Online Performance Tracking

This paper describes the conceptual framework, development process, and theoretical structure for an online performance tracking system. The principle factors influencing online performance tracking are described using the weighted sum model as computational method on measures of performance. Input data for the computational model were obtained directly from a real-time system in an actual organization that directly measured staff performance. In this multicriteria decision-making approach, the criteria weights are computed using the entropy information method and ranking of 15 alternatives (employees) is computed using the weighted sum model. Computational results obtained using the online performance appraisal system are evaluated and discussed relative to the weighted sum model

A case-based model for assessing the effectiveness of information systems outsourcing

Cataloged from PDF version of article.The objective of the research reported in this paper is to construct a model for assessing the effectiveness of Information Systems (IS) outsourcing. “Lack of in-house expertise” and “cost effectiveness” are widely accepted as major factors of motivation for IS outsourcing. In contrast with the decision models which are executed before an outsourcing engagement (a-priori), this effectiveness assessment model will be an a-posteriori guide which will enable clients to assess their outsourcing performance and re-evaluate their business and management strategies. Although various decision models and analytical frameworks have been proposed before, the literature is not abundant on a complete qualitative model. This paper examines the factors for outsourcing effectiveness through qualitative research conducted with multiple case studies for information systems developed for public organizations in the specific context of Turkey. A conceptual model consisting of various hypotheses is constructed and qualitatively evaluated

Pyogenic granuloma: a rare case of an infantile intraoral lesion

Pyogenic granuloma (PG) is a non-neoplastic inflammatory hyperplasia that may be encountered in any part of the body including the oral mucosa. The onset of symptoms is mostly observed at adolescence in children. In this presentation, the second youngest case of gingival PG in the literature is reported to provide an insight into early neonatal gingival masses, which may be a stress factor for both the parents and the physician. A 4-month-old male baby was referred to our clinic with the complaint of erythema and swelling at the upper gingival floor, which was first observed 2 months ago by his mother before his admission. At physical examination, a soft, hyperemic mucosal lesion was observed that protruded from the upper gingival floor. After the excision, granulomatous-type PG was diagnosed. The excision site healed and the postoperative period was uneventful. The gingiva is the most common intraoral site of PG as in our case, but this localization is specific for the older age group rather than in infants. Intraoral lesions of neonatal period are unfamiliar to the parents resulting in their anxiety. The PG is a benign lesion that can be healed completely, with good cosmetic results. Keywords: gingiva, infant, intraoral, pyogenic granulom

Distributed Sensing of a Cantilever Beam and Plate Using a Fiber Optic Sensing System

As the capabilities of Fiber Optic Sensing Systems continue to improve, their application to real-time distributed sensing for structural analysis and control of flexible systems is increasingly feasible. This paper will report experimental results on the use of a Fiber Optic Sensing System for static and dynamic shape estimation of a cantilever beam and plate. Demonstrating the use of this sensor technology in benchtop experiments is the first step in effectively incorporating fiber optic sensors in the Integrated Adaptive Wing Technology Maturation aeroelastic half-span wind tunnel model for real-time shape sensing and feedback for drag optimization, maneuver load alleviation, gust load alleviation, and flutter suppression control laws. The effectiveness of the sensing system will be analyzed and the application of these results to aeroelasticity experimentation will be discussed

Effectiveness of information systems outsourcing: An exploratory case study

The objective of this research is to construct an assessment model for measuring the effectiveness of Information Systems (IS) outsourcing. "Lack of expertise" and "cost effectiveness" constitute the major points of motivation for IS outsourcing. Although various decision models and analytical frameworks have been modeled before, the literature is not abundant on a complete qualitative model. In contrast with the decision models which are executed before an outsourcing engagement (a-priori), an effectiveness assessment model will be an a-posteriori guide which will enable the clients to measure their outsourcing performance and re-evaluate their business and management strategies. This paper examines the factors for outsourcing effectiveness through the framework of an exploratory case study for an IS developed by a major Turkish software house for a public organization. © 2012 IADIS

The Effect of Noise on the Response of a Vertical Cantilever Beam Energy Harvester

An energy harvesting concept has been proposed comprising a piezoelectric patch on a vertical cantilever beam with a tip mass. The cantilever beam is excited in the transverse direction at its base. This device is highly nonlinear with two potential wells for large tip masses, when the beam is buckled. For the pre-buckled case considered here, the stiffness is low and hence the displacement response is large, leading to multiple solutions to harmonic excitation that are exploited in the harvesting device. To maximise the energy harvested in systems with multiple solutions the higher amplitude response should be preferred. This paper investigates the amplitude of random noise excitation where the harvester is unable to sustain the high amplitude solution, and at some point will jump to the low amplitude solution. The investigation is performed on a validated model of the harvester and the effect is demonstrated experimentally

The Theoretical Aspects of the Company’s Capital Structure

The article examines the concept of enterprise capital in view of the significant problems of the theoretical aspects of the capital structure. It is defined that the capital structure covers many aspects of not only financial, but also operational and investment activities. Theories of capital structure are considered. Four main theories are specified according to the evolution of the capital structure: the Modigliani and Miller theory, the peking order theory, the trade-off theory, and the agency theory. The authors substantiate such elements of the concept of capital structure of enterprise as: assets, debt, own funds, borrowed funds, profitability, financial sustainability, risk, financial reporting. On the basis of the carried out analysis of the main theoretical aspects of the capital structure of enterprise already studied by scientists, the most significant problems of formation of the optimal capital structure and the influence of age and size of enterprise on the construction of the structure are allocated. In addition, a separate role in the management of the company’s capital structure is played by its financial and investment policy. The capital structure is a powerful indicator of the impact on the ratio of return on assets and equity, determines the system of coefficients of financial stability and solvency and, ultimately, forms the ratio of the degree of profitability and risk in the process of enterprise development. In accordance with the specified circumstances, the main directions of improving the capital structure of the company are formulated as follows: improvement of accounts receivable; improvement of accounts payable; price management in interaction with suppliers; cost reduction; segmentation and credit risk analysis. As a conclusion, it is noted that the most important task of companies is to determine the optimal capital structure of the enterprise and its most effective use in order to improve the efficiency of the enterprise as a whole

Türk toplumunda gözlenen ilk hemoglobin g-waimanalo ve hemoglobin fontainebleau olguları]

[No abstract available

Morphometric features of the thyroid gland: a cadaveric study of Turkish people

Background: Although racial and ethnic variations in the morphology of anatomical structures are defined well, the size, shape, and weight of the thyroid gland have not previously been reported in Turkish people. This study provides data about the morphometric features of the thyroid gland, thyroid lobes, and pyramidal lobe, and highlights some anatomical variations in people from the Marmara region in Turkey. Material and methods: The material for the present study consisted of thyroid glands obtained from 75 male and 15 female adult cadavers aged between 18 and 80 years. A dissection was carried out and the thyroid glands were exposed. The glands were weighed and measured according to the various age groups of the patients. Results: A pyramidal lobe was found to be present in 57.8% of the cadavers (52/90). During midline dissection of the neck 2 males out of 90 cadavers, giving an incidence of 2.22%, did not show an isthmus. The mean thyroid weight was 26.11 ± 8.14 g. In males it was 26.93 ± 7.96 g while in females it was 21.93 ± 7.98 g. Conclusions: This is the first reported morphometric study on cadaveric thyroid glands from Turkey and it highlights individual and ethnic/racial variations. In order to perform safe and effective surgery and for the accurate diagnosis of thyroid disorders, knowledge of normal anatomy and the variations of the thyroid gland are essential. (Folia Morphol 2011; 70, 2: 103–108

Chiari type I malformation with high foramen magnum anomaly

A 14-year-old male with a neck pain and hypoesthesia in the upper extremities was diagnosed with Chiari type I malformation (CMI) and syringomyelia. The posterior part of the occipital bone was removed via cranio-cervical decompression. The accuracy of measuring the posterior cranial fossa (PCF) and foramen magnum (FM) dimensions were evaluated and compared with the literature. The linear PCF and FM dimensions as well as volumes were measured using computed tomography (CT) images with different techniques. The volume data were compared with similar data from literature. Use of the posterior fossa approach remains controversial when treating patients with minor little brain stem dislocation, small PCF, and or incomplete C1, but the approach can easily be applied if FM and PCF sizes are known. Linear measurements that were assessed for concordance with CT measurements had the best agreement. Quantification of PCF volume and high FM should be taken into consideration for differential diagnosis of tonsillar herniation and prediction of surgical outcome in CMI