• International conference on construction engineering and project management
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• 2013.01a
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• pp.321-327
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• 2013

Inter-organizational Relationships (IORs) governance is one of the emerging research areas that have been studied in different contexts (e.g. economics, strategy, organization, and management). This view, particularly, attracted rising attention from academics and practitioners in the context of construction projects, due to the complex forms of IORs in terms of inter-firm exchanges (e.g. engineering, procurement, finance, construction, and operation) in these projects. The focus of IORs governance is to control Inter-organizational relationships among two or more cooperative parties to alleviate conflict and achieve mutual gains. One of the mechanisms that have been identified in the related literature is formal governance mechanism. Although many empirical studies have been conducted using formal governance terms and indicators, there isn't yet a consensual definition of this mechanism and its components that may cause misinterpretation of research results and also impede future research. This paper makes contribution to the concept of IORs governance by clarifying the meaning of formal governance mechanism and identifying different indicators of this mechanism that have been used and identified in previous studies. This provides an innovative and useful framework to understand formal governance mechanism and its application in construction projects.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.49 no.4
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• pp.393-405
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• 2023

In this paper, the energy absorption capability of a novel cruciform composite lattice structure was evaluated through the simulation of compression tests. For this purpose, several test samples of Polylactic acid cellular reinforced with continuous glass fibers were prepared for compression testing using the additive manufacturing method of material extrusion. Using a conventional path design for material extrusion, multiple debonding is probable to be occurred at the joint regions of adjacent cells. Therefore, an innovative printing path design was proposed for the cruciform lattice structure. Afterwards, quasistatic compression tests were performed to evaluate the energy absorption behaviour of this structure. A finite element model based on local material property degradation was then developed to verify the experimental test and extend the virtual test method. Accordingly, different combinations of unit cells' dimensions using the design of the experiment were numerically proposed to obtain the optimal configuration in terms of the total absorbed energy. Having brilliant energy absorption properties, the studied cruciform lattice with its optimized unit cell dimensions can be used as an energy absorber in crashworthiness applications. Finally, a cellular structure will be suitable with optimal behavior in crush load efficiency and high energy absorption.

• The Journal of Information Systems
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.119-136
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• 2023

Purpose We introduce a groundbreaking surveillance system explicitly designed to overcome the limitations typically associated with conventional surveillance systems, which often focus primarily on object-centric behavior analysis. Design/methodology/approach The study introduces an innovative approach to risk assessment in surveillance, employing image captioning to generate descriptive captions that effectively encapsulate the interactions among objects, actions, and spatial elements within observed scenes. To support our methodology, we developed a distinctive dataset comprising pairs of [image-caption-danger score] for training purposes. We fine-tuned the BLIP-2 model using this dataset and utilized BERT to decipher the semantic content of the generated captions for assessing risk levels. Findings In a series of experiments conducted with our self-constructed datasets, we illustrate that these datasets offer a wealth of information for risk assessment and display outstanding performance in this area. In comparison to models pre-trained on established datasets, our generated captions thoroughly encompass the necessary object attributes, behaviors, and spatial context crucial for the surveillance system. Additionally, they showcase adaptability to novel sentence structures, ensuring their versatility across a range of contexts.

• Journal of Information Processing Systems
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• v.19 no.6
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• pp.767-777
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• 2023

In modern society, user privacy is emerging as an important issue as closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems increase rapidly in various public and private spaces. If CCTV cameras monitor sensitive areas or personal spaces, they can infringe on personal privacy. Someone's behavior patterns, sensitive information, residence, etc. can be exposed, and if the image data collected from CCTV is not properly protected, there can be a risk of data leakage by hackers or illegal accessors. This paper presents an innovative approach to "machine learning based reversible chaotic masking method for user privacy protection in CCTV environment." The proposed method was developed to protect an individual's identity within CCTV images while maintaining the usefulness of the data for surveillance and analysis purposes. This method utilizes a two-step process for user privacy. First, machine learning models are trained to accurately detect and locate human subjects within the CCTV frame. This model is designed to identify individuals accurately and robustly by leveraging state-of-the-art object detection techniques. When an individual is detected, reversible chaos masking technology is applied. This masking technique uses chaos maps to create complex patterns to hide individual facial features and identifiable characteristics. Above all, the generated mask can be reversibly applied and removed, allowing authorized users to access the original unmasking image.

• Structural Engineering and Mechanics
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• v.89 no.1
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• pp.93-102
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• 2024

Using negative Poisson's ratio materials, an innovative metallic-yielding damper is introduced for the first time in this study. Through the use of ABAQUS commercial software, a nonlinear finite element analysis is conducted to determine the performance of the proposed system. Mild steel plates with elliptical holes are used for these types of dampers, which dissipate energy through an inelastic deformation of the constitutive material. To assess the capability of the proposed damper, nonlinear quasi-static finite element analyses have been conducted on the damper with a variety of geometric parameters. According to the results, the proposed system is ductile and has a high capacity to dissipate energy. The proposed auxetic damper has a specific energy absorption of 910.8 J/kg and a ductility of 33.6. Therefore, this damper can dissipate a large amount of earthquake input energy without buckling by increasing the buckling load of the brace with its ductile behavior. In addition, it was found that by incorporating auxetic dampers in the steel frame, the frame was made harder, stronger, and ductile and its energy absorption increased by 300%.

• Journal of Distribution Science
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.1-10
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• 2024

Purpose: The current study focused on work performance of distribution department of AMC (asset management company) industry in China, outlines the challenges faced by distribution employees of Chinese four biggest national AMCs, aiming to enhance the ability of Chinese national AMCs to succeed in the face of external challenges such as economic, social, and technological changes. Research design, data and methodology: This study adopted quantitative methods, questionnaire was collected from 248 general distribution department employees of four national AMCs of China, these employees are from the top 5 developed cities in China, and software Smart PLS 3.0 and SPSS 25 was applied to data analysis. Results: The result of this current study through Smart PLS 3.0 has revealed that the significant effect of affective commitment on contextual performance, affective commitment on task performance, continuance commitment on contextual performance, normative commitment on contextual performance, and effect of continuance commitment on task performance and normative commitment on task performance were found to be non-significant. Conclusions: According to the important role of distribution department, managers in China's national AMCs can leverage the study's findings to enhance organizational commitment among employees of distribution department, and further positively influences distribution department employees' work performance.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.403-418
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• 2024

In this paper, vibration and energy absorption characteristics of a nanostructure which is composed of two embedded porous annular/circular nanoplates coupled by a viscoelastic substrate are investigated. The modified couple stress theory (MCST) and the Gurtin-Murdoch theory are applied to take into account the size and the surface effects, respectively. Furthermore, the structural damping effect is probed by the Kelvin-Voigt model and the mathematical model of the problem is developed by a new hyperbolic higher order shear deformation theory. The differential quadrature method (DQM) is employed to obtain the out-of-phase and in-phase frequencies of the structure in order to predict the dynamic response of it. The acquired results reveal that the vibration and energy absorption of the system depends on some factors such as porosity, surface stress effects, material length scale parameter, damping and spring constants of the viscoelastic foundation as well as geometrical parameters of annular/circular nanoplates. A bird's-eye view of the findings in the research paper offers a comprehensive understanding of the vibrational behavior and energy absorption capabilities of annular/circular porous nanoplates. The multidisciplinary approach and the inclusion of porosity make this study valuable for the development of innovative materials and applications in the field of nanoscience and engineering.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.51 no.5
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• pp.499-507
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• 2024

The paper delves into an emerging paradigm shift in architectural design, focusing on the development of a cutting-edge methodological framework for the artistic enhancement of nanocomposite brick facades in building construction. This innovative approach represents a fusion of art and science, harnessing the potential of advanced nanotechnology to redefine the aesthetic and functional properties of building exteriors. Central to this new methodology is the integration of state-of-the-art materials and fabrication techniques, aimed at not only elevating the visual appeal of architectural structures but also enhancing their structural robustness and environmental sustainability. By leveraging the unique characteristics of nanocomposite materials, the proposed method opens up new possibilities for pushing the boundaries of traditional brick facade design. Through a meticulous exploration of the intricacies involved in implementing this novel approach, the paper elucidates the transformative impact it can have on the architectural landscape. By marrying creativity with technical precision, the method environment for art design of nanocomposite brick facades promises to usher in a new era of sustainable, visually captivating, and structurally resilient building facades that are poised to redefine the very essence of architectural aesthetics.

• Journal of Radiopharmaceuticals and Molecular Probes
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.33-41
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• 2024

Targeted alpha therapy (TAT) harnesses the potent cytotoxicity of alpha particles emitted by radioisotopes to selectively eradicate cancer cells while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissues. Developing radiopharmaceutical for TAT, alpha particle imaging devices are used to identify distribution and behavior of the radiopharmaceutical in body, to evaluate efficacy and safety of the radiopharmaceutical. This paper explores the challenges and advancements in alpha particle imaging devices for TAT. Researchers are turning to innovative alpha particle imaging devices capable of directly detecting alpha particles to achieve higher spatial resolution and accuracy in mapping radioisotope distribution within organs. This review surveys the landscape of alpha particle imaging devices developed worldwide, including scintillator based-, semiconductor based-, and gas detector based systems. Their underlying principles, unique features, and strategies for enhancing performance are examined. By shedding light on the state-of-the-art technologies supporting advancements in TAT research, this review aims to introduce the ongoing efforts to refine the vision on biodistribution of radiopharmaceuticals for TAT.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.167-179
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• 2024

This study investigates the stability and performance of high-resistance badminton nets through the integration of reinforced lightweight materials. By focusing on the structural and economic impacts, the research aims to enhance both the durability and practicality of badminton nets in professional and recreational settings. Using a combination of advanced material engineering techniques and economic analysis, we explore the development of nets constructed from innovative composites. These composites offer improved resistance to environmental factors, such as weather conditions, while maintaining lightweight properties for ease of installation and use. The study employs high-order shear deformation theory and high-order nonlocal theory to assess the mechanical behavior and stability of the nets. Partial differential equations derived from energy-based methodologies are solved using the Generalized Differential Quadrature Method (GDQM), providing detailed insights into the thermal buckling characteristics and overall performance. The findings demonstrate significant improvements in net stability and longevity, highlighting the potential for broader applications in both the sports equipment industry and related economic sectors. By bridging the gap between material science and practical implementation, this research contributes to the advancement of high-performance sports equipment and supports the growth of the sport economy.