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Lithium-ion battery (LIB) circular supply chains (CSCs) present unique safety challenges among operation processes. Blockchain technology can be a promising solution for addressing these challenges, by enabling effective tracking and verification of safety-related information throughout the supply chain. However, how blockchain can mitigate safety issues from a supply chain perspective is poorly understood. This study proposes a theory-supported framework through intervention-based research (IBR) to provide guidance for LIB CSC safety management. The conceptual framework and theoretical propositions set the foundation for research on a comprehensive blockchain ecosystem specifically designed for CSC safety management. The framework includes the design of a blockchain architecture with capabilities tailored to address safety concerns, the involvement of multiple stakeholders, and the development of a safety measurement matrix. This study suggests research and practical directions which lay the groundwork for leveraging blockchain technology to improve safety management in LIB CSC. This research contributes to sustainable supply chains by proposing a conceptual framework for mitigating safety concerns in LIB CSC, paving the way for effective blockchain implementation. In addition, this study contributes to advancing the theoretical design understanding and application of blockchain technology in CSC safety management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Responding to climate change requires rapid changes in corporate practices. This article assesses how Amazon, known for its speed and innovation, has leveraged internal processes to transition toward "Net Zero Carbon" by 2040. It argues that industrial decarbonization has primarily involved "sustaining innovations" and then examines how Amazon's internal mechanisms have been applied to sustainability—including efficiency improvements, lower-carbon substitutions, longer-term innovation investments, and engagements with their supply chains. Amazon's experiences are relevant to corporations working to advance decarbonization. It concludes by offering lessons for managers about how to leverage innovation processes to advance climate goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Professional selling has been transformed over the last decade and is in constant flux. Fundamental changes have occurred in how best to achieve salesperson performance and how to measure it. In this article, we present a meta-analysis of the determinants of salesperson performance using 150 studies, 936 raw effects, and ten moderating variables captured from 2009 to 2020. Our findings enable us to identify 19 key determinants of performance and to classify these within a sales determinant continuum, ranging from universal, to context-specific to necessary but insufficient predictors of performance. Our results show the significant influence the operationalization of salesperson performance has on the relationship between sales determinants and performance outcomes. Our study offers more nuanced guidelines for sales management practice than previous studies and suggests a greater alignment between research sampling and performance measurement methods to further our understanding of sales performance going forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Contemporary Accounting Research is the property of Canadian Academic Accounting Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The historical impacts of transportation planning and investment have left lasting scars on communities of color and low-income communities. This research evaluates online equity tools that exist as spatial dashboards —i.e., interactive maps in which the parameters of interaction are controlled. Twelve tools ranging from the national to the local level were identified and qualitatively assessed for their ability to address conditions related to transportation equity. The evaluation focused on how each tool defines disadvantaged communities, the outcomes they measure (benefits, burdens, or other), their ease of use, and their ability to guide decisions about equity. The findings show a diversity of methods and metrics in defining disadvantage, with most relying on composite demographic indexes and comparative population thresholds. Tools most commonly provided accessibility metrics to assess transportation benefits, while incorporating a range of environmental and health indicators as burden measures. A minority of tools had integrated features to support planning or project implementation. This study provides examples of promising practices in transportation equity support tools.

We examine how the alignment of performance measurement and strategy affects performance on a multidimensional task. Our experiment varies both the strategy (speed versus accuracy) of the hypothetical firm for which participants work and the individual performance measure that is reported to them, creating two conditions of clear alignment and two of clear misalignment. We find that although workers are responsive to the performance measure regardless of its alignment, they are also sensitive to the strategy such that costly alignment effects are observed. We also predict and find that workers respond asymmetrically to misalignment in accuracy performance but not in speed performance, demonstrating that the effects of misaligned performance measurement depend on the fit between firm strategy and the nature of the task being performed. Data Availability: Data are available from the authors upon request. JEL Classifications: M40; M41; M50. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social movements encompass the collective actions of groups gathered under the same goal, operating within a specific organizational structure to reflect their thoughts and views through a series of actions. Social movements are expected to exhibit characteristics of violence, rationality, continuity, and public benefit. The successful performance of social movements is contingent upon their ability to embody these characteristics. The primary motivation of this research is to render the performance of social movements measurable and comparable, aiming to determine their effectiveness. The underlying motivation for this approach is to move beyond subjective evaluations of social movements and instead treat them as structured decision-making processes. The core objective is to develop a decision support system for assessing the performance of social movements and facilitating insights into the performance of movements within a country or region. In this way, the performance evaluation processes of social movements are enhanced, fostering the development of more informed and deliberate social movements. To determine the performance of social movements, the type-2 neutrosophic number (T2NN)–Schweizer Sklar (SS)–symmetry point of criterion (SPC)–evaluation based on relative utility and nonlinear standardization (ERUNS)–(T2NN-SS-SPC-ERUNS) hybrid model is developed and proposed in this research. The T2NN-SS-weighted arithmetic mean aggregation operator is used to combine expert evaluations. The weights of criteria are calculated using the T2NN-SPC method. Performance rankings of social movements are determined using the T2NN-ERUNS method. An algorithm for the three-stage T2NN-SS-SPC-ERUNS hybrid model is developed to evaluate the performance of social movements in Türkiye through a case study. The robustness and consistency of the proposed hybrid method are supported by scenarios. As a result of the research, the “Early Retirement Scheme Victims” social movement is identified as having the highest performance among social movements in Türkiye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are limited parallel robots applicable to three-axis grinding machines due to the restricted reachable workspace originating from multiple kinematic chains with spatial kinematic joints. The parallel robot will gain significant potential in the industry if a larger workspace can be achieved. This research introduces a special relationship between upper triangular matrix and parallel robot structures for the purpose of designing a group of novel parallel robots without spatial kinematic joints. The detailed inverse kinematic solution of the selected parallel manipulator is derived in accordance with its straightforward architecture. Several singularity configurations are found on the basis of the first-order kinematic relation. The translational reachable workspace is close to a triangular prism. The dexterity and stiffness performances based on the Jacobian matrix are explored for the chosen parallel manipulator. Both indices display a downward trend as the mobile platform rises higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The growing awareness of economic, environmental, and social issues related to tourism highlights the need to identify innovative practices that promote sustainability in tourist destinations. This study investigates mega sporting events and their fundamental role in sustainable tourism; these events contribute to tourism promotion by regenerating and revitalizing host areas. However, the increasing demand for transparency in the management of public resources, aimed at ensuring the economic sustainability of the areas hosting these events, has heightened the focus on monitoring resource allocation. Beyond the use of technological innovations, it becomes essential to study the role of innovation in promoting sustainable tourism management practices to guarantee the economic sustainability of destinations hosting major sporting events. A key tool for planning tourism promotion and ensuring economic sustainability is undoubtedly economic impact analysis. Although numerous methods are available, the integration of multiple approaches enhances both the completeness and accuracy of such evaluations. This study proposes an innovative approach that combines different methods to provide a robust approach for economic impact analysis. This research validates the proposed approach through the analysis of two prestigious cycling competitions: the Giro d'Italia and the Tour de France. The proposed approach enables the identification of areas where targeted investments and strategic improvements can promote sustainable and long-term economic benefits for host regions. It can support decision-making processes to plan tourism promotion and ensure economic sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Universities have changed in recent decades with the introduction of various performance measurement systems, including journal ranking lists. This Bourdieu-inspired article analyses three types of strategies used by male associate professors in response to journal lists: building social capital at conferences and during stays abroad; marketing of research papers to potential reviewers and journal editors; and tactical co-authorship. Drawing on 55 qualitative interviews with male associate professors in the social sciences in Denmark, the article shows that journal lists, and the forms of strategic networking they are associated with, represent a new doxa in higher education. However, it also reveals that participants are unequally positioned when it comes to acting in accordance with performance metrics. Although comprehended as neutral, journal lists are based on (and contribute to) dividing lines between acknowledged and unacknowledged research – lines that tend to pass unnoticed among winners as well as losers in the academic publishing game. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To develop a severity-adjusted, hospital-level benchmarking comparative performance report for postoperative organ space infection (OSI) and antibiotic utilization in children with complicated appendicitis. Background: No benchmarking data exist to aid hospitals in identifying and prioritizing opportunities for infection prevention or antimicrobial stewardship in children with complicated appendicitis. Methods: This was a multicenter cohort study using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program–Pediatric data from 16 hospitals participating in a regional research consortium, augmented with antibiotic utilization data obtained through supplemental chart review. Children with complicated appendicitis who underwent appendectomy from July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2020 were included. Thirty-day postoperative OSI rates and cumulative antibiotic utilization were compared between hospitals using observed-to-expected (O/E) ratios after adjusting for disease severity using mixed-effect models. Hospitals were considered outliers if the 95% CI for O/E ratios did not include 1.0. Results: A total of 1790 patients were included. Overall, the OSI rate was 15.6% (hospital range: 2.6% to 39.4%) and median cumulative antibiotic utilization was 9.0 days (range: 3.0 to 13.0). Across hospitals, adjusted O/E ratios ranged 5.7-fold for OSI (0.49 to 2.80, P = 0.03) and 2.4-fold for antibiotic utilization (0.59 to 1.45, P < 0.01). Three (19%) hospitals were outliers for OSI (1 high and 2 low performers), and 8 (50%) were outliers for antibiotic utilization (5 high and 3 low utilizers). Ten (63%) hospitals were identified as outliers in one or both measures. Conclusions: A comparative performance benchmarking report may help hospitals identify and prioritize quality improvement opportunities for infection prevention and antimicrobial stewardship, as well as identify exemplar performers for dissemination of best practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods is the property of Science & Technology of Cereals, Oils & Foods Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

IMPACT: The concept of management control 'as a package' is explored within the context of five voluntary hospices in the UK, using a comprehensive framework, Simons' levers of control. not applied widely in the voluntary sector. This article argues that, to enhance its practical application in this sector, this framework needs to be modified to include broader concepts of ethos, responsibility and judgement. This tool can be used in further research as well as providing a framework for discussions between voluntary organizations and their stakeholders about a balanced approach to managing and accounting for their organizational performance, not predominantly through measurement. As demands for accountability increase within the voluntary sector, there is more focus on performance measurement. However, management control has been considered 'as a package', including more elements than just measuring performance. As this approach is yet to be considered within voluntary sector literature, this article seeks to apply the notion of control as a package in the context of UK voluntary hospices. It develops a comprehensive performance management framework, drawing on Simons' levers of control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study was to learn how the performance of German as a Foreign Language (GFL) writing skills is evaluated, what criteria it is based on, and what challenges can be expected during the evaluation. Performance measurement is a challenge for many, and previous research and experience show that when it comes to productive abilities, writing takes a back seat in the classroom, where speaking skills are prioritized. Nonetheless, since the focus of this study is on German writing skills, it is important to clarify their role in GFL teaching. Although there are different aspects and criteria for the assessment of productive and writing skills, some are more important than others. The study takes a theoretical and empirical approach, utilizing a questionnaire and interviews to analyze the perspectives of both examinees (students) and examiners (teachers). For a justified assessment, certain quality criteria are considered, including objectivity, reliability, and validity. Additionally, the study also references Goethe, ÖSD, and TELC model tests, as well as other test forms used in private schools and university courses in Kosovo. Thus, this research focuses not only on the various forms and functions of performance measurement but also on the potential obstacles that may develop during assessment and how to avoid and fix these issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydroponic farming has become increasingly popular since 2014 due to the increased accessibility of information and the efficient use of resources. Kebun Sayur Surabaya (KSS) is a producer and supplier of hydroponic vegetables experiencing changes in its business dynamics. Problems such as the continuing impact of the pandemic affecting the company's operations and the increasing competence of similar businesses require companies to improve performance to remain competitive. Performance measurement can be done using the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) method, which considers all four perspectives: financial, customer, internal business processes, and learning and growth. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the performance of KSS using the BSC method by considering four perspectives. Data was obtained through interviews, questionnaires, company financial data and related journal references. The analysis results show that KSS has been optimal in all four perspectives; overall financial performance and customer satisfaction have increased significantly, although some aspects have decreased in other perspectives. Some strategies to improve and increase business performance for industry players are obtained based on the results of the analysis that has been carried out.

This study investigated the physical properties and pest resistance of five common packaging materials. Tests were conducted on tensile properties, right-angle tearing strength, puncture resistance, combustion performance, friction coefficient, drop resistance, pressure resistance, and sealing performance. Pest resistance was evaluated using adult Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), adult Lasioderma serricorne (Fabricius), and newly hatched larvae of L. serricorne. The results showed that, in terms of mechanical properties, woven bags and aluminum foil bags exhibited superior tensile, tear, and puncture resistance. However, when used as packaging bags, non-woven fabrics and woven bags demonstrated better performance in friction, drop, and pressure resistance. All five packaging materials effectively protected wheat flour from stored grain pests, with vacuum plastic bags and aluminum foil bags providing complete protection.

Abstract Remote driving, a well‐matured technology in various industries, is relatively new to the railway sector but appears to be a promising solution for achieving advanced automation, especially for conventional trains. The shift from traditional in‐cab driving to automated train operation, especially remote operations is a complex and ongoing process, with laboratory and field tests being conducted to examine its viability. This transition presents numerous areas that require further investigation and development. This study delves into these unexplored areas, examining various metrics that could be pivotal during the introduction of railway remote driving. The research adopts a mixed‐method approach, employing a triangulation technique in data collection to address the research question on performance indicators for railway remote driving. Through an extensive literature review, benchmarking, and expert surveys, the study pinpoints several performance indicators crucial for assessing the operational effectiveness of remote railway operations. The developed indicators were validated using the two‐round Delphi method, with 9 out of 13 being deemed essential by the panel of experts. The list of these indicators is the key finding in the study. They are: latency, data transfer rate, cybersecurity measures, video quality and camera stability, perception, system integration, permanent connection check, driver vitality check, and organizational aspects. The study contributes to filling the existing research gap and serve as a cockpit or instrumental panel in the implementation of remote operations, thus facilitating the transition towards more automated and remotely operated systems.

The insurance industry, which is an important component of the financial channel, is an essential part of the Turkish economy, and assessing the financial performance is critical for insurance companies to improve efficiency and productivity, increase competitiveness, and enhance fiscal health. The study presented a technique for assessing the financial performance of all insurance companies registered in Borsa Istanbul by implementing an integrated method that combines the Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation (CRITIC) and Proximity Indexed Value (PIV) methods. The rationale for implementing the PIV method is the lack of adequate financial studies available on the insurance companies that employed this specific model. Initially, 18 evaluation criteria were defined. The CRITIC method was applied for the criteria weights, and insurance companies were ranked using PIV. Subsequently, the COPRAS, VIKOR, ARAS, and SAW Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) methodologies were applied. Performance rankings derived from PIV were compared with those obtained from other MCDM models employed. Finally, Spearman’s Rank Correlation and Kendall’s Rank Correlation Coefficient methods were applied to analyze the extent of correlations and interactions between ranking outcomes. The PIV assessment results pointed out that AGESA received the highest rank for financial performance, and AKGRT had the lowest rank. AGESA consistently received high rankings compared to all other methods examined. Nevertheless, RAYSG and AKGRT constantly ranked poorly. All deployed methods ranked AKGRT and RAYSG in the final two positions. The study’s findings underscore that ranking outcomes of PIV largely align with alternate MCDM methodologies utilized.

This article analyses barriers for women’s careers in higher education from a theoretical perspective focusing on epistemic positioning and gendered (in)visibility. The study is based on 96 qualitative interviews with associate professors in economics, political science and sociology in Denmark. Epistemic positioning is operationalized as four distinct processes of marginalization: reproduction of men’s privileges from cohort to cohort of academics; naturalization of men’s collaboration with other men; appropriation where men’s research fields and methods are defined as constituting the centre of a discipline; and bounding as the discreditation of some types of research by labelling them ‘female’. Taken together, the four processes of positioning marginalize women (as epistemic subjects) and their research (as epistemic objects). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Measuring quality of care is a critical first step towards improving the healthcare contributing to persistent poor outcomes experienced by many people living with schizophrenia. This scoping review aims to identify and characterize indicators for measuring the quality of care for people living with schizophrenia. We searched 6 academic databases, 4 grey literature databases, and 23 organization websites for documents containing quality indicators developed for or applied in a population with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. We identified 119 unique documents, yielding 390 distinct quality indicators. Most measures were process indicators (68 %; n = 267) commonly reflecting safety (30 %; n = 118) and effectiveness (35 %; n = 136) domains of quality of care. Quality indicators included measures of primarily mental healthcare (77 %; n = 299), as well as physical healthcare (23 %; n = 91). Indicators reflected aspects of care related to service delivery, pharmacotherapy, assessments, resources and policies, psychological interventions, social and other interventions. Indicator development was notable for a lack of well-described validation and selection processes. Gaps in indicator availability for comorbid substance use, reproductive health, and healthcare equity were also identified. Results reflect a growing recognition of the importance of quality measurement in this population but highlight the need for prioritization of indicators to guide future quality measurement and improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Remote driving, a well‐matured technology in various industries, is relatively new to the railway sector but appears to be a promising solution for achieving advanced automation, especially for conventional trains. The shift from traditional in‐cab driving to automated train operation, especially remote operations is a complex and ongoing process, with laboratory and field tests being conducted to examine its viability. This transition presents numerous areas that require further investigation and development. This study delves into these unexplored areas, examining various metrics that could be pivotal during the introduction of railway remote driving. The research adopts a mixed‐method approach, employing a triangulation technique in data collection to address the research question on performance indicators for railway remote driving. Through an extensive literature review, benchmarking, and expert surveys, the study pinpoints several performance indicators crucial for assessing the operational effectiveness of remote railway operations. The developed indicators were validated using the two‐round Delphi method, with 9 out of 13 being deemed essential by the panel of experts. The list of these indicators is the key finding in the study. They are: latency, data transfer rate, cybersecurity measures, video quality and camera stability, perception, system integration, permanent connection check, driver vitality check, and organizational aspects. The study contributes to filling the existing research gap and serve as a cockpit or instrumental panel in the implementation of remote operations, thus facilitating the transition towards more automated and remotely operated systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]