bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of home-hospital impacts on crowding – FM implications
Authors: Fard John , Roper Kathy O. , Hess Jeremy
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate home-hospital implications for facility management (FM) and, in particular, ED crowding. Home-hospital programs, in which select patients receive hospital-level care at home, can extend hospital facility capacity. Emergency department (ED) crowding, a sensitive hospital capacity indicator, is associated with unsafe operations and reduced quality of care.

Design/methodology/approach

The impact of a home-hospital program on crowding was analyzed with a discrete-event simulation model using one month of historical data from a case hospital. Time ED patients waited for inpatient beds was the primary endpoint. Five scenarios with different levels of patient suitability for home-hospital were each run 30 times. Differences were evaluated using paired t-tests.

Findings

Implementing home-hospital reduced ED crowding by up to 3 per cent. Additionally, the simulation yielded insights regarding advantages and limitations of various home-hospital arrangements, suggested which hospital types may be the best candidates for home-hospital and highlighted the role of bed-cleaning turnaround times and environmental services staffing schedules in operations.

Research limitations/implications

This research examined home-hospital and crowding at one hospital. Developing a model that accounts for all hospital types requires significant data and many hospital partnerships but could allow for more informed decisions regarding implementation of such programs.

Social implications

This research has implications for ensuring access to ED care, an important source of acute care generally and particularly for the underserved.

Originality/value

This research systematically evaluates home-hospital’s impact on ED crowding. Simulation modeling resulted in analytical results and allowed for evaluation of what-if scenarios providing recommendations for hospital FMs on their role in decreasing ED boarding.
Analysis of assessment methodologies suitable for building performance
Authors: Støre-Valen Marit , Lohne Jardar
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to examine assessment tools for strategic performance evaluation of building and Norwegian practice in light of international practise.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper includes a literature review of literature describing the use of assessment tools suitable for building performance evaluation. In this paper, the authors examine, first, what properties they find most essential when assessing building portfolios. This analysis is outlined in the theoretical framework section. Second, the authors examine what are the propensities of the analytic assessment tools that they perceive as to be found in the forefront of contemporary methodological development for examining building performance. These propensities are presented in the findings chapter. The authors discuss how they measure their applicability and impact of use.

Findings

The authors found several interesting methods for assessing building performance in general. In particular, the feed forward loop from Steinke, developed from BSC, Soft Landings Framework and the Norwegian multiMap method are recommended.

Practical implications

This conceptual paper addresses methodological challenges in a comparative way. This comparative approach permits for an identification of respective strengths and weaknesses. It suggests concrete points of reference enabling an increase in the performance of such methodologies.

Originality/value

The paper is original in its approach of several methodological tools in light of concepts such as viability and adaptability. By doing this, it underlines the necessity to include social and adaptive dimensions of strategic building portfolio assessment tools.
Numerical simulation on sprue distributions during cladding casting process
Authors: Han Xing , Zhang Haitao , Shao Bo , Wang Dongtao , Cheng Longgang , Guo Yadong , Qin Ke , Cui Jianzhong
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of sprue distributions on the flow field and temperature field of the cladding casting process and verify the simulation results by experiments.

Design/methodology/approach

A steady-state mathematic model for the coupling of fluid flow, heat transfer and solidification to describe the process of cladding casting was present. The effect of sprue distributions on melt flow and temperature field was discussed. Based on the numerical simulation results, the cladding billet was prepared successfully. Moreover, the model has been verified against by temperature measurements during the cladding casting process.

Findings

There is a good agreement between the measured and calculated results. The homogeneity of melt flow determines the formability of cladding billets and circular temperature difference affects the bonding of the two alloys. The AA4045/AA3003 cladding billet with no defects in size of f140/f110 mm was fabricated successfully. The alloy elements diffused across the interface and formed diffusion layer with a thickness of 15 µm. The interface bonding strength is higher than the tensile strength of AA3003, indicating the metallurgical bonding between two alloys.

Research limitations/implications

The casting parameters are limited to the aluminum alloy cladding billet in size of f140/f110 mm in this paper.

Originality/value

There are few reports of cladding billet, which are used to prepare condense pipes of automotive engines. The effect of distribution schemes on the cladding casting process is rarely studied.
Aerodynamics in the open channel of the Sistan-type wind-mill with vertical axis wind turbine
Authors: Baïri Abderrahmane , San Martin David , Baïri Iken , Adeyeye Kemi , She Kaiming , Hocine Ali , Alilat Nacim , Lamriben Cyril , Bauzin Jean-Gabriel , Chanetz Bruno , Laraqi Najib
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the details of the air mass flow and aerodynamical phenomena across a channel containing a large vertical axis wind turbine. The considered model reproduces as closely as possible the real assembly of the Sistan-type wind-mill whose top is open. The technical results of this work could be used for the restoration and operation of this assembly whose historical and architectural values are recognized.

Design/methodology/approach

Several inlet velocities into the channel are considered, taking into account the possible local wind resources. Calculations corresponding to Reynolds number varying between 8×105 and 4×106 are made by means of the finite volume method and turbulence is treated with the realizable k-ε model. The mesh consists of a fixed part associated to the contour of the channel, interfaced with a moving one linked to the turbine itself, equipped with nine partly filled wings.

Findings

The relative pressure and velocity fields are presented for various dynamic and static conditions. Calculation results clearly show that the vortex phenomena present in some cases are not a source of degradation of the wind turbine’s aerodynamical performances, given its location, intensity and rotation direction. Particular attention is devoted to the air mass flow and its distribution between the inlet and the outlet sections of the channel.

Originality/value

The present work provides technical information useful to consider the restoration and modernization of this installation whose architecture and technical performance are very interesting. This survey complements a previous one examining the aerodynamical phenomena occurring in a modified version of this assembly with a closed top channel.
Lattice Boltzmann simulation of transient natural convection of air in square cavity under a magnetic quadrupole field
Authors: Xie Nan , He Yihai , Yao Ming , Jiang Changwei
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to apply the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) with multiple distribution functions model, to simulate transient natural convection of air in a two-dimensional square cavity in the presence of a magnetic quadrupole field, under non-gravitational as well as gravitational conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The density-temperature double distribution functions and D2Q9 model of LBM for the momentum and temperature equations are currently employed. Detailed transient structures of the flow and isotherms at unsteady state are obtained and compared for a range of magnetic force numbers from 1 to 100. Characteristics of the natural convection at initial moment, quasi-steady state and steady state are presented in present work.

Findings

At initial time, effects of the magnetic field and gravity are both relatively limited, but the effects become efficient as time evolves. Bi-cellular flow structures are obtained under non-gravitational condition, while the flow presents a single vortex structure at first under gravitational condition, and then emerges a bi-cellular structure with the increase of magnetic field force number. The average Nusselt number generally increases with the augment of magnetic field intensity.

Practical implications

This paper will be useful in the researches on crystal material and protein growth, oxygen concentration sensor, enhancement or suppression of the heat transfer in micro-electronics and micro-processing technology, etc.

Originality/value

The current study extended the application of LBM on the transient natural convective problem of paramagnetic fluids in the presence of an inhomogeneous magnetic field.
Exact and approximate analytic solutions of the thin film flow of fourth-grade fluids by the modified Adomian decomposition method
Authors: Bougoffa Lazhar , Duan Jun-Sheng , Rach Randolph
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to first deduce a new form of the exact analytic solution of the well-known nonlinear second-order differential equation subject to a set of mixed nonlinear Robin and Neumann boundary conditions that model the thin film flows of fourth-grade fluids, and second to compare the approximate analytic solutions by the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) with the new exact analytic solution to validate its accuracy for parametric simulations of the thin film fluid flows, even for more complex models of non-Newtonian fluids in industrial applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach to calculating a new form of the exact analytic solution of thin film fluid flows rests upon a sequence of transformations including the modification of the classic technique due to Scipione del Ferro and Niccolò Fontana Tartaglia. Next the authors establish a lemma that justifies the new expression of the exact analytic solution for thin film fluid flows of fourth-grade fluids. Second, the authors apply a modification of the systematic ADM to quickly and easily calculate the sequence of analytic approximate solutions for this strongly nonlinear model of thin film flow of fourth-grade fluids. The ADM has been previously demonstrated to be eminently practical with widespread applicability to frontier problems arising in scientific and engineering applications. Herein, the authors seek to establish the relative merits of the ADM in the context of the thin film flows of fourth-grade fluids.

Findings

The ADM is shown to closely agree with the new expression of the exact analytic solution. The authors have calculated the error remainder functions and the maximal error remainder parameters in the error analysis to corroborate the solutions. The error analysis demonstrates the rapid rate of convergence and that we can approximate the exact solution as closely as we please; furthermore the rate of convergence is shown to be approximately exponential, and thus only a low-stage approximation will be adequate for engineering simulations as previously documented in the literature.

Originality/value

This paper presents an accurate work for solving thin film flows of fourth-grade fluids. The authors have compared the approximate analytic solutions by the ADM with the new expression of the exact analytic solution for this strongly nonlinear model. The authors commend this technique for more complex thin film fluid flow models.
3D natural convection on a horizontal and vertical thermally active plate in a closed cubical cavity
Authors: Purusothaman Abimanyu , Baïri Abderrahmane , Nithyadevi Nagarajan
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine numerically the natural convection heat transfer in a cubical cavity induced by a thermally active plate. Effects of the plate size and its orientation with respect to the gravity vector on the convective heat transfer and the flow structures inside the cavity are studied and highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

The numerical code is based on the finite volume method with semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equation algorithm. The convective and diffusive terms in momentum equations are handled by adopting the power law scheme. Finally, the discretized sets of algebraic equations are solved by the line-by-line tri-diagonal matrix algorithm.

Findings

The results show that plate orientation and size plays a significant role on heat transfer. Also, the heat transfer rate is an increasing function of Rayleigh number for both orientations of the heated plate. Depending on the thermal management of the plate and its application (as in electronics), the heat transfer rate is maximized or minimized by selecting appropriate parameters.

Research limitations/implications

The flow is assumed to be 3D, time-dependent, laminar and incompressible with negligible viscous dissipation and radiation. The fluid properties are assumed to be constant, except for the density in the buoyancy term that follows the Boussinesq approximation.

Originality/value

The present work will give some additional knowledge in designing sealed cavities encountered in some engineering applications as in aeronautics, automobile, metallurgy or electronics.
Dual solutions for nonlinear boundary value problems by the Adomian decomposition method
Authors: Wazwaz Abdul-Majid , Rach Randolph , Bougoffa Lazhar
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the Adomian decomposition method (ADM) for solving boundary value problems with dual solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The ADM has been previously demonstrated to be eminently practical with widespread applicability to frontier problems arising in scientific applications. In this work, the authors seek to determine the relative merits of the ADM in the context of several important nonlinear boundary value models characterized by the existence of dual solutions.

Findings

The ADM is shown to readily solve specific nonlinear BVPs possessing more than one solution. The decomposition series solution of these models requires the calculation of the Adomian polynomials appropriate to the particular system nonlinearity. The authors show that the ADM solves these models for any analytic nonlinearity in a practical and straightforward manner. The conclusions are supported by several numerical examples arising in various scientific applications which admit dual solutions.

Originality/value

This paper presents an accurate work for solving nonlinear BVPs that possess dual solutions. The authors have demonstrated the widespread applicability of the ADM for solving various forms of these nonlinear equations.
Tribological properties of self-lubricating bronze-graphite composite against Fe-based alloys
Authors: Toktaş Gülcan , Öztürk Yılmaz İmren
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the tribological properties of society of automotive engineers (SAE) 430B bronze-graphite composite, supplied in the form of machined and graphite embedded, used in sheet forming industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Pin-on-disc wear tests were performed under a constant normal load of 15 N and a sliding velocity of 60 mm/s. Due to the extended usage of Fe-based alloys in forming dies, pin materials were selected as cold work tool steel, gray and ductile irons. The weight losses of the disc (SAE 430B bronze-graphite composite) and the pins (Fe-based alloys) were measured separately under various sliding distances (5,000, 10,000 and 15,000 m). The average friction coefficients and wear tracks were obtained.

Findings

It is concluded that dry sliding behavior of SAE 430B bronze-graphite composite is the worst when operated with GGG-70 ductile iron due to its highest abrasive effect. The high hardness and nodular shape of graphite increased the abrasiveness of ductile iron. The improvement in wear resistance reached up to maximum 90 per cent and the degradation in friction coefficient was about 50 per cent by embedding graphite solids in bronze disc at dry sliding conditions.

Originality/value

Although the machined and graphite embedded bronze composites are indispensable parts of forming dies, there is no scientific knowledge on their dry sliding behavior.
Effect of element contents on friction and wear behaviors of ternary nitride coatings
Authors: Yan Pei , Wang Xibin , Jiao Li
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to clarify the applicable conditions for coatings with different element contents. Surface coating on existed tool material is an effective way to improve the cutting tool properties in extremely adverse machining conditions. These coatings are generally non-metering compounds. Each coating with a certain element ratio has a specific application condition, and the relationship between element contents and performance should be defined.

Design/methodology/approach

(Zr, Ti)N hard coatings with different element contents were deposited on cemented carbide. The ball-on-disk method reciprocating sliding wear tests against 40Cr hardened steel were carried out. This paper was focused on analysis of the friction and wear behaviors of these (Zr, Ti)N coatings with different element contents.

Findings

The results indicated that atomic ratio of Zr and Ti was the main factor that decided the friction coefficients. The friction coefficient and wear rate showed a gradual downward trend at 10 N with the increase of Zr content. The wear rate was the smallest at the atomic percentage of nitrogen 0.466. If the lattice distortion of the coatings gets too severe, the coatings would have a high wear rate.

Originality/value

The optimal application conditions of the coatings were defined, and this was important for customized design or choice of the coatings under different cutting parameters.
Effect of tooth waist order parameters of double involute gears on lubrication performance of gear drive
Authors: Fan Zhimin , Zhou Wanfeng , Wang Ruixue , Wang Na
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to derive a new lubrication model of double involute gears drive and study the effect of the tooth waist order parameters of double involute gears on lubrication performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The new lubrication model of double involute gears drive was established according to the meshing characteristics of double involute gears drive and the finite length line contact elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory. Numerical calculation of the lubrication model of gear drive was conducted using the multigrid method.

Findings

The results show that the oil film necking phenomenon and the oil film pressure peak emerged at the tooth waist order area and the tooth profile ends, and when compared with involute gear, the lubrication performance at the tooth waist order area is better than that at the tooth profile ends. The effect of tooth waist order parameters on lubrication performance at the tooth waist order area was greater than that at other areas.

Originality/value

This research will promote the application of the double involute gear as soon as possible, and it has the reference value for other types of gears.
Experimental study for performance evaluation of steadily loaded true elliptical and orthogonally displaced non-circular journal bearing profiles
Authors: Singla Amit , Chauhan Amit
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The non-circular journal bearings may be used over circular journal bearings because of their superior thermal stability. The paper aims at experimental study of thermal performance of two different true elliptical and orthogonally displaced non-circular journal bearing profiles.

Design/methodology/approach

The experiments have been conducted on a specially designed test rig which simultaneously evaluates oil film pressure and temperature along the circumference of non-circular journal bearing. The tests are conducted for the designed true elliptical and orthogonally displaced journal bearing at three different rotational speeds of 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 rpm under the influence of steadily applied load varied from 0.5 to 2.0 kN. The data collected during experimentation have been used to evaluate thermal performance parameters such as maximum pressure, flow rate and effective temperature of the bearings under study.

Findings

It has been observed experimentally that two lobes of pressure and temperature have been obtained for both the elliptical and orthogonally displaced journal bearing. The negative pressure zone (cavitation area) has been observed to be reduced along the circumference for both the journal bearings which results in less thermal degradation of an oil as compared to circular journal bearing. The oil film pressure and temperature increases with the increase in radial load of both the bearings. The maximum temperature rise of oil film is more in case of elliptical bearing as compared to the orthogonally displaced bearing.

Originality/value

The experimental data presented in this paper will help the designers to select such kind of non-circular journal bearing for various applications. The designed bearings have resulted in reduced cavitation zone and two positive pressure lobes have been observed which may result in application of such bearings as an alternate for circular journal bearing.
The experimental optimization of abrasive wear resistance model for an in-situ AlB2/Al-4Cu metal matrix composite
Authors: Ficici Ferit
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The paper aims to describe the Taguchi design method-based abrasive wear modeling of in situ AlB2 flake reinforced Al-4Cu matrix alloy composites.

Design/methodology/approach

The abrasive wear behaviors of the composite samples were investigated using pin-on-disk method where the samples slid against different sizes of SiC abrasive grits under various testing conditions. The orthogonal array, signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio and analysis of variance were used to study the optimal testing parameters on composite samples.

Findings

The weight loss of composites decreased with increasing grit size and percentage reinforcement and increased with increasing sliding speed. The optimum test condition, at which the minimum weight loss is obtained, has been determined to be A3B3C1 levels of the control factors. Deviations between the actual and the predicted S/N ratios for abrasive weight losses are negligibly small with 99.5 per cent confidence level.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identification of Taguchi method-based abrasive wear behavior of AlB2/Al-4Cu metal matrix composites produced by squeeze casting under various testing conditions.
Critical success factors of ERP benefits in CREM: evidence from Austria, Germany and Switzerland
Authors: Janßen-Tapken Damir , Pfnür Andreas
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find answers to the question whether a fully-integrated real estate (RE) solution within an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) landscape delivers a visible and measurable contribution to organizational efficiency in corporate real estate management (CREM), a field still dominated by specialized, but stand-alone software packages.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors set up a model of CREM with the enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems being the hinge between the RE strategies and organizational efficiency. The model was tested by a written questionnaire to respond on the benefit expectations on ERP benefits.

Findings

In many cases, the results show a negative gap between expectations and realized benefits. The authors identified benefit stars and dogs within the sample. Stars realizing high benefit ratios on average have more often chosen the form of a shared service center for their CREM department, have reengineered the business processes more intensively, had more often a legacy system as a predecessor of the SAP ERP, trained employees more intensively and showed a higher degree of customization of the RE module than the benefit dogs of the sample.

Practical implications

Newly formed CREM departments looking for optimal IT solutions find decision support regarding the best fit for their IT landscape. Already institutionalized CREM units running an ERP system will find concrete evidence for improvement.

Originality/value

This is the first study of benefits and critical success factors of ERP implementation and operation for modern CREM. It is the attempt to bridge the gap between business and IT, showing the enabler role of ERP systems for efficient business processes, satisfied corporate users and motivated employees.
Commercial leases in the UK regions: business as usual?
Authors: McCluskey Danielle , Lim Lay Cheng , McCord Michael , Davis Peadar Thomas
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the changing nature of commercial leases with specific reference to the landlord and tenant relationship, lease lengths and incentivisation in the post-recessionary UK property market.

Design/methodology/approach

The research applies data analysis utilising the Estates Gazette Interactive database coupled with survey analysis conducted across three UK cities to investigate and compare the changing nature of the commercial property leasing market and the landlord and tenant relationship.

Findings

The empirical analysis highlights that recessionary conditions prevalent in the market from the 2007 global crisis has caused a reassessment of lease structures, leading to shorter lease terms and increased use of incentives, as tenants have been empowered to negotiate more flexible leases due to their stronger market position.

Originality/value

This paper builds upon previous research conducted back in 2005, investigating commercial leases in the market up-cycle. The recent volatility in the commercial property sector requires fresh insights and in-depth analysis of lease patterns, length and covenant strength, which is fundamental for investor decision-making. In addition, past research has tended to consider solely landlord or occupier perspectives, whereas this research offers new insight into the landlord–tenant lease negotiation process.
Effects of experiential stimuli on customers’ responses
Authors: Lee Seonjeong Ally , Jeong Miyoung , Jeon Myunghee Mindy
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose four experiential components of e-servicescape that influence customers’ pleasure emotions, satisfaction with bed and breakfast (b&b) websites and behavioral intentions in the context of the b&b industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a cross-sectional, self-administered online survey from b&b customers.

Findings

This study identifies that both perceived enjoyment and social presence represent positive effects on customers’ pleasure emotions and satisfaction with b&b websites. However, flow experience only influences customers’ pleasure emotions, and interactivity only affects customers’ satisfaction with b&b websites. Results from this study confirm that customers’ pleasure emotions influence their satisfaction with b&b websites and their behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

This paper incorporates the roles of experiential factors of e-servicescape in the context of the b&b industry.
Analyzing Twitter to explore perceptions of Asian restaurants
Authors: Park Seunghyun Brian , Jang Jichul , Ok Chihyung Michael
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use Twitter analysis to explore diner perceptions of four types of Asian restaurants (Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Thai).

Design/methodology/approach

Using 86,015 tweets referring to Asian restaurants, this research used text mining and sentiment analysis to find meaningful patterns, popular words and emotional states in opinions.

Findings

Twitter users held mingled perceptions of different types of Asian restaurants. Sentiment analysis and ANOVA showed that the average sentiment scores for Chinese restaurants was significantly lower than the other three Asian restaurants. While most positive tweets referred to food quality, many negative tweets suggested problems associated with service quality or food culture.

Research limitations/implications

This research provides a methodology that future researchers can use in applying social media analytics to explore major issues and extract sentiment information from text messages.

Originality/value

Limited research has been conducted applying social media analysis in hospitality research. This study fills a gap by using social media analytics with Twitter data to examine the Twitter users’ thoughts and emotions for four different types of Asian restaurants.
Suicide in an ageing UK population: problems and prevention
Authors: Hodge Gary
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Suicide can be an emotive, and at times, controversial subject. The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the social, health, personal, and cultural issues that can arise in later life and the potential reasons for suicide. It will analyse already recognised risk factors of suicide in older adults and focus on improving knowledge about the social meaning and causation of suicide for older people. It will also consider suicide prevention policies, their practice implications, and whether they are successful in protecting this potentially vulnerable cohort.

Design/methodology/approach

A synopsis of available literature in the form of a general review paper of suicide of older adults.

Findings

There is evidence that the ageing process often leads to a set of co-morbidities and a complex and diverse set of individual challenges. This in turn equates to an increased risk of suicide. There is no easy answer to why there is evidence of a growing number of older adults deciding that suicide is there only option, and even fewer suggestions on how to manage this risk.

Social implications

The entry of the “baby boom” generation into retirement will lead to the potential of an increase in both suicide risk factors and older adults completing suicide. This is on the background of a demographic surge which is likely to place additional pressures on already under-resourced, and undervalued, statutory and non-statutory services.

Originality/value

A literature search found very little information regarding older adults and suicide risk, assessment, treatment or prevention.
Relational capabilities to leverage new knowledge
Authors: Martins Jorge Tiago
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Focusing on the specific context of two European old industrial regions – South Yorkshire (UK) and North Region of Portugal – this paper aims to identify and conceptualise a set of relational capabilities that business leaders perceive to play a key role in industrial rejuvenation.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative research design operationalised via case studies was followed for the empirical analysis. Data collection was developed through in-depth interviews with managing directors in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) belonging to the metal and engineering industry and the textile and footwear sectors in the two old industrial regions. Data analysis followed the techniques of data categorisation, within case-analysis and cross-case analysis.

Findings

The study identifies relational capabilities that firms use to identify, access and leverage new knowledge: frequent meetings with customers; frequent meetings with suppliers; dialogue with government to influence policy that encourages research and technology transfer; partnership actions for the commercialisation of products and services; active membership with sector associations; immersion in science and technological parks; intentionally establishing links with entrepreneurship-supporting entities; human resources development by technical training institutions; and systematic links with the University. The relational capabilities identified require structured communication processes and alliance management practices to enable and support absorptive capacity and learning in inter-organisational networks.

Practical implications

The relational capabilities identified can help position regions in specific markets and value chains, contribute to improving regions’ internal and external connections and assist in combining regions’ strengths to create industrial capability in high-growth-potential areas.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the role of relational capabilities as a way to secure access to knowledge and competencies needed for firms’ innovation and avoidance of competency traps. This is particularly relevant in the context of European smart specialisation policy, where key regional stakeholders collectively engage in the identification of areas of competitive strength, enhanced coordination and strategic alignment of resources. The study is not without limitations, as findings are based on case studies of SMEs operating in the manufacturing industry and the analysis of relational capabilities is focused on knowledge novelty.
Experimental learning enhancing improvisation skills
Authors: Pereira Christopoulos Tania , Wilner Adriana , Trindade Bestetti Maria Luisa
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study aims to present improvisation training and experimentation as an alternative method to deal with unexpected events in which structured processes do not seem to work.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the literature of sensemaking and improvisation, the study designs a framework and process model of experimental learning supported by a case study of Brazilian Government agents involved in an experimental process of learning fundamental for interacting with scenarios that require improvisation.

Findings

This study supports the proposition that improvisation capability can be improved through experimental learning to generate better decision-making in uncertainty. In the case study, the lessons and group experiences of the experimental learning course helped agents to build tools to deal with events that required improvisation.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigated only one case and recommends that the framework of experimental learning that this study developed be extended to other organizations.

Originality/value

This study provides a framework and a process model for analyzing complex situations and context that require improvisation and suggests another way for leaders to deal with uncertain scenarios.
Gaps and progress in our knowledge of learning organizations
Authors: Tuggle Francis D.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

This study aims to review previously published issues of The Learning Organization (TLO) to assess what progress has been made since the journal started in terms of what is known about learning organizations. The author also aims to identify important gaps in what is still to be discovered about organizations that learn, partly to single out promising areas to be investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The author reviews all the previously published articles in the first 20 volumes printed and reviews each issue in each volume. The author classifies the methodology undertaken by each published article as being one of the following: a conceptual study, a case study or the analysis of other data. Keywords are assessed to get insights into the shifts in research themes pursued over the years.

Findings

There has been a substantial increase in the number of published papers over time. The number and percentage of articles that are conceptual in nature has declined somewhat over the years. The number and percentage of articles that involve case studies has increased over the years. The number and percentage of articles that involve analyzing data has increased significantly over the years. There has been a significant shift in research focus away from topics such as management and organizational development to topics such as knowledge management and social networks. Three major areas of gaps in our knowledge of learning organizations are identified: what it means to be a learning organization, how effective are learning organizations and what contextual factors influence learning organizations.

Research limitations/implications

Although other journals occasionally publish research on learning organizations, attention in this paper is solely focused upon TLO.

Practical implications

Addressing some of the research questions identified should provide insights that will assist practicing managers.

Originality/value

Although not a meta analysis of this journal’s research, the author presents a “thematic analysis” of research published in this journal, and the results and insights should prove interesting and useful to scholars in the field seeking rich areas to study.
Telling it as it is: involving people with dementia and family carers in policy making, service design and workforce development
Authors: Eley Ruth Marion
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the need for proper involvement of people with dementia and carers in policy making and to suggest practical ways to achieve this.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing from personal experience derived from a long career in service development in health and social care, the author outlines the importance of recognising that people with dementia and family carers are experts by experience and the merits of involving people at an early stage.

Findings

The best ideas come from involved people. Without the insights gained through the lived experiences of people with dementia and family carers, policy makers and professionals run the risk of developing costly services that do not meet the needs of those who will be using them.

Practical implications

A number of key practical pointers are developed and summarised. Engagement and one-off consultations are not enough. Real involvement has to be part of everyday practice, at all levels. It requires investment to enable people with dementia and carers to have a seat at the table, speak about what matters to them and help professionals develop relevant services that meet their needs.

Originality/value

The author is able to draw on particular insights gained as Programme Lead for Dementia at the Department of Health during the development of the first English National Dementia Strategy and, more recently, experience of developing engagement strategies in various localities. This included supporting people with dementia and family carers before, during and after key events at which they shared their experiences with commissioners and service providers.
Metabolite labelling reveals hierarchies in Clostridium acetobutylicum that selectively channel carbons from sugar mixtures towards biofuel precursors
Authors: Aristilde Ludmilla
Published: November 2016

Clostridial fermentation of cellulose and hemicellulose relies on the cellular physiology controlling the metabolism of the cellulosic hexose sugar (glucose) with respect to the hemicellulosic pentose sugars (xylose and arabinose) and the hemicellulosic hexose sugars (galactose and mannose). Here, liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry and stable isotope tracers in Clostridium acetobutylicum were applied to investigate the metabolic hierarchy of glucose relative to the different hemicellulosic sugars towards two important biofuel precursors, acetyl‐coenzyme A and butyryl‐coenzyme A. The findings revealed constitutive metabolic hierarchies in C. acetobutylicum that facilitate (i) selective investment of hemicellulosic pentoses towards ribonucleotide biosynthesis without substantial investment into biofuel production and (ii) selective contribution of hemicellulosic hexoses through the glycolytic pathway towards biofuel precursors. Long‐term isotopic enrichment demonstrated incorporation of both pentose sugars into pentose‐phosphates and ribonucleotides in the presence of glucose. Kinetic labelling data, however, showed that xylose was not routed towards the biofuel precursors but there was minor contribution from arabinose. Glucose hierarchy over the hemicellulosic hexoses was substrate‐dependent. Kinetic labelling of hexose‐phosphates and triose‐phosphates indicated that mannose was assimilated but not galactose. Labelling of both biofuel precursors confirmed this metabolic preference. These results highlight important metabolic considerations in the accounting of clostridial mixed‐sugar utilization.
Botulinum toxin A for palmar hyperhidrosis: assessment with sympathetic skin responses evoked by train of stimuli
Authors: Al‐Hashel J.Y. , Youssry D. , Rashaed H.M. , Shamov T. , Rousseff R.T.
Published: November 2016

Objective assessment of the effect of botulinum toxin A (BT) treatment in primary palmar hyperhidrosis (PH) is attempted by different methods.

We decided to use for this purpose sympathetic skin responses evoked by train of stimuli (TSSR).

Twenty patients with severe PH (five female, median age 24, range 18‐36) were examined regularly over 3 months after receiving 50 UI BT in each palm. TSSR were recorded from the palms after sensory stimulation by a train of three supramaximal electric pulses 3 millisecond apart. Results were compared to longitudinally studied TSSR of 20 healthy sex‐ and age‐matched control subjects.

All hyperhidrosis patients reported excellent improvement. TSSR amplitudes decreased at week 1 (mean 54% range 48%‐67%) and over the following months in a clinically significant trend (slope R=−.82, P<.0001). TSSR in controls changed insignificantly (±13% from the baseline). The difference between patients and controls was highly significant at any time point (P<.001).

This study suggests that TSSR may help in assessment of treatments in PH. It confirms objectively the efficacy of BT in PH.
Response of an ovine laryngeal injury model to a novel fibrosis inhibitor
Authors: Allen Jacqueline
Published: November 2016

Background

Vocal fold injury results in severe voice alteration that limits occupational function and social interaction. An ovine model of laryngeal injury has been developed, validated and utilized to examine laryngeal wound healing and the effect of a novel collagen inhibitor (halofuginone) on surgical wound healing. The study design includes basic research and animal model.

Methods

An ovine laryngeal model was utilized to study controlled vocal fold injury and healing. Twenty‐five sheep were divided into five groups. Sheep underwent right vocal fold injury preceded or followed by administration of halofuginone orally, topically or intralesionally. Biopsies were taken at commencement, 1 month and larynges explanted at 3 months. Specimens were examined for elastin and collagen density and epithelial changes. Pearson correlation statistics and Student's t‐tests were used to assess inter‐relationships.

Results

All sheep tolerated halofuginone. One sheep death occurred in an untreated sheep. Vocal fold tissue demonstrated a predictable histological response to injury. Elastin was significantly reduced post‐injury in the glottis. Halofuginone administered orally for 10 weeks prevented elastin loss and demonstrated a trend of reducing collagen density post‐injury.

Conclusion

In an ovine laryngeal injury model, administration of a fibrosis inhibitor resulted in altered elastin and collagen deposition after injury in the glottis. Further investigation is warranted to examine whether these tissue changes affect vocal fold dynamics.
Direct visualization of aqueous tear secretion from lacrimal gland
Authors: Kim Eun Chul , Doh Sang Hee , Chung Se Yoon , Yoon Sam Young , Kim Man Soo , Chung Sung Kun , Shin Min Chul , Hwang Ho Sik
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To introduce a new method for direct observation of tear secretion from the palpebral lobes of the main lacrimal glands and Wolfring glands using fluorescein dye.

Methods

Twenty‐six patients with dry eye and 26 healthy subjects were included in the study. Fluorescein was applied to the conjunctiva overlaying the palpebral lobe of the main lacrimal glands. Under cobalt blue light, we captured tear secretion from the glands in movies. We compared the number of excretory openings, the location and tear flow rate between the dry eye and healthy‐subject groups. To observe tear secretion from the Wolfring glands, we everted the upper lids and applied fluorescein dye to the upper margin of the tarsus.

Results

Mean number of excretory openings on the palpebral lobe was 2.5 in the dry eye group and 3.4 in the healthy‐subject group (p = 0.031). Most of the openings were observed at the ridge, the most protruding portion of the palpebral lobe. Mean flow rate from the palpebral lobe was 0.45 μl/min in the dry eye group and 0.91 μl/min in the healthy‐subject group (p = 0.046). Mean flow rate from the Wolfring glands was 0.007 μl/min in the dry eye group and 0.009 μl/min in the healthy‐subject group (p = 0.615).

Conclusion

This visualization method allowed us to directly observe tear secretion from the palpebral lobe of the main lacrimal glands and Wolfring glands, and to quantitatively measure the tear flow rate from the lacrimal glands.
Active commuting to school was inversely associated with academic achievement in primary but not secondary school students
Authors: Mora‐Gonzalez Jose , Rodríguez‐López Carlos , Cadenas‐Sanchez Cristina , Herrador‐Colmenero Manuel , Esteban‐Cornejo Irene , Huertas‐Delgado Francisco J. , Ardoy Daniel N. , Ortega Francisco B. , Chillón Palma
Published: November 2016

Aim

Physical activity has numerous benefits for children when it comes to academic achievements. This study determined whether active commuting – walking or cycling – to school, as a way of increasing total physical activity levels, was associated with academic achievements in students aged seven to 18 years.

Methods

A total of 2138 students participated in the study, which took place in the 2012/2013 academic year in three Spanish cities. We used a self‐reported questionnaire to assess how the students travelled to and from school and their final school grades.

Results

We enrolled 489 primary schoolchildren and 1649 secondary schoolchildren, with similar numbers of boys and girls. The primary schoolchildren who travelled to school by motorbike, car or bus had better grades for all the selected school subjects (p ≤ 0.009) than those who walked or cycled. No significant associations were found for secondary schoolchildren, except for mathematics and their grade point averages. All models were adjusted for sex, age and school.

Conclusion

Active commuting to school was inversely associated with academic achievement in primary school students but not those at secondary school. Longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to further understand our findings.