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Article
Publication date: 14 June 2013

Yage Zhan, Kan Gu, Hua Wu and Jun Luo

The on‐line concentration and temperature measurement of solutions is of great interest as a means of quality production control in many industrial processes, such as in food…

Abstract

Purpose

The on‐line concentration and temperature measurement of solutions is of great interest as a means of quality production control in many industrial processes, such as in food service industry, pharmaceuticals industry, chemical industry and environmental engineering, especially for harmful solutions or solutions that cannot be reached by the operator. This paper seeks to address these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A high resolution all‐fiber multi‐parameter sensor system has been studied theoretically and experimentally. The sensor system can be used for on‐line monitoring of concentration and temperature simultaneously and dynamically. A combined long period fiber grating (CLPG) is used as the sensor head based on its resonance wavelength shifts being almost linearly with concentration and temperature, and also based on that the two applied resonance peaks have different concentration‐wavelength coefficients and different temperature‐wavelength coefficients. Two wavelength‐matched fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) are used to convert resonance peak wavelengths of the CLPG into corresponding intensities for interrogation.

Findings

When the concentration and the temperature all fluctuate dynamically during experiments, a concentration resolution of 0.03 g/L has been achieved in the range of 0∼200 g/L, and a temperature resolution of 0.02C has been realized in the range of −20∼60C.

Originality/value

On‐line monitoring of concentration and temperature for solutions is a means of quality production control in biological, chemical and other many industrial processes, such as in food service industry, pharmaceuticals industry, chemical industry, and also in environmental engineering, especially for harmful solutions or solutions that cannot be reached by the operator. Optical fiber sensors have numerous advantages over traditional sensors, such as immunity to electromagnetic interference, higher stability and sensitivity, more easiness of multiplex, being competent for application in harsh environments, “smart structures” and on‐site measurements. Long period optical fiber grating sensor is the most appropriate sensor for multi‐parameter monitoring in the fields mentioned above, which has all the advantages of optical fiber sensor. Besides, optical fiber grating sensors can be used for monitoring more accurately because its signal is coded by wavelength. The all‐fiber sensor system is suitable for remote monitoring of many solutions, such as the solutions of NaCl, glucose, alcohol, and hydrocarbon.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2000

L. Everall, A. Gallon and D. Roberts

This paper describes state‐of‐the‐art optical technology, employing Bragg gratings, which has been used to develop an Optical Fibre Strain Sensing System. This system is capable…

Abstract

This paper describes state‐of‐the‐art optical technology, employing Bragg gratings, which has been used to develop an Optical Fibre Strain Sensing System. This system is capable of providing actual strain and temperature information for new and existing structures. The sensors, written into the core of standard single mode optical fibre, are embedded into the composite material, or surface bonded on to the structure for load monitoring. The system can be used as a design tool for engineers, for composite cure‐monitoring, setting up of rigs etc., or can be used as a health monitoring tool to periodically monitor loading of bridges, buildings and pipelines.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2011

Bengi Aygün and Vehbi Cagri Gungor

The purpose of this paper is to provide a contemporary look at the current state‐of‐the‐art in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for structure health monitoring (SHM) applications…

2012

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a contemporary look at the current state‐of‐the‐art in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) for structure health monitoring (SHM) applications and discuss the still‐open research issues in this field and, hence, to make the decision‐making process more effective and direct.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a comprehensive review of WSNs for SHM. It also introduces research challenges, opportunities, existing and potential applications. Network architecture and the state‐of‐the‐art wireless sensor communication technologies and standards are explained. Hardware and software of the existing systems are also clarified.

Findings

Existing applications and systems are presented along with their advantages and disadvantages. A comparison landscape and open research issues are also presented.

Originality/value

The paper presents a comprehensive and recent review of WSN systems for SHM applications along with open research issues.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 1 June 2022

Joan E. Madia, Catia Nicodemo and Stuart Redding

This chapter presents a summary of existent evidence regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Minority Ethnic Groups (MEGs) in the United Kingdom Compared to White…

Abstract

This chapter presents a summary of existent evidence regarding the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Minority Ethnic Groups (MEGs) in the United Kingdom Compared to White British, MEGs have historically experienced lower levels of health and socioeconomic outcomes and the COVID-19 crisis seems to have widened these inequalities. In particular, evidence gathered between 2020 and early 2021 suggests that MEGs, and especially MEGs women, experienced a substantive deterioration in mental health. Furthermore, Black and South Asian groups were more likely to contract the infection and die than any other ethnic group. Access to preventative services and healthcare, plus residential and employment segregation seem to be important factors in explaining mortality rates due to COVID-19. Finally, data released by NHS on vaccinations (until August 2021) show that Black, Pakistani and Bangladeshi communities are lagging behind the rest, with a very low proportion of these groups receiving the first dose. Getting everyone vaccinated should be a priority for the Government in order to reduce the impact of COVID-19 and avoid new outbreaks. The evidence collected and summarised in this chapter calls for further attention on, and action to mitigate, the widening gaps in health and socioeconomic attainments across ethnic groups.

Details

The Economics of COVID-19
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-694-0

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2018

Khadijeh Momeni and Miia Martinsuo

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the efficient use of remote monitoring systems (RMS) to create business value for industrial services in manufacturing firms. A…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the efficient use of remote monitoring systems (RMS) to create business value for industrial services in manufacturing firms. A business view to RMS is a key prerequisite for the successful application of the Internet of Things (IoT) in industrial services.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative multiple-case study was conducted in six engineering companies. The main source of data was semi-structured interviews with 16 managers.

Findings

The findings highlight the role of RMS in enabling manufacturing firms to collect data from customers to complement their limited knowledge about their customers. The study demonstrates the business value of using RMS in industrial services and the necessity of capturing the business value through advanced IT technologies.

Research limitations/implications

The qualitative research design and choice of six target companies limit the findings to business-to-business manufacturing firms. Further, the focus is on the manager’s viewpoint. The findings imply new business value through an efficient use of RMS to complement direct customer contact.

Practical implications

The study draws attention to the skilled use of advanced RMS and information and communication technology as a prerequisite for the successful application of the IoT in manufacturing firms that provide services for complex solutions and customers dispersed globally.

Originality/value

The research shows that using information collected through RMS is an important factor in creating business value in a manufacturing firm’s customer relationships. The study contributes by integrating RMS into the customer information collection process to increase the amount, validity and quality of data.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 33 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 March 2022

Basel Khashab, Stephen Gulliver, Rami Ayoubi and Carolyn Strong

Most Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have silos of distributed processes, which adds to the confusion and conflict concerning the Customer Relationship Management (CRM)…

Abstract

Purpose

Most Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) have silos of distributed processes, which adds to the confusion and conflict concerning the Customer Relationship Management (CRM), desires, expectation and needs (DEN). Where possible, in order to maximise resource impact and minimise organisational disruption, HEIs should practically map these DEN to processes, roles, events, activities, channels, and technologies (PRE-ACTs) that already exist within the organisation. The paper iteratively considers use of additional practical approaches that need be considered in order to ensure that strategic HEI CRM DEN are effectively captured, and that the requirements are appropriately mapped to existing HEI activities.

Design/methodology/approach

Content from 27 JISC cases, 10 semi-structured interviews and three focus group sessions have been collected and analysed using thematic analysis to understand how to develop preliminary stage 2 steps and assess the applicability of the final CRM strategy orientation support (CRM-SOS) framework stage 2 methods.

Findings

The authors believe that this study provides substantial practical support to CRM implementation practitioners when analysing customer CRM desires, expectation, and needs requirements. The developing practical tools aim to 1) support practitioners better comprehend the multifaceted life cycles, needs, and requirements of HEI customers, and 2) aid in the planning and management of CRM change more effectively.

Originality/value

The paper is extending the recent research around CRM strategy in HEIs by proposing additional practical approaches that need be considered to ensure that strategic CRM are effectively captured. The paper also offers considerable practical support to CRM implementation practitioners when analysing customer CRM desires, expectation, and needs' requirements.

Details

Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2018

Liza Hopkins, Andrew Foster and Lara Nikitin

The purpose of this paper is to understand and inform the development and implementation of a newly established Discovery College (a youth-focused Recovery College). It also aims…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand and inform the development and implementation of a newly established Discovery College (a youth-focused Recovery College). It also aims to contribute to a broader understanding of the benefits and barriers to establishing Recovery Colleges.

Design/methodology/approach

The overall study took a mixed-methods approach to the evaluation of Discovery College, including a qualitative process evaluation component as well as a mixed-methods outcomes evaluation. This paper reports on the findings of the process evaluation, which undertook key informant interviews with a range of stakeholders in the implementation process.

Findings

A total of 16 themes emerged from the qualitative data, which were then clustered into four main areas: establishing Discovery College, organisational context, nature of Discovery College and service transformation. Implementation was reported as both feasible and effective. Initial tension between fidelity to the model and a pragmatic approach to action was negotiated during implementation and through an ability of staff to tolerate uncertainty, enabled by the efforts and support of senior service management and college staff.

Originality/value

Recovery Colleges co-designed and implemented in youth mental health services are a recent development in the field of mental health care and very little has previously been published regarding the feasibility, effectiveness and acceptability of youth-focused Recovery Colleges. This paper is one of the first to assess the barriers and enablers to the implementation of Discovery College within a clinical youth mental health service.

Details

Mental Health and Social Inclusion, vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-8308

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 December 2016

Alyson Norman

The purpose of this paper is to review the care management of a man with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a family member’s perspective.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the care management of a man with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) from a family member’s perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a case history of “Tom” both prior to his TBI and after.

Findings

Tom was the subject of a safeguarding adults case review in Somerset following his death in 2014. Ultimately the paper highlights the shortcomings and failures in the care Tom received by various organisations which ultimately contributed to his suicide.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the need for more effective communication between professionals managing the care of those with TBI. Furthermore, professionals need training in the need for mental capacity assessments and improved safeguarding and risk assessments with adults with TBI.

Originality/value

This paper provides insight into the needs of an adult with TBI from the perspective of a family member who is also a trained psychologist.

Details

The Journal of Adult Protection, vol. 18 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1466-8203

Keywords

Abstract

Details

City Logistics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-08-043903-7

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1975

Natural selection—survival of the fittest—is as old as life itself. Applied genetics which is purposeful in contrast to natural selection also has a long history, particularly in…

Abstract

Natural selection—survival of the fittest—is as old as life itself. Applied genetics which is purposeful in contrast to natural selection also has a long history, particularly in agriculture; it has received impetus from the more exacting demands of the food industry for animal breeds with higher lean : fat and meat : bone ratios, for crops resistant to the teeming world of parasites. Capturing the exquisite scent, the colours and form beautiful of a rose is in effect applied genetics and it has even been applied to man. For example, Frederick the Great, Emperor of Prussia, to maintain a supply of very tall men for his guards—his Prussian Guards averaged seven feet in height—ordered them to marry very tall women to produce offspring carrying the genes of great height. In recent times, however, research and experiment in genetic control, more in the nature of active interference with genetic composition, has developed sufficiently to begin yielding results. It is self‐evident that in the field of micro‐organisms, active interference or manipulations will produce greater knowledge and understanding of the gene actions than in any other field or by any other techniques. The phenomenon of “transferred drug resistance”, the multi‐factorial resistance, of a chemical nature, transferred from one species of micro‐organisms to another, from animal to human pathogens, its role in mainly intestinal pathology and the serious hazards which have arisen from it; all this has led to an intensive study of plasmids and their mode of transmission. The work of the Agricultural Research Council's biologists (reported elsewhere in this issue) in relation to nitrogen‐fixing genes and transfer from one organism able to fix nitrogen to another not previously having this ability, illustrates the extreme importance of this new field. Disease susceptibility, the inhibition of invasiveness which can be acquired by relatively “silent” micro‐organisms, a better understanding of virulence and the possible “disarming” of organisms, particularly those of particular virulence to vulnerable groups. Perhaps this is looking for too much too soon, but Escherichia coli would seem to offer more scope for genetic experiments than most; it has serotypes of much variability and viability; and its life and labours in the human intestine have assumed considerable importance in recent years. The virulence of a few of its serotypes constitute an important field in food epidemiology. Their capacity to transfer plasmids—anent transfer of drug resistance— to strains of other organisms resident in the intestines, emphasizes the need for close study, with safeguards.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 77 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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