scholarly journals Microwave Foaming of Materials: An Emerging Field

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (11) ◽  
pp. 2477
Author(s):  
Mukarram Zubair ◽  
Rebecca Ferrari ◽  
Omar Alagha ◽  
Nuhu Dalhat Mu’azu ◽  
Nawaf I. Blaisi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Process Time ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Mechanical And Thermal Properties ◽  
Blowing Agent ◽  
Foaming Behavior ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Physical Expansion ◽  
Processing Steps ◽  
Processing Factors

In the last two decades, the application of microwave heating to the processing of materials has to become increasingly widespread. Microwave-assisted foaming processes show promise for industrial commercialization due to the potential advantages that microwaves have shown compared to conventional methods. These include reducing process time, improved energy efficiency, solvent-free foaming, reduced processing steps, and improved product quality. However, the interaction of microwave energy with foaming materials, the effects of critical processing factors on microwave foaming behavior, and the foamed product’s final properties are still not well-explored. This article reviews the mechanism and principles of microwave foaming of different materials. The article critically evaluates the impact of influential foaming parameters such as blowing agent, viscosity, precursor properties, microwave conditions, additives, and filler on the interaction of microwave, foaming material, physical (expansion, cellular structure, and density), mechanical, and thermal properties of the resultant foamed product. Finally, the key challenges and opportunities for developing industrial microwave foaming processes are identified, and areas for potential future research works are highlighted.

scholarly journals A Comparison between Dedicated and Flexible Manufacturing Systems: Optimization and Sensitivity Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 130-139
Author(s):  
Abdul Salam Khan ◽  
Khawer Naeem ◽  
Raza Ullah Khan
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity Analysis ◽  
Flexible Manufacturing ◽  
Manufacturing Systems ◽  
Manufacturing System ◽  
Cost Minimization ◽  
Process Time ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Second Phase ◽  
Solution Approach ◽  
The Impact

An abrupt change requires a robust and flexible response from a manufacturing system. Dedicated Manufacturing System (DMS) has been a long practiced taxonomy for mass production and minimum varieties. In contrast, Flexible Manufacturing System (FMS) has been introduced for responding to quantity as well as variety issues. This study considers both production taxonomics by using a multi objective model of cost and time. An Integer Linear Programming (ILP) formulation is presented and subsequently validated. The analysis procedure is administered in two phases. In the first phase, comparison of production cost and process time in DMS and FMS is presented. The model is implemented by using an exact solution approach and results show that FMS is a viable option, compared to DMS, according to the criteria of cost, time, and productivity. In the second phase, sensitivity analysis is performed by using several FMS (n) and the impact of cells selection on the performance of system is studied. It is concluded that n=1 (single cell-based FMS) is more relevant for cost minimization; however, n = 6 is a suitable candidate for producing more quantity in given time horizon (process time minimization). Lastly, key findings are reported, and future research avenues are provided.

Antibiotic stewardship in the intensive care unit: Challenges and opportunities

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (6) ◽  
pp. 693-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen Chiotos ◽  
Pranita D. Tamma ◽  
Jeffrey S. Gerber
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Antibiotic Stewardship ◽  
Audit And Feedback ◽  
Molecular Diagnostic ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Antibiotic Overuse ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Prospective Audit And Feedback ◽  
The Impact

AbstractInfections due to antibiotic-resistant organisms are increasing in prevalence and represent a major public health threat. Antibiotic overuse is a major driver of this epidemic, and antibiotic stewardship an important means of limiting antibiotic resistance. The intensive care unit (ICU) setting presents an intersection of opportunities and challenges for effective antibiotic stewardship, but limited data inform optimal stewardship interventions in this setting. In this review, we present unique considerations for stewardship interventions the ICU setting and summarize available data evaluating the impact of prospective audit and feedback, diagnostic test stewardship, rapid molecular diagnostic tests, and procalcitonin-guided algorithms for antibiotic discontinuation. The existing knowledge gaps ripe for future research are emphasized.

Challenges and opportunities for disinvestment in Australia

2016 ◽  
Vol 30 (8) ◽  
pp. 1301-1307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rebecca Trowman Day ◽  
Richard Norman ◽  
Suzanne Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Patient Safety ◽  
Choosing Wisely ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hospital System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Health Technologies ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Public Hospital System ◽  
Clinical Engagement ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Worldwide, there is significant growth in the cost of (and demand for) healthcare, which often clashes with a requirement to contain expenditure. This duality leads to an increasing need for a systematic approach to disinvestment in health technologies. The purpose of this paper is to consider the challenges and opportunities for disinvestment policy decisions in Australia. It discusses the implementation of the Choosing Wisely campaign and the need for rigorous evaluation of such campaigns in the Australian healthcare system. Design/methodology/approach The authors highlight characteristics of disinvestment: what it is and what it is not and discuss international examples of identifying low value care, including the recent Choosing Wisely initiative. The authors discuss the barriers to implementing initiatives such as Choosing Wisely and the complexities in evaluating their effectiveness. Findings While the primary purpose of the Choosing Wisely campaign is improved decision making through clinical engagement, it is expected that implementation could lead to resource savings alongside improvements in patient safety and service quality. While there is research looking to understand the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of initiatives such as Choosing Wisely, little is known about broader patient impacts, and more attention on the quantification of their effect on both patient outcomes and resource use is needed. Originality/value This work highlights the limited knowledge around implementation of disinvestment strategies and the paucity of research around the impact of strategies such as Choosing Wisely in the Australian public hospital system. This is important as future research in this area will give greater certainty about the benefits and consequences of Choosing Wisely leading to improved opportunities for resource savings and patient safety and quality.

scholarly journals The Challenges and Opportunities for ERM Post-COVID-19: Agendas for Future Research

2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 323
Author(s):  
Don Pagach ◽  
Monika Wieczorek-Kosmala
Keyword(s):  
Risk Management ◽  
Risk Identification ◽  
Enterprise Risk Management ◽  
Additional Research ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Research Attention ◽  
Enterprise Risk ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Impact

In this paper, we examine the impact that COVID-19 has had on enterprise risk management (ERM). Guided by the origins and philosophy of ERM, we suggest an agenda for future research on ERM in a “post-COVID-19” reality, by addressing its integrated, strategic, and value-enhancing orientation. To guide future research endeavors in ERM, which is still an evolving discipline, we present topics that would benefit from additional research attention within both risk identification and analysis, as well as the strategic dimension of ERM.

Induced Resettlement and Livelihoods of Communities: A Case Study of the Bui Dam Jama Resettlement Community, Ghana

10.31355/36 ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
pp. 145-158
Author(s):  
Abdul-Rahim Abdulai ◽  
Lois Araba Fynn
Keyword(s):  
Local Level ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Hydroelectric Power ◽  
Research Perspective ◽  
Livelihood Assets ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
The Impact

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED WITH THE INFORMING SCIENCE INSTITUTE. Aim/Purpose................................................................................................................................................................................................. Study aimed to examine the impacts of the Bui-Dam Hydroelectric Power (BHP) project resettlement on communities’ livelihoods. The purpose was to understand how the resettlement affected livelihood assets, activities, and capabilities of communities and households. Background................................................................................................................................................................................................. Induced displacements and livelihoods of households and communities have received enormous scholarly attention in many academic disciplines. In this paper, we add to the contributions in this issue area, employing a case study, to examine the livelihood effects to communities involved in the Phase A of the Bui Resettlement Program in Jama, Ghana. Methodology................................................................................................................................................................................................. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and observations were used to closely understand, from the perspective of stakeholders, including affected households, community leaders, and resettlement authorities, the impact of the project on livelihood capabilities, assets and activities. Contribution................................................................................................................................................................................................. The study has shown that resettlement presents communities with both challenges and opportunities. This conclusion is important in planning future projects, because, it will allow practitioners to carefully plan with both dimensions at sight. Findings ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... The study revealed that livelihood assets, including agricultural lands and fishing lake, were affected. However, farmlands were replaced while the lake remained accessible to households, posing little change in general livelihood activities. The quality and adequacy of the new resources were however in question, and some households were forced to change activities. Capabilities of resettled people were not affected; however, some were rendered useless in the new location while social ties and sense of belongingness were negatively affected. Recommendations for Practitioners........................................................................................................................................................... Considering the findings of this research, for future induced resettlement, we recommend that proactive measure be taken to understand the potential impacts of projects to be incorporated into planning. In addition, livelihood supports should be planned on long-term basis, to ensure that all potential impacts are predetermined. Broadly, context-specific safeguard policies should be pursued at the local level. Recommendation for Researchers............................................................................................................................................................ It is important to consider both the positive and negative impacts of induced resettlement to provide a holistic picture of how it affects households and communities. Researchers studying resettlement must therefore expand their scope of consideration to inform holistic policy actions. Impact on Society........................................................................................................................................................................................ The study provides findings that can enhance the sustainability of community livelihoods in the face of infrastructural development activities in pursuit of economic growth. Future Research........................................................................................................................................................................................... From the research perspective, future studies could well focus on understanding both dimensions of the impacts of various projects. Such an approach will provide valuable inputs to development planners and practitioners on how to effectively optimize project outcomes. The findings will also serve as a benchmark for people studying the same project long after all the phases are completed.

Self-Compassion and Quality of Life in Adults Who Stutter

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 2097-2108
Author(s):  
Robyn L. Croft ◽  
Courtney T. Byrd
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Social Connectedness ◽  
The Self ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Self Compassion ◽  
Adults Who Stutter ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this study was to identify levels of self-compassion in adults who do and do not stutter and to determine whether self-compassion predicts the impact of stuttering on quality of life in adults who stutter. Method Participants included 140 adults who do and do not stutter matched for age and gender. All participants completed the Self-Compassion Scale. Adults who stutter also completed the Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering. Data were analyzed for self-compassion differences between and within adults who do and do not stutter and to predict self-compassion on quality of life in adults who stutter. Results Adults who do and do not stutter exhibited no significant differences in total self-compassion, regardless of participant gender. A simple linear regression of the total self-compassion score and total Overall Assessment of the Speaker's Experience of Stuttering score showed a significant, negative linear relationship of self-compassion predicting the impact of stuttering on quality of life. Conclusions Data suggest that higher levels of self-kindness, mindfulness, and social connectedness (i.e., self-compassion) are related to reduced negative reactions to stuttering, an increased participation in daily communication situations, and an improved overall quality of life. Future research should replicate current findings and identify moderators of the self-compassion–quality of life relationship.

Pengaruh Lintas Budaya Pada Pemasaran Internasional Dengan Pendekatan Perilaku Konsumen

2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-176
Author(s):  
Endy Gunanto ◽  
Yenni Kurnia Gusti
Keyword(s):  
Consumer Behavior ◽  
Marketing Strategy ◽  
Consumer Culture ◽  
International Organization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Cross Culture ◽  
Several Variables ◽  
Cultural Orientations ◽  
The Impact

In this article we present a conceptual of the effect of cross culture on consumer behavior incorporating the impact of globalization. This conceptual idea shows that culture inûuences various domains of consumer behavior directly as well as through international organization to implement marketing strategy. The conceptual identify several factors such as norm and value in the community, several variables and also depicts the impact of other environmental factors and marketing strategy elements on consumer behavior. We also identify categories of consumer culture orientation resulting from globalization. Highlights of each of the several other articles included in this special issue in Asia region. We conclude with the contributions of the articles in terms of the consumer cultural orientations and identify directions for future research.

Aviation and the Microbiome

2020 ◽  
Vol 91 (8) ◽  
pp. 651-661
Author(s):  
Joshua T. Davis ◽  
Hilary A. Uyhelji
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Health ◽  
Aviation Safety ◽  
Autism Spectrum ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Microbial Colonization ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Aerospace Medicine ◽  
Medical Certification ◽  
Physical Disorders ◽  
The Impact

INTRODUCTION: Although the impact of microorganisms on their hosts has been investigated for decades, recent technological advances have permitted high-throughput studies of the collective microbial genomes colonizing a host or habitat, also known as the microbiome. This literature review presents an overview of microbiome research, with an emphasis on topics that have the potential for future applications to aviation safety. In humans, research is beginning to suggest relationships of the microbiome with physical disorders, including type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. The microbiome also has been associated with psychological health, including depression, anxiety, and the social complications that arise in autism spectrum disorders. Pharmaceuticals can alter microbiome diversity, and may lead to unintended consequences both short and long-term. As research strengthens understanding of the connections between the microbiota and human health, several potential applications for aerospace medicine and aviation safety emerge. For example, information derived from tests of the microbiota has potential future relevance for medical certification of pilots, accident investigation, and evaluation of fitness for duty in aerospace operations. Moreover, air travel may impact the microbiome of passengers and crew, including potential impacts on the spread of disease nationally and internationally. Construction, maintenance, and cleaning regimens that consider the potential for microbial colonization in airports and cabin environments may promote the health of travelers. Altogether, the mounting knowledge of microbiome effects on health presents several opportunities for future research into how and whether microbiome-based insights could be used to improve aviation safety.Davis JT, Uyhelji HA. Aviation and the microbiome. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(8):651–661.

INNOVATIVE ARCHITECTURAL IDEAS OF THE FUTURE DWELLINGS

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 67-75
Author(s):  
Dzhyhil Yu. ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Personal Responsibility ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Modern World ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Housing Design ◽  
Residential Architecture ◽  
Planning Decisions ◽  
National University ◽  
Methodological Principles ◽  
The Impact

Residential architecture has one of the most conservative styles based on its specifics. However, today this type of architecture seeks to actively respond to changes in the modern world. These changes are caused by multiple factors, among them are: technological and information progress; lack of resources and environmental pollution; military conflicts and population migration etc. The purpose of this article is to summarize the experience of the Department of Architectural Environment of Lviv Polytechnic National University over housing issues and outline the methodological principles of innovation in designing both individual houses and the architectural environment of residential formations. While writing this article, we analyzed the 15-year experience of Architectural Environment's Department diploma projects. The unique feature of these projects is the priority on the design of the environment. The evolution of diploma project topics is revealed on multiple distinctive examples such as the reconstruction of old buildings in Lviv and the construction of prefabricated homes and container-type housing. Futuristic settlements are represented in projects such as “The Ocean Settlements” and “Prykarpatsk - the City of Future”. Research projects were developed to study current trends in housing design and the impact of innovative technologies on planning decisions. These projects discoursed the protection of housing from traffic noise and issues related to environmental preservation. Innovative architectural ideas of future housing, developed by students in these projects, are based on a combination of aesthetic, technical, and social components of architecture. The conclusion indicates that when educating future architects, it is important to teach them the basics of the craft, as well as the ability to defend their innovative ideas. The emphasis is placed on the importance of educating the architect's personal responsibility for their own design solutions. It is stated that professional motivation and the ability to constantly renew previously acquired knowledge and skills will be among the main tasks in training future architects.

The Effect of Internal Corporate Social Responsibility on Job Satisfaction: An Empirical Study on Jordanian Pharmaceutical Companies

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 112
Author(s):  
Sura Altheeb ◽  
Kholoud Sudqi Al-Louzi
Keyword(s):  
Job Satisfaction ◽  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Skills Development ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Pharmaceutical Companies ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Positive Results

The current research investigates the impact of internal corporate social responsibility on job satisfaction in Jordanian pharmaceutical companies. Quantitative research design and regression analysis were applied on a total of 302 valid returns that were obtained in a questionnaire based survey from 14 pharmaceutical companies among employees, supervisors and managers. The results showed that internal corporate social responsibility was significantly related to job satisfaction and three of its dimensions, namely working conditions, work life balance and empowerment contributed significantly to job satisfaction, whereas employment stability and skills development had no contribution. This study implies that Jordanian pharmaceutical companies have to try their best to promote and facilitate internal corporate social responsibility among their employees in an effort to improve their job satisfaction, which will eventually yield positive results for the company as a whole. In light of these results, the research presented many recommendations for future research; the most important ones were the application of this study in other sectors, cultures, and countries, and using of multi method for collecting data.

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