Search results

11 – 20 of 134
Book part
Publication date: 21 October 2014

Abstract

Details

Politics and the Life Sciences: The State of the Discipline
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-108-4

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2015

Tien Phuc Dang, Zhengqi Gu and Zhen Chen

The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the flow field structure around the race car in two cases: stationary wheel and rotating wheel. In addition, this…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to gain a better understanding of the flow field structure around the race car in two cases: stationary wheel and rotating wheel. In addition, this paper also illustrates and clarifies the influence of wheel rotation on the aerodynamic characteristics around the race car.

Design/methodology/approach

The author uses steady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations with the Realizable k-ε model to study model open-wheel race car. Two cases are considered, a rotating wheel and stationary wheel.

Findings

The results obtained from the study are presented graphically, pressure, velocity distribution, the flow field structure, lift coefficient (Cl) and drag coefficient (Cd) for two cases and the significant influence of rotating case on flow field structure around wheel and aerodynamic characteristics of race car. The decreases in Cd and Cl values in the rotating case for the race car are 16.83 and 13.25 per cent, respectively, when compared to the stationary case.

Originality/value

Understanding the flow field structures and aerodynamic characteristics around the race car in two cases by the steady RANS equations with the Realizable k-ε turbulence model.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 25 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 April 2021

Leobardo Diosdado and Donald Lacombe

The objective of this paper is to examine whether the financial satisfaction (FS) of a state’s residents is affected by the funding ratio of the state’s public pension.

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to examine whether the financial satisfaction (FS) of a state’s residents is affected by the funding ratio of the state’s public pension.

Design/methodology/approach

A multilevel hierarchal probit model that control for the funding ratio at the state level and its resident’s FS at the individual level was used to determine how a one-unit increase in funding ratio of a state’s pension plan affected the degree of FS experienced by the individual residing within that state.

Findings

The marginal effect from the probit model estimated suggest that a state’s pension plan funding ratio does affect the degree of FS experienced by its residents.

Research limitations/implications

This study only examined data from 2015, thus, future research should consider examining this question via longitude studies, perhaps a survivor model.

Practical implications

States that fail to address their pension plan’s funding ratio may be exposing their residents to negative externality that could potentially influence an individual’s choice to relocate to another state that is not facing similar issues.

Originality/value

To the best of authors’ knowledge, the current body of research has yet to address and/or research the externalities associated with the underfunding of public pension plans throughout the USA. This paper combined two unique sets of publicly available data from all 50 states along with a sample of its residents to examine how public policy associated with state and/or local government pension affect its residents.

Article
Publication date: 5 May 2020

Gerald Oeser

Logistics service providers (LSPs) may invest a lot of time in tenders unsuccessfully, as they do not meet the expectations of logistics service users (LSUs). In order to help…

Abstract

Purpose

Logistics service providers (LSPs) may invest a lot of time in tenders unsuccessfully, as they do not meet the expectations of logistics service users (LSUs). In order to help them classify and target their customers more efficiently and effectively and make logistics outsourcing more successful for both LSUs and LSPs, this paper analyzes underlying dimensions of criteria German manufacturing and trading companies actually use in selecting an LSP and clusters of LSUs based on these dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey with 110 manufacturing and 135 trading companies was conducted in Germany. Principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, multivariate analysis of variance, analysis of variance and discriminant analysis were performed on the sample data.

Findings

PCA revealed eight dimensions of LSU criteria in selecting LSPs and that cost alone seems not decisive. Based on these dimensions, cluster analysis produced nine LSU groups. These groups differ the most in the selection criteria dimensions cost-performance ratio, operational collaboration, quality and locations. Recommendations for servicing these groups are given. The two largest groups, which make up 43.5%, seem not that demanding and price sensitive. The selection criteria dimensions and LSU groups enable LSPs to classify and target their customers more efficiently and effectively, to evaluate and develop their core competencies, and contribute to successful logistics-outsourcing relationships.

Originality/value

This research is the first to examine selection criteria dimensions and resulting clusters of German manufacturing and trading companies in order to make logistics outsourcing more successful.

Book part
Publication date: 3 November 2017

Tess Dussling

The purpose of this chapter is to identify specific instructional strategies to help English language learners develop literacy skills. Potential difficulties in areas of…

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to identify specific instructional strategies to help English language learners develop literacy skills. Potential difficulties in areas of decoding, vocabulary, and fluency are explored along with suggestions to implement effective instruction. The intention of this chapter is not to be a research document, but a pragmatic guide for educators of English language learners. Through reflective practice and backed by research, I walk readers through classroom and professional development scenarios and also present ways to effectively support the emerging literacy skills of English language learners. Readers will be presented with research-based instructional methods shown to enhance crucial early literacy skills for English language learners along with practical suggestions for teachers to put research into practice in the classroom. Scenarios and research-based practices illuminate how to effectively work with English language learners. Research-based evidence is presented, showing that English language learners go through the same developmental milestones as native English-speaking students, but may require some additional modifications along with explicit instruction. The chapter describes how teachers can build foundational reading skills for English language learners, something that is crucial for later academic success.

Details

Addressing Diversity in Literacy Instruction
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-048-6

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 6 November 2013

Bartosz Sawik

This chapter presents the survey of selected linear and mixed integer programming multi-objective portfolio optimization. The definitions of selected percentile risk measures are…

Abstract

This chapter presents the survey of selected linear and mixed integer programming multi-objective portfolio optimization. The definitions of selected percentile risk measures are presented. Some contrasts and similarities of the different types of portfolio formulations are drawn out. The survey of multi-criteria methods devoted to portfolio optimization such as weighting approach, lexicographic approach, and reference point method is also presented. This survey presents the nature of the multi-objective portfolio problems focuses on a compromise between the construction of objectives, constraints, and decision variables in a portfolio and the problem complexity of the implemented mathematical models. There is always a trade-off between computational time and the size of an input data, as well as the type of mathematical programming formulation with linear and/or mixed integer variables.

Book part
Publication date: 10 July 2014

To examine the utility of multiple reading speeds during rereadings toward enhancing comprehension and application of subsequently gained knowledge.

Abstract

Purpose

To examine the utility of multiple reading speeds during rereadings toward enhancing comprehension and application of subsequently gained knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

Representations of slow, mindful reading as well as analyses of eye training and speed reading techniques are described to serve as the theoretical foundation for the meta-strategy – read fast, read slow (RF/RS).

Findings

This meta-strategy encompasses aspects of rereading, eye training exercises, and speed reading; it is derived from a cognitive concept that a blueprint can be formed from reading at an increased speed from one’s normal speed. Further, the gaps along with that information which was not fully understood from the initial reading can be secured by following the initial fast read with a slower than normal reading of the text. The idea is to refine that which is important versus unimportant (main idea vs. details), and enhance the surface level of understanding into one that is critical and analytical after having been confronted against existing schematic notions.

Practical implications

Concepts of text structure, word reading automaticity, and content interest are natural by-products of using the RF/RS strategy. Together, these benefits allow for holistic growth and moreover, provide successful reading experiences. Successful reading prompts additional reading, as it has been widely established that better readers read more often and more widely.

Details

Theoretical Models of Learning and Literacy Development
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78350-821-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 January 2005

Martin Schaurhofer and Markus F. Peschl

Empowerment describes the processes of how to gain and increase autonomy and self‐determination in one's own environment. Typical examples for empowerment processes can be found…

2101

Abstract

Purpose

Empowerment describes the processes of how to gain and increase autonomy and self‐determination in one's own environment. Typical examples for empowerment processes can be found in: citizen's initiatives, human rights movements, and other social movements or self help groups. This paper shows that empowerment processes have to be understood as “knowledge processes”. A link between empowerment and the methods of knowledge management will be established. It is inspired by Heinz von Foersters ideas of self‐regulated processes in nervous systems.

Design/methodology/approach

In a first step the concept of empowerment will be presented. Secondly, it will be shown which role knowledge is playing in this context. In the last part practical implications of these considerations will be discussed.

Findings

The motivation for engaging in civil society issues is heavily dependent on personal knowledge and on the abilities to access knowledge resources. A constructivist paradigm turns out to be fertile. Discovering one's own strengths, constructing solutions, testing them in the personal context and environment, as well as reflecting these processes are the starting points for developing a constructivist perspective on empowerment processes.

Practical implications

Coaching empowerment processes in a knowledge‐oriented framework can focus on the construction of personal strength, can create space for experimental action and also for reflecting on social and political processes. This provides opportunities for exchange of experiences and fosters second‐order views.

Originality/value

H.v.Foerster's concepts on change and autonomy are the foundation for this constructivist approach to empowerment. This could be a helpful approach for supporting affected people in every empowerment process.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 34 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 13 August 2014

Farah Mulyasari and Rajib Shaw

This chapter illustrates local responses to disaster and highlights the potential role of three community-based society organizations (CBSOs) – women’s groups, youth groups, and…

Abstract

This chapter illustrates local responses to disaster and highlights the potential role of three community-based society organizations (CBSOs) – women’s groups, youth groups, and religious groups – as risk communicators in Bandung, Indonesia. A framework is modeled for CBSOs’ risk communication process in bridging the gap between the local government and the community. A set of indicators in social, economic, and institutional resilience activities (SIERA), with a scope of 45 disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities covering three different disaster periods was developed to characterize the process of the delivery of risk information by these CBSOs through their activities at subdistrict and ward levels. The data were collected through a questionnaire survey method using the SIERA approach. Each CBSO leader in a ward was surveyed about their perceptions of these 45 ongoing SIERA activities and their risk information source and dissemination process. Statistical analysis was applied to determine the relationship between variables such as periods of disaster and types of SIERA activities and its attributing factors (location, population, and dynamic of organizations in their locale) in finding variations of risk communication activity that may function for communities. Five risk communication processes of the CBSOs are identified; when their perceptions and ongoing activities are compared, activities such as dissemination of disaster risk information, conveying early warnings to their peers, and involvement of the local government have been carried out by these CBSOs. This indicates that CBSOs’ activities already have a certain degree of risk communication embedded in the communities. The results confirm that these CBSOs, through their social networks, can become active agents of change and bridge the communication gap between government and community. Thus, CBSOs’ risk communication provides the opportunity to contribute to the overall resilience-building and disaster risk reduction as part of people-centered actions and local responses to disasters.

Details

Risks and Conflicts: Local Responses to Natural Disasters
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-821-1

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 29 August 2017

Margaret L. McBeath, Maureen T. B. Drysdale and Nicholas Bohn

Mental illness amongst students in higher education has increased in recent years. Several contributing factors have been identified, including the growing number of students with…

Abstract

Mental illness amongst students in higher education has increased in recent years. Several contributing factors have been identified, including the growing number of students with pre-existing problems who are pursuing university and the fact that emerging adulthood is a time of developmental vulnerability to social pressures. Other key factors include academic pressure, the financial burden of student debt, and increasing uncertainty around making a successful transition to the workplace. These pressures are often more pronounced for minority students – in particular ethnic and sexual minority students. Peer support and connectedness to school have been identified as key areas for building protective factors for positive mental health outcomes and lower rates of health-risk behaviors. Many higher education institutions also offer work-integrated learning programs (WIL) to help ease students’ financial burden and increase their level of employability. However, participation in WIL may impact on students’ academic and social support networks. For instance, programs in which students participate in off-campus work placements (i.e., cooperative education) can cause disruption in students’ connectedness to school and their perceived level of social support. This chapter examines the intensification of mental health problems on campus and explores the importance of sense of belonging and social support as protective factors. Furthermore, the chapter explores how WIL can both protect and hinder students’ mental health and wellbeing and examines current evidence for interventions that can help students prepare for their school-to-work transition.

Details

Work-Integrated Learning in the 21st Century
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-859-8

Keywords

11 – 20 of 134