Proper orthogonal decomposition and recurrence map for the identification of spatial–temporal patterns in a low-Re wake downstream of two cylinders

Flow decomposition methods provide systematic ways to extract the flow modes, which can be regarded as the spatial distribution of a coherent structure. They have been successfully used in the study of wake, boundary layer, and mixing. However, real flow structures also possess complex temporal patterns that can hardly be captured using the spatial modes obtained in the decomposition. In order to analyze the temporal variation of coherent structures in a complex flow field, this paper studies the recurrence in phase space to identify the pattern and classify the evolution of the flow modes. The recurrence pattern depends on the time delay and initial condition. In some cases, the flow system will revisit a previous state regardless of the initial state, and in other cases, the system’s recurrence will depend on the initial state. These patterns are determined by the arrangement and interactions of coherent structures in the flow. The temporal order of the repetition pattern reflects the possible ways of flow evolution

Using System Dynamics Approach to Construct a Performance Measurement Model for Pharmacy Supply Chain Management

A credible performance measurement system is imperative to evaluate SCM systems effectiveness. However, commonly accepted measurements for evaluating pharmacy supply chain management (SCM) are yet to be developed. This study models the dynamic behavior of pharmacy supply chains to include managerial policies and performance measuring systems based on a well-established theoretical framework. The system dynamics methodology is adopted to simulate three scenarios: (1) demand forecasting policy, (2) market need, and (3) manufacturing errors. Simulation results lead to important policy implications of pharmacy SCM

Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and Recurrence Map for the Identification of Spatial–Temporal Patterns in a Low-Re Wake Downstream of Two Cylinders

Flow decomposition methods provide systematic ways to extract the flow modes, which can be regarded as the spatial distribution of a coherent structure. They have been successfully used in the study of wake, boundary layer, and mixing. However, real flow structures also possess complex temporal patterns that can hardly be captured using the spatial modes obtained in the decomposition. In order to analyze the temporal variation of coherent structures in a complex flow field, this paper studies the recurrence in phase space to identify the pattern and classify the evolution of the flow modes. The recurrence pattern depends on the time delay and initial condition. In some cases, the flow system will revisit a previous state regardless of the initial state, and in other cases, the system’s recurrence will depend on the initial state. These patterns are determined by the arrangement and interactions of coherent structures in the flow. The temporal order of the repetition pattern reflects the possible ways of flow evolution

The Role of Social Presence and Moderating Role of Computer Self Efficacy in Predicting the Continuance Usage of E-Learning Systems

The continuous growth of the electronic learning (e-learning) market has drawn a lot of discussion about the effectiveness of virtual learning environments (VLE). The initial emphasis of e-learning in the context of information technology skills training continues to be relevant. The success of an e-learning program in information technology (IT) may require users to be equipped with a certain degree of computer self-efficacy and affect for information systems. These factors may, in turn, influence the satisfaction level of online learners and their intention to continue using the e-learning system. Therefore, it is plausible that these factors may be as important as or more important than the design of an effective VLE in an IT context. This paper blends the Computer Self-Efficacy (CSE) and Expectation-Confirmation Models (ECM), and assesses their applicability on the intention of online learners who continue using the e-learning system as a vehicle to assimilate IT skills. Second, it theorizes the causal relationship of the factors of Perceived Usefulness, Confirmation, Satisfaction, and IS Continuance in the e-learning context. Finally, it assesses the relative importance of social presence in helping online learners to prevail over the online asynchronous environment. Our results indicate that, in the context of assimilating IT skills, there is not a significant relationship among the CSE of online learners, their perceived usefulness, confirmation, and satisfaction level. As a moderating factor, computer self-efficacy does not have significant influence on learning outcomes. For knowledge long transfer, social presence was shown to have an effect in different VLEs

Agency cost of government ownership : a study of voluntary audit comitte formation in China

In this paper, we investigate the agency costs of government ownership and their impact on corporate governance and firm value. China is used as a laboratory because of the prevalent state shareholdings in exchange-listed firms. In this context, we specifically consider the trade-offs involved in the voluntary formation of an audit committee when the controlling shareholder is the state. The decision to improve corporate governance (in this case, introduce an audit committee) is shown to be value relevant and a function of existing agency relationships and non-trivial implementation costs. Our findings are robust to the level of pyramid groups, the ownership-control wedge, and financial leverage. The research adds to the debate regarding the effect of government shareholdings on corporate culture and performance - a topic that hastaken on renewed importance in recent times

THE COGNITIONS AND AFFECTS OF MORAL ATTITUDE TOWARD SOFTWARE PIRACY INTENTION

Internet proliferation and ubiquity are easing the process for individuals to copy, download, share, sell and distribute copyrighted software without purchasing a legal license. The prevalent piracy issue has not only caused a tremendous loss of revenues for legal software makers, but also raised piracy ethicality. The current study shows that moral attitude is one of important predictors for piracy intention. The purpose of this study is to increase its predictive power by including two planned behaviour constructs from the perspective of cognitive and affective beliefs. Based on Kohlberg’s theory of moral development, a conceptual framework is proposed to include perceived likelihood of punishment and perceived benefit as cognitive beliefs and perception of shame, happiness and excitement as affective beliefs

Virtual Group Learning Effectiveness via eLearning Mediums

Online learning provides the potential for more differentiated, integrated, and open learning environments to solve team project assignments. We argue that although it is feasible to increase information richness via adopting multimedia technologies, the effectiveness to promote interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and cognitive learning processes via virtual group discussion is uncertain. To substantiate the argument, we invited 156 subjects, divided into 46 groups, to resolve decision- and intellective-tasks in text-messaging and audio-conferencing e-learning environments. A pedagogical interpretation of how we can use these two e-learning systems to improve effectiveness for group-based tasks was posited