Mouna Lamnaouer, Alain Kassab, Eduardo Divo, Nolan Polley, Rodrigo Garza-Urquiza and Eric Petersen
An axisymmetric shock-tube model of the high-pressure shock-tube facility at the Texas A&M University has been developed. The shock tube is non-conventional with a non-uniform…
Abstract
Purpose
An axisymmetric shock-tube model of the high-pressure shock-tube facility at the Texas A&M University has been developed. The shock tube is non-conventional with a non-uniform cross-section and features a driver section with a smaller diameter than the driven section. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Computations were carried out based on the finite volume approach and the AUSM+ flux-differencing scheme. The adaptive mesh refinement algorithm was applied to the time-dependent flow fields to accurately capture and resolve the shock and contact discontinuities as well as the very fine scales associated with the viscous effects. The incorporation of a conjugate heat transfer model enhanced the credibility of the results.
Findings
The shock-tube model is validated with simulation of the bifurcation phenomenon and with experimental data. The model is shown to be capable of accurately simulating the shock and expansion wave propagations and reflections as well as the flow non-uniformities behind the reflected shock wave as a result of reflected shock/boundary layer interaction or bifurcation. The pressure profiles behind the reflected shock wave agree with the experimental results.
Originality/value
This paper presents one of the first studies to model the entire flow field history of a non-uniform diameter shock tube with a conjugate heat transfer model beginning from the bursting of the diaphragm while simultaneously resolving the fine features of the reflected shock-boundary layer interaction and the post-shock region near the end-wall, at conditions useful for chemical kinetics experiments. An important discovery from this study is the possible existence of hot spots in the end-wall region that could lead to early non-homogeneous ignition events. More experimental and numerical work is needed to quantify the hot spots.
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Joseph Amankwah-Amoah and Ellis L.C. Osabutey
The purpose of this paper is to explicate how newly independent nations combined local and international resources to plan and build large engineering projects aimed at enhancing…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explicate how newly independent nations combined local and international resources to plan and build large engineering projects aimed at enhancing economic development. It discusses the key factors and issues related to the planning and building of the Akosombo Dam and related townships from 1962 to 1967.
Design/methodology/approach
The assessment is based on the archival information from the Volta River Authority together with other archival government data and interview transcripts before, during and after the completion (from the 1950s to the 1960s) of the Volta River Project (VRP).
Findings
The paper presents insights from the VRP in newly independent Ghana and demonstrates how multiple international firms combine with host country stakeholders to usher in one of the most important engineering projects in post-colonial Africa. It also highlights how poor bargaining power and weak integration of the project outcome to future development objectives, with negligence by succeeding political actors, could inhibit the full achievement of intended long-term project outcomes.
Research limitations/implications
Most of the conclusions are drawn from a single project within one country and would need to be supported by additional multi-country research. The study also presents an opportunity to explore how lessons learnt could influence policymaking in new, large and complex infrastructure projects.
Originality/value
The paper reviews antecedents, processes and outcomes of a major post-independence infrastructure project in a sub-Saharan African country.
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Z. F. Bhat, Sunil Kumar and Hina Fayaz Bhat
The aim of the article was to focus on various peptides identified in the egg and their probable application as novel ingredients in the development of functional food products…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the article was to focus on various peptides identified in the egg and their probable application as novel ingredients in the development of functional food products. Bioactive peptides of egg origin have attracted increasing interest as one of the prominent candidates for development of various health-promoting functional and designer foods.
Design/methodology/approach
Traditionally known as a source of highly valuable proteins in human nutrition, eggs are nowadays also considered as an important source of many bioactive peptides which may find wide application in medicine and food production. These specific protein fragments from egg proteins which, above and beyond their nutritional capabilities, have a positive impact on the body’s function or condition by affecting the digestive, endocrine, cardiovascular, immune and nervous systems, and may ultimately influence health.
Findings
Several peptides that are released in vitro or in vivo from egg proteins have been attributed to different health effects, including antihypertensive effects, antimicrobial properties, antioxidant activities, anticancer activity, immunomodulating activity, antiadhesive properties and enhancement of nutrient absorption and/or bioavailability. Extensive research has been undertaken to identify and characterize these biologically active peptides of egg origin which has changed the image of egg as a new source of biologically active ingredients for the development of functional foods with specific benefits for human health and treatment and prevention of diseases.
Originality/value
The paper mainly describes the above-stated properties of bioactive peptides derived from egg proteins.
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The purpose of this paper is to describe a qualitative observational study of how middle managers in healthcare in the UK on a work-based masters programme in leadership were…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe a qualitative observational study of how middle managers in healthcare in the UK on a work-based masters programme in leadership were introduced to foundational aspects of creativity and delivering innovation through an assignment on contemporary architectural design.
Design/methodology/approach
The assignment involved individual research of a recent architectural design followed by group poster presentations of findings and structured analysis. No prior knowledge of design was required. An activity theory approach was used to explore common principles of creativity and leading innovation, key features of design processes and tools for facilitating implementation.
Findings
A total of 89 managers in seven cohorts completed the assignment. Data from process records and group work, artefacts and follow-up evaluation questionnaires were analysed within an interpretive approach. Analysis of data lent support for the view that exploring architectural design as an activity system helped participants to develop conceptual and applied links between management performance, creative collaboration and delivering innovation in their own, different field of practice. Where participants expressed limited self-efficacy regarding the capacity for fostering creativity, this was usually ascribed to systemic inhibitors.
Practical implications
Exploring architectural design could provide a relatively low-cost, highly stimulating component of management development programmes seeking to harness the contribution of creative industries to foster work-based creativity and innovation.
Originality/value
This study explores a novel use of architectural design within the context of work-applied development programmes for healthcare managers.
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John Øvretveit, Magna Andreen‐Sachs, Jan Carlsson, Helena Gustafsson, Johan Hansson, Christina Keller, Susana Lofgren, Pamela Mazzocato, Sara Tolf and Mats Brommels
The purpose of this paper is to compare the implementation of 12 different organisation and management innovations (OMIs) in Swedish healthcare, to discover the generic and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to compare the implementation of 12 different organisation and management innovations (OMIs) in Swedish healthcare, to discover the generic and specific factors important for successful healthcare improvement change in a public health system.
Design/methodology/approach
Longitudinal cross‐case comparison of 12 case studies was employed, where each case study used a common framework for collecting data about the process of change, the content of the change, the context, and the intermediate and final outcomes.
Findings
Clinical leaders played a more important part in the development of these successful service innovations than managers. Strategies for and patterns of change implementation were found to differ according to the type of innovation. Internal organisational context factors played a significant role in the development of nearly all, but external factors did not. “Developmental evolution” better described the change process than “implementation”.
Research limitations/implications
The 12 cases were all of relatively successful change processes: some unsuccessful examples would have provided additional testing of the hypotheses about what would predict successful innovation which were used in the case comparison. The cross‐case comparative hypothesis testing method allows systematic comparison if the case data are collected using similar frameworks, but this approach to management research requires considerable resources and coordination.
Practical implications
Management innovations that improve patient care can be carried out successfully by senior clinicians, under certain circumstances. A systematic approach is important both for developing and adapting an innovation to a changing situation. A significant amount of time was required for all involved, which could be reduced by “fast‐tracking” approval for some types of change.
Originality/value
This is the first empirical report comparing longitudinal and contextualised findings from a number of case studies of different organisational and management healthcare innovations. The findings made possible explanations for success factors and useful practical recommendations for conditions needed to nurture such innovation in public healthcare.
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The purpose of this paper is to present a study of how quality improvement tools and techniques are framed within healthcare settings.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a study of how quality improvement tools and techniques are framed within healthcare settings.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs an interpretive approach to understand how quality improvement tools and techniques are mobilised and legitimated. It does so using a case study of the NHS Modernisation Agency Improvement Leaders' Guides in England.
Findings
Improvement Leaders' Guides were framed within a service improvement approach encouraging the use of quality improvement tools and techniques within healthcare settings. Their use formed part of enacting tools and techniques across different contexts. Whilst this enactment was believed to support the mobilisation of tools and techniques, the experience also illustrated the challenges in distributing such approaches.
Originality/value
The paper provides an important contribution in furthering our understanding of framing the “social act” of quality improvement. Given the ongoing emphasis on quality improvement in health systems and the persistent challenges involved, it also provides important information for healthcare leaders globally in seeking to develop, implement or modify similar tools and distribute leadership within health and social care settings.