Assessing the integrated sustainability of a public rental housing project from the perspective of complex eco-system

Public rental housing (PRH) projects are the mainstream of China's new affordable housing policies, and their integrated sustainability has a far-reaching effect on medium-low income families' well-being and social stability. However, there are few quantitative researches on the integrated sustainability of PRH projects. Our study tries to fill this gap through proposing an assessment model of the integrated sustainability for PRH projects. First, this paper defines what the sustainability of a PRH project is. Second, after constructing the sustainable system of a PRH project from the perspective of complex eco-system, the paper explores the internal operation mechanism and the coupling mechanism among the ecological, economic and social subsystems. Third, it identifies fourteen indices to represent the sustainability system of a PRH project, including six indices of ecological subsystem, five of economic subsystem and three of social subsystem. Fourth, it qualifies the weights of three subsystems and their internal representative indices. In addition, an assessment model is established through expert surveys and analytic network process (ANP). Finally, the paper carries out an empirical research on a PRH project in Nanjing city of China, followed by suggestions to enhance the integrated sustainability. The sustainability system and its evaluation model proposed in this paper are concise and easy to understand and can provide a theoretical foundation and a scientific basis for the evaluation and optimization of PRH projects.

Consistent quaternion interpolation for objective finite element approximation of geometrically exact beam

We explore an isoparametric interpolation of total quaternion for geometrically consistent, strain-objective and path-independent finite element solutions of the geometrically exact beam. This interpolation is a variant of the broader class known as slerp. The equivalence between the proposed interpolation and that of relative rotation is shown without any recourse to local bijection between quaternions and rotations. We show that, for a two-noded beam element, the use of relative rotation is not mandatory for attaining consistency cum objectivity and an appropriate interpolation of total rotation variables is sufficient. The interpolation of total quaternion, which is computationally more efficient than the one based on local rotations, converts nodal rotation vectors to quaternions and interpolates them in a manner consistent with the character of the rotation manifold. This interpolation, unlike the additive interpolation of total rotation, corresponds to a geodesic on the rotation manifold. For beam elements with more than two nodes, however, a consistent extension of the proposed quaternion interpolation is difficult. Alternatively, a quaternion-based procedure involving interpolation of relative rotations is proposed for such higher order elements. We also briefly discuss a strategy for the removal of possible singularity in the interpolation of quaternions, proposed in [I. Romero, The interpolation of rotations and its application to finite element models of geometrically exact rods, Comput. Mech. 34 (2004) 121–133]. The strain-objectivity and path-independence of solutions are justified theoretically and then demonstrated through numerical experiments. This study, being focused only on the interpolation of rotations, uses a standard finite element discretization, as adopted by Simo and Vu-Quoc [J.C. Simo, L. Vu-Quoc, A three-dimensional finite rod model part II: computational aspects, Comput. Methods Appl. Mech. Engrg. 58 (1986) 79–116]. The rotation update is achieved via quaternion multiplication followed by the extraction of the rotation vector. Nodal rotations are stored in terms of rotation vectors and no secondary storages are required.

Cystine peptides Antiparallel β-sheet conformation of the cyclic biscystine peptide [Boc-Cys-Ala-Cys-NHCH3]2

The crystal structure analysis of the cyclic biscystine peptide [Boc-Cys1-Ala2-Cys3-NHCH3]2 with two disulfide bridges confirms the antiparallel ?-sheet conformation for the molecule as proposed for the conformation in solution. The molecule has exact twofold rotation symmetry. The 22-membered ring contains two transannular NH ? OC hydrogen bonds and two additional NH ? OC bonds are formed at both ends of the molecule between the terminal (CH3)3COCO and NHCH3 groups. The antiparallel peptide strands are distorted from a regularly pleated sheet, caused mainly by the L-Ala residue in which ?=� 155° and ?= 162°. In the disulfide bridge C? (1)-C? (1)-S(1)-(3')-C?(3')-C?(3'), S�S = 2.030 Å, angles C? SS = 107° and 105°, and the torsional angles are �49, �104, +99, �81, �61°, respectively. The biscystine peptide crystallizes in space group C2 with a = 14.555(2) Ã…, b = 10.854(2) Ã…, c = 16.512(2)Ã…, and ?= 101.34(1) with one-half formula unit of C30H52N8O10S4· 2(CH3)2SO per asymmetric unit. Least-squares refinement of 1375 reflections observed with |F| > 3?(F) yielded an R factor of 7.2%.

Supervisory Control for Real-Time Systems Based on Conflict-Tolerant Controllers

This paper addresses the problem of detecting and resolving conflicts due to timing constraints imposed by features in real-time and hybrid systems. We consider systems composed of a base system with multiple features or controllers, each of which independently advise the system on how to react to input events so as to conform to their individual specifications. We propose a methodology for developing such systems in a modular manner based on the notion of conflict-tolerant features that are designed to continue offering advice even when their advice has been overridden in the past. We give a simple priority-based scheme forcomposing such features. This guarantees the maximal use of each feature. We provide a formal framework for specifying such features, and a compositional technique for verifying systems developed in this framework.

Thermodynamic analysis of three state denaturation of Peanut Agglutinin

Peanut Agglutinin (PNA) is a homotetrameric protein with a very unusual open quaternary structure. During denaturation, it first dissociates into a molten globule like state, which subsequently undergoes complete denaturation. Urea denaturation of PNA at neutral pH has been studied by intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy and has been fitted to a three state model, A(4) double left right arrow 4I double left right arrow 4U, to get all the relevant thermodynamic parameters. Urea denaturation leads to continuous red shift of wavelength maxima. The molten globule like state is formed in a short range of urea concentration. Refolding of the denatured PNA has been attempted by intrinsic fluorescence study. Refolding by instantaneous dilution shows the occurrence of the formation of an intermediate at a relatively rapid rate, within few seconds. The transition from PNA tetramer to molten globule like state is found to have a Delta G value of similar to 33 kcal/mole while it is similar to 8 kcal/mole for the transition from molten globule like state to a completely denatured state. This in turn indicates that the tetramerization in PNA contributes significantly to the stability of the oligomer.

The Raman spectrum of cyclohexanol

The Raman spectrum of cyclohexanol has been studied in detail in the liquid state at 30° C. and at about 68° C. and in the solid state at about 13° C. The O-H stretching frequency of cyclohexanol has been found to extend from 3106-3571 cm.-1 in the liquid state at 30° C. and from 3204-3652 cm.-1 at 68° C. The 38 lines recorded in the present investigation have been following frequency shifts: 342, 408, 458, 478, 555, 653, 789, 834, 843, 863, 887, 920, 966, 978, 1024, 1047, 1070, 1139, 1173, 1184, 1210, 1235, 1252, 1301, 1329, 1346, 1362, 1438, 1448, 1464, 2660, 2684, 2710, 2854, 2896, 2925, 2940, 3106 to 3511 (band). Those lines which are italicized are the additional lines observed for the first time. The Raman lines at 966 cm.-1 and 1070 cm.-1 have been assigned to C-OH stretching vibrations of the axial and equatorial isomers. The ratio of the integrated intensity of the 1070 cm.-1 line to the 966 cm.-1 gave the equilibrium constant K as 2·896 at 30° C. and as 2·66 at 68° C. Knowing K, the free energy different Δ F was calculated and it was found to be 0·64 Kcal./mole at 30° C. and 0·66 Kcal./mole at about 68° C. Reasonable assignment has been made for most of the observed Raman lines.

Organizing (with) Thirdness. A Dialogic Understanding of Bicultural Interactions in Organizations

This conceptual paper examines bicultural interactions in organizations as they are experienced by the involved individuals. Notions from Bakhtinian dialogism are used in order to conceptualize the sensemaking opportunities provided by the encounter with a cultural otherness. It is argued that in such bicultural situations, because of the lack of intimate understanding of the other culture, the third element in the dialogic relation - ‘thirdness’, i.e. the relation itself, without which there would be no sensemaking potential - may be lacking as a result of the distorting combination of projected similarity and stereotyping, added to certain counterproductive organizational dynamics. Therefore, it is suggested that, to make the bicultural work interaction the rewarding relation it could be, thirdness should be coordinated by management in a way that can transcend the spontaneous negative dynamics of the confrontational situation. If management was to fail to organize (with) thirdness appropriately, bringing in a third party could be a possible alternative in order to initiate the necessary mutual understanding that should eventually lead to a fruitful work interaction.

Finnish-French Fundamental Cultural Antagonisms in Organising

Seeking to challenge the belief that within-West cultural differences should be seen as insignificant in organisations, this paper seeks to demonstrate how two given Western European ‘organising cultures’ (i.e. Finnish culture and French culture, as they are expressed in the process of organising) can contrast, if not conflict, with each other. Further, it aims to help the reader realise what kinds of fundamental ‘cultural antagonisms’ these contrasting organising behaviours may come from, to help her/him understand ‘the other culture’ better, and thus allow for a first step towards an improvement of Finnish-French intercultural interactions in organisational contexts. After shortly introducing what should be understood here as ‘cultural antagonisms’, the paper addresses four fundamental Finnish-French antagonisms, regarding the vision of the organisation (‘functionalist vs. personalist’), the relative importance of ‘consensus vs. dissensus’, the typical trade-off between reliability and flexibility, and the striking differences in communication, respectively. These four fundamental antagonisms are found to be closely interrelated and integrated, serving as explanation, justification and legitimisation for each other. That does not mean, however, that differences, however striking they may be, should merely be a threat to co-operation: some implications introduced at the end of the paper suggest that, provided people are aware of them, cultural antagonisms can also be seen as opportunities for a more fruitful work interaction.

Determinants and Consequences of Information Sharing with Key Suppliers

As companies become more efficient with respect to their internal processes, they begin to shift the focus beyond their corporate boundaries. Thus, the recent years have witnessed an increased interest by practitioners and researchers in interorganizational collaboration, which promises better firm performance through more effective supply chain management. It is no coincidence that this interest comes in parallel with the recent advancements in Information and Communication Technologies, which offer many new collaboration possibilities for companies. However, collaboration, or any other type of supply chain integration effort, relies heavily on information sharing. Hence, this study focuses on information sharing, in particular on the factors that determine it and on its value. The empirical evidence from Finnish and Swedish companies suggests that uncertainty (both demand and environmental) and dependency in terms of switching costs and asset specific investments are significant determinants of information sharing. Results also indicate that information sharing improves company performance regarding resource usage, output, and flexibility. However, companies share information more intensely at the operational rather than the strategic level. The use of supply chain practices and technologies is substantial but varies across the two countries. This study sheds light on a common trend in supply chains today. Whereas the results confirm the value of information sharing, the contingent factors help to explain why the intensity of information shared across companies differ. In the future, competitive pressures and uncertainty are likely to intensify. Therefore, companies may want to continue with their integration efforts by focusing on the determinants discussed in this study. However, at the same time, the possibility of opportunistic behavior by the exchange partner cannot be disregarded.

Essays on Earnings Management (summary section only)

There is much literature developing theories when and where earnings management occurs. Among the several possible motives driving earnings management behaviour in firms, this thesis focuses on motives that aim to influence the valuation of the firm. Earnings management that makes the firm look better than it really is may result in disappointment for the single investor and potentially leads to a welfare loss in society when the resource allocation is distorted. A more specific knowledge of the occurrence of earnings management supposedly increases the awareness of the investor and thus leads to better investments and increased welfare. This thesis contributes to the literature by increasing the knowledge as to where and when earnings management is likely to occur. More specifically, essay 1 adds to existing research connecting earnings management to IPOs and increases the knowledge in arguing that the tendency to manage earnings differs between the IPOs. Evidence is found that entrepreneur owned IPOs are more likely to be earnings managers than the institutionally owned ones. Essay 2 considers the reliability of quarterly earnings reports that precedes insider selling binges. The essay contributes by suggesting that earnings management is likely to occur before high insider selling. Essay 3 examines the widely studied phenomenon of income smoothing and investigates if income smoothing can be explained with proxies for information asymmetry. The essay argues that smoothing is more pervasive in private and smaller firms.

Drivers of ERP Systems´ Business Value

ERP system implementations have evolved so rapidly that now they represent a must-have within industries. ERP systems are viewed as the cost of doing business. Yet, the research that adopted the resource-based view on the business value of ERP systems concludes that companies may gain competitive advantage when they successfully manage their ERP projects, when they carefully reengineer the organization and when they use the system in line with the organizational strategies. This thesis contributes to the literature on ERP business value by examining key drivers of ERP business value in organizations. The first research paper investigates how ERP systems with different degrees of system functionality are correlated with the development of the business performance after the completion of the ERP projects. The companies with a better perceived system functionality obtained efficiency benefits in the first two years of post-implementation. However, in the third year there is no significant difference in efficiency benefits between successfully and less successfully managed ERP projects. The second research paper examines what business process changes occur in companies implementing ERP for different motivations and how these changes impact the business performance. The findings show that companies reported process changes mainly in terms of workflow changes. In addition, the companies having a business-led motivation focused more on observing average costs of each increase in the input unit. Companies having a technological-led motivation focused more on the benefits coming from the fit of the system with the organizational processes. The third research paper considers the role of alignment between ERP and business strategies for the realization of business value from ERP use. These findings show that strategic alignment and business process changes are significantly correlated with the perceived benefits of ERP at three levels: internal efficiency, customers and financial. Overall, by combining quantitative and qualitative research methods, this thesis puts forward a model that illustrates how successfully managed ERP projects, aligned with the business strategy, have automate and informate effects on processes that ultimately improve the customer service and reduce the companies’ costs.

Spam – Spim – Spit. En marknadsrättslig undersökning av marknadsföring via nya kommunikationstekniker

I boken behandlas nya kommunikationstekniker och olika marknadsföringsmetoder som har uppkommit till följd av den tekniska utvecklingen. Marknadsföring via de nya kommunikationskanalerna har givit upphov till vissa olägenheter för mottagarna. Olägenheterna som mottagarna förorsakas vid marknadsföring via de nya teknikerna kan delas in i tre kategorier; 1) meddelandet förorsakar kostnader för mottagaren, 2) meddelandet hindrar mottagaren samt 3) meddelandet upplevs vara påträngande och utgöra ett intrång i mottagarens privatliv. Under de senaste åren har det förekommit hektiska lagstiftningsåtgärder på många håll i världen. Såväl enskilda stater, nationella myndigheter samt internationella organisationer har utarbetat regler om marknadsföring via de nya teknikerna. En av kärnfrågorna i regleringen är huruvida man skall ha ett system med ”opt-in” eller ”opt-out”. En opt-in-lösning innebär att marknadsföraren måste inhämta mottagarens samtycke på förhand, medan en opt-out-lösning innebär att det är tillåtet att sända marknadsföring om inte mottagaren motsatt sig detta. Enligt gällande lagstiftning faller marknadsföring via följande tre tekniker under opt-in: automatiserade uppringningssystem, telefax samt e-post. Det huvudsakliga syftet med avhandlingen är att utreda om nuvarande opt-in-lista är tillräckligt omfattande med beaktande av de olägenheter som marknadsföring via de nya teknikerna förorsakar, eller om den bör utvidgas. I genomgången av marknadsföring via nya tekniker har marknadsföring via bl.a. följande tekniker undersökts: Internet (www-sidor), reklamfönster, reklambanner, e-post, mobiltelefon, telefax, bloggar, RSS, Instant Messaging samt Internettelefoni. Vid sidan av nya tekniker har även vissa ”traditionella” marknadsföringsmetoder undersökts, i syfte att utreda huruvida även de bör falla in under en opt-in-lösning. De traditionella marknadsföringsmetoder som ingår i avhandlingen är hemförsäljning, telemarketing, TV- och radioreklam samt adresserad och oadresserad direktreklam. En annan central del i avhandlingen är frågan hur påföljdssystemet vid överträdelser av opt-in-bestämmelserna bör utformas. Hur skall de enskilda mottagarna få ersättning för de kostnader de åsamkats av marknadsföringen? Är det dags att införa straffskadestånd i Finland? Hög tid att även Finland får grupptalan? Kan tvisterna avgöras virtuellt via domstolar on-line eller ODR?

Rättsekonomisk analys av revisors skadeståndsansvar i Norden

Revisorn utför ekonomisk kontroll inom sitt uppdrag. Ett vållande av ekonomisk skada när revisorn utför uppdraget innebär att han kan åläggas skadeståndsansvar. På senare tid har revisors vållande vid ekonomisk kontroll prövats av de högsta rättsinstanserna i de nordiska länderna. De högsta rättsinstanserna tenderar att gå långt i sina bedömningar om revisors vållande av ekonomisk skada. De ställer ofta aktsamhetskravet högt då de ålägger revisorerna skadeståndsansvar. I avhandlingen testas revisors skadeståndsansvar enligt en i undersökningen uppbyggd ekonomisk modell. Målsättningen är att vållanderegeln skall leda till ekonomisk effektivitet. Ekonomisk effektivitet prövas genom att en ekonomisk avvägning mellan nyttan och kostnaden med att företa skadeförebyggande åtgärder görs. I den ekonomiska analysen beskrivs revisors vållande i termer av revisors bristande omsorg, medan revisors grova vållande beskrivs som uppenbar försummelse. För undersökningen utgör det nordiska rättsfallsmaterialet ett material där strukturen är likadan, vilket gör det möjligt att pröva ekonomisk effektivitet. Resultatet av den ekonomiska analysen visar att ersättning för förmögenhetsskador inte skall utgöra den egentliga målsättningen. För att kunna begränsa omfattningen av revisors ersättningsansvar så att det ur en samhällsekonomisk synvinkel är ekonomiskt effektivt, bör det formuleras en snäv bedömningsgrund för revisors bristande omsorg. Den ekonomiska analysen påvisar att revisorerna vid bristande omsorg bör åläggas ett administrativt ansvar i form av disciplinära åtgärder. Revisorer skall åläggas skadeståndsansvar endast vid uppenbar försummelse. Genom uppenbar försummelse underlåter revisorerna att förebygga uppenbar förutsebar skada och åsidosätter sitt professionsansvar på ett medvetet sätt.