5,976 research outputs found

    An empirical investigation of the relationship between integration, dynamic capabilities and performance in supply chains

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    This research aimed to develop an empirical understanding of the relationships between integration, dynamic capabilities and performance in the supply chain domain, based on which, two conceptual frameworks were constructed to advance the field. The core motivation for the research was that, at the stage of writing the thesis, the combined relationship between the three concepts had not yet been examined, although their interrelationships have been studied individually. To achieve this aim, deductive and inductive reasoning logics were utilised to guide the qualitative study, which was undertaken via multiple case studies to investigate lines of enquiry that would address the research questions formulated. This is consistent with the author’s philosophical adoption of the ontology of relativism and the epistemology of constructionism, which was considered appropriate to address the research questions. Empirical data and evidence were collected, and various triangulation techniques were employed to ensure their credibility. Some key features of grounded theory coding techniques were drawn upon for data coding and analysis, generating two levels of findings. These revealed that whilst integration and dynamic capabilities were crucial in improving performance, the performance also informed the former. This reflects a cyclical and iterative approach rather than one purely based on linearity. Adopting a holistic approach towards the relationship was key in producing complementary strategies that can deliver sustainable supply chain performance. The research makes theoretical, methodological and practical contributions to the field of supply chain management. The theoretical contribution includes the development of two emerging conceptual frameworks at the micro and macro levels. The former provides greater specificity, as it allows meta-analytic evaluation of the three concepts and their dimensions, providing a detailed insight into their correlations. The latter gives a holistic view of their relationships and how they are connected, reflecting a middle-range theory that bridges theory and practice. The methodological contribution lies in presenting models that address gaps associated with the inconsistent use of terminologies in philosophical assumptions, and lack of rigor in deploying case study research methods. In terms of its practical contribution, this research offers insights that practitioners could adopt to enhance their performance. They can do so without necessarily having to forgo certain desired outcomes using targeted integrative strategies and drawing on their dynamic capabilities

    Machine learning and mixed reality for smart aviation: applications and challenges

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    The aviation industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector. As technology advances and becomes more sophisticated, the aviation industry must keep up with the changing trends. While some airlines have made investments in machine learning and mixed reality technologies, the vast majority of regional airlines continue to rely on inefficient strategies and lack digital applications. This paper investigates the state-of-the-art applications that integrate machine learning and mixed reality into the aviation industry. Smart aerospace engineering design, manufacturing, testing, and services are being explored to increase operator productivity. Autonomous systems, self-service systems, and data visualization systems are being researched to enhance passenger experience. This paper investigate safety, environmental, technological, cost, security, capacity, and regulatory challenges of smart aviation, as well as potential solutions to ensure future quality, reliability, and efficiency

    Soundscape in Urban Forests

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    This Special Issue of Forests explores the role of soundscapes in urban forested areas. It is comprised of 11 papers involving soundscape studies conducted in urban forests from Asia and Africa. This collection contains six research fields: (1) the ecological patterns and processes of forest soundscapes; (2) the boundary effects and perceptual topology; (3) natural soundscapes and human health; (4) the experience of multi-sensory interactions; (5) environmental behavior and cognitive disposition; and (6) soundscape resource management in forests

    A Computational Model of Trust Based on Dynamic Interaction in the Stack Overflow Community

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    A member’s reputation in an online community is a quantified representation of their trustworthiness within the community. Reputation is calculated using rules-based algorithms which are primarily tied to the upvotes or downvotes a member receives on posts. The main drawback of this form of reputation calculation is the inability to consider dynamic factors such as a member’s activity (or inactivity) within the community. The research involves the construction of dynamic mathematical models to calculate reputation and then determine to what extent these results compare with rules-based models. This research begins with exploratory research of the existing corpus of knowledge. Constructive research in the building of mathematical dynamic models and then empirical research to determine the effectiveness of the models. Data collected from the Stack Overflow (SO) database is used by models to calculate a rule-based and dynamic member reputation and then using statistical correlation testing methods (i.e., Pearson and Spearman) to determine the extent of the relationship. Statistically significant results with moderate relationship size were found from correlation testing between rules-based and dynamic temporal models. The significance of the research and its conclusion that dynamic and temporal models can indeed produce results comparative to that of subjective vote-based systems is important in the context of building trust in online communities. Developing models to determine reputation in online communities based upon member post and comment activity avoids the potential drawbacks associated with vote-based reputation systems

    Especificación del modelo de habilidades, motivación y oportunidades (AMO) como multiplicativo o aditivo y comprobación de su validez en su aplicación a las prácticas de alta implicación de recursos humanos enfocadas a la mejora continua

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    Tesis por compendio[ES] El objetivo principal de la presente tesis es dilucidar los aspectos del modelo de habilidades, motivación y oportunidades (modelo AMO) que permitan determinar la relación que existe entre las prácticas de RRHH y la mejora de los resultados a nivel organizacional o individual. El objetivo se vehicula a través de preguntas de investigación específicas. Además, a través de métodos estadísticos evaluamos el alcance y difusión de los sistemas de alta implicación en el contexto laboral español, que posee unas particularidades específicas. Finalmente, investigamos qué modelo de interacción predice mejor la satisfacción laboral a nivel individual, el sumativo o el multiplicativo, lo cual constituye una de las grandes cuestiones no resueltas hasta la fecha. De nuestra investigación se desprende que el modelo AMO proporciona una estructura apropiada para explorar la relación entre la gestión de RRHH y los resultados a distintos niveles. Muchas investigaciones articulan sus análisis en base a las agrupaciones de prácticas planteadas por el modelo, y numerosos estudios confirman los efectos positivos de los sistemas de alta implicación. Sin embargo, no existe un consenso claro que permita generalizar los resultados y establecer una metodología única. De acuerdo con nuestra investigación, existen dos razones. En primer lugar, hay una gran variedad de enfoques metodológicos, que conducen a resultados muy diversos. Por otro lado, el modelo AMO se integra en un sistema de relaciones complejo, donde además de los mecanismos que moderan las relaciones internas de los sistemas de RRHH y los resultados, operan otros factores organizacionales, personales y externos. Puesto que existen múltiples realidades, definir políticas que garanticen un modelo de gestión único que se adapte a cualquier situación es complejo. Sin embargo, las evidencias demostradas en la literatura juegan sin duda un papel relevante a la hora de tomar decisiones. Con respecto a la difusión y grado de uso de los sistemas de RRHH en el contexto español, nuestros resultados indican que existe poca influencia de incentivos económicos basados en el rendimiento, quizás debido a la rigidez de la legislación laboral. Los modelos planteados, relacionados con la aplicación formal de sistemas de alta implicación tampoco predicen en gran medida los resultados individuales, aunque sí apuntan a que la categoría de habilidades, y en menor medida la de oportunidades tienen un efecto mayor sobre la satisfacción laboral. Sin embargo, observamos que muchos empleados tienen percepciones positivas en relación con la capacidad de participación, el trabajo en equipo, el intercambio de información, o la formación en el puesto de trabajo, que podrían no estar vinculadas con el diseño y la implantación formal de sistemas de RRHH. En este sentido, algunos estudios evidencian las diferencias entre España y otros países de referencia en relación con la utilización de prácticas de alta implicación. Esta tesis ofrece diversas contribuciones. En primer lugar, realizamos una síntesis exhaustiva de las características del modelo AMO y sus implicaciones teóricas y prácticas, y señalamos los aspectos que dificultan la generalización de resultados. En segundo lugar, analizamos el grado de uso de los sistemas de alta implicación en el contexto español, señalando las posibles carencias. Nuestras conclusiones pueden fomentar el desarrollo de medidas para incrementar la participación de los empleados, así como para romper las barreras que ralentizan la implantación de los sistemas de alta implicación. Por último, evaluamos la validez de los enfoques sumativo y multiplicativo del modelo para predecir la satisfacción laboral. Contribuimos de este modo al creciente interés por las percepciones de los empleados y los resultados a nivel individual, así como a la conveniencia de explorar enfoques distintos al aditivo para confirmar las supuestas sinergias de los sistemas de alta implicación.[CA] L'objectiu principal de la present tesi és dilucidar els aspectes del model d'habilitats, motivació i oportunitats (model AMO) que permeten determinar la relació que existeix entre les pràctiques de RRHH i la millora dels resultats a nivell organitzacional o individual. L'objectiu es vehicula a través de preguntes d'investigació específiques. A més, a través de mètodes estadístics avaluem l'abast i difusió dels sistemes d'alta implicació en el context laboral espanyol, que posseeix unes particularitats específiques. Finalment, investiguem quin model d'interacció prediu millor la satisfacció laboral a nivell individual, el sumatiu o el multiplicador, la qual cosa constitueix una de les grans qüestions no resoltes fins hui. De la nostra investigació es desprén que el model AMO proporciona una estructura apropiada per a explorar la relació entre la gestió de RRHH i els resultats a diferents nivells. Moltes investigacions articulen les seues anàlisis sobre la base de les agrupacions de pràctiques plantejades pel model, i nombrosos estudis confirmen els efectes positius dels sistemes d'alta implicació. No obstant això, no existeix un consens clar que permeta generalitzar els resultats i establir una metodologia única. D'acord amb la nostra investigació, existeixen dues raons. En primer lloc, hi ha una gran varietat d'enfocaments metodològics, que condueixen a resultats molt diversos. D'altra banda, el model AMO s'integra en un sistema de relacions complex, on a més dels mecanismes que moderen les relacions internes dels sistemes de RRHH i els resultats, operen altres factors organitzacionals, personals i externs. Com que existeixen múltiples realitats, definir polítiques que garantisquen un model de gestió únic que s'adapte a qualsevol situació és complex. No obstant això, les evidències demostrades en la literatura juguen sens dubte un paper rellevant a l'hora de prendre decisions. Respecte a la difusió i grau d'ús dels sistemes de RRHH en el context espanyol, observem diversos aspectes. Els nostres resultats indiquen que existeix poca influència d'incentius econòmics basats en el rendiment, potser a causa de la rigidesa de la legislació laboral. Els models plantejats, relacionats amb l'aplicació formal de sistemes d'alta implicació tampoc prediuen en gran manera els resultats individuals, encara que sí que apunten al fet que la categoria d'habilitats, i en menor mesura la d'oportunitats tenen un efecte major sobre la satisfacció laboral. No obstant això, observem que molts empleats tenen percepcions positives en relació amb la capacitat de participació, el treball en equip, l'intercanvi d'informació, o la formació en el lloc de treball, que podrien no estar vinculades amb el disseny i la implantació formal de sistemes de RRHH. En aquest sentit, alguns estudis evidencien les diferències entre Espanya i altres països de referència en relació amb la utilització de pràctiques d'alta implicació. Aquesta tesi ofereix diverses contribucions. En primer lloc, realitzem una síntesi exhaustiva de les característiques del model AMO i les seues implicacions teòriques i pràctiques, i assenyalem els aspectes que dificulten la generalització de resultats. En segon lloc, analitzem el grau d'ús dels sistemes d'alta implicació en el context espanyol, assenyalant les possibles mancances. Les nostres conclusions poden fomentar el desenvolupament de mesures per a incrementar la participació dels empleats, així com per a trencar les barreres que alenteixen la implantació dels sistemes d'alta implicació. Finalment, avaluem la validesa dels enfocaments sumatiu i multiplicador del model per a predir la satisfacció laboral. Contribuïm d'aquesta manera al creixent interés per les percepcions dels empleats i els resultats a nivell individual, així com a la conveniència d'explorar enfocaments diferents a l'additiu per a confirmar les suposades sinergies dels sistemes d'alta implicació.[EN] The main objective of this thesis is to elucidate the aspects of the abilities, motivation, and opportunities model (AMO model) that allow determining the relationship between HR practices and organizational or individual results improvement. The objective is conveyed through specific research questions. In addition, we assess the scope of high-involvement work systems (HIWS) in the Spanish labour context, which has specific particularities. Finally, we compare the predictive capacity of the summative and multiplicative approaches at the individual level, which is one of the unresolved questions to date. Our research shows that the AMO model provides an appropriate structure for exploring the relationship between HR management and outcomes at different levels. Many studies articulate their analyses based on the groupings of practices proposed by the model, and numerous studies confirm the positive effects of HIWS. However, there is no clear consensus to generalize the results and establish a single methodology. According to our research, there are two main reasons. First, there is a wide range of methodological approaches, which lead to very mixed results. On the other hand, the AMO model is integrated into a complex system of relationships, where in addition to the mechanisms that moderate the internal relationships of HR systems and the results, other organizational, personal, and external factors that shape these relationships operate. Since there are multiple realities, defining policies guaranteeing a single management model that adapts to any situation is complex. However, the evidence demonstrated in the HR literature undoubtedly plays an important role when making decisions. We observe several facets regarding the use of HR systems in the Spanish context. Our results indicate little influence of performance-based incentives, perhaps due to the rigidity of labour legislation. Concerning the formal implementation of HIWS, our proposed models do not predict, to a large extent, variations in job satisfaction, although abilities and opportunities categories have greater effects than motivation. Nevertheless, many employees have positive perceptions regarding engagement, teamwork, information sharing, or on-the-job training, which may not be linked to the formal implementation of HR systems. In this sense, some studies show differences between Spain and other reference countries concerning the use of HIWP. This thesis offers several contributions. First, we offer an exhaustive synthesis of the AMO model features and its theoretical and practical implications, and we point out the aspects that hinder the generalization of results. In-depth knowledge of the model acts as a guide for future research. Secondly, we analyse the degree of use of HIWS in the Spanish context, pointing out the possible shortcomings. Our conclusions may promote the development of policies to increase employee autonomy and participation, job satisfaction, and competitiveness, as well as to break down the institutional and cultural barriers that slow the implementation of HIWS. Finally, we assess the validity of the model's summative and multiplicative approaches to predicting job satisfaction. We thus contribute to the growing interest in employee perceptions and outcomes at the individual level and the desirability of exploring approaches other than additive to confirm the supposed synergies of HIWS.Martínez Tomás, J. (2022). Especificación del modelo de habilidades, motivación y oportunidades (AMO) como multiplicativo o aditivo y comprobación de su validez en su aplicación a las prácticas de alta implicación de recursos humanos enfocadas a la mejora continua [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/191463Compendi

    Economic and Social Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Energy Sector

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    The purpose of the Special Issue was to collect the results of research and experience on the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic for the energy sector and the energy market, broadly understood, that were visible after a year. In particular, the impact of COVID-19 on the energy sector in the EU, including Poland, and the US was examined. The topics concerned various issues, e.g., the situation of energy companies, including those listed on the stock exchange, mining companies, and those dealing with renewable energy. The topics related to the development of electromobility, managerial competences, energy expenditure of local government units, sustainable development of energy, and energy poverty during a pandemic were also discussed

    Year of the Golden Jubilee: Culture Change in the Past, Present and Future

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    Part 1 of the IACCP Proceedings contains the abstracts and links to the recordings of the XXVI Congress of the International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychology, 2022. (c) 2023, International Association for Cross-Cultural Psychologyhttps://scholarworks.gvsu.edu/iaccp_proceedings/1011/thumbnail.jp

    Imagining & Sensing: Understanding and Extending the Vocalist-Voice Relationship Through Biosignal Feedback

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    The voice is body and instrument. Third-person interpretation of the voice by listeners, vocal teachers, and digital agents is centred largely around audio feedback. For a vocalist, physical feedback from within the body provides an additional interaction. The vocalist’s understanding of their multi-sensory experiences is through tacit knowledge of the body. This knowledge is difficult to articulate, yet awareness and control of the body are innate. In the ever-increasing emergence of technology which quantifies or interprets physiological processes, we must remain conscious also of embodiment and human perception of these processes. Focusing on the vocalist-voice relationship, this thesis expands knowledge of human interaction and how technology influences our perception of our bodies. To unite these different perspectives in the vocal context, I draw on mixed methods from cog- nitive science, psychology, music information retrieval, and interactive system design. Objective methods such as vocal audio analysis provide a third-person observation. Subjective practices such as micro-phenomenology capture the experiential, first-person perspectives of the vocalists them- selves. Quantitative-qualitative blend provides details not only on novel interaction, but also an understanding of how technology influences existing understanding of the body. I worked with vocalists to understand how they use their voice through abstract representations, use mental imagery to adapt to altered auditory feedback, and teach fundamental practice to others. Vocalists use multi-modal imagery, for instance understanding physical sensations through auditory sensations. The understanding of the voice exists in a pre-linguistic representation which draws on embodied knowledge and lived experience from outside contexts. I developed a novel vocal interaction method which uses measurement of laryngeal muscular activations through surface electromyography. Biofeedback was presented to vocalists through soni- fication. Acting as an indicator of vocal activity for both conscious and unconscious gestures, this feedback allowed vocalists to explore their movement through sound. This formed new perceptions but also questioned existing understanding of the body. The thesis also uncovers ways in which vocalists are in control and controlled by, work with and against their bodies, and feel as a single entity at times and totally separate entities at others. I conclude this thesis by demonstrating a nuanced account of human interaction and perception of the body through vocal practice, as an example of how technological intervention enables exploration and influence over embodied understanding. This further highlights the need for understanding of the human experience in embodied interaction, rather than solely on digital interpretation, when introducing technology into these relationships

    Behavior quantification as the missing link between fields: Tools for digital psychiatry and their role in the future of neurobiology

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    The great behavioral heterogeneity observed between individuals with the same psychiatric disorder and even within one individual over time complicates both clinical practice and biomedical research. However, modern technologies are an exciting opportunity to improve behavioral characterization. Existing psychiatry methods that are qualitative or unscalable, such as patient surveys or clinical interviews, can now be collected at a greater capacity and analyzed to produce new quantitative measures. Furthermore, recent capabilities for continuous collection of passive sensor streams, such as phone GPS or smartwatch accelerometer, open avenues of novel questioning that were previously entirely unrealistic. Their temporally dense nature enables a cohesive study of real-time neural and behavioral signals. To develop comprehensive neurobiological models of psychiatric disease, it will be critical to first develop strong methods for behavioral quantification. There is huge potential in what can theoretically be captured by current technologies, but this in itself presents a large computational challenge -- one that will necessitate new data processing tools, new machine learning techniques, and ultimately a shift in how interdisciplinary work is conducted. In my thesis, I detail research projects that take different perspectives on digital psychiatry, subsequently tying ideas together with a concluding discussion on the future of the field. I also provide software infrastructure where relevant, with extensive documentation. Major contributions include scientific arguments and proof of concept results for daily free-form audio journals as an underappreciated psychiatry research datatype, as well as novel stability theorems and pilot empirical success for a proposed multi-area recurrent neural network architecture.Comment: PhD thesis cop
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