scholarly journals Prediction of Water Utility Performance: The Case of the Water Efficiency Rate

Water ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (10) ◽  
pp. 1443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amir Nafi ◽  
Jonathan Brans
Keyword(s):  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Network Efficiency ◽  
Water Utility ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Management Actions ◽  
Ex Ante ◽  
And Performance ◽  
High Level ◽  
Efficiency Rate

This paper deals with the development of a decision-aiding model for predicting, in an ex-ante way, the effects of a mix of actions on an asset and on its operation. The objective is then to define a compromised policy between costs and performance improvements. We investigate the use of multiple regression analysis (MRA) and an artificial neural network (ANN) to establish causal relationships between the network efficiency rate, and a set of explanatory variables on one hand, and potential water loss management actions such as leak detection, maintenance and asset renewal, on the other hand. The originality of our approach is in developing a two-step ex-ante model for predicting the efficiency rate involving low and high level explanatory variables in a context of unavailability of data at the scale of the water utility. The first step exploits a national French database «SISPEA» (Système d’Information d’information sur les Services Publics d’Eau et d’Assainissement) to calibrate a general prediction model that establishes a correlation between efficiency (output) and other performance indicators (inputs). The second step involves the utility manager to build a causal model between endogenous and exogenous variables of a specific water network (low level) and performance indicators considered as inputs for the previous step (high level). Uncertainty is taken into account by Monte Carlo simulations. An application of our decision model on a water utility in the southeast of France is provided as a case study.

scholarly journals An Estimation of Variances and Factors in Mathematics Attainment in Upper-Primary Schools

2018 ◽  
Vol 42 ◽  
pp. 00095
Author(s):  
Laurens Kaluge
Keyword(s):  
Mathematics Achievement ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Random Sampling ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Effectiveness ◽  
Longitudinal Design ◽  
School Level ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
School Effectiveness Research ◽  
And Performance

This study aimed at identifying variances related to school and pupil levels, and the performance indicators measuring the learning progress in mathematics. A longitudinal design was carried out and the stratified random sampling was used to obtain a sample of 5118 pupils from 60 primary schools. In each school three upper grades were selected, including their 180 class teachers and 60 headteachers. The data collection was carried out through questionnaires and school archives. Using multilevel analysis, the results showed that the proportion of total variance in pupil attainment for mathematics at the school level ranged from 20 to 29 per cent. When intake characteristics were taken into account as the baseline, the variance proportions were less than the prior attainments. Occupation and education of parents, besides reading facilities at home were significant explanatory variables for children progress in mathematics achievement. The outcomes have important consequences for school effectiveness research in determining the baseline and performance indicators.

scholarly journals Temporal State Machines: Using Temporal Memory to Stitch Time-based Graph Computations

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Advait Madhavan ◽  
Matthew W. Daniels ◽  
Mark D. Stiles
Keyword(s):  
Ad Hoc ◽  
Arrival Time ◽  
State Machine ◽  
Temporal Memory ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
Tropical Algebra ◽  
Methodical Approach ◽  
Systematic Exploration ◽  
And Performance ◽  
High Level

Race logic, an arrival-time-coded logic family, has demonstrated energy and performance improvements for applications ranging from dynamic programming to machine learning. However, the various ad hoc mappings of algorithms into hardware rely on researcher ingenuity and result in custom architectures that are difficult to systematize. We propose to associate race logic with the mathematical field of tropical algebra, enabling a more methodical approach toward building temporal circuits. This association between the mathematical primitives of tropical algebra and generalized race logic computations guides the design of temporally coded tropical circuits. It also serves as a framework for expressing high-level timing-based algorithms. This abstraction, when combined with temporal memory, allows for the systematic exploration of race logic–based temporal architectures by making it possible to partition feed-forward computations into stages and organize them into a state machine. We leverage analog memristor-based temporal memories to design such a state machine that operates purely on time-coded wavefronts. We implement a version of Dijkstra’s algorithm to evaluate this temporal state machine. This demonstration shows the promise of expanding the expressibility of temporal computing to enable it to deliver significant energy and throughput advantages.

Testing Safety and Performance Indicators in an Assessment of the Long-Term Performance of the Geological Disposal of Spent Fuel in Boom Clay

2003 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xavier Sillen ◽  
Jan Marivoet ◽  
Wim Cool ◽  
Peter de Preter
Keyword(s):  
Dose Rate ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Spent Fuel ◽  
Geological Disposal ◽  
Boom Clay ◽  
And Performance ◽  
The Individual ◽  
High Level ◽  
Clay Formation

The classical numerical output, or indicator, from assessments of the long-term safety of geological disposal systems for high-level radioactive waste is the individual effective dose rate. This indicator is an estimate of the possible individual health detriment and it is commonly compared to regulatory limits for assessing the safety of other nuclear activities as well, such as medical and industrial activities. As a safety indicator, the individual dose rate provides an estimate of the overall safety of the disposal system. However, because of the time frames involved in safety assessments of geological disposal systems, the need arises of complementary safety indicators that could be less affected by uncertainties like those associated with future human behaviour or the effects of climate change on the biosphere and the aquifers. Such alternative safety indicators can be, for example, radionuclide concentrations in the groundwater or fluxes to the biosphere due to a repository. Safety indicators only tell how globally safe a disposal system is. For confidence building, performance indicators can be used in addition to tell how the system works. In particular, performance indicators such as fluxes, activities or activity concentrations of selected radionuclides can show how the different components of the system fulfil their safety functions and contribute to the overall safety. The SPIN project of the European Commission assessed the usefulness of seven safety indicators and fourteen performance indicators by testing them in four actual assessments of disposal systems in granite formations. In this paper, indicators calculated from an assessment of the disposal of spent fuel in the poorly indurated Boom Clay formation are presented. Conclusions from the SPIN project that hold for repositories in clays are highlighted, as well as results that illustrate differences between the granite and clay disposal options. Finally, various performance and safety indicators are combined into a logical sequence to comprehensively present, and explain, the results of a safety assessment.

Regulatory Quality and Performance in EU Network Industries: Evidence on Telecommunications, Gas and Electricity

2009 ◽  
Vol 29 (3) ◽  
pp. 347-370 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mehmet Ugur
Keyword(s):  
Best Practice ◽  
Network Industries ◽  
Eu Member States ◽  
Regulatory Quality ◽  
Ex Post ◽  
Ex Ante ◽  
Regulatory Failure ◽  
And Performance ◽  
High Level ◽  
The Relationship

ABSTRACTThis article provides empirical evidence on ex ante and ex post indicators of regulatory quality and the relationship between those indicators and market performance in liberalised EU-15 network industries. It finds a low level of regulatory independence and competence, a high level of cross-country variations in regulatory quality, and widespread absence of correlation between ex ante regulatory quality and ex post performance indicators. On the basis of these findings, it suggests that the design of national regulatory agencies (NRAs) in Europe is not optimal and may be conducive to regulatory ineffectiveness or outright regulatory failure. Nevertheless, the existence and strengthening of EU-level regulators could enable EU member states to reduce the risk of regulatory failure by encouraging coordination and adoption of best practice.

Characteristics, Features of Development, Regional and Sectoral Determinants of High-tech Business in Russia

2017 ◽  
pp. 142-154 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Yusupova ◽  
S. Khalimova
Keyword(s):  
Regression Analysis ◽  
Performance Indicators ◽  
Sustainability Assessment ◽  
Business Development ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Assessment Data ◽  
High Tech Sector ◽  
Fast Growing ◽  
High Level

The paper deals with the research devoted to characteristics of high tech business development in Russia. Companies’ performance indicators have been analyzed with the help of regression analysis and author’s scheme of leadership stability and sustainability assessment. Data provided by Russia’s Fast Growing High-Tech Companies’ National Rating (TechUp) during 2012-2016 were used. The results have revealed that the high tech sector is characterized by high level of uncertainty. Limited number of regions and sectors which form the basis for high tech business have been defined. Relationship between innovation activity’s indicators and export potential is determined.

Materials Issues and Characterization of Low-k Dielectric Materials

MRS Bulletin ◽  
1997 ◽  
Vol 22 (10) ◽  
pp. 49-54 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Todd Ryan ◽  
Andrew J. McKerrow ◽  
Jihperng Leu ◽  
Paul S. Ho
Keyword(s):  
Process Integration ◽  
Dielectric Materials ◽  
Propagation Delay ◽  
Thermomechanical Properties ◽  
General Criterion ◽  
Crosstalk Noise ◽  
Total Delay ◽  
Interlayer Dielectrics ◽  
Performance Improvements ◽  
And Performance

Continuing improvement in device density and performance has significantly affected the dimensions and complexity of the wiring structure for on-chip interconnects. These enhancements have led to a reduction in the wiring pitch and an increase in the number of wiring levels to fulfill demands for density and performance improvements. As device dimensions shrink to less than 0.25 μm, the propagation delay, crosstalk noise, and power dissipation due to resistance-capacitance (RC) coupling become significant. Accordingly the interconnect delay now constitutes a major fraction of the total delay limiting the overall chip performance. Equally important is the processing complexity due to an increase in the number of wiring levels. This inevitably drives cost up by lowering the manufacturing yield due to an increase in defects and processing complexity.To address these problems, new materials for use as metal lines and interlayer dielectrics (ILDs) and alternative architectures have surfaced to replace the current Al(Cu)/SiO2 interconnect technology. These alternative architectures will require the introduction of low-dielectric-constant k materials as the interlayer dielectrics and/or low-resistivity conductors such as copper. The electrical and thermomechanical properties of SiO2 are ideal for ILD applications, and a change to material with different properties has important process-integration implications. To facilitate the choice of an alternative ILD, it is necessary to establish general criterion for evaluating thin-film properties of candidate low-k materials, which can be later correlated with process-integration problems.

https://imsciences.edu.pk/files/journals/vol12_2/New%201%20MA.864.pdf

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 19-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Siddique ◽  
Shandana Shoaib ◽  
Zahoor Jan
Keyword(s):  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
High Performance ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Performance Outcomes ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Relational Coordination ◽  
Multiple Sources ◽  
And Performance ◽  
High Level

A key aspect of work processes in service sector firms is the interconnection between tasks and performance. Relational coordination can play an important role in addressing the issues of coordinating organizational activities due to high level of interdependence complexity in service sector firms. Research has primarily supported the aspect that well devised high performance work systems (HPWS) can intensify organizational performance. There is a growing debate, however, with regard to understanding the “mechanism” linking HPWS and performance outcomes. Using relational coordination theory, this study examines a model that examine the effects of subsets of HPWS, such as motivation, skills and opportunity enhancing HR practices on relational coordination among employees working in reciprocal interdependent job settings. Data were gathered from multiple sources including managers and employees at individual, functional and unit levels to know their understanding in relation to HPWS and relational coordination (RC) in 218 bank branches in Pakistan. Data analysis via structural equation modelling, results suggest that HPWS predicted RC among officers at the unit level. The findings of the study have contributions to both, theory and practice.

Exploring The Effect of Visual Information Degradation on Human Perception and Performance In A Human-Telerobot System

2020 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 1302-1307
Author(s):  
Richard Stone ◽  
Minglu Wang ◽  
Thomas Schnieders ◽  
Esraa Abdelall
Keyword(s):  
Visual Information ◽  
Human Perception ◽  
Low Level ◽  
Hit Rate ◽  
Word Level ◽  
Level Of Automation ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Human Operators ◽  
And Performance ◽  
High Level

Human-robotic interaction system are increasingly becoming integrated into industrial, commercial and emergency service agencies. It is critical that human operators understand and trust automation when these systems support and even make important decisions. The following study focused on human-in-loop telerobotic system performing a reconnaissance operation. Twenty-four subjects were divided into groups based on level of automation (Low-Level Automation (LLA), and High-Level Automation (HLA)). Results indicated a significant difference between low and high word level of control in hit rate when permanent error occurred. In the LLA group, the type of error had a significant effect on the hit rate. In general, the high level of automation was better than the low level of automation, especially if it was more reliable, suggesting that subjects in the HLA group could rely on the automatic implementation to perform the task more effectively and more accurately.

scholarly journals Towards a contemporary player learning in development framework for sports practitioners

2021 ◽  
pp. 174795412110023
Author(s):  
Mark O Sullivan ◽  
Carl T Woods ◽  
James Vaughan ◽  
Keith Davids
Keyword(s):  
Linear Process ◽  
Task Environment ◽  
Coach Education ◽  
Development Framework ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Learning Development ◽  
High Level ◽  
User Friendly

As it is appreciated that learning is a non-linear process – implying that coaching methodologies in sport should be accommodative – it is reasonable to suggest that player development pathways should also account for this non-linearity. A constraints-led approach (CLA), predicated on the theory of ecological dynamics, has been suggested as a viable framework for capturing the non-linearity of learning, development and performance in sport. The CLA articulates how skills emerge through the interaction of different constraints (task-environment-performer). However, despite its well-established theoretical roots, there are challenges to implementing it in practice. Accordingly, to help practitioners navigate such challenges, this paper proposes a user-friendly framework that demonstrates the benefits of a CLA. Specifically, to conceptualize the non-linear and individualized nature of learning, and how it can inform player development, we apply Adolph’s notion of learning IN development to explain the fundamental ideas of a CLA. We then exemplify a learning IN development framework, based on a CLA, brought to life in a high-level youth football organization. We contend that this framework can provide a novel approach for presenting the key ideas of a CLA and its powerful pedagogic concepts to practitioners at all levels, informing coach education programs, player development frameworks and learning environment designs in sport.

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