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Article
Publication date: 7 August 2018

Alexandra Khoury, Mark Jones, Christopher Buckle, Mark Williamson and Guy Slater

Weekend surgery carries higher mortality than weekday surgery, with complications most commonly arising within the first 48 hours. There is a reduced ability to identify…

122

Abstract

Purpose

Weekend surgery carries higher mortality than weekday surgery, with complications most commonly arising within the first 48 hours. There is a reduced ability to identify complications at the weekend, with early signs going undetected in the absence of thorough early patient review, particularly in the elderly with multiple co-morbidities. Weekend working practices vary amongst UK hospitals and specialties. The weekend effect has been a prominent feature in the literature over the past decade. The purpose of this paper is to identify the number of patients undergoing weekend surgery who receive a Day 1 post-operative review and improve this outcome by implementing an effective change.

Design/methodology/approach

It was observed that not all patients undergoing surgery on a Friday or Saturday at the authors’ District General Hospital were receiving Day 1 post-operative review by a clinician. A retrospective audit was carried out to identify percentage of patients reviewed on post-operative Day 1 at the weekend. A change in handover practice was implemented before re-audit.

Findings

In Phase 1, 54 per cent of patients received Day 1 post-operative reviews at the weekend against a set standard of 100 per cent. A simple change to handover practice was implemented to improve patient safety in the immediate post-operative period resulting in 96 per cent of patients reviewed on Day 1 post-operatively at re-audit.

Originality/value

This study confirms that simple changes in handover practices can produce effective and translatable improvements to weekend working. This further contributes to the body of literature that acknowledges the existence of a weekend effect, but aims to evolve weekend working practices to accommodate improvement within current staffing and resource availability by maximising efficiency and communication.

Details

International Journal of Health Governance, vol. 23 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-4631

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Article
Publication date: 15 November 2013

Mohd Hafizi Shamsudin, Jingjing Chen and Christopher B. York

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the buckling strength of simply supported plates with mechanical extension-twisting coupling. Bounds of the compression buckling

158

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the buckling strength of simply supported plates with mechanical extension-twisting coupling. Bounds of the compression buckling strength are presented for a special sub-class of extension-twisting coupled laminate that is free from the thermal distortions that generally arise in this class of coupled laminate as a result of the high temperature curing process. These special laminates are generally referred to as hygro-thermally curvature-stable (HTCS).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper gives an overview of the methodology for developing laminates with extension-twisting coupling properties, which are derived from a parent laminate with HTCS properties. A closed form buckling solution is applicable for this special class of coupled laminate, which facilitates an assessment of compression buckling strength performance for the entire laminate design space.

Findings

Extension-twisting coupled laminates have potential applications in the design of aero-elastic compliant rotor blades, where the speed of the rotating blade, and the resulting centrifugal force, can be used to control blade twist. Extension-twisting coupling reduces the compression buckling performance of the blade, which represents an important static design constraint. However, the performance has been shown to be higher than competing designs with extension-shearing coupling in many cases.

Originality/value

Bounds of the buckling curves have been presented for the entire HTCS laminate design space, possessing extension-twisting and shearing-bending coupling, in which the laminates contain standard ply angle orientations and up to 21 plies. These laminates can be manufactured without the undesirable thermal warping distortions that generally affect this class of coupled laminate, and in particular, those containing angle plies only; previously thought to be the only form of laminate design from which this particular type of mechanical coupling can be derived.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 4 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

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Article
Publication date: 11 September 2024

Dongyang Cao, Daniel Bouzolin, Christopher Paniagua, Hongbing Lu and D.Todd Griffith

Herein, the authors report the effects of printing parameters, joining method, and annealing conditions on the structural performance of fusion-joined short-beam sections produced…

28

Abstract

Purpose

Herein, the authors report the effects of printing parameters, joining method, and annealing conditions on the structural performance of fusion-joined short-beam sections produced by additive manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors first identified appropriate printing parameters for joining segmented short beams and then used those parameters to print and fusion-join segments with different configurations of stiffeners to form a longer section of a wing or small wind turbine blade structure.

Findings

It was found that the beams with three lateral and three base stiffening ribs give the highest flexural strength among the three beams investigated. Results on joined beams annealed at different conditions showed that annealing at 70 °C for 0.5 h yields higher performance than annealing at the same temperature for longer times. It is also found that in the case of the hot-plate-welded three-dimensional (3D)-printed structures, no annealing is needed for reaching a high strength-to-weight ratio, but annealing is helpful for maximizing the modulus-to-weight ratio. Both thermal buckling and edge wrapping were observed under annealing at 70°C for 0.5 h for 3D-printed beams comprising two lateral and four base stiffening plates.

Originality/value

Fusion-joining of additively manufactured segments is needed owing to the constraint in building volume of a typical commercial 3D-printer. However, study of the effect of process parameters is needed to quantify their effect on mechanical performance. This investigation has therefore identified key printing parameters and annealing conditions for fusion-joining short segments to form larger structures, from multiple 3D-printed sections, such as wind blade structures.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 15 May 2018

Osama A.B. Hassan and Christopher Johansson

This paper aims to compare glued laminated timber and steel beams with respect to structural design, manufacturing and assembly costs and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

1512

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to compare glued laminated timber and steel beams with respect to structural design, manufacturing and assembly costs and the amount of greenhouse gas emissions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents structural design requirements in conformance with EN 1993: Eurocode 5 and Eurocode 3. With the help of these standards, expressions are derived to evaluate the design criteria of the beams. Based on the results of life-cycle analysis, the economic properties and environmental impact of the two types of beam are investigated. In this paper, the effect of beam span on the design values, costs and carbon dioxide emissions is analysed when investigating aspects of the structural design, economy and environmental impact. Different cross-sections are chosen for this purpose.

Findings

The study shows that the glued laminated (abbreviated as “glulam”) beams have a smaller tendency to lateral torsional buckling than the steel beams, and that they can be cheaper. From an environmental point of view, glulam beams are the more environmentally friendly option of the two beam materials. Furthermore, glulam beams may have a direct positive effect on the environment, considering the carbon storage capacity of the wood. The disadvantage of glued wood is that larger dimensions are sometimes required.

Research limitations/implications

Wind load and the effect of second-order effects have not been considered when analysing the static design. Only straight beams have been studied. Furthermore, the dynamic design of the beams has not been investigated, and the bearing pressure capacity of the supports has not been analyzed. We have investigated timber beams with a rectangular cross-section, and steel beams of rolled I-sections, known as “HEA profiles”. The cost analysis is based mainly on the manufacturing and assembly costs prevalent on the Swedish market. The only environmental impact investigated has been the emission of greenhouse gases. The design calculations are based on the European standards Eurocode 5 and Eurocode 3.

Practical implications

To achieve sustainability in construction engineering, it is important to study the environmental and economic consequences of the building elements. By combining these two effects with the technical design of buildings made of steel and/or timber, the concept of sustainable development can be achieved in the long run.

Social implications

The study concerns sustainability of building structures, which is an important of the sustainable development of the society.

Originality/value

The paper contains new information and will be useful to researchers and civil engineers.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 16 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

George K. Stylios

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects…

3831

Abstract

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

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Article
Publication date: 1 March 1987

Christopher F. Kearns

The application of computational plasticity to the very practical engineering problem of crash‐worthiness of vehicle safety cab frames during impact and rollover incidents is…

53

Abstract

The application of computational plasticity to the very practical engineering problem of crash‐worthiness of vehicle safety cab frames during impact and rollover incidents is described. The resulting behaviour of these structures cannot be determined solely by strict elastic analyses as plastic behaviour is intrinsic to the problem. The importance of predicting the deformations of the cab structure under extreme loadings lies in a consideration for the safety of its occupants. Physical testing is extremely valuable here but is costly and time‐consuming. The role of the computer is thus evident in producing rapid estimates of cab collapse modes, loadings and deformations. Three main causes of non‐linearity are identified in the behaviour of ductile framed structures under static loading, i.e. the effects of plasticity in the structural material, the effects of axial forces and the effects of large displacements of the structure under load. The paper describes and compares two computer programs which have been used to model the behaviour of vehicle cab frames when subjected to roof crush loading in a static test. Both programs employ non‐linear beam finite elements to model the behaviour of a framed structure. One program runs in an iterative fashion while the other runs in an incremental fashion.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 4 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Book part
Publication date: 29 March 2022

Katharina Dittrich

Scalar terms, such as “local” and “global,” “big” and “small” are fundamental in how academics and practitioners make sense of and respond to grand challenges. Yet, scale is so

Abstract

Scalar terms, such as “local” and “global,” “big” and “small” are fundamental in how academics and practitioners make sense of and respond to grand challenges. Yet, scale is so taken-for-granted that we rarely question or critically reflect on the concept and how it is used. The aim of this paper is to identify scale as an important concept in research on grand challenges and to point out why taking scale for granted can be problematic. In particular, I suggest that to date most research on grand challenges sees scale as a fundamental ontological feature of the world. Yet, scalar categories and hierarchies are not as self-evident and given as they may seem. Moreover, taking scale as an ontological fixed category limits our ability to make sense of, theorize and respond to grand challenges. As an alternative, I suggest seeing scale as an epistemological frame that participants employ in their everyday practices to make sense of, navigate and develop solutions to grand challenges. The chapter concludes with a research agenda for studying scale as socially constructed in practice.

Details

Organizing for Societal Grand Challenges
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83909-829-1

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Article
Publication date: 22 November 2011

Christopher York

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate new design concepts for 24 classes of laminate, which have been derived as part of an ongoing study on the development of a unified…

379

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate new design concepts for 24 classes of laminate, which have been derived as part of an ongoing study on the development of a unified approach to the characterization of coupled laminates. The paper presents a description of each class of coupled laminate.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper gives an overview of the desired performance and requirements of a smart leading edge device, its aerodynamic design for the wind tunnel tests and the structural pre‐design and sizing of the full‐scale leading edge section which will be tested in the wind tunnel.

Findings

Coupled laminates have potential applications in the design of aero‐elastic compliant rotor blades or aircraft wing structures, by introducing tailored extension‐twist and/or shear‐extension coupling at the laminate level; or in the design of thermally activated morphing structures, by exploiting more complex coupling behaviour.

Practical implications

These laminates contain standard cross‐ply and/or angle‐ply combinations, although double angle‐ply laminates are also considered, and correspond to any standard fibre/matrix system with a constant ply thickness throughout.

Originality/value

The vast majority of the laminate described possess coupling behaviour not previously identified in the literature.

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Article
Publication date: 12 February 2019

Adam Potter and Christopher Richardson

The purpose of this paper is to show how the theory of researcher positionality can help international business researchers and human resource managers clarify the ideal position…

565

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how the theory of researcher positionality can help international business researchers and human resource managers clarify the ideal position of the expatriate in relation to host country nationals (HCNs), so that selection and cross-cultural training (CCT) can be more targeted and assignment specific.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper linking positionality theory and the methodological practice of reflexivity from ethnographic research and other social sciences to the research of expatriate acculturation.

Findings

This conceptual paper outlines theory from ethnographic research that, when applied to expatriate selection and acculturation, increases the field’s understanding of the expatriate’s position in relation to HCNs. This theory practically informs selection criteria, CCT programs and support plans as they pertain to specific international assignments. A novel theoretical model is then proposed.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is conceptual in nature. Empirical research is needed to test the value of this paper and its proposed positionality gap model (PGM) model.

Practical implications

The research and conceptual model proposed in this paper has the potential to improve how multinational enterprise (MNE) managers conceptualize expatriate assignments, expatriate selections and expatriate CCT leading to more effective work and value added to stakeholders.

Social implications

The PGM model proposed in this paper highlights the value of HCN’s culture and preferences as input for selection and CCT of an expatriate worker and contributes to the body of literature that views expatriation with multiple stakeholder perspectives.

Originality/value

This paper’s originality stems from the application of a well-understood phenomenon in ethnographic research and other social sciences to expatriate acculturation. The common practice of reflexology and theory of positionality can clarify the ideal position for an expatriate in relation to the MNE and HCNs for both researchers and practitioners.

Details

Journal of Global Mobility: The Home of Expatriate Management Research, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-8799

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Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 February 2005

Michael Mainelli

347

Abstract

Details

The Journal of Risk Finance, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1526-5943

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