Measuring Long Term Superior Performance: Or How to Compare Apples with Oranges

2008 ◽  
Author(s):  
George S. Yip ◽  
Timothy M. Devinney ◽  
Gerry Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Superior Performance

scholarly journals An Optical Fiber Sensor Based on La2O2S:Eu Scintillator for Detecting Ultraviolet Radiation in Real-Time

Sensors ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (11) ◽  
pp. 3754 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yongji Yan ◽  
Xu Zhang ◽  
Haopeng Li ◽  
Yu Ma ◽  
Tianci Xie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Optical Fiber ◽  
Response Time ◽  
Electromagnetic Interference ◽  
Uv Light ◽  
Optical Fiber Sensor ◽  
Temperature Response ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Fiber Sensor ◽  
Uv Detectors

A novel ultraviolet (UV) optical fiber sensor (UVOFS) based on the scintillating material La2O2S:Eu has been designed, tested, and its performance compared with other scintillating materials and other conventional UV detectors. The UVOFS is based on PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate) optical fiber which includes a scintillating material. Scintillating materials provide a unique opportunity to measure UV light intensity even in the presence of strong electromagnetic interference. Five scintillating materials were compared in order to select the most appropriate one for the UVOFS. The characteristics of the sensor are reported, including a highly linear response to radiation intensity, reproducibility, temperature response, and response time (to pulsed light) based on emission from a UV source (UV fluorescence tube) centered on a wavelength of 308 nm. A direct comparison with the commercially available semiconductor-based UV sensor proves the UVOFS of this investigation shows superior performance in terms of accuracy, long-term reliability, response time and linearity.

Long Term Performance of PE4710 Materials in Disinfectant Treated Nuclear Raw Water Systems

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexander M. Summe ◽  
Douglas P. Munson ◽  
Kenneth Oliphant ◽  
Sarah Chung
Keyword(s):  
Power Plants ◽  
Slow Crack Growth ◽  
Life Time ◽  
Water Systems ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Mechanical Degradation ◽  
Service Water ◽  
Long Term Performance ◽  
Term Performance

Degradation of service water systems is a major issue facing nuclear power plants and many plants will require repair or replacement of existing carbon steel piping components. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) has been used in non-safety service water systems for over ten years and has demonstrated superior performance. However, there still exist knowledge gaps around material properties, inspectability, and long-term performance. Specifically, there is a lack of insight on the aging of HDPE piping in disinfectant treated service water systems. This paper summarizes the methodology and results of predicting the expected life time of HDPE piping exposed to oxidizing biocides in numerous end-use scenarios. The aging mechanism of concern is Stage III Chemical-Mechanical degradation, where the polymer is oxidized by biocides and then experiences slow crack growth (SCG). An Aging Model is used to provide general predictions of pipe service life. The results were analyzed for trends and limiting or sensitive operating parameters were identified. For most applications, the specific resin used in the model demonstrated good performance for lifetimes of well over 40 years.

R&D Activities in Family Firms

2015 ◽  
pp. 330-351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inna Sousa Paiva ◽  
Isabel Costa Lourenço
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Family Firms ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Family Ownership ◽  
Entrepreneurial Success ◽  
D Investment ◽  
Business Orientation

This chapter investigates R&D investment in publicly listed family firms, and highlights the distinctions between these and non-family firms. The empirical study draws on data on German firms and their level of R&D expenditure between 2001 and 2012. The study finds that family firms spend more on R&D than non-family firms, confirming findings from the literature that long-term business orientation, superior performance and entrepreneurial success are characteristics of family firms. The research helps explain the differences between the R&D investment activities of family and non-family firms and contributes to the understanding of R&D activities of family firms, suggesting that family ownership is responsible for their strong entrepreneurial and innovation orientation.

Neutral Sphingomyelinase is an Affective Valence-Dependent Regulator of Learning and Memory

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liubov S Kalinichenko ◽  
Laila Abdel-Hafiz ◽  
An-Li Wang ◽  
Christiane Mühle ◽  
Nadine Rösel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Behavioral Plasticity ◽  
De Novo ◽  
Positive Association ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Affective Valence ◽  
Neutral Sphingomyelinase ◽  
Healthy Humans

Abstract Sphingolipids and enzymes of the sphingolipid rheostat determine synaptic appearance and signaling in the brain, but sphingolipid contribution to normal behavioral plasticity is little understood. Here we asked how the sphingolipid rheostat contributes to learning and memory of various dimensions. We investigated the role of these lipids in the mechanisms of two different types of memory, such as appetitively and aversively motivated memory, which are considered to be mediated by different neural mechanisms. We found an association between superior performance in short- and long-term appetitively motivated learning and regionally enhanced neutral sphingomyelinase (NSM) activity. An opposite interaction was observed in an aversively motivated task. A valence-dissociating role of NSM in learning was confirmed in mice with genetically reduced NSM activity. This role may be mediated by the NSM control of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor subunit expression. In a translational approach, we confirmed a positive association of serum NSM activity with long-term appetitively motivated memory in nonhuman primates and in healthy humans. Altogether, these data suggest a new sphingolipid mechanism of de-novo learning and memory, which is based on NSM activity.

Long-term aging characteristics of co-filled nano-silica and micro-ATH in HTV silicone rubber composite insulators

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 40-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arooj Rashid ◽  
Jawad Saleem ◽  
Muhammad Amin ◽  
Sahibzada Muhammad Ali
Keyword(s):  
Mechanical Properties ◽  
Aging Time ◽  
Structural Changes ◽  
Erosion Resistance ◽  
Breakdown Strength ◽  
Accelerated Aging ◽  
Dielectric Strength ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Wave Number

Multiple environmental stresses produce complex phenomena of aging in polymeric insulators. The main aim of this research is to investigate the improved aging characteristics of silica (SiO2)/alumina trihydrate (ATH) hybrid samples (HSs) in high-temperature vulcanized rubber. For this purpose, three HSs comprising 20% micro-ATH with 2% nano-SiO2 (S2), 4% nano-SiO2 (S4), 6% nano-SiO2 (S6) along with sample-virgin (SV) are subjected to long-term accelerated aging of 9000 h. A special aging chamber is fabricated for the aging process of samples. The aging characteristics of these samples are investigated by measuring leakage current (LC) and hydrophobicity classification (HC) after every weathering cycle. Similarly, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy is performed to observe the important structural changes over the entire aging time. The dielectric strength of AC is also performed after every 1000 h of aging. Tracking and erosion resistance and mechanical properties are also investigated before and after aging. From the critical investigation, it is observed that HSs possess improved results in all the conducted tests. S2 has the lowest LC and HC values throughout the aging time. Similarly, S6 described the highest breakdown strength at the end of the accelerated aging. In the case of FTIR, it is analyzed that the important wave numbers remain intact for all the HSs in the accelerated aging environment. The loss percentage in the wave number for SV is higher, compared to the HSs. After performing the tracking and erosion resistance test, HSs have superior performance. For some of the mechanical properties, HSs showed improved values. Thus, from the experimental analysis, it is deducted that the sample S2 offers the highest resistance to the aging conditions, compared to the SV and other HSs.

Swiss Cooperation in the Travel and Tourism Sector: Long-term Relationships and Superior Performance

2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 1044-1060
Author(s):  
Vu Thi Thao ◽  
Widar von Arx ◽  
Jonas Frölicher
Keyword(s):  
Public Transport ◽  
Research Area ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Cooperative Relationships ◽  
Travel And Tourism ◽  
Cooperative Strategies ◽  
Customer Type ◽  
Cooperative Relationship ◽  
High Degree

Despite a growing body of research on the interface and relationship between transport and tourism, this research area remains undeveloped. Using Switzerland as a case study, the present study aims to investigate the level of integration between public transport and tourism companies, the enablers of their long-term cooperative relationship and outstanding performance, seen from the perspective of the public transport companies. A mixed methods approach is used to provide greater insights into how these companies cooperate with each other. Our findings suggest that public transport companies adopt different cooperative strategies with different types of partners. They are able to maintain long-term cooperative relationships due to strong cooperation in sales, a long tradition of cooperation, a high degree of involvement in national public organizations, and their central focus on the customer. Type of partner, sales, product design and pricing, and service provision have statistically significant effects on cooperative performance.

How to balance interfirm relationships? A case from high-speed railway industry

2020 ◽  
Vol 35 (11) ◽  
pp. 1785-1799 ◽  
Author(s):  
Na Zhang ◽  
Xiaopeng Deng ◽  
Bon-Gang Hwang ◽  
Yanliang Niu
Keyword(s):  
High Speed ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Interfirm Relationships ◽  
High Speed Railway ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Railway Industry ◽  
Interfirm Cooperation ◽  
Relationship Structures ◽  
Interfirm Competition

Purpose Balancing interfirm relationships is important for firms’ long-term superior performance. However, prior studies mainly focus on interfirm competition or interfirm cooperation separately, ignoring the balance of interfirm relationships. To bridge this gap in knowledge, this study aims to develop a framework to evaluate the balance of interfirm competition and interfirm cooperation and propose strategies to optimize a firm’s interfirm relationships. Design/methodology/approach After an in-depth literature review, a framework was developed for evaluating and optimizing the interfirm relationships. Taking the high-speed railway industry as an example, the proposed framework was implemented. Findings The results of the case confirm that the balancing of interfirm relationships can lead to more superior firm performance. Also, rather than mutual suppression, the interfirm competition and interfirm cooperation present a roughly positive relationship. Originality/value This study would contribute to the existing knowledge body by developing a framework for balancing interfirm relationships. Also, this study can aid practitioners in evaluating and optimizing their interfirm relationship structures.

A highly robust and stable graphene-encapsulated Cu-grid hybrid transparent electrode demonstrating superior performance in organic solar cells

2018 ◽  
Vol 6 (48) ◽  
pp. 24805-24813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gyujeong Jeong ◽  
Seungon Jung ◽  
Yunseong Choi ◽  
Junghyun Lee ◽  
Jihyung Seo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Solar Cells ◽  
Organic Solar Cells ◽  
Transparent Electrode ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Device Performance ◽  
Transparent Electrodes ◽  
Term Stability ◽  
Long Term Stability

Organic solar cells fabricated with Cu grid/graphene hybrid transparent electrodes exhibit both excellent device performance and long-term stability.

Life Beyond 60 Years: The Importance of Sustaining the Current Fleet of Light Water Reactors in the U.S. and the R&D Needs

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronaldo Szilard ◽  
Hongbin Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Power ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Nuclear Power Plants ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Light Water Reactors ◽  
Economic Operation ◽  
Significant Interest ◽  
Water Reactors ◽  
The U.S

The current fleet of 104 nuclear power plants in the U.S. began their operation with 40 years operating licenses. About half of these plants have their licenses renewed to 60 years and most of the remaining plants are anticipated to pursue license extension to 60 years. With the superior performance of the current fleet and formidable costs of building new nuclear power plants, there has been significant interest to extend the lifetime of the current fleet even further from 60 years to 80 years. This paper addresses some of the key long term technical challenges and identifies R&D needs related to the long term safe and economic operation of the current fleet.

scholarly journals NEWAVE versus ODIN: comparison of stochastic and deterministic models for the long term hydropower scheduling of the interconnected brazilian system

2011 ◽  
Vol 22 (6) ◽  
pp. 598-609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mônica Zambelli ◽  
Secundino Soares Filho ◽  
André Emilio Toscano ◽  
Erinaldo dos Santos ◽  
Donato da Silva Filho
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Programming ◽  
Power Plants ◽  
Piecewise Linear ◽  
Stochastic Approach ◽  
Superior Performance ◽  
Solution Technique ◽  
Deterministic Models ◽  
Hydropower Scheduling ◽  
Dual Dynamic Programming

This paper compares the NEWAVE model, a stochastic dual dynamic programming based approach used in Brazil for the long term hydropower scheduling of the interconnected Brazilian power system, to the ODIN model (Optimal Dispatch for the Interconnected Brazilian National system), a deterministic approach based on model predictive control. The former adopts a composite representation of the hydro system and piecewise linear approximations to make the application of dynamic programming solution technique possible to the Brazilian system. The latter uses a nonlinear optimization algorithm considering predicted future inflows with a detailed representation of the individual power plants. Data from official sources were used to formulate a case study on the monthly operation planning of January 2011 that considers the projected expansion plans up to December 2015. Tests were performed by simulation using 75 historical inflow scenarios. In comparison to the scheduling provided by the stochastic approach, the proposed deterministic one was found to provide a superior performance due to the more efficient use of water resources, leading to a more secure and economic operation.

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