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Article
Publication date: 8 April 2024

Caitlin Brandenburg, Paulina Stehlik, Christy Noble, Rachel Wenke, Kristen Jones, Laetitia Hattingh, Kelly Dungey, Grace Branjerdporn, Ciara Spillane, Sharmin Kalantari, Shane George, Gerben Keijzers and Sharon Mickan

Clinician engagement in research has positive impacts for healthcare, but is often difficult for healthcare organisations to support in light of limited resources. This scoping…

Abstract

Purpose

Clinician engagement in research has positive impacts for healthcare, but is often difficult for healthcare organisations to support in light of limited resources. This scoping review aimed to describe the literature on health service-administered strategies for increasing research engagement by medical practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science databases were searched from 2000 to 2021 and two independent reviewers screened each record for inclusion. Inclusion criteria were that studies sampled medically qualified clinicians; reported empirical data; investigated effectiveness of an intervention in improving research engagement and addressed interventions implemented by an individual health service/hospital.

Findings

Of the 11,084 unique records, 257 studies were included. Most (78.2%) studies were conducted in the USA, and were targeted at residents (63.0%). Outcomes were measured in a variety of ways, most commonly publication-related outcomes (77.4%), though many studies used more than one outcome measure (70.4%). Pre-post (38.8%) and post-only (28.7%) study designs were the most common, while those using a contemporaneous control group were uncommon (11.5%). The most commonly reported interventions included Resident Research Programs (RRPs), protected time, mentorship and education programs. Many articles did not report key information needed for data extraction (e.g. sample size).

Originality/value

This scoping review demonstrated that, despite a large volume of research, issues like poor reporting, infrequent use of robust study designs and heterogeneous outcome measures limited application. The most compelling available evidence pointed to RRPs, protected time and mentorship as effective interventions. Further high-quality evidence is needed to guide healthcare organisations on increasing medical research engagement.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2008

J. Boran, L. Houdkova, V. Ucekaj and P. Stehlik

The purpose of this paper is to compare well‐known technologies of sludge utilization on the basis of energy and economical balances of real processes. The calculations are based…

1193

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare well‐known technologies of sludge utilization on the basis of energy and economical balances of real processes. The calculations are based on pilot tests in the Central Waste Water Treatment Plant (CWWTP) in Prague, the biggest waste water treatment plant in the Czech Republic.

Design/methodology/approach

A key issue for the comparison of mass and energy flow of sludge management is the attainable level of sludge dewaterability. Results of dewatering of anaerobic digested sludge are available from real applications since most sewage plants use digesters. The existing limited knowledge about mixed raw sludge (MRS) dewaterability have driven authors to make pilot tests targeted to establishment of an attainable level of MRS dewaterability. To get as close results as possible even anaerobic stabilized sludge was dewatered and various other data were collected to obtain a comprehensive data set for energy balance of the sludge management calculation. The pilot tests took place at CWWTP in 2005. Measured data were used to calculate energy balance of a number of different sludge managements.

Findings

To produce self‐reliant combusting sludge, a dry matter content of 35‐45 per cent for MRS and 45‐55 per cent for digested sludge has to be achieved by means of dewatering and potentially drying. In recent measurements at CWWTP a dry matter content of about 33 per cent was achieved by dewatering of MRS. This value is very close to the range of the dry matter content at which a self reliant combustion can be expected.

Practical implications

This comparison together with investment cost analysis should be one of the most important parameters in case of design a new or revamp an old waste water treatment plant.

Originality/value

The paper provides results from pilot tests at CWWTP together with three different energy balances comparison.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2020

Xianzhi Mei, Yaping Chen, Jiafeng Wu and Xiaoyu Zhou

Conventional electric heaters mostly use U-shaped electric heating tubes and the hollow tube electric heaters are new type ones that rely on the heat transfer tubes as heating…

Abstract

Purpose

Conventional electric heaters mostly use U-shaped electric heating tubes and the hollow tube electric heaters are new type ones that rely on the heat transfer tubes as heating elements. However, in the original design, the fluid flows through the annular gaps between the shell wall and the supporting plates, the chambers between supporting plates are generally stagnant zones. The purpose of study is to overcome these deficiencies.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified approach is proposed in which the heating tubes are surrounded by holes on the supporting plates, thus the stagnant flow zone can be eliminated and the heating surfaces of both inside and outside the tube can be fully used. Numerical simulations were carried out on four schemes of hollow tube electric heaters, i.e. plate blocked, countercurrent, parallel and split. The results show that the two schemes of parallel and split can reduce the temperature difference between the two sides of the fixed tube plate, and thus reduce thermal stress and prolong the service life.

Findings

The split scheme of electric heater has the highest comprehensive index, moderate heat transfer coefficient and minimum pressure drop on the shell side. Its average heat transfer coefficient and comprehensive index are, respectively, 15.7% and 52.9% higher and its average pressure drop and tube wall temperature are, respectively, 57.6% and 19 K lower than those of the original plate blocked scheme, thus it can be recommended as the best scheme of the hollow tube electric heaters.

Originality/value

Based on the original design of hollow tube electric heater with plate blocked scheme, three plate perforated schemes were proposed and investigated. The thermal and flow features of the four schemes were compared in terms of heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop and comprehensive index ho·Δpo−1/3. The split scheme can reduce the temperature difference between two sides of the fixed tube plate with reduced thermal stress. It has moderate tube wall temperature and heat transfer coefficient, the smallest shell side pressure drop and the highest comprehensive index ho·Δpo−1/3, and it can be recommended as the optimal scheme.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 37 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 August 2019

Michal Plaček, Martin Schmidt, František Ochrana, Gabriela Vaceková and Jana Soukopová

The paper aims to deal with the analysis of the factor leading to the repeated selection of the specific supplier and the effect of this recurrent selection on overpricing of…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to deal with the analysis of the factor leading to the repeated selection of the specific supplier and the effect of this recurrent selection on overpricing of public contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods is used to achieve this goal. To analyze the chances of obtaining repeated contracts, the logistic regression method is used. To analyze the factor of overpriced contracts, the classic ordinary least squares regression model is used. The focus group method is then used to explain the factors acting on the part of the contracting authorities.

Findings

The results show that the prior procurement of a given contracting authority, or work for the public sector in general, has a statistically significant effect on the conclusion of contracts. The use of less-transparent forms of input has a strong impact. The non-transparent selection of suppliers rather than repetition of contracts generally results in the over-pricing of contracts. The IT sector is an exception.

Social implications

This research is also essential for real public policy. Given the amount of GDP allocated to the public procurement market, it makes sense to continually seek room for improvement. Here is an attempt to find this by examining the contracting authorities’ behavior when awarding repeated contracts.

Originality/value

This research is original because it looks at the problem of the contracting authority in the wider context and optics of the path dependency theory, which has not yet been applied to the public procurement environment. The focus is also on IT procurement, which according to this study has not been empirically investigated in this way, is also innovative.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 29 August 2017

Karsten E. Zegwaard, Matthew Campbell and T. Judene Pretti

Much rhetoric around the construct of a work-ready graduate has focused on the technical abilities of students to fulfill the expectations of the future workplace. Efforts have…

Abstract

Much rhetoric around the construct of a work-ready graduate has focused on the technical abilities of students to fulfill the expectations of the future workplace. Efforts have been made to extend from the technical skills (e.g., skills in calculation for engineers) to include soft or behavioral skills (e.g., communication). However, within previous models of understanding of the work-ready graduate there has been little done to explore them as critical moral agents within the workplace. That is, whilst the focus has been on being work-ready, it is argued here that in current and future workplaces it is more important for university graduates to be profession-ready. Our understanding of the profession-ready graduate is characterized by the ability to demonstrate capacities in critical thinking and reflection, and to have an ability to navigate the ethical challenges and shape the organizational culture of the future workplace.

This chapter aims to explore a movement of thinking away from simply aspiring to develop work-ready graduates, expanding this understanding to argue for the development of profession-ready graduates. The chapter begins with an exploration of the debates around the characteristics of being work-ready, and through a consideration of two professional elements: professional identity and critical moral agency, argues for a reframing of work-readiness towards professional-readiness. The chapter then considers the role of work-integrated learning (WIL) in being able to support the development of the profession-ready graduate.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 April 2010

Clara Inés Pardo Martínez

The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first is to examine in detail energy efficiency performance of German and Colombian food industries. The second is to explain the factors…

1704

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold. The first is to examine in detail energy efficiency performance of German and Colombian food industries. The second is to explain the factors that have influenced energy efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data at the three‐digit level of aggregation, the paper compares energy efficiency across sectors of the food industry for the period 1998‐2005. Energy efficiency is analysed using the energy intensity (EI) indicator as well as a decomposition analysis. To determine the factors that have influenced energy efficiency performance, the concept of the production function is used.

Findings

The results show that both countries' food industries improved energy efficiency. During the period of study, energy consumption in the German food industry increased by an average of 1.3 per cent per year and the EI decreased 7 per cent, whereas the Colombian food industry decreased its energy consumption by an average of 1.9 per cent per the year and the EI decreased 11 per cent. However, the Colombian food industry needs 2.2 times more energy than the German food industry to produce a unit of gross production. A decomposition analysis indicated that economic and technical factors have played an important role in the energy efficiency performance because increases in economic growth and technology improvements increase the industrial sector's ability to improve energy efficiency. A second‐stage empirical analysis reveals that capital, material, investments and value‐added variables had a positive influence on energy efficiency performance in both countries. Energy prices are shown to have a positive influence on energy efficiency in the German food industry, whereas the sizes of enterprises and concentration processes played an important role on energy efficiency performance in the Colombian food industry.

Originality/value

The literature indicates the relative lack of attention paid to the analysis of energy use across sectors of food industry as well as the lack of studies determining the factors that have affected energy consumption and energy efficiency performance using cross‐country and cross‐sectoral comparisons.

Details

International Journal of Energy Sector Management, vol. 4 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6220

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 March 2015

Carlos Alberto Schuch Bork, Janaina Fracaro Souza Gonçalves and Jefferson Oliveira Gomes

This article aims to collect data on the aluminum alloy 7050-T7451 machinability used in the manufacturing of aeronautical structures, using the combination of the jatropha…

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to collect data on the aluminum alloy 7050-T7451 machinability used in the manufacturing of aeronautical structures, using the combination of the jatropha vegetable-base soluble cutting oil in relation to the canola vegetal and semisynthetic mineral oils and the technique to apply cutting fluid by flood in relation to the Minimum Quantity Lubrication (MQL) in the milling process (HSM – high-speed machining).

Design/methodology/approach

It was observed that the jatropha vegetal cutting oil presented the best results in relation to requirements for lubrication, superficial mean roughness (index Ra) and shape errors in relation to the other oils in both the techniques to apply fluid which were tested. Comparing the application techniques, the jatropha vegetal oil offered an increase in the life span of the cutting tool, using the flood technique, exceeding in almost six times the machined length of the cutting tool in relation to the MQL technique in the same process conditions.

Findings

The Jatropha vegetable-base cutting oil, besides being produced from a renewable source, has inherent characteristics that can help attain a sustainable manufacturing, mainly with the use of the flood technique to apply cutting fluid in the aluminum alloy 7050-T7451 machining.

Originality/value

The Jatropha (vegetable) oil, in relation to its physicochemical properties, appeared to be the best one fit for being used in the machining of aluminum alloys 7050-T7451 because it did not interfere with any of the elements involved in the formation of intergranular corrosion and/or pitting, which are not allowed in the aeronautical production of parts. Jatropha (vegetable) cutting oil, besides being produced from a clean and renewable source, has the inherent characteristics that can help attain a sustainable manufacturing.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 67 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 January 2019

Habib Karimi, Hossein Ahmadi Danesh Ashtiani and Cyrus Aghanajafi

This paper aims to examine total annual cost from economic view mixed materials heat exchangers based on three optimization algorithms. This study compares the use of three…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine total annual cost from economic view mixed materials heat exchangers based on three optimization algorithms. This study compares the use of three optimization algorithms in the design of economic optimization shell and tube mixed material heat exchangers.

Design/methodology/approach

A shell and tube mixed materials heat exchanger optimization design approach is expanded based on the total annual cost measured by dividing the costs of the heat exchanger to area of surface and power consumption. In this study, optimization and minimization of the total annual cost is considered as the objective function. There are three types of exchangers: cheap, expensive and mixed. Mixed materials are used in corrosive flows in the heat exchanger network. The present study explores the use of three optimization techniques, namely, hybrid genetic-particle swarm optimization, shuffled frog leaping algorithm techniques and ant colony optimization.

Findings

There are three parameters as decision variables such as tube outer diameter, shell diameter and central baffle spacing considered for optimization. Results have been compared with the findings of previous studies to demonstrate the accuracy of algorithms.

Originality/value

The present study explores the use of three optimization techniques, namely, hybrid genetic-particle swarm optimization, shuffled frog leaping algorithm techniques and ant colony optimization. This study has demonstrated successful application of each technique for the optimal design of a mixed material shell and tube heat exchanger from the economic view point.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 June 2019

Ali Akbar Abbasian Arani, Ali Arefmanesh and Hamidreza Ehteram

The purpose of this paper is to recommend a validated numerical model for simulation the flue gases heat recovery recuperators. Due to fulfill of this demand, the influences of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to recommend a validated numerical model for simulation the flue gases heat recovery recuperators. Due to fulfill of this demand, the influences of ash fouling characteristics during the transient/steady-state simulation and optimization of a 3D complex heat exchanger equipped with inner plain fins and side plate fins are studied.

Design/methodology/approach

For the particle dispersion modeling, the discrete phase model is applied and the flow field has been solved using SIMPLE algorithm.

Findings

According to obtained results, for the recuperator equipped with combine inner plain and side plate fins, determination of ash fouling characteristics is really important, effective and determinative. It is clear that by underestimating the ash fouling characteristics, the achieved results are wrong and different with reality.

Originality/value

Finally, the configuration with inner plain fins with characteristics of: di =5 mm, do = 6 mm, dg = 2 mm, dk = 3 mm and NIPFT = 9 and side plate fins with characteristics of: TF = 3 mm, PF = 19 mm, NSPF = 17·2 = 34, WF = 10 mm, HF = 25 mm, LF = 24 mm and ß = 0° is introduced as the optimum model with the best performance among all studied configurations.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 December 2021

Ana Sofia Ramos, Jonas Hammerschmidt, Antonio Sérgio Ribeiro, Francisco Lima and Sascha Kraus

The purpose of this longitudinal study is to examine the dual career and entrepreneurial experiences of professional football players and their influence on the career transition…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this longitudinal study is to examine the dual career and entrepreneurial experiences of professional football players and their influence on the career transition process to entrepreneurship or employment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study examined a Portuguese employer–employee data set from 1991 to 2017 using the logit model, a binary choice regression model that allows predicting the probabilities of two possible qualitative and binary outcomes.

Findings

Entrepreneurial experience is the key driver for retired football players to pursue entrepreneurship. Having a dual career and working during the athletic career leads to higher chances of continuing in the labor market as an employee. Higher education levels did not significantly influence the decision to pursue a second career but having secondary education increases the chances of continuing as an entrepreneur.

Research limitations/implications

First, the study aims to shed light on success factors in career transition of professional football players who engage in a dual career. Second, the authors introduce sport entrepreneurship as a possible activity alongside an athletic career.

Practical implications

Athletes can benefit from the experience they gain during a dual career in the process of career transition. Working in the final year of an athletic career represents a promising strategy to gain work experience alongside sport without jeopardizing sporting success.

Originality/value

This study adds evidence to the contemporary discourse on dual career theory and career transitions and reconciles the theory of sport entrepreneurship and dual careers.

Details

International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, vol. 23 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1464-6668

Keywords

1 – 10 of 65