Giorgio Ambrosino, John D. Nelson, Marco Boero and Dora Ramazzotti
This chapter introduces the concept of the Shared Mobility Services Agency for the planning and managing of collective transport services at urban and regional level.
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter introduces the concept of the Shared Mobility Services Agency for the planning and managing of collective transport services at urban and regional level.
Design/methodology/approach
Building on previous work which established the concept of the Flexible Transport Service (FTS) Agency as a single co-ordination centre for different flexible services, this chapter extends the concept to consolidate the role of the Agency as a Shared Mobility Centre, including the integration of different on-demand or New Mobility Services and the co-ordination of different key actors in a co-modal approach. Specific attention is given to the enabling information and communication technology (ICT) architecture and standards and to the actions needed for consolidating the Agency’s role.
Findings
Findings indicate the fundamental role of the Public Transport Authority (local or regional) to enable the implementation of the concept. Priorities include: recognizing the Agency as an added value service for the area; supporting possible interaction/synergy among different Dispatch Centres and/or with other paratransit services; and defining a specific set of indicators measuring the quality and quantitative of service that are different from those of the conventional transport service.
Originality/value
In a time when household and public expenditure are under pressure, coupled with rapid technology progress (especially enhanced connectivity) the shared mobility services Agency offers a co-ordinated solution to planning and managing collective transport services, including New Mobility Services (represented by recent solutions like Uber, Sidecar, Lyft and BlaBlaCar) which are not yet integrated with traditional transport services.
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M. Gault, H. Matsuura, K. Furuya, P. Mawby and M.S. Towers
A new quantum effect device which is capable of highly coherent electron emission is theoretically proposed and analysed. The new device works by using the potential induced…
Abstract
A new quantum effect device which is capable of highly coherent electron emission is theoretically proposed and analysed. The new device works by using the potential induced accumulation layer at a heterointerface to produce dimensionally reduced electrons. These electrons tunnel through a heterobarrier ensuring that their energy is quantised in the direction of propagation. To avoid the problem of unquantised three dimensional electrons dominating the current the two dimensional electrons that tunnel through the barrier are replenished by electrons from two side contacts. A self‐consistent model is used to analyse the performance of the device and it is found that the new device performs very well, producing electrons with a very narrow energy spread in the direction of propagation. The current density/coherency combination is easily controlled by the applied bias and the device also offers the potential for ultra fast switching through the transition between coherent and incoherent states.
Jacques Charmes, Fred Gault and Sacha Wunsch-Vincent
The purpose of this paper is to review options for measuring innovation in the informal sector and proposes an agenda for future work.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review options for measuring innovation in the informal sector and proposes an agenda for future work.
Design/methodology/approach
It starts with a review of surveys of innovation in the formal business sector, and related definitions, as sources of questions and definitions which could be applied to the informal sector. Then, labor force surveys, and those that are combined with establishment surveys to measure informal sector activities, are examined with a view to adding questions, or modules, on the measurement of innovation in the informal sector. In addition, the advantages of using semi-structured interviews and ad hoc questionnaires in specific sub-sectors of the informal sector are explored.
Findings
The discussion leads to a possible agenda for future work on the development of policy relevant indicators of innovation in the informal economy. Two viable scenarios emerge: first, adding innovation questions to existing large-scale surveys of the informal economy; and/or second, conducting ad hoc questionnaire- and interview-based sectoral studies in selected countries.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed course of actions suffers from a few shortcomings: first, amending existing surveys as proposed here is always a challenging undertaking. A new survey questions have to be tested (cognitive and other testing); their deployment also depends on the willingness of countries to include new questions. Second, surveying the informal economy and applying proper sampling will remain an issue, no matter how good the survey design, and not matter how sincere the effort. Third, and finally, conducting these new survey techniques will require substantial resources over time.
Practical implications
In the coming years, new efforts are planned to gather data and better measure innovation in developing countries, such as the third edition of the African Innovation Outlook. This will widen the scope of reporting and analysis to include coverage of innovations in the informal sector (AU-NEPAD 2014). The suggestions in this chapter are intended to lay important groundwork for future empirical work, to help develop appropriate indicators and support new approaches to innovation policy in developing countries. Pragmatic suggestions are formulated, pointing to potential opportunities and challenges.
Social implications
The informal economy is a hugely important contributor to economic growth and social well-being in Africa and other developing countries. Better measurement and contributing to a better understanding of innovation in the informal economy will be important progress.
Originality/value
The contribution of the paper lies in the novel combination of tested approaches in informal sector surveys, on the one hand, and innovation surveys in the formal sector, on the other hand. The approaches provide ways forward to gain better understanding of the innovation in the informal economy, and to support innovation policy in African countries and beyond.
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A pseudo steady‐state model is developed to study heat transfer, fluidflow, and the interface shape in the liquid encapsulated vertical Bridgmancrystal growth. The model, which is…
Abstract
A pseudo steady‐state model is developed to study heat transfer, fluid flow, and the interface shape in the liquid encapsulated vertical Bridgman crystal growth. The model, which is governed by momentum, heat, and overall mass balances in the system, is solved by a finite‐volume/Newton method. Flow and temperature fields, as well as unknown melt/crystal and melt/encapsulant interfaces, are calculated simultaneously. Sample calculations are mainly conducted for the GaAs/B2O3/PBN system. Calculated results for the Germanium/graphite system are compared with finite element calculations by Adornato and Brown, and they are in good agreement. The effects of some process parameters, including the growth speed, ambient temperature profile and heat transfer conditions, on flow patterns, temperature fields and the interface shape are illustrated through calculated results. Interface inversion from concave to convex, by modifying the ambient temperature profile, is also demonstrated through computer simulation. Particularly, through an inverse problem approach, a flat interface can be easily obtained for various operation conditions.
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Kheng Yong Ong, Li Li Chen, Jane Ai Wong, Jin Cheng Lim, Doris Bee Hoon Teo and Mui Chai Tan
The purpose of this paper is to assess the safety and efficiency of, and acceptance by, patients for an express refill service (ERS).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the safety and efficiency of, and acceptance by, patients for an express refill service (ERS).
Design/methodology/approach
A pilot uncontrolled, cross-sectional, single-centred study was conducted at the outpatient pharmacy of a tertiary acute care hospital. Under ERS, prescriptions were dispensed without clinical review and counselling for patients refilling prescription medications. Efficiency was assessed by comparing processing times of ERS prescriptions with regular prescriptions. Safety was assessed by independent review of prescriptions by two pharmacists. Patient acceptance was assessed by a survey.
Findings
ERS reduced processing time of prescriptions by more than 30 per cent compared to the regular fill process. ERS was generally safe for patients, with drug-related problems identified in only one prescription which may have warranted closer monitoring. It was accepted by patients who opted for the service, as 91.4 per cent agreed or strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the service.
Research limitations/implications
The study was conducted on a small convenience sample of patients in a single centre, with no control group.
Practical implications
Results showed that ERS was efficient, safe and well-accepted for select patients refilling their prescriptions. This leads to shorter waiting times and greater patient satisfaction.
Originality/value
This is the first published study that has explored the feasibility of an express prescription refill service. Despite some limitations, this study showed that omitting prospective clinical review and patient counselling for a defined population segment is safe, and can reduce processing time and improve patient satisfaction.
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Anuj Kumar, Arya Kumar, Sanjay Bhoyar and Ashutosh Kumar Mishra
This paper analyzes the ethics of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly regarding AI-generated educational content in academia. It attempts to explore how AI…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper analyzes the ethics of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly regarding AI-generated educational content in academia. It attempts to explore how AI customization mimics human interaction and behavior in education, investigate ethical concerns in educational AI adoption, and assess ChatGPT’s ethical use for nurturing curiosity and maintaining academic integrity in education.
Design/methodology/approach
Fictional tales may help us think critically and creatively to uncover hidden truths. The narratives are analyzed to determine the affordances and drawbacks of Artificial Intelligence in Education (AIEd).
Findings
The study highlights the imperative for innovative, ethically grounded strategies in harnessing AI/GPT technology for education. AI can enhance learning, and human educators’ irreplaceable role is even more prominent, emphasizing the need to harmonize technology with pedagogical principles. However, ensuring the ethical integration of AI/GPT technology demands a delicate balance where the potential benefits of technology should not eclipse the essential role of human educators in the learning process.
Originality/value
This paper presents futuristic academic scenarios to explore critical dimensions and their impact on 21st century learning. As AI assumes tasks once exclusive to human educators, it is essential to redefine the roles of both technology and human teachers, focusing on the future.
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AN ESTEEMED correspondent points out that there are about two dozen library magazines of all sorts and sizes in circulation, whereas when he started his career there were no more…
Abstract
AN ESTEEMED correspondent points out that there are about two dozen library magazines of all sorts and sizes in circulation, whereas when he started his career there were no more than three. Our correspondent has himself had considerable editorial experience, and it may be that he is still in harness in that regard. One of his earliest efforts was in running the magazine of the old Library Assistants' Association, and it is not likely that that magazine has ever reached the same heights of excellence as it attained in his day. He observes that there are far too many library magazines now in circulation. We agree.
Chia-Jui Hsu, Jenifer Barrirero, Rolf Merz, Andreas Stratmann, Hisham Aboulfadl, Georg Jacobs, Michael Kopnarski, Frank Mücklich and Carsten Gachot
To decrease wear and friction, zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) has been used in engine oil for several decades, but the mechanism of the tribofilm formation is still unclear…
Abstract
Purpose
To decrease wear and friction, zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) has been used in engine oil for several decades, but the mechanism of the tribofilm formation is still unclear. The purpose of this study is to characterize the chemical details of the tribofilm by using high-resolution approaching.
Design/methodology/approach
An ISO VG 100 mineral oil mixed with ZDDP was used in sliding tests on cylindrical roller bearings. Tribofilm formation was observed after 2 h of the sliding test. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atom probe tomography (APT) were used for chemical analysis of the tribofilm.
Findings
The results show that the ZDDP tribofilm consists of the common ZDDP elements along with iron oxides. A considerable amount of zinc and a small amount of sulfur were observed. In particular, an oxide interlayer with sulfur enrichment was revealed by APT between the tribofilm and the steel substrate. The depth profile of the chemical composition was obtained, and a tribofilm of approximately 40 nm thickness was identified by XPS.
Originality/value
A sulfur enrichment at the interface is observed by APT, which is beneath an oxygen enrichment. The clear evidence of the S interlayer confirms the hard and soft acids and bases principle.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2020-0035/