Marcello Aprile and Mario Motta
– This article aims to develop a fast numerical method for solving the one-dimensional heat and mass transfer problem within a desiccant rotor.
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to develop a fast numerical method for solving the one-dimensional heat and mass transfer problem within a desiccant rotor.
Design/methodology/approach
The collocation method is used for discretizing the axial dimension and reducing the number of dependent variables. The resulting system of equation is then solved through backward differentiation formulas.
Findings
The numerical results obtained here focus on verifying the accuracy and the computation time of the proposed method with respect to the finite difference method. The proposed numerical solution method resulted faster than, and as much accurate as, the finite difference method, over a large range of operating conditions that are of interest in desiccant cooling applications.
Research limitations/implications
For heat and mass transfer analysis, constant average transfer coefficients are used. The results are calculated for NTU between 2 and 15 and for Le number between 0.5 and 2.
Practical implications
The results can be used in designing desiccant heat exchangers and desiccant cooling systems including complex rotor arrangements.
Originality/value
Different from other simplified solution techniques, the proposed method relies on few parameters that retain physical meaning and applies also to complex rotor configurations.
Details
Keywords
Anna Uliano, Marcello Stanco, Marco Lerro, Giuseppe Marotta and Concetta Nazzaro
Social Farming (SF) is an expression of agricultural diversification and multifunctionality, due to its ability to create positive externalities through the inclusion of…
Abstract
Purpose
Social Farming (SF) is an expression of agricultural diversification and multifunctionality, due to its ability to create positive externalities through the inclusion of vulnerable individuals. For this reason, products derived from SF are characterized by social quality attributes, which, however, are not often recognized by the market. This study aims to investigate the reasons behind the lacked recognition of the value created by SF analyzing the willingness to pay (WTP) for such products and the factors affecting citizen-consumers' purchasing behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a convenience sample (N = 350) via a web-based structured questionnaire. Psycho-attitudinal scales, previously validated in literature, were adopted to characterize the citizen-consumers interviewed. A logistic regression was run in order to determine those characteristics of respondents affecting their intention to purchase SF products, while an ordered logistic regression was performed to uncover the determinants of consumers' WTP for SF products.
Findings
The results show the relevant role of the level of education, household size and ethical self-identity in affecting the willingness to support SF activities by paying a price premium for its products. Lack of availability and information about SF products are the main factors limiting their purchase.
Originality/value
The study offers interesting results outlining future research fields about market penetration strategies and policy implications.
Details
Keywords
Looks at the first 100 years of Italian cinema examining its role in Italy’s recent history. Provides a bibliography of major film directors, Italian cinema sources, reference…
Abstract
Looks at the first 100 years of Italian cinema examining its role in Italy’s recent history. Provides a bibliography of major film directors, Italian cinema sources, reference works, histories, themes, theory and criticism and articles in journals.
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Marcello Russo, Filomena Buonocore and Maria Ferrara
The purpose of this paper is to explore antecedents, namely reasons for/against error reporting, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control, of nurses’ intentions to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore antecedents, namely reasons for/against error reporting, attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived control, of nurses’ intentions to report their errors at work.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured equation model with cross-sectional data were estimated to test the hypotheses on a sample of 188 Italian nurses.
Findings
Reasons for/against error reporting were associated with attitudes, subjective norms and perceived control. Further, reasons against were related to nurses’ intentions to report errors whereas reasons for error reporting were not. Lastly, perceived control was found to partially mediate the effects of reasons against error reporting on nurses’ intentions to act.
Research limitations/implications
Self-report data were collected at one point in time.
Practical implications
This study offers recommendations to healthcare managers on what factors may encourage nurses to report their errors.
Social implications
Lack of error reporting prevents timely interventions. The study contributes to documenting motivations that can persuade or dissuade nurses in this important decision.
Originality/value
This study extends prior research on error reporting that lacks a strong theoretical foundation by drawing on behavioral reasoning theory.