Search results for "flexibility"
showing 10 items of 466 documents
Dual Information Systems: Supporting Organizational Working and Learning by Making Organizational Memory Transparent
1999
The conceptual design of most computer-based information systems reflects a dualism of technology. During the development phase, part of the work-domain-related knowledge is formalized and encoded in the software, making it difficult for users to reflect on and use this knowledge. This design--use dualism contributes to the deterioration of the interpretive flexibility of information systems. In this article, we outline an information systems architecture called Dual Information Systems (DIS) that incorporates the concepts of an organizational memory information system (OMIS) in a broader framework. DIS help bridge the design--use dualism by providing organizations with a set of services th…
Flexibility, Segmentation and Use of Labour in Finnish Retail Trade
1990
The purpose of the study is to analyse the effects of management strategies on the segmentation of five department store labour markets in Finland. (1) The competitive strategies of firms are expected to have different con sequences for the use of labour (2) Within firms, the differentiated use of labour is examined in relation to the use of different flexibility strategies In department stores the most important strategy for obtaining (numerical) flexibility has been the fast growth of part-time work.
Material properties of various intraocular lenses in an experimental study.
2002
<i>Introduction:</i> With the recent introduction of small-incision cataract surgery, requirements for intraocular lens (IOL) flexibility, strength and hydrophilicity have rapidly evolved. The IOL surface, however, remains a critical factor influencing uveal biocompatibility. <i>Purpose:</i> To objectively quantify factors of material properties of various IOLs using contact angle measurements, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic-mechanical measurements and scanning electron microscopy. <i>Material and Methods:</i> In our study, 17 currently available IOLs were investigated using contact angle measurements to assess hydrophilicity and biocompatibil…
A mixed geometric-systolic approach to parallel molecular dynamics simulations
1995
We have developed a flexible and efficient method of performing molecular dynamics simulations on distributed memory parallel computers. The novel feature is to use simultaneously spatial partitioning and systolic loop approaches according to a strategy which, for a given simulation, adapts itself to the multiprocessor system, allowing to approach optimal performance. The method assures high efficiencies even in situations in which, due to the exceeding large number of processors, the usage of a pure spatial decomposition would be impossible. The algorithm provides as particular cases both the pure spatial partitioning and the pure systolic parallelization schemes, so that its adoption assu…
A Decision Making Tool in FMS Design
1995
In FMS design one of the initial fundamental decision concerns the flexibility level of the workstations to be implemented. New machining centers offer the possibility to carry out several operations on the workpieces to be processed, thus reducing the workload both of the material handling system and of the resources used to control the part flow in the FMS. In spite of advantages related to the use of the machining centers with high flexibility, the better typology of each workstation must be evaluated taking into account its influence on the tools fleet and on the workload of the handling and tool room subsystems.
Metasurfaces for colour printing
2014
We present a theoretical analysis and experimental evidences of metasurfaces based on particle resonators that achieve bright-field colour prints. We created pixels that support individual colours, miniaturized and juxtaposed at the optical diffraction limit. Different strategies are followed to offer the flexibility of using both transmitting and epi (reflective) white light sources. We discuss their potential applications in large-volume colour printing via nanoimprint lithography.
Cryogenic nanoelectromechanical switch enabled by Bi2Se3 nanoribbons
2022
Abstract Nanoelectromechanical (NEM) switches are potential candidates for memory and logic devices for low standby-current and harsh environment applications. Cryogenic operation of these devices would allow to use them, e.g., in space probes and in conjunction with quantum computers. Herein, it is demonstrated that cryogenic application requirements such as good flexibility and conductivity are satisfied by using Bi2Se3 nanoribbons as active elements in NEM switches. Experimental proof of principle NEM switching at temperatures as low as 5 K is achieved in volatile and non-volatile reversible regimes, exhibiting distinct ON and OFF states, backed by theoretical modelling. The results open…
Incremental forming of friction stir welded taylored sheets
2006
In the last decade sheet metal forming market has undergone substantial mutations since the development of more efficient strategies in terms of flexibility and cost reduction is strictly due. Such requirements are not consistent with traditional metal stamping processes which are characterized by complex equipment, capital and tooling costs; thus the industrial application of such processes is economically convenient just for large scale productions. For this reason most of the research work developed in the last years has been focused on the development of new sheet forming processes able to achieve the above discussed goals. Contemporary, with particular reference to the automotive indus…
Principles of scatter search
2006
Scatter search is an evolutionary method that has been successfully applied to hard optimization problems. The fundamental concepts and principles of the method were first proposed in the 1970s, based on formulations dating back to the 1960s for combining decision rules and problem constraints. In contrast to other evolutionary methods like genetic algorithms, scatter search is founded on the premise that systematic designs and methods for creating new solutions afford significant benefits beyond those derived from recourse to randomization. It uses strategies for search diversification and intensification that have proved effective in a variety of optimization problems. This paper provides…
Semiparametric stochastic frontier models: A generalized additive model approach
2017
Abstract The choice of the functional form of the frontier into a stochastic frontier model is typically neglected in applications and canonical functions are usually considered. This paper introduces a semiparametric approach for stochastic frontier estimation that extends previous works based on pseudo-likelihood estimators allowing flexibility in model selection and capability of imposing monotonicity and concavity constraints. For these purposes the present work introduces a generalized additive framework that moreover permits to model the influence of contextual/environmental factors to the hypothesized production process by the relative extension given by generalized additive models f…