Comparative study of international academic rankings of universities

International academic rankings that compare world universities have proliferated recently. In accordance with latter conceptual and methodological advances in academic rankings approaches, five selection criteria are defined and four international university rankings are selected. A comparative analysis of the four rankings is presented taking into account both the indicators frequency and its weights. Results show that, although some indicators differ considerably across selected rankings and even many indicators are unique, indicators referred to research and scientific productivity from university academic staff have a prominent role across all approaches. The implications of obtained data for main rankings consumers are discussed.     

A unifying framework for quantifying the nature of animal interactions

Collective phenomena, whereby agent–agent interactions determine spatial patterns, are ubiquitous in the animal kingdom. On the other hand, movement and space use are also greatly influenced by the interactions between animals and their environment. Despite both types of interaction fundamentally influencing animal behaviour, there has hitherto been no unifying framework for the models proposed in both areas. Here, we construct a general method for inferring population-level spatial patterns from underlying individual movement and interaction processes, a key ingredient in building a statistical mechanics for ecological systems. We show that resource selection functions, as well as several examples of collective motion models, arise as special cases of our framework, thus bringing together resource selection analysis and collective animal behaviour into a single theory. In particular, we focus on combining the various mechanistic models of territorial interactions in the literature with step selection functions, by incorporating interactions into the step selection framework and demonstrating how to derive territorial patterns from the resulting models. We demonstrate the efficacy of our model by application to a population of insectivore birds in the Amazon rainforest.     

The influence of constrictivity on the effective transport properties of porous layers in electrolysis and fuel cells

The aim of the present investigation is to define microstructure parameters, which control the effective transport properties in porous materials for energy technology. Recent improvements in 3D-imaging (FIB-nanotomography, synchrotron X-ray tomography) and image analysis (skeletonization and graph analysis, transport simulations) open new possibilities for the study of microstructure effects. In this study, we describe novel procedures for a quantitative analysis of constrictivity, which characterizes the so-called bottleneck effect. In a first experimental part, methodological tests are performed using a porous (La,Sr)CoO₃ material (SOFC cathode). The tests indicate that the proposed procedure for quantitative analysis of constrictivity gives reproducible results even for samples with inhomogeneous microstructures (cracks, gradient of porosity). In the second part, 3D analyses are combined with measurements of ionic conductivity by impedance spectroscopy. The investigations are preformed on membranes of electrolysis cells with porosities between 0.27 and 0.8. Surprisingly, the tortuosities remain nearly constant (1.6) for the entire range of porosity. In contrast, the constrictivities vary strongly and correlate well with the measured transport resistances. Hence, constrictivity represents the dominant microstructure parameter, which controls the effective transport properties in the analysed membrane materials. An empirical relationship is then derived for the calculation of effective transport properties based on phase volume fraction, tortuosity, and constrictivity.     

Numerical modeling of the rebar/concrete interface: case of the flat steel rebars

This paper presents the methodology used to identify the mechanical behaviour of a steel-concrete interface in the case of a particular steel reinforcement (flat steel). The methodology consists in simulating the statistical mechanical behaviour of reinforced concrete tie-beams, subjected to tension, using a probabilistic discrete approach for the mechanical behaviour of the concrete under axial tension and a deterministic model for the steel-concrete interface. The model proposed for the interface is in the frame of damage mechanics taking into account physical phenomena related to the interface (cohesion and slip). The tie-beams are reinforced by a flat steel rebar with a rectangular cross section of 25 × 3.5 mm. Results of this numerical simulation have been compared to some experimental tests results. These comparisons are performed in terms of global responses (load-displacement curves) and of local responses (crack openings, number of cracks and cracks’ spacing).     

Impact of bibliometrics upon the science system: Inadvertent consequences?

Summary Ranking of research institutions by bibliometric methods is an improper tool for research performance evaluation, even at the level of large institutions. The problem, however, is not the ranking as such. The indicators used for ranking are often not advanced enough, and this situation is part of the broader problem of the application of insufficiently developed bibliometric indicators used by persons who do not have clear competence and experience in the field of quantitative studies of science. After a brief overview of the basic elements of bibliometric analysis, I discuss the major technical and methodological problems in the application of publication and citation data in the context of evaluation. Then I contend that the core of the problem lies not necessarily at the side of the data producer. Quite often persons responsible for research performance evaluation, for instance scientists themselves in their role as head of institutions and departments, science administrators at the government level and other policy makers show an attitude that encourages 'quick and dirty' bibliometric analyses whereas better quality is available. Finally, the necessary conditions for a successful application of advanced bibliometric indicators as support tool for peer review are discussed.     

International comparisons of scientific performance revisited

This paper presents a methodological analysis of the latest update of the CHI/NSF Science Literature Indicators Data-Base. The data-base contains a range of publication and citation indicators borken down by country and field or subfield, and now convers the period from 1973 to 1984. It can be used to draw comparisons of the changing output and impact of basic research in different countries. Earlier applications of the data-base have been constrained by various technical limitations, and have been subject to certain criticism. In this article, after some conceptual analysis of what aspects of scientific performance the different indicators relate to, we show that much of the criticism is misplaced. We also describe subsequent methodological improvements to the indicators and the effect these have on the policy use that can be made. Finally, we examine what the latest statistics reveal about the relative international standing of seven leading scientific nations.     

新发展格局下自然资源与国土空间规划标准化工作思考

标准化工作是保障和引领生态文明新时代自然资源与国土空间治理的有效手段。本文通过分析自然资源部组建以来,自然资源与国土空间规划标准化工作取得的积极成效,以及存在的标准供需不平衡不充分、信息化和国际化程度不高等问题,提出需要按照高质量发展、高水平治理的要求,加强自然资源与国土空间规划领域标准化工作的顶层设计,注重基础能力建设,优化工作程序,强化标准实施监督,提升信息化和国际化水平,为推进自然资源治理体系和治理能力现代化发挥基础性和战略性作用。     

Material flow visualization in Friction Stir Welding via particle tracing

This work deals with the modeling of the material flow in Friction Stir Welding (FSW) processes using particle tracing method. For the computation of particle trajectories, three accurate and computationally efficient integration methods are implemented within a FE model for FSW process: the Backward Euler with Sub-stepping (BES), the 4-th order Runge–Kutta (RK4) and the Back and Forth Error Compensation and Correction (BFECC) methods. Firstly, their performance is compared by solving the Zalesak’s disk benchmark. Later, the developed methodology is applied to some FSW problems providing a quantitative 2D and 3D view of the material transport in the process area. The material flow pattern is compared to the experimental evidence.     

The relationship between corporate social responsibility and corporate performance: evidence from the US semiconductor industry

This study adopts a two-stage approach to explore the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and semiconductor companies’ performance during 2004–2008. In the first stage, dynamic data envelopment analysis is adopted to explore whether CSR affects US semiconductor firms’ performance, and the difference in performance between CSR firms and non-CSR firms is analysed; in the second stage, panel data regression is used to determine which quantitative indicators of CSR significantly affect the performance of US semiconductor firms. The empirical results show that social responsibility investment by US semiconductor firms has positive effects on their performance. This study thus suggests that the US semiconductor companies should pay more attention to the CSR quantitative indicators, including human rights, employee relationships, and environment issues in order to enhance their corporate efficiency.     

Territorial intelligence in rural areas: The digitization of non-profit associations through social media

Rural communities are facing the challenge of technological development to address territorial management, by overcoming the digital divide, by introducing digitization in these resilient areas and connecting them. This article thus analyses the relationship that exists between territorial intelligence and development in rural areas through the use of social networks in non-profit associations. The aims are to establish the monitoring and evaluation of social networks in the Local Action Groups (LAGs) of Andalusia and to establish whether the demographic vacuum conditions interactivity.Fourteen indicators have been developed that are linked to social networks, using the LAGs’ websites—Facebook, Twitter and YouTube—as sources. The purpose of all this is to examine the volume of information and the degree of visibility that exists on each of the three platforms. Three indices of interactivity are obtained which are finally included in a cluster analysis.The results show that these associations use social networks more as a means of unidirectional communication with little interaction with society at large. Facebook continues to be the most widely used tool for spreading information in the rural environment. Although the majority of LAGs make an effort to communicate with each other, they should create more synergies. Rural depopulation need not hinder interactivity; a change of mentality is needed, along with the creation of new cultural paradigms for the delivery and use of public services.     

A framework for the establishment of organizational risk indicators

Organizational risk indicators are proposed as a tool for risk control during operation of offshore installations, as a complement to QRA-based indicators. An organizational factor framework is developed based on a review of existing organizational factor frameworks, research on safety performance indicators, and previous work on QRA-based indicators. The results comprise a qualitative organizational model, proposed organizational risk indicators, and a quantification methodology for assessing the impact of the organization on risk. The risk indicators, when validated, will aid in a frequent control of the risk in the periods between the updating of the quantitative risk assessments.     

基于系统动力学的跨境电商生态系统动力机制研究

以跨境电商生态系统为研究对象,通过分析影响跨境电商生态系统发展的内部及外部动力,提出动力机制概念模型;在定性分析的基础上,运用Vensim PLE软件对跨境电商生态系统发展趋势进行仿真,并通过改变政策扶持因素、技术水平因素和企业自身因素分析不同因素对跨境电商生态系统发展的动态影响。仿真结果表明,政府通过加强海关监管力度对跨境电商生态系统发展的促进作用最大,其次是加强商品检验力度和提高税收优惠;信息化水平的提升对认证管理水平和支付安全程度的提升有一定的促进作用;跨境电商平台发展水平及跨境电商物流发展水平的提升均可以增强跨境电商竞争力,促进跨境电商生态系统发展。     

Spatial Wavelet Approach to Local Matrix Crack Detection in Composite Beams with Ply Level Material Uncertainty

Wavelet coefficients based on spatial wavelets are used as damage indicators to identify the damage location as well as the size of the damage in a laminated composite beam with localized matrix cracks. A finite element model of the composite beam is used in conjunction with a matrix crack based damage model to simulate the damaged composite beam structure. The modes of vibration of the beam are analyzed using the wavelet transform in order to identify the location and the extent of the damage by sensing the local perturbations at the damage locations. The location of the damage is identified by a sudden change in spatial distribution of wavelet coefficients. Monte Carlo Simulations (MCS) are used to investigate the effect of ply level uncertainty in composite material properties such as ply longitudinal stiffness, transverse stiffness, shear modulus and Poisson’s ratio on damage detection parameter, wavelet coefficient. In this study, numerical simulations are done for single and multiple damage cases. It is observed that spatial wavelets can be used as a reliable damage detection tool for composite beams with localized matrix cracks which can result from low velocity impact damage.     

Citation-based criteria of the significance of the research activity of scientific teams

The objective of this research is elaborating new criteria for evaluating the significance of the research results achieved by scientific teams. It is known, that the h-index (Hirsch index) is used to evaluate scientific organizations, as well as individual scientific workers. On the one hand, such a scientometric indicator as the “h-index of a scientific organization” reflects the organization’s scientific potential objectively. On the other hand, it does not always adequately reflect the significance that the results of a scientific team’s research activity have for the scientific megaenvironment (scientific community). The i-index has an even greater disadvantage, being principally limited by the size of a scientific team, although h-index is also dependent on the number of publications. Not trying to diminish the significance of the traditional parameters for monitoring the research activity of scientific organizations, including the institutions of higher education, the authors stress the necessity of using not only the traditional indicators, but also other parameters reflecting the significance of a scientific team’s research results for the scientific community. It should also not be forgotten that a scientific team is a social system whose functioning is not limited to the “sum” of individual scientific workers’ activities. The authors suggest new criteria of significance of research activity of scientific teams, which are suitable for the specific usage, hence they (the indicators) should be used with great caution; it is most appropriate to use the authors’ criteria for analyzing the dynamics of the research activity of scientific teams (following the principle “Compare yourself with yesterday’s yourself”). The authors’ proposed citation-based indicators make it possible to evaluate the true significance of research activity of a scientific team for the scientific community; while defining and justifying the new criteria, the authors also took into consideration the actuality of such a problem as the struggle with the self-citation effect (in a wider context—the problem of struggling with the artificial “improvement” of the scientometric indicators). The methodological basis of the research is formed by the system, metasystem, probability statistic, synergetic, sociological and qualimetric approaches. The research methods are the analysis of the problem situation, the analysis of the scientific literature and the best practices of research activity management at the institutions of higher education (benchmarking), the cognitive, structural–functional and mathematical modelling, the methods of graph, set and relation theory, the methods of qualimetry (the theory of latent variables), the methods of probability theory and mathematical statistics.     

Psychic Distance,its Business Impact and Modes of Coping: A Study of British and Indian Partner SMEs

This paper reports one of the first investigations to analyze inter-partner perceptions of psychic distance between two countries. Its empirical focus is British and Indian SMEs engaged in business with each other. It examines different dimensions of psychic distance, their impact and modes of coping with them. Potential firm-level and individual influences are also taken into account. The paper aims to transcend some of the conceptual and methodological limitations of previous research on the subject and to identify the theoretical and practical implications that arise. A ‘mirror’ approach is applied, accessing both partners’ perceptions. These are assessed through a ‘mixed’ method combining quantitative measurement with qualitative interpretations. Psychic distance dimensions are found to vary in their impact on doing business with the other country, and there is also variation according to the firm’s sector. There is considerable asymmetry in British and Indian partners’ perceptions of psychic distance but the degree of difference between their psychic distance evaluations lacks predictive power. Culturally embedded psychic distance dimensions tend to have less impact and to be easier to cope with than institutionally embedded dimensions. Four categories of coping are identified. The principal theoretical implication of this study is that a contingency perspective needs to be adopted in the field of ‘distance’ research, taking account of factors such as a firm’s sector, and that this will require a more complex analytical framework that hitherto.     

空间生产视角下传统“家族村落”的内聚意蕴

传统村落是家族聚居的场所,村落的家族结构与其空间格局存在较强的关联性。基于列斐伏尔空间生产的理论视角,通过空间三元辩证法分析发现:传统家族村落择址中的风水观念及其空间格局中的层级秩序,分别体现了人们对天人合一和尊卑位序理念的空间实践;传统家族村落还普遍具备以中为尊、外扩生长的空间表征,但单姓家族村落和多姓家族村落之间存在差异化的格局模式;在微观视角下,传统家族村落内部也充满生活化的符号,它们象征了团结和睦与兴旺吉祥,共同呈现了向心凝聚、兴旺发达的表征空间,表达着强烈的内聚意蕴。对于无形的人居场域而言,中国传统村落作为血缘和地缘的共同体,研究其家族构成与村落空间的关联性,能为家族村落的保护和更新提供更科学的依据。     

考虑通关水平的跨境物流服务供应链契约协调机制研究

为实现跨境物流服务供应链完全协调,运用Stackelberg博弈理论,构建由一个跨境物流服务供应商与一个物流服务集成商组成的二级供应链。采用因子分析法测度通关水平,分析通关水平对跨境物流服务供应链最优决策及协调运作的影响,设计可供跨境物流服务供应链完美协调的契约机制。研究表明,考虑通关水平使跨境物流服务供应链成员及供应链整体利润均得到提升;集中决策下跨境物流服务供应链整体利润总是高于分散决策;收益共享契约可实现跨境物流服务供应商及供应链整体决策的帕累托优化,但不能达到供应链的完全协调,而Nash协商改进的二部定价契约模型可实现供应链的完全协调。     

跨境VMI供货模式下生产-库存联合优化研究

研究基于跨境VMI(vendor managed inventory)供货模式下的生产-库存联合优化问题。以一个实际案例企业作为应用背景,比较了VMI供货模式和传统的供货模式在海运和空运2种运输方式下的不同特点及其对决策的影响。研究结果表明,对于案例企业而言,采用VMI供货模式的库存管理是可行的,考虑目前公司采用2种可选的运输模式,选择海运的总成本最低。通过对资金费用率、库存费用比率和缺货费用率进行灵敏度分析,探讨了不同环境变量对最优决策的影响。研究结果对跨境供应链多国生产型企业改善跨境物资采购和生产-库存决策有一定参考价值。     

The role and development of quantitative indicators for research and technology policy making: Some experience from the department of trade and industry

This article discusses quantitative S&T indicators from the perspective of their usefulness in bringing longer term considerations into policy making. A number of areas of current and future work by the Longer Term Studies Group of the Department of Trade and Industry are presented as illustrative cases. The main concern of the article, however, is to outline some of the main decisions facing S&T policy making, thereby setting the context for the development and use of quantitative indicators. It is suggested that the approach of considering longer term trends and developments in the context of present-day policy issues may well open new opportunities for the development of quantitative indicators. Above all a pragmatic approach is required, weighing up the value of an indicator with other sources of information in considering their relevance to the practical problems of policy making.Several colleagues gave helpful comments on earlier drafts of this paper. However, the paper represents the views of the author and not necessarily those of the DTI.