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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2014

K.A. Patel, Sandeep Chaudhary and A.K. Nagpal

The purpose of this paper is to develop, for use in everyday design, a procedure that incorporates the effect of concrete cracking in reinforced concrete (RC) beams at service…

193

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop, for use in everyday design, a procedure that incorporates the effect of concrete cracking in reinforced concrete (RC) beams at service load and requires computational efforts which is a fraction of that required for the available methods. Further for ease of use in everyday design the reinforcement input data is minimized. The procedure has been demonstrated for continuous beams and is under development for tall building frames.

Design/methodology/approach

The procedure is analytical at the element level and numerical at the structural level. A cracked span length beam element consisting of three cracked zones and two uncracked zones has been used. Closed form expressions for flexibility coefficients, end displacements, crack lengths, and mid-span deflection of the cracked span length beam element have been presented. In order to keep the procedure analytical at the element level, average tension stiffening characteristics are arrived at for cracked zones.

Findings

The proposed procedure, at minimal computation effort and minimal reinforcement input data, yields results that are close to experimental and finite element method results.

Practical implications

The procedure can be used in everyday design since it requires minimal computational effort and minimal reinforcement input data.

Originality/value

A procedure that requires minimal computational effort and minimal reinforcement input data for incorporating concrete cracking effects in RC structures at service load has been developed for use in everyday design.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 31 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 20 January 2012

Philip Scott, Penny Ross and Deborah Prytherch

The objective of this review is to address two research questions: What is evidence‐based best practice for intra‐hospital inpatient handovers? What areas need further research…

3081

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this review is to address two research questions: What is evidence‐based best practice for intra‐hospital inpatient handovers? What areas need further research? The paper aims to take a particular interest in the interpersonal skills involved in successful handover, theoretically‐based approaches to implementing improvements in handovers, and whether there is sufficient data to construct an evaluation methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a narrative synthesis based on search of PubMed, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library.

Findings

A total of 82 papers, comprising 29 implementation studies, 13 conceptual models or improvement methods, five subject reviews and 35 background papers were identified. None of the studies met the normal parameters of evidence‐based medicine, but this is unsurprising for a complex healthcare service intervention.

Research limitations/implications

Those papers published in English between 2000 and July 2010 that were indexed in CINAHL, Medline or the Cochrane Library or found opportunistically were the only ones to be reviewed. The authors did not search any grey literature or hand‐search any journals.

Practical implications

The evidence is sufficient to justify widespread adoption of the guiding principles for inpatient handover best practice, provided that concurrent evaluation is also undertaken.

Originality/value

This is the first comprehensive review published in the peer‐reviewed literature that examines the evidence base for the practice of inpatient handovers across healthcare professions and specialties.

Details

Clinical Governance: An International Journal, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7274

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Article
Publication date: 13 December 2021

Yongliang Wang and Jianhui Wang

This study presents a novel hp-version adaptive finite element method (FEM) to investigate the high-precision eigensolutions of the free vibration of moderately thick circular…

81

Abstract

Purpose

This study presents a novel hp-version adaptive finite element method (FEM) to investigate the high-precision eigensolutions of the free vibration of moderately thick circular cylindrical shells, involving the issues of variable geometrical factors, such as the thickness, circumferential wave number, radius and length.

Design/methodology/approach

An hp-version adaptive finite element (FE) algorithm is proposed for determining the eigensolutions of the free vibration of moderately thick circular cylindrical shells via error homogenisation and higher-order interpolation. This algorithm first develops the established h-version mesh refinement method for detecting the non-uniform distributed optimised meshes, where the error estimation and element subdivision approaches based on the superconvergent patch recovery displacement method are introduced to obtain high-precision solutions. The errors in the vibration mode solutions in the global space domain are homogenised and approximately the same. Subsequently, on the refined meshes, the algorithm uses higher-order shape functions for the interpolation of trial displacement functions to reduce the errors quickly, until the solution meets a pre-specified error tolerance condition. In this algorithm, the non-uniform mesh generation and higher-order interpolation of shape functions are suitable for addressing the problem of complex frequencies and modes caused by variable structural geometries.

Findings

Numerical results are presented for moderately thick circular cylindrical shells with different geometrical factors (circumferential wave number, thickness-to-radius ratio, thickness-to-length ratio) to demonstrate the effectiveness, accuracy and reliability of the proposed method. The hp-version refinement uses fewer optimised meshes than h-version mesh refinement, and only one-step interpolation of the higher-order shape function yields the eigensolutions satisfying the accuracy requirement.

Originality/value

The proposed combination of methodologies provides a complete hp-version adaptive FEM for analysing the free vibration of moderately thick circular cylindrical shells. This algorithm can be extended to general eigenproblems and geometric forms of structures to solve for the frequency and mode quickly and efficiently.

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Article
Publication date: 16 December 2024

Pengzhen Lu, Yu Ding, Ying Wu, Changjun He, Liu Yang and Yang Li

(1) The shear lag effect and its additional deflection contribution to composite beams based on spatial grid elements were presented. (2) A refined spatial grid element analysis…

7

Abstract

Purpose

(1) The shear lag effect and its additional deflection contribution to composite beams based on spatial grid elements were presented. (2) A refined spatial grid element analysis method that can simultaneously obtain the internal forces, displacements and stresses of various parts of a composite beam.

Design/methodology/approach

A refined spatial grid element analysis method.

Findings

The proposed method can directly obtain the internal forces and displacements of the joints of the composite beam roof, floor and web.

Originality/value

To comprehensively comprehend the mechanical behavior of double-girder steel plate composite girder bridge structures and facilitate refined analysis, this paper introduces a refined spatial grid element analysis model applicable to both the global and local domains.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 17 March 2020

M.M. Ershadi, M.J. Ershadi and S.T.A. Niaki

Healthcare failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) identifies potential risks and defines preventive actions to reduce the effects of risks. In addition, a discrete event…

352

Abstract

Purpose

Healthcare failure mode and effect analysis (HFMEA) identifies potential risks and defines preventive actions to reduce the effects of risks. In addition, a discrete event simulation (DES) could evaluate the effects of every improvement scenario. Consequently, a proposed integrated HFMEA-DES model is presented for quality improvement in a general hospital.

Design/methodology/approach

In the proposed model, HFMEA is implemented first. As any risk in the hospital is important and that there are many departments and different related risks, all defined risk factors are evaluated using the risk priority number (RPN) for which related corrective actions are defined based on experts' knowledge. Then, a DES model is designed to determine the effects of selected actions before implementation.

Findings

Results show that the proposed model not only supports different steps of HFMEA but also is highly in accordance with the determination of real priorities of the risk factors. It predicts the effects of corrective actions before implementation and helps hospital managers to improve performances.

Practical implications

This research is based on a case study in a well-known general hospital in Iran.

Originality/value

This study takes the advantages of an integrated HFMEA-DES model in supporting the limitation of HFMEA in a general hospital with a large number of beds and patients. The case study proves the effectiveness of the proposed approach for improving the performances of the hospital resources.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 38 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

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Article
Publication date: 27 September 2021

Michele Ciotti, Giampaolo Campana and Mattia Mele

This paper aims to present a survey concerning the accuracy of thermoplastic polymeric parts fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM). Based on the scientific literature, the aim…

406

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a survey concerning the accuracy of thermoplastic polymeric parts fabricated by additive manufacturing (AM). Based on the scientific literature, the aim is to provide an updated map of trends and gaps in this relevant research field. Several technologies and investigation methods are examined, thus giving an overview and analysis of the growing body of research.

Design/methodology/approach

Permutations of keywords, which concern materials, technologies and the accuracy of thermoplastic polymeric parts fabricated by AM, are used for a systematic search in peer-review databases. The selected articles are screened and ranked to identify those that are more relevant. A bibliometric analysis is performed based on investigated materials and applied technologies of published papers. Finally, each paper is categorised and discussed by considering the implemented research methods.

Findings

The interest in the accuracy of additively manufactured thermoplastics is increasing. The principal sources of inaccuracies are those shrinkages occurring during part solidification. The analysis of the research methods shows a predominance of empirical approaches. Due to the experimental context, those achievements have consequently limited applicability. Analytical and numerical models, which generally require huge computational costs when applied to complex products, are also numerous and are investigated in detail. Several articles deal with artificial intelligence tools and are gaining more and more attention.

Originality/value

The cross-technology survey on the accuracy issue highlights the common critical aspects of thermoplastics transformed by AM. An updated map of the recent research literature is achieved. The analysis shows the advantages and limitations of different research methods in this field, providing an overview of research trends and gaps.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 4 October 2011

Nikhil Padhye and Kalyanmoy Deb

The goal of this study is to carry out multi‐objective optimization by considering minimization of surface roughness (Ra) and build time (T) in selective laser sintering (SLS…

1485

Abstract

Purpose

The goal of this study is to carry out multi‐objective optimization by considering minimization of surface roughness (Ra) and build time (T) in selective laser sintering (SLS) process, which are functions of “build orientation”. Evolutionary algorithms are applied for this purpose. The performance comparison of the optimizers is done based on statistical measures. In order to find truly optimal solutions, local search is proposed. An important task of decision making, i.e. the selection of one solution in the presence of multiple trade‐off solutions, is also addressed. Analysis of optimal solutions is done to gain insight into the problem behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The minimization of Ra and T is done using two popular optimizers – multi‐objective genetic algorithm (non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II)) and multi‐objective particle swarm optimizers (MOPSO). Standard measures from evolutionary computation – “hypervolume measure” and “attainment surface approximator” have been borrowed to compare the optimizers. Decision‐making schemes are proposed in this paper based on decision theory.

Findings

The objects are categorized into groups, which bear similarity in optimal solutions. NSGA‐II outperforms MOPSO. The similarity of spread and convergence patterns of NSGA‐II and MOPSO ensures that obtained solutions are (or are close to) Pareto‐optimal set. This is validated by local search. Based on the analysis of obtained solutions, general trends for optimal orientations (depending on the geometrical features) are found.

Research limitations/implications

A novel and systematic way to address multi‐objective optimization decision‐making post‐optimal analysis is shown. Simulations utilize experimentally derived models for roughness and build time. A further step could be the experimental verification of findings provided in this study.

Practical implications

This study provides a thorough methodology to find optimal build orientations in SLS process. A route to decipher valuable problem information through post‐optimal analysis is shown. The principles adopted in this study are general and can be extended to other rapid prototyping (RP) processes and expected to find wide applicability.

Originality/value

This paper is a distinct departure from past studies in RP and demonstrates the concepts of multi‐objective optimization, decision‐making and related issues.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 17 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2016

Abhishek Das and Gautam Sarkhel

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of various stoichiometric ratios for synthesised epoxy phenolic novolac (EPN) resins on their physicochemical, thermomechanical…

204

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the effect of various stoichiometric ratios for synthesised epoxy phenolic novolac (EPN) resins on their physicochemical, thermomechanical and morphological properties.

Design/methodology/approach

In the present study, EPN (EPN-1, EPN-2, EPN-3, EPN-4 and EPN-5) resins were synthesised by varying five types of different stoichiometric ratios for phenol/formaldehyde along with the corresponding molar ratios for novolac/epichlorohydrin. Their different physicochemical properties of interest, thermomechanical properties as well as morphological properties were studied by means of cured samples with the variation of its stoichiometric ratios.

Findings

The average functionality and reactivity of EPN resin can be controlled by controlling epoxy equivalence as well as cross-linking density upon its curing as all of these factors are internally correlated with each other.

Research limitations/implications

Epoxy resins are characterised by a three-membered ring known as the epoxy or oxirane group. The capability of the epoxy ring to react with a variety of substrates imparts versatility to the resin. However, these resins have a major drawback of low toughness, and they are also very brittle, which limits their application in products that require high impact and fracture strength.

Practical implications

Epoxy resins have been widely used as high-performance adhesives and matrix resins for composites because of their outstanding mechanical and thermal properties. Because of their highly cross-linked structure, the epoxy resin disables segmental movement, making them hard, and it is also notch sensitive, having very low fracture energy.

Social implications

Epoxy resin is widely used in industry as protective coatings and for structural applications, such as laminates and composites, tooling, moulding, casting, bonding and adhesives.

Originality/value

Systematic study has been done for the first time, as no exact quantitative stoichiometric data for the synthesis of EPN resin were available on the changes of its different properties. Thus, an optimised stoichiometric composition for the synthesis of the EPN resin was found.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 45 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

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Article
Publication date: 9 July 2018

Mobin Sokhanvar, Edris Kakemam and Narges Goodarzi

The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) has improved patient safety effectively. Despite the known benefits of applying the checklist before surgery, its implementation is less…

577

Abstract

Purpose

The WHO Surgical Safety Checklist (SSC) has improved patient safety effectively. Despite the known benefits of applying the checklist before surgery, its implementation is less than universal in practice. The purpose of this paper is to determine the operating room personnel’s attitude, their awareness and knowledge of the SSC, and to evaluate staff acceptance of the SSC (including personal beliefs).

Design/methodology/approach

This cross-sectional study was conducted in eight tertiary general hospitals in Tehran, Iran. Some 145 operating room personnel (surgeons, anaesthetists and nurses) were selected for the study. Data collection was carried out via a validated questionnaire in three parts which included socio-demographic, attitude, awareness and acceptance. Data were then analysed using the Kruskal–Wallis and χ2 statistical test.

Findings

Out of the 145 participants in the study, 92 per cent were aware of the existence of the SSC and 73.9 per cent of them were aware of the objectives of SSC. Overall, the attitude to SSC was positive. The attitude of surgeons was positive towards the impact of the SSC on safety and teamwork. Surgeons were significantly more sensitive to the barriers of SSC application compared to nurses and anaesthetists (p=0.046). Among the three groups, nurses had the highest level of support for SSC (p=0.001).

Practical implications

Despite high acceptance of the checklist among staff, there is still a gap in knowledge about when exactly the checklist should be used. Therefore, involvement of all surgical team members to complete the checklist process, support of senior managers, on-going education and training and consideration of the barriers to its implementation are all key areas that need to be taken into account.

Originality/value

This is the first research to examine the operating room personnel’s attitude, awareness and acceptance about SSC in Iranian hospitals. The outcomes of this study provide documentation and possible justification for effective establishment of SSC in Iran and other countries.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

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Article
Publication date: 10 June 2019

Konstantinos Dinas, Eleftherios Vavoulidis, Georgios Chrysostomos Pratilas, Kimon Chatzistamatiou, Alexandros Basonidis, Alexandros Sotiriadis, Leonidas Zepiridis, Konstantinos Pantazis, Konstantinos Tziomalos, Vassilis Aletras and George Tsiotras

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes of healthcare professionals in Greece toward safety practices in gynecological Operation Rooms (ORs).

118

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes of healthcare professionals in Greece toward safety practices in gynecological Operation Rooms (ORs).

Design/methodology/approach

An anonymous self-administered questionnaire was distributed to surgical personnel asking for opinions on safety practices during vaginal deliveries (VDs) and gynecological operations (e.g. sponge/suture counting, counting documentation, etc.). The study took place in Hippokration Hospital of Thessaloniki including 227 participants. The team assessed and statistically analyzed the questionnaires.

Findings

Attitude toward surgical counts and counting documentation, awareness of existence and/or implementation in their workplace of other surgical safety objectives (e.g. WHO safety control list) was assessed. In total, 85.2 percent considered that surgical counting after VDs is essential and 84.9 percent admitted doing so, while far less reported counting documentation as a common practice in their workplace and admitted doing so themselves (50.5/63.3 percent). Furthermore, while 86.5 percent considered a documented protocol as necessary, only 53.9 percent admitted its implementation in their workplace. Remarkably, 53.1 percent were unaware of the WHO safety control list for gynecological surgeries.

Originality/value

Most Greek healthcare professionals are well aware of the significance of surgical counting and counting documentation in gynecology ORs. However, specific tasks and assignments are unclear to them. Greek healthcare professionals consider surgical safety measures as important but there is a critical gap in knowledge when it comes to responsibilities and standardized processes during implementation. More effective implementation and increased personnel awareness of the surgical safety protocols and international guidelines are necessary for enhanced quality of surgical safety in Greece.

Details

International Journal of Health Care Quality Assurance, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0952-6862

Keywords

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