linear mixed model of analysis was applied for multilevel analysis. Improvements were observed with various time lags, from the subsequent month to three months after red light warning. During follow-up, the red light warning system more effectively improved controllable costs, infection rates, and the medical records completion rate. This further suggests that follow-up management promotes an enhancing and supportive effect to the red light warning. The red light follow-up management of BSC is an effective and efficient tool where improvement depends on ongoing and consistent attention in a continuing effort to better administer medical care and control costs. Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier B.V.

  20. A novel software and conceptual design of the hardware platform for intensity modulated radiation therapy

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Nguyen, Dan; Ruan, Dan; O’Connor, Daniel; Woods, Kaley; Low, Daniel A.; Sheng, Ke, E-mail: ksheng@mednet.ucla.edu [Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90024 (United States); Boucher, Salime [RadiaBeam Technologies, Santa Monica, California 90404 (United States)

    2016-02-15

    Purpose: To deliver high quality intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) using a novel generalized sparse orthogonal collimators (SOCs), the authors introduce a novel direct aperture optimization (DAO) approach based on discrete rectangular representation. Methods: A total of seven patients—two glioblastoma multiforme, three head & neck (including one with three prescription doses), and two lung—were included. 20 noncoplanar beams were selected using a column generation and pricing optimization method. The SOC is a generalized conventional orthogonal collimators with N leaves in each collimator bank, where N = 1, 2, or 4. SOC degenerates to conventional jaws when N = 1. For SOC-based IMRT, rectangular aperture optimization (RAO) was performed to optimize the fluence maps using rectangular representation, producing fluence maps that can be directly converted into a set of deliverable rectangular apertures. In order to optimize the dose distribution and minimize the number of apertures used, the overall objective was formulated to incorporate an L2 penalty reflecting the difference between the prescription and the projected doses, and an L1 sparsity regularization term to encourage a low number of nonzero rectangular basis coefficients. The optimization problem was solved using the Chambolle–Pock algorithm, a first-order primal–dual algorithm. Performance of RAO was compared to conventional two-step IMRT optimization including fluence map optimization and direct stratification for multileaf collimator (MLC) segmentation (DMS) using the same number of segments. For the RAO plans, segment travel time for SOC delivery was evaluated for the N = 1, N = 2, and N = 4 SOC designs to characterize the improvement in delivery efficiency as a function of N. Results: Comparable PTV dose homogeneity and coverage were observed between the RAO and the DMS plans. The RAO plans were slightly superior to the DMS plans in sparing critical structures. On average, the maximum and

  1. A novel software and conceptual design of the hardware platform for intensity modulated radiation therapy.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Nguyen, Dan; Ruan, Dan; O'Connor, Daniel; Woods, Kaley; Low, Daniel A; Boucher, Salime; Sheng, Ke

    2016-02-01

    To deliver high quality intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) using a novel generalized sparse orthogonal collimators (SOCs), the authors introduce a novel direct aperture optimization (DAO) approach based on discrete rectangular representation. A total of seven patients-two glioblastoma multiforme, three head & neck (including one with three prescription doses), and two lung-were included. 20 noncoplanar beams were selected using a column generation and pricing optimization method. The SOC is a generalized conventional orthogonal collimators with N leaves in each collimator bank, where N = 1, 2, or 4. SOC degenerates to conventional jaws when N = 1. For SOC-based IMRT, rectangular aperture optimization (RAO) was performed to optimize the fluence maps using rectangular representation, producing fluence maps that can be directly converted into a set of deliverable rectangular apertures. In order to optimize the dose distribution and minimize the number of apertures used, the overall objective was formulated to incorporate an L2 penalty reflecting the difference between the prescription and the projected doses, and an L1 sparsity regularization term to encourage a low number of nonzero rectangular basis coefficients. The optimization problem was solved using the Chambolle-Pock algorithm, a first-order primal-dual algorithm. Performance of RAO was compared to conventional two-step IMRT optimization including fluence map optimization and direct stratification for multileaf collimator (MLC) segmentation (DMS) using the same number of segments. For the RAO plans, segment travel time for SOC delivery was evaluated for the N = 1, N = 2, and N = 4 SOC designs to characterize the improvement in delivery efficiency as a function of N. Comparable PTV dose homogeneity and coverage were observed between the RAO and the DMS plans. The RAO plans were slightly superior to the DMS plans in sparing critical structures. On average, the maximum and mean critical organ doses were

  2. Supernumerary teeth: literature review | Prasad Rao | Central ...

    African Journals Online (AJOL)

    ://dx.doi.org/10.4314/cajm.v47i1.8588 · AJOL African Journals Online. HOW TO USE AJOL... for Researchers · for Librarians · for Authors · FAQ's · More about AJOL · AJOL's Partners · Terms and Conditions of Use · Contact AJOL · News.

  3. Hydrothermal petroleum in the sediments of the Andaman Backarc Basin, Indian Ocean

    Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

    Venkatesan, M.I.; Ruth, E.; Rao, P.S.; Nath, B.N.; Rao, B.R.

    inthesediments ofthe AndamanBackarc Basin, IndianOcean § M.I.Venkatesan a, *,E. Ruth b ,P.S. Rao c ,B.N. Nath c , B.R. Rao c a Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics and NASA Astrobiology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1567, USA... b Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1593, USA c National Institute of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa 403 004, India Received 1 March 2002; accepted 13 August 2002 Editorial handling by B...

  4. Trapped Atoms in One-Dimensional Photonic Crystals

    Science.gov (United States)

    2013-08-09

    2002 J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 19 2052 [39] Koenderink A F, Kafesaki M, Soukoulis C M and Sandoghdar V 2006 J. Opt. Soc. Am. B 23 1196 [40] Manga Rao V S C...032509 [55] Hwang J K, Ryu H Y and Lee Y H 1999 Phys. Rev. B 60 4688–95 [56] Yao P, Manga Rao V S C and Hughes S 2010 Laser Photon. Rev. 4 499–516 New Journal of Physics 15 (2013) 083026 (http://www.njp.org/)

  5. CFD analysis of a symmetrical planar SOFC with heterogeneous electrode properties

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Shi Junxiang; Xue Xingjian

    2010-01-01

    A comprehensive 2-D CFD model is developed to investigate bi-electrode supported cell (BSC) performance. The model takes into account the coupled complex transport phenomena of mass/heat transfer, charge (electron/ion) transport, and electrochemical reactions. The uniqueness of this modeling work is that heterogeneous electrode properties are taken into account, which includes not only linear functionally graded porosity distribution but also various nonlinear distributions in a general sense according to porous electrode features in BSC design. Extensive numerical analysis is performed to elucidate various heterogeneous porous electrode property effects on cell performance. Results indicate that cell performance is strongly dependent on porous microstructure distributions of electrodes. Among the various porosity distributions, inverse parabolic porosity distribution shows promising effects on cell performance. For a given porosity distribution of electrodes, cell performance is also dependent on operating conditions, typically fuel/gas pressure losses across the electrodes. The mathematical model developed in this paper can be utilized for high performance BSC SOFC design and optimization.

  6. Regulations of safe transport of radioactive material

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Patel, R.J.; Sumathi, E.

    2017-01-01

    BARC is a multi-disciplinary nuclear research organisation with facilities located at various parts of the country. The nuclear and radiological facilities in BARC include fuel fabrication facilities, nuclear research reactors, radiological laboratories, nuclear recycle facilities, waste management facilities and other associated facilities. RAdioactive Material (RAM) such as fresh nuclear fuel, irradiated fuel, radioactive sources, vitrified high level wastes, special nuclear material etc., are transported between these facilities either within the controlled premises or in public domain. In BARC the regulatory approval for the packages used for transport of RAM is issued by BARC Safety Council (BSC). Competent Authority for issuing the design approval for the BARC packages in public domain is Director, BARC. In this aspect BSC is assisted by Safety Review Committee-Transport of Radioactive Material (SRC-TRM) constituted by BSC entrusted with the mandate to ensure the packages are designed, manufactured and transported in accordance with the current regulations. This article summarizes the regulatory requirements for transport of RAM and experience in BARC facilities

  7. An empirical study for measuring the success index of banking industry

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Mohsen Mardani

    2012-08-01

    Full Text Available Measuring organization performance plays an important role for developing better strategic plans. In today's competitive environment, organizations attempt for the product quality or offering the service, delivery, reliability capability and the customer satisfaction. These properties are not measurable only by traditional financial criteria and we need a method, which could consider non-financial factors as well. The present study of this paper proposed a hybrid of balanced score card (BSC and data envelopment analysis (DEA method for an empirical study of banking sector. The study proposes a model for assessing the Tose`eTa`avon bank performance, which is an example of governmental credit and financial services institutes. The study determines different important factors associated with each four components of BSC and uses analytical hierarchy process to rank the measures. In each part of BSC implementation, we use DEA for ranking different units of bank and efficient and inefficient units are determined.

  8. Design of Corporate Performance Management System : Case Study at PT X IN INDONESIA

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Dermawan Wibisono

    2012-01-01

    Full Text Available This paper focus on design of company performance management for corporate level of XCompany that produces food ingredient to supply instant noodle, snack and processed meatindustries. The framework of proposed performance measurement systems is combining of theBalanced Scorecard (BSC and Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award (MBNQA. Fourperspectives that are Financial, Customer, Internal Process, and Learning & Growth are based onthe BSC framework in which in every perspective several variables are developed using the BSC aswell as the MBNQA approaches. In the Financial Perspective there are three indicators focusesnamely Shareholder Satisfaction, Direct Profit Contribution and Asset Utilization. In the CustomerPerspective consist of Customer Satisfaction, Market Share and Based Customer. In the InternalBusiness Process perspective consist of four indicators namely New Product Development, SupplyChain Management, Productivity and Quality System. Learning & Growth perspective consists ofthree indicators namely Leadership Quality and Employer’s Competency, Organization Developmentand Employer’s Retention, and Information & Technology System.Keywords: Performance Management, the Balanced Scorecard, Malcolm Baldrige National QualityAward

  9. Application of hospital strategic map based on balanced score card%基于平衡计分卡的医院战略地图应用探讨

    Institute of Scientific and Technical Information of China (English)

    管珊珊; 黄海

    2012-01-01

    As an important tool to strengthen the hospital strategic management,the balanced score card( BSC )is widely used in health and medical institutions in our country and abroad. Based on the analysis of BSC theory, a hospital strategic map is drawn under the framework of BSC and some problems that should be paid attention during the application of this hospital strategic map are discussed in this thesis.%平衡计分卡作为实施医院战略管理的重要工具,在国内外的卫生医疗机构中得到了广泛的应用.笔者在分析平衡计分卡理论的基础上,提出了平衡计分卡框架下医院战略地图的绘制,以及在应用医院战略地图过程中应当注意的问题.

  10. Regulatory role and approach of BARC Safety Council in safety and occupational health in BARC facilities

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Rajdeep; Jayarajan, K.; Taly, Y.K.

    2016-01-01

    Bhabha Atomic Research Centre is involved in multidisciplinary research and developmental activities, related to peaceful use of nuclear energy and its societal benefits. In order to achieve high level of performance of these facilities, the best efforts are made to maintain good health of the plant personnel and good working conditions. BARC Safety Council (BSC), which is the regulatory body for BARC facilities, regulates radiation safety, industrial safety and surveillance of occupational health, by implementing various rules and guidelines in BARC facilities. BARC Safety framework consists of various committees in a 3-tier system. The first tier is BSC, which is the apex body authorized for issuing directives, permissions, consents and authorizations. It is having responsibility of ensuring protection and safety of public, environment, personnel and facilities of BARC through enforcement of radiation protection and industrial safety programmes. Besides the 18 committees in 2"n"d tier, there are 6 other expert committees which assist in functioning of BSC. (author)

  11. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS APPLIED TO BRAZILIAN PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Átila de Melo Lira

    2015-06-01

    Full Text Available Initially focused on for-profit companies the Balance Scorecard (BSC has been adopted by many organizations with different objectives, such as higher education institutions (HEIs. However, it is not clear if the adoption of the BSC model is appropriate, or yet is hard to perceive how HEIs have modified and implemented this tool for evaluating educational institutions, public or privates, in Brazil. This study aims to fill the gap existent in the context of using the BSC in organizations. We intend to demonstrate how these organizations use performance indicators to measure their primary activities. A quantitative and exploratory study was developed from the analysis of performance indicators found in the web sites to Brazilian universities. A total of 91 Brazilian private universities evaluation process were reviewed. Even with a considerable amount of private HEIs there are few that have performance indicators guided by numerical and statistical data covering its main activities which is a concern for their managers in terms of managerial control.

  12. ENGINEERED BARRIER SYSTEM FEATURES, EVENTS, AND PROCESSES

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    na

    2005-05-30

    This analysis report is one of the technical reports containing documentation of the Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain, Nevada (ERMYN), a biosphere model supporting the total system performance assessment (TSPA) for the license application (LA) for the Yucca Mountain repository. This analysis report describes the development of biosphere dose conversion factors (BDCFs) for the volcanic ash exposure scenario, and the development of dose factors for calculating inhalation dose during volcanic eruption. A graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN is presented in Figure 1 - 1. This figure shows the interrelationships among the products (i.e., analysis and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and provides an understanding of how this analysis report contributes to biosphere modeling. This report is one of two reports that develop biosphere BDCFs, which are input parameters for the TSPA model. The ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) describes in detail the ERMYN conceptual model and mathematical model. The input parameter reports, shown to the right of the Biosphere Model Report in Figure 1-1, contain detailed descriptions of the model input parameters, their development and the relationship between the parameters and specific features, events and processes (FEPs). This report describes biosphere model calculations and their output, the BDCFs, for the volcanic ash exposure scenario. This analysis receives direct input from the outputs of the ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) and from the five analyses that develop parameter values for the biosphere model (BSC 2005 [DIRS 172827]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169672]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169673]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169458]; and BSC 2004 [DIRS 169459]). The results of this report are further analyzed in the ''Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Importance and Sensitivity Analysis'' (Figure 1 - 1). The

  13. DISRUPTIVE EVENT BIOSPHERE DOSE CONVERSION FACTOR ANALYSIS

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    M.A. Wasiolek

    2005-01-01

    This analysis report is one of the technical reports containing documentation of the Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain, Nevada (ERMYN), a biosphere model supporting the total system performance assessment (TSPA) for the license application (LA) for the Yucca Mountain repository. This analysis report describes the development of biosphere dose conversion factors (BDCFs) for the volcanic ash exposure scenario, and the development of dose factors for calculating inhalation dose during volcanic eruption. A graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN is presented in Figure 1-1. This figure shows the interrelationships among the products (i.e., analysis and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and provides an understanding of how this analysis report contributes to biosphere modeling. This report is one of two reports that develop biosphere BDCFs, which are input parameters for the TSPA model. The Biosphere Model Report (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) describes in detail the ERMYN conceptual model and mathematical model. The input parameter reports, shown to the right of the Biosphere Model Report in Figure 1-1, contain detailed descriptions of the model input parameters, their development and the relationship between the parameters and specific features, events and processes (FEPs). This report describes biosphere model calculations and their output, the BDCFs, for the volcanic ash exposure scenario. This analysis receives direct input from the outputs of the ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) and from the five analyses that develop parameter values for the biosphere model (BSC 2005 [DIRS 172827]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169672]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169673]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169458]; and BSC 2004 [DIRS 169459]). The results of this report are further analyzed in the ''Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Importance and Sensitivity Analysis'' (Figure 1-1). The objective of this analysis was to develop the BDCFs for the volcanic

  14. ENGINEERED BARRIER SYSTEM FEATURES, EVENTS, AND PROCESSES

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    2005-01-01

    This analysis report is one of the technical reports containing documentation of the Environmental Radiation Model for Yucca Mountain, Nevada (ERMYN), a biosphere model supporting the total system performance assessment (TSPA) for the license application (LA) for the Yucca Mountain repository. This analysis report describes the development of biosphere dose conversion factors (BDCFs) for the volcanic ash exposure scenario, and the development of dose factors for calculating inhalation dose during volcanic eruption. A graphical representation of the documentation hierarchy for the ERMYN is presented in Figure 1 - 1. This figure shows the interrelationships among the products (i.e., analysis and model reports) developed for biosphere modeling and provides an understanding of how this analysis report contributes to biosphere modeling. This report is one of two reports that develop biosphere BDCFs, which are input parameters for the TSPA model. The ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) describes in detail the ERMYN conceptual model and mathematical model. The input parameter reports, shown to the right of the Biosphere Model Report in Figure 1-1, contain detailed descriptions of the model input parameters, their development and the relationship between the parameters and specific features, events and processes (FEPs). This report describes biosphere model calculations and their output, the BDCFs, for the volcanic ash exposure scenario. This analysis receives direct input from the outputs of the ''Biosphere Model Report'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 169460]) and from the five analyses that develop parameter values for the biosphere model (BSC 2005 [DIRS 172827]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169672]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169673]; BSC 2004 [DIRS 169458]; and BSC 2004 [DIRS 169459]). The results of this report are further analyzed in the ''Biosphere Dose Conversion Factor Importance and Sensitivity Analysis'' (Figure 1 - 1). The objective of this analysis was to develop the BDCFs for the

  15. Average Power and Brightness Scaling of Diamond Raman Lasers

    Science.gov (United States)

    2012-01-07

    J. Appl. Phys. 92(2), 649–653 (2002). 26. J. Smedley , C. Jaye, J. Bohon, T. Rao, and D. A. Fischer, “Laser patterning of diamond. Part II. Surface...nondiamond carbon formation and its removal,” J. Appl. Phys. 105(12), 123108 (2009). 27. J. Smedley , J. Bohon, Q. Wu, and T. Rao, “Laser patterning...Singh, Dianyuan Fan, Jianquan Yao, Robert F. Walter, Proc. of SPIE Vol. 8551, 85510U · © 2012 SPIE CCC code: 0277-786/12/$18 · doi: 10.1117/12.999857 Proc

  16. Russian muscles

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Soerheim, Paul

    2004-01-01

    A tightening of the electric power balance in the Nordic countries and increased focus on the supply reliability have made the power import from Russia increasingly more important. The two most important players in the Russian power market are the state-owned companies RAO UES and RosEnergoAtom. RAO UES has already begun to strengthen its presence in the Nordic market. There are indications that there are limits to the growth of power import from Russia, and the Nordic power market cannot be based on it in the future

  17. Rayleigh lidar observations of double stratopause structure over three different northern hemisphere stations

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Sivakumar, V

    2006-09-01

    Full Text Available observations of double stratopause structure over three different northern hemisphere stations V. Sivakumar1, H. Bencherif1, A. Hauchecorne2, P. Keckhut2, D. N. Rao3, S. Sharma4, H. Chandra4, A. Jayaraman4, and P. B. Rao5 1Laboratoire de l’Atmosphe`re et... des Cyclones, CNRS–UMR 8105, Universite´ de La Re´union, La Reunion, France 2Service d’Ae´ronomie, CNRS, Paris, France 3National Atmospheric Research Laboratory, P. B. No: 123, Tirupati-517 502, India 4Physical Research Laboratory, Navarangapura...

  18. [Migration of industrial radionuclides in soils and benthal deposits at the coastal margins of the temporary waste storage facility (TWSF) of the Northwest Center for Radioactive Waste Management (SevRAO) and its influence on the possible contamination of the sea offshore waters].

    Science.gov (United States)

    Filonova, A A; Seregin, V A

    2014-01-01

    For obtaining the integral information about the current radiation situation in the sea offshore waters of the temporary waste storage facility (TWSF) of the Northwest Center for Radioactive Waste Management "SevRAO" in the Andreeva Bay and in the settle Gremikha with a purpose of a comprehensive assessment of its condition there was performed radiation-ecological monitoring of the adjacent sea offshore waters of the TWSF. It was shown that in the territory of industrial sites of the TWSF as a result of industrial activity there are localized areas of pollution by man-made radionuclides. As a result of leaching of radionuclides by tidal stream, snowmelt and rainwater radioactive contamination extends beyond the territory of the sanitary protection zone and to the coastal sea offshore waters. To confirm the coastal pollution of the sea offshore waters the levels of mobility of 90Sr and 137Cs in environmental chains and bond strength of them with the soil and benthal deposits were clarified by determining with the method of detection of the forms of the presence of radionuclides in these media. There was established a high mobility of 137Cs and 90Sr in soils and benthal deposits (desorption coefficient (Kd) of 137Cs and 90Sr (in soils - 0.56 and 0.98), in the sediments - 0.82). The migration of radionuclides in environmental chains can lead to the contamination of the environment, including the sea offshore waters.

  19. Potentializing and restrictive factors in the implementation of the balanced scorecard: a study in a contruction firm in the state of Ceará Fatores potencializadores e restritivos à implantação do Balanced Scorecard:um estudo em uma empresa de construção civil do Ceará

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Roberta Catrib de Azevedo Lemos

    2011-12-01

    Full Text Available Normal 0 21 false false false PT-BR X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabela normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} The Balanced Scorecard (BSC, better known as a method to translate a firm’s mission and strategy into a broad set of performance measurements, has been used for the strategic management of organizations, serving as a measurement system  that, besides the financial goals, includes performance characteristics. This research, which was carried out through a case study, aims at identifying the main potentializing and restrictive factors in the implementation of the BSC in a civil construction firm in the state of Ceará, the Porto Freire Engineering. The bibliographical research, which was based on the managerial reports of the 2003 to 2009 period, showed that the firm conducted the process necessary to the implementation of the BSC for the management of its strategy. The field data were collected through questionnaires and interviews applied, respectively, to the employees and managers who already were in the firm when the BSC was implemented. The questionnaire data show that, among the set of twenty factors considered in the research, only three were deemed potentializing in the implementation of the BSC: technical support, balancing of the four perspectives and preservation of

  20. Da onda da gestão da qualidade a uma filosofia da qualidade da gestão: Balanced Scorecard promovendo mudanças

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Andréa Cavalcanti Correia Lima

    2004-06-01

    Full Text Available No final da década de 80 a Gestão da Qualidade Total (GQT era apresentada como capaz de resolver todos os problemas e atender a todas as necessidades da gestão das organizações. Buscando solucionar problemas de gestão não equacionados pela GQT, muitas organizações começam a adotar o Balanced Scorecard (BSC. Uma questão ainda não discutida com profundidade no mundo acadêmico é a viabilidade de integração desses dois modelos. O presente artigo discute a possibilidade de integração dessas duas ferramentas, verificando as melhorias que podem alcançar, principalmente no gerenciamento da estratégia da organização. Assim sendo, realizou-se estudo de caso no Caesar Park Hotel Fortaleza (CPHF, empresa que vêm adotando com sucesso os dois modelos. A pesquisa revela que é possível integrar os princípios da GQT com os do BSC, à medida que os fundamentos de ambos se complementam, sendo assim a utilização conjunta das ferramentas propicia melhor gerenciamento da estratégia da organização.In recent years, many organizations have been managed according to the principles of Total Quality Management (TQM, which became known around the globe in the 1980's, when looking for explanations for the so-called "Japanese miracle". TQM was presented as being capable of solving all problems and attending to all company management needs, a stage that seems outdated now. In the search for a model that would allow them to analyze and follow up the implementation of organizational strategies, without remaining limited to Quality indicators, many companies started to adopt the Balanced Scorecard (BSC. Companies using TQM question whether it is viable together with the BSC. In order to contribute to a solution to this question, this article discusses the possibility of aligning these two tools. Therefore, a case study was carried out at the Caesar Park Hotel Fortaleza, a company that implanted TQM in 1997 and started to adopt the BSC in 2000. The

  1. Balanced Scorecard em uma Instituição de Ensino Superior: uma Proposta de Modelo para Gestão Estratégica = Balanced scorecard in a higher education institution: a proposal of a strategic management model

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    David da Silva

    2013-07-01

    Full Text Available Este artigo tem como objetivo propor um modelo para a gestão estratégica organizacional de Instituições de Ensino Superior, por meio da estruturação de um Balanced Scorecard (BSC - ferramenta eficaz que traduz a visão e a estratégia organizacional em metas operacionais. Ressalta-se que embora as perspectivas originais sugeridas por Kaplan e Norton (1997 sejam as mais utilizadas, algumas IES geram perspectivas diferenciadas, como a perspectiva Sociedade no caso da Faculdade Alfa (nome fictício, particularmente aqui estudada. A abordagem da pesquisa é qualitativa e quanto aos objetivos se considera exploratória. As estratégias de pesquisa utilizadas foram bibliográfica, documental e estudo de caso. Os dados foram coletados por meio de estudo observacional, bem como de fontes secundárias. Os resultados da pesquisa indicam que: (i as estratégias da instituição estão traduzidas em iniciativas e ações, por meio da ferramenta BSC; (ii a instituição traduziu os objetivos estratégicos do Plano de Desenvolvimento Institucional em metas operacionais e (iii o mapeamento da instituição desenvolvido por meio da metodologia BSC gerou uma visão holística e alinhada das estratégias desdobrando-as até seu nível operacional. This article aims at proposing an organizational strategic management model for higher education institutions - HEIs, through the structuring of a Balanced Scorecard (BSC – an effective tool that translates the organizational vision and strategy into operational goals. It is noteworthy that although the unique perspectives suggested by Kaplan and Norton (1997 are the most commonly used, some HEIs generate differentiated perspectives like a society dimension, as for Faculdade Alfa (fictitious name particularly studied here. The research approach is qualitative, and the objectives are considered exploratory. The research strategies used were bibliographic, documentary, and case study. Data were collected through

  2. WE-EF-210-05: Diagnosis and Quantification of Liver Steatosis with Quantitative Ultrasound Backscatter Technique

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    Andre, M [VA Medical Center, Encinitas, CA (United States); University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA (United States); Heba, E; Lin, S; Wolfson, T; Ang, B; Gamst, A; Sirlin, C; Loomba, R [University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA (United States); Han, A; Erdman, J; O’Brien, W [University of Illinois, Urbana, IL (United States)

    2015-06-15

    Purpose: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease in the United States, affects 30% of adult Americans and may progress to more serious diseases. Liver biopsy is the standard method for diagnosing NAFLD. MRI can accurately diagnose and quantify hepatic steatosis but is expensive. Sonography with qualitative interpretation by radiologists is lower cost, more accessible but less sensitive for detection. The objective of this study, using MRI proton density fat fraction (PDFF) as reference, is to assess the accuracy for diagnosing and quantifying steatosis with two quantitative US parameters-- backscatter coefficient (BSC) and attenuation coefficient (AC)--derived from RF signals using the calibration phantom technique. Methods: We performed a prospective, cross-sectional analysis of a cohort of adults (n=204) with NAFLD (MRI-PDFF≥5%) and without NAFLD (controls). Subjects underwent MRI-PDFF and BSC and AC US analyses of the liver on the same day. Patients were randomly assigned to training (n=102, mean age 51±17 years, mean body mass index 31±7 kg/m{sup 2}) and validation (n=102, mean age 49±17 years, body mass index 30±6 kg/m{sup 2}) groups; 69% of patients in each group had NAFLD. Results: BSC provided AUC 0.98 (95% CI 0.95–1.00, p<0.0001) for diagnosis of NAFLD; the optimal BSC cut-off provided sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values (PPV, NPV) of 87%, 91%, 95%, and 76%, respectively. AC provided AUC 0.89 (95% CI 0.81–0.96, p<0.0001) for diagnosis of steatosis; the optimal AC cut-off provided sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV of 80%, 84%, 92%, and 66%, respectively. BSC and AC both correlated significantly with MRI-PDFF (P<0.0001). Conclusion: QUS BSC and AC can accurately diagnose and quantify hepatic steatosis, using MRI-PDFF as reference. With further validation, QUS may emerge as an inexpensive, widely available tool for NAFLD assessment. General support: NIH R01 CA111289, K

  3. CANISTER HANDLING FACILITY CRITICALITY SAFETY CALCULATIONS

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    C.E. Sanders

    2005-01-01

    This design calculation revises and updates the previous criticality evaluation for the canister handling, transfer and staging operations to be performed in the Canister Handling Facility (CHF) documented in BSC [Bechtel SAIC Company] 2004 [DIRS 167614]. The purpose of the calculation is to demonstrate that the handling operations of canisters performed in the CHF meet the nuclear criticality safety design criteria specified in the ''Project Design Criteria (PDC) Document'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 171599], Section 4.9.2.2), the nuclear facility safety requirement in ''Project Requirements Document'' (Canori and Leitner 2003 [DIRS 166275], p. 4-206), the functional/operational nuclear safety requirement in the ''Project Functional and Operational Requirements'' document (Curry 2004 [DIRS 170557], p. 75), and the functional nuclear criticality safety requirements described in the ''Canister Handling Facility Description Document'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 168992], Sections 3.1.1.3.4.13 and 3.2.3). Specific scope of work contained in this activity consists of updating the Category 1 and 2 event sequence evaluations as identified in the ''Categorization of Event Sequences for License Application'' (BSC 2004 [DIRS 167268], Section 7). The CHF is limited in throughput capacity to handling sealed U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW) canisters, defense high-level radioactive waste (DHLW), naval canisters, multicanister overpacks (MCOs), vertical dual-purpose canisters (DPCs), and multipurpose canisters (MPCs) (if and when they become available) (BSC 2004 [DIRS 168992], p. 1-1). It should be noted that the design and safety analyses of the naval canisters are the responsibility of the U.S. Department of the Navy (Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program) and will not be included in this document. In addition, this calculation is valid for the current design of the CHF and may not reflect the ongoing design evolution of the facility

  4. Sasaran Strategis Perusahaan Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit Teladan Prima Group

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Sali Subakti

    2017-09-01

    Full Text Available Teladan Prima Group (TPG as one of the palm oil plantations company have a strategic objectives in perspective of financial, customer, internal business processes, and learning and growth with the implementation of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC. The efforts to improve of high productivity of all resources that owned, are effectiveness managed with cost efficiency is the ultimate goal of company performance measurement. The problems occurred, management is confronted on the issues of the achievement of company performance targets that are not optimal and the strategic objectives of the company have not been cascaded down in a balanced way. The purpose of this research is to analyze of the strategic objectives and the implementation of BSC by using the technique of analysis of fourteen strategic objectives of the company in the four BSC perspectives with the integration of analytic network process (ANP. Results from the processing of primary data obtained through in-depth interviews and pairwise comparison of 7 respondents on the company executive level shows the results: financial perspective has the biggest weighting 42.21%, internal business process perspective 27.45%, customer perspective 16.29% growth and learning perspective 14.04% with consistency ratio (CR 2.14% which means the respondent opinion is acceptable and consistent.Keywords: strategic objectives, balanced scorecard, ANP, oil palmAbstrak: Teladan Prima Group (TPG sebagai salah satu perusahaan perkebunan kelapa sawit memiliki sasaran strategi dalam perspektif kinerja keuangan, pelanggan, proses bisnis internal dan pembelajaran dan pertumbuhan dengan penerapan Balanced Scorecard (BSC. Upaya peningkatan produktivitas sumberdaya yang dimiliki, dengan efektivitas pengelolaan dan efisiensi biaya merupakan tujuan akhir dari pengukuran kinerja perusahaan. Permasalahan yang terjadi, manajemen dihadapkan pada isu pencapaian target kinerja perusahaan yang belum optimum dan sasaran strategis

  5. Evidence of institutionalizing elements in the Balanced Scorecard in the book Strategy in action: a view based on institutional theory

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Paschoal Tadeu Russo

    2012-04-01

    Full Text Available The Balanced Scorecard (BSC is a methodology that allows managers to define and implement a set of financial or nonfinancial indicators in a balanced way to assess an organization's performance from four viewpoints. Many companies are unsuccessful in their implementation of the BSC. This lack of success may be attributed to different factors, such as strategic problems, planning failures, and poorly defined targets and goals. However, the failed implementation may be attributed in part to the failure to institutionalize habits and routines. In this regard, this objective of this paper is to use institutional theory to determine whether the book Strategy in Action: Balanced Scorecard contains evidence that the BSC model proposed by the authors (Kaplan & Norton includes elements that favor the model's institutionalization. For this purpose, a qualitative bibliographic survey was prepared. The survey revealed 404 clues that were rated according to Tolbert and Zucker's description of the processes inherent to institutionalization and to Scott's proposed framework of legitimation/legitimizing. These findings suggest that the book primarily legitimizes the BSC by examining organizations and describes it as an acknowledged management instrument. The aspects supporting the semi-institutional stage (26% of the findings and the total institutionalization stage (10% of findings suggest that the authors intended to propose a tool without focusing on the institutionalization process, which may partly explain the great difficulty faced by companies attempting to implement this methodology.

  6. Linking Economic Value Added, Direct Costing, and the Lean Thinking to the Balanced Scorecard in a System Dynamics Modelling Approach

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Nielsen, Steen; Nielsen, Erland Hejn

    Review, July-August, 2007], provide evidence that companies fail to see the possible benefits of combining and integrating several accounting practices into a single framework. Design/methodology/approach - We use a System Dynamics Modelling approach to the BSC-thinking. The BSC model includes the five...... Purpose - To show how three practices normally applied separately can be linked to support the strategy evaluation and the performance measurement in the balanced scorecard. Recent studies, e.g. Kaplan and Norton [Using the Balanced Scorecard as a Strategic Management System, Harvard Business...

  7. Effectiveness of the Balanced Scorecard

    DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

    Lichen, Alex Yu; Perera, Sujatha; Crowe, Susan

    2008-01-01

    Many of the claimed benefits of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) rely on the linkage of its performance measures to strategy and on causal relations among its measures. Using a survey research method, this study examines the extent to which adopters of BSC consider these features and whether...... they result in more effective performance measurement systems. A survey of medium and large Australian manufacturing organisations reveals that varying forms of scorecards are used in practice and that managers who perceive that their scorecard measures are linked to strategy and affect each other in a causal...

  8. Proposing a Balance Scored Card to Communicate and Follow a NKM Implementation

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Vetere, C. L.; Gomiz, P. R.; Caballero, D. H.

    2016-01-01

    Full text: The balance scored card (BSC) is a tool developed to link strategies to the organizational key objectives and results, and a useful method to show and communicate the strategy, to follow its development and obtain feedback to learn about the implementation of a nuclear knowledge management domain. This report gives a brief summary of the method adopted for developing a BSC linked to a certain nuclear knowledge domain in the CNEA and it provides an example of its application to the radioactive waste management knowledge area. (author

  9. A concepção de um balanced scorecard numa instituição de ensino superior público

    OpenAIRE

    Santos, Óscar Manuel Simplício

    2015-01-01

    Mestrado em Contabilidade O Balanced Scorecard foi apresentado em 1992, por Robert Kaplan e David Norton, para responder à necessidade das empresas terem uma ferramenta que as pudesse auxiliar na medição do seu desempenho organizacional. No ano de 1996, Kaplan e Norton apresentaram uma versão melhorada do BSC, que pudesse auxiliar as organizações, na gestão das suas estratégias. O objetivo deste estudo é contribuir para o conhecimento sobre a utilização do BSC numa instituição de ensino su...

  10. Approximate discrete time analysis of the hybrid Token-CDMA MAC system

    CSIR Research Space (South Africa)

    Liu, YS

    2007-09-01

    Full Text Available Force (I.E.T.F.), July 1999 Principal Author: Mr. Yi-Sheng Liu attained his BScEng degree in March 2001 and MScEng degree with Cum Laude in December 2003 in the School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at the University of Natal... of the Centre for Radio Access Technology (CRAT) at the same university. He holds a BScEng with first class honours in Electrical Engineering from Manchester University and a PhD degree from Cambridge, United Kingdom. His research interests are in the general...

  11. The Use of Balanced Scorecard in Implementation of the User-Driven Innovation Concept

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Marzena KRAWCZYK

    2015-12-01

    Full Text Available Customers play a crucial role in innovation processes. Their importance is proved by numerous theories and innovation models which put users and clients in the heart of innovation processes. One of the newest concept, popular in Scandinavian countries, picking up this thread is the User–Driven Innovation (UDI. To increase probability of innovation success consumers must be involved in the firm’s business model / innovation strategy, becoming a part of the innovation processes and all other stakeholders should be aware of the significance and character of the linkage between customer and company. As a result, building, implementing and monitoring of the customer–oriented innovation strategy should take place. The Balanced Scorecard (BSC may turn out to be very helpful in achieving the above. The aim of this paper is to show that BSC may be a device of implementing the User–Driven Innovation concept, helping to understand UDI assumptions and the role of customers in creating value. Examples of strategic goals and performance indicators presented in this paper may be used by enterprises, which intend to build UDI-based BSC.

  12. General Corrosion and Localized Corrosion of the Drip Shield

    Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

    F. Hua; K. Mon

    2003-06-24

    The recommended waste package (WP) design is described in BSC (2001a). The design includes a double-wall WP underneath a protective drip shield (DS) (BSC 2003a). The purpose of the process-level models developed in this report is to model dry oxidation (DOX), general corrosion (GC) and localized corrosion (LC) of the DS plate material, which is made of Ti Grade 7. The DS design also includes structural supports fabricated from Ti Grade 24. Degradation of Ti Grade 24 is not considered in this report. The DS provides protection for the waste package outer barrier (WPOB) both as a barrier to seepage water contact and a physical barrier to potential rockfall. This Model Report (MR) serves as a feed to the Integrated Waste Package Degradation Model (IWPD) analyses, and was developed in accordance with the Technical Work Plan (TWP) (BSC 2002a). The models contained in this report serve as a basis to determine whether or not the performance requirements for the DS can be met.

  13. Product mix of recreational tourism in the Balkan scout center

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Kocevski Miloš

    2013-01-01

    Full Text Available The subject of research is tourist offer of a camp which would satisfy the needs of tourists who want an active recreation, with changeable and attractive facilities in the Balkan Scout Center (BSC of Jovac. The goal is to define a model for recreational tourism product mix of the Balkan Scout Center, based on the analysis and evaluation of the elements of supply and identifying the demand for a certain program content. The research was conducted from April to August 2012, as a part of activities implemented in BSC events: Easter camp, Summer camp and Volunteer camp. The sample consisted of 100 visitors (respondents; the administered instrument was a specifically designed questionnaire and the methods on which the analysis of the modeling was based were: frequency of occurrence, comparative analysis (Benchmarking, SWOT and PEST. The research results confirm the existence of necessary resources for the implementation of the contents in the field of recreational tourism in the BSC, and the possibility of implementation of the product mix that includes day trips and a variety of outdoor recreational activities.

  14. Foldability of a Natural De Novo Evolved Protein.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Bungard, Dixie; Copple, Jacob S; Yan, Jing; Chhun, Jimmy J; Kumirov, Vlad K; Foy, Scott G; Masel, Joanna; Wysocki, Vicki H; Cordes, Matthew H J

    2017-11-07

    The de novo evolution of protein-coding genes from noncoding DNA is emerging as a source of molecular innovation in biology. Studies of random sequence libraries, however, suggest that young de novo proteins will not fold into compact, specific structures typical of native globular proteins. Here we show that Bsc4, a functional, natural de novo protein encoded by a gene that evolved recently from noncoding DNA in the yeast S. cerevisiae, folds to a partially specific three-dimensional structure. Bsc4 forms soluble, compact oligomers with high β sheet content and a hydrophobic core, and undergoes cooperative, reversible denaturation. Bsc4 lacks a specific quaternary state, however, existing instead as a continuous distribution of oligomer sizes, and binds dyes indicative of amyloid oligomers or molten globules. The combination of native-like and non-native-like properties suggests a rudimentary fold that could potentially act as a functional intermediate in the emergence of new folded proteins de novo. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

  15. General Corrosion and Localized Corrosion of the Drip Shield

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Hua, F.; Mon, K.

    2003-01-01

    The recommended waste package (WP) design is described in BSC (2001a). The design includes a double-wall WP underneath a protective drip shield (DS) (BSC 2003a). The purpose of the process-level models developed in this report is to model dry oxidation (DOX), general corrosion (GC) and localized corrosion (LC) of the DS plate material, which is made of Ti Grade 7. The DS design also includes structural supports fabricated from Ti Grade 24. Degradation of Ti Grade 24 is not considered in this report. The DS provides protection for the waste package outer barrier (WPOB) both as a barrier to seepage water contact and a physical barrier to potential rockfall. This Model Report (MR) serves as a feed to the Integrated Waste Package Degradation Model (IWPD) analyses, and was developed in accordance with the Technical Work Plan (TWP) (BSC 2002a). The models contained in this report serve as a basis to determine whether or not the performance requirements for the DS can be met

  16. A balanced scorecard approach in assessing IT value in healthcare sector: an empirical examination.

    Science.gov (United States)

    Wu, Ing-Long; Kuo, Yi-Zu

    2012-12-01

    Healthcare sector indicates human-based and knowledge-intensive property. Massive IT investments are necessary to maintain competitiveness in this sector. The justification of IT investments is the major concern of senior management. Empirical studies examining IT value have found inconclusive results with little or no improvement in productivity. Little research has been conducted in healthcare sector. The balanced scorecard (BSC) strikes a balance between financial and non-financial measure and has been applied in evaluating organization-based performance. Moreover, healthcare organizations often consider their performance goal at customer satisfaction in addition to financial performance. This research thus proposed a new hierarchical structure for the BSC with placing both finance and customer at the top, internal process at the next, and learning and growth at the bottom. Empirical examination has found the importance of the new BSC structure in assessing IT investments. Learning and growth plays the initial driver for reaching both customer and financial performance through the mediator of internal process. This can provide deep insight into effectively managing IT resources in the hospitals.

  17. The design and results of an algorithm for intelligent ground vehicles

    Science.gov (United States)

    Duncan, Matthew; Milam, Justin; Tote, Caleb; Riggins, Robert N.

    2010-01-01

    This paper addresses the design, design method, test platform, and test results of an algorithm used in autonomous navigation for intelligent vehicles. The Bluefield State College (BSC) team created this algorithm for its 2009 Intelligent Ground Vehicle Competition (IGVC) robot called Anassa V. The BSC robotics team is comprised of undergraduate computer science, engineering technology, marketing students, and one robotics faculty advisor. The team has participated in IGVC since the year 2000. A major part of the design process that the BSC team uses each year for IGVC is a fully documented "Post-IGVC Analysis." Over the nine years since 2000, the lessons the students learned from these analyses have resulted in an ever-improving, highly successful autonomous algorithm. The algorithm employed in Anassa V is a culmination of past successes and new ideas, resulting in Anassa V earning several excellent IGVC 2009 performance awards, including third place overall. The paper will discuss all aspects of the design of this autonomous robotic system, beginning with the design process and ending with test results for both simulation and real environments.

  18. A LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF ISOLATED NEUTRON STARS DETECTED IN THE ROSAT ALL-SKY-SURVEY BRIGHT SOURCE CATALOG

    International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

    Turner, Monica L.; Rutledge, Robert E.; Letcavage, Ryan; Shevchuk, Andrew S. H.; Fox, Derek B.

    2010-01-01

    Using new and archival observations made with the Swift satellite and other facilities, we examine 147 X-ray sources selected from the ROSAT All-Sky-Survey Bright Source Catalog (RASS/BSC) to produce a new limit on the number of isolated neutron stars (INSs) in the RASS/BSC, the most constraining such limit to date. Independent of X-ray spectrum and variability, the number of INSs is ≤48 (90% confidence). Restricting attention to soft (kT eff < 200 eV), non-variable X-ray sources-as in a previous study-yields an all-sky limit of ≤31 INSs. In the course of our analysis, we identify five new high-quality INS candidates for targeted follow-up observations. A future all-sky X-ray survey with eROSITA, or another mission with similar capabilities, can be expected to increase the detected population of X-ray-discovered INSs from the 8-50 in the BSC, to (for a disk population) 240-1500, which will enable a more detailed study of neutron star population models.

  19. Advantages and contributions in the balanced scorecard implementation

    Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

    Patrícia Quesado

    2018-02-01

    Full Text Available Purpose: In this paper we aim to identify and analyse a set of advantages and contributions derived from the Balanced Scorecard (BSC implementation. Design/methodology/approach: In order to answer the research question, we have carried out a qualitative research based on the exclusively bibliographical review of theoretical / conceptual and empirical works previously done on the subject (systematic review of the literature. Findings: The results allow us to conclude that the BSC is more than a simple performance evaluation system, to become a true strategic management tool able to clarify and translate the mission and organizational strategy, making possible the communication process, the strategic alignment and the organizational learning. Originality/value: The study presents a contribution to the current state of knowledge, since the identification of the advantages and contributions in the BSC introduction and implementation can facilitate its adoption and development in the organizations that intend to implement this tool. In addition, a theoretical basis is provided for subsequent research, evidencing the breadth of research on the topic studied.

  20. Estimation of tropical cyclone heat potential in the Bay of Bengal and its role in the genesis and intensification of storms

    Digital Repository Service at National Institute of Oceanography (India)

    Sadhuram, Y.; Murthy, T.V.R.; Somayajulu, Y.K.

    in the intensification of a storm. Warm layers of 26?C extended at least 100 m beneath the surface in these oceanic features which represent high heat potential (> 90 kJ/cm2) in the western Gulf of Mexico8,9. Monitoring of warm and cold core eddies and the regions... of Mexico, J.Phys.Oceonogr, 2 (1972) 218-224. 4 Palmen E, On the formation and structure of tropical cyclones, Geophysics, 3 (1948) 26-38. 5 Sadhuram Y, Rao B P, Rao D P, Shastri P N M & Subrahmanyam M V, Seasonal variability of cyclone heat potential...