Alejandro B. Engel, Silvio J. Bezerra and Siguemituzo Arie
The mathematical model and computer algorithm reported in a previous issue of this journal have been tested on 21 normal heart moulds by comparing the true volume value, measured…
Abstract
The mathematical model and computer algorithm reported in a previous issue of this journal have been tested on 21 normal heart moulds by comparing the true volume value, measured by Archimedes' principle, with the predicted theoretical volume.
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ALEJANDRO B. ENGEL, SILVIO JOSE BEZERRA and SIGUEMITUSO ARIE
The classical models for volumelry of the heart's left ventricle are based upon the simplifying assumption that this chamber is an ellipsoid. This simplification is needed in…
Abstract
The classical models for volumelry of the heart's left ventricle are based upon the simplifying assumption that this chamber is an ellipsoid. This simplification is needed in order to manually process radiographic images of the left ventricle. Computer processing of these images allows a much more realistic approach by associating with the left ventricle a topologically deformed ellipsoid, which approximately is its actual shape. This is the model proposed and analysed in this paper; from this model an algorithm is derived for accurately calculating left ventricle volumetry. This algorithm is simple enough to be implemented on most microcomputers provided with an analog‐to‐digital converter, like joystick, or a magic pen or digitizer. By this procedure the assessing of hemodynamical parameters can be performed in a few minutes with a great improvement in accuracy as compared with classical methods.
Samuel Façanha Câmara, Brenno Buarque, Glauco Paula Pinto, Thiago Vasconcelos Ribeiro and Jorge Barbosa Soares
This study aims to evaluates a public policy program that finances projects for the development of innovative technological solutions. This paper analyzed the influence of human…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluates a public policy program that finances projects for the development of innovative technological solutions. This paper analyzed the influence of human and social capital on the development of the projects, under the perspective of the policy’s effectiveness and efficiency. This specific policy adopted the funding model of economic subsidy by means of grants, which shows the significant engagement of the public sector in applying nonrefundable resources more directly through loans, assuming the role of an entrepreneurial state, according to Mazzucato (2011, 2018) and Tavani and Zamparelli (2020).
Design/methodology/approach
This is a quantitative-descriptive study, according to Marconi and Lakatos (2017). This study is descriptive, for presenting information on innovation projects funded by FUNCAP (Ceará Foundation for Support to Scientific and Technological Development). In addition, this study is quantitative, by establishing multivariate relationships among the variables that relate to human capital and social capital, which are relevant to technological and innovative development, and by introducing variables on technological evolution, proposed as measures of the program’s effectiveness (DTRL, MkTRL) and efficiency (ETRL).
Findings
This paper sought to contribute on public policies for innovation, more specifically on analyzing variables that may affect the development of technological and innovative projects in knowledge-intensive companies. The authors studied capitals potentially important for these companies in the development of innovative projects. Specifically, the authors sought to understand the importance of human capital and how it reflects in technical and scientific knowledge of the project team and of social capital and how it reflects the connection and social relationship among different team members. The results presented that the degree of efficiency of the public funding program depends on how much the teams of the benefited projects have accumulated knowledge, skills and technical capacities – the so-called teams’ human capital.
Research limitations/implications
It is important to address the research sample as a research limitation, which had 72 responses obtained, from a submission rate of 284. Another study limitation is on the qualitative analysis of the topics addressed from the companies and policymakers perspectives, considering that the quantitative nature of the study does not allow for a deeper understanding of the qualitative perspective of the actors involved in the phenomenon studied. As recommendations for future studies, it is suggested to conduct qualitative studies on the aspects studied here. In this sense, it is possible to conduct case studies for specific companies, or policymakers, to clarify and deepen the relationships between the themes addressed here.
Practical implications
As for the practical implications of the research, both for managers of public funding programs and for company managers, the benefits of human capital, related to innovative project development teams, are important in programs that deal with technological development projects. In practice, this means that the greater the human capital of academic background of the members of the supported project teams, the more efficient the projects are in the process of developing their technologies by using the resources provided (Ashford, 2000; Chen et al., 2008; Lerro et al., 2014).
Social implications
Hence, the authors conclude that the evaluated innovation-funding program through grants achieved acceptable results in terms of promoting the technological evolution of the benefited projects and bringing the technologies closer to the market. Its efficiency was the least favorable result, showing that the program needs to focus on improving this specific aspect. Within the investigated program, the issue that needs enhancement (efficiency – ETRL) was the one that presented significant relationships with the human and social capital of the benefited projects’ teams. Thus, it is possible that, by selecting more projects that have teams with high capital, the efficiency of the public policy, in this case the development of projects with high technological and innovative potential, will be possibly reached.
Originality/value
The findings strengthen the need for innovation public policies designed and implemented in a systemic way in the science, technology and innovation ecosystem, to provide a technological infrastructure and human capital necessary for developing projects with high technological and innovative potential (Ergas, 1987; Audretsch and Link, 2012; Caloghirou et al., 2015; Edler and Fagerberg, 2017; Silvio et al., 2019).
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Mayara Cassiano Arantes, Silvio Francisco dos Santos and Victor Gomes Simão
The objective of this article is to identify through a literature study which factors determine the success of process automation in management systems.
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of this article is to identify through a literature study which factors determine the success of process automation in management systems.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic approach is applied to analyze the available literature on the topic. The first stage of the study consisted of analyzing publications aiming to identify aspects that may influence the implementation of automated process management tools in management systems. In the second stage, a synthesis of the information was performed, resulting in a set of representative factors of the aspects identified.
Findings
As a result of the literature review, determinant aspects were identified for the implementation of process automation in organizations in general. These elements are summarized in the following factors: Characterization and diversity of the context, Organizational Performance, People Engagement, Knowledge Management, Automated Process Management and Information Technology.
Originality/value
Prior knowledge of the determinants and associated aspects has the potential to optimize process automation, as it eliminates unnecessary steps and allows better application of the available resources.
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Marco Antonio Pacheco Junior, Tiago F.A.C. Sigahi, Izabela Simon Rampasso, Lucas Gabriel Zanon, Walter Leal Filho and Rosley Anholon
This paper proposes an evaluation approach for analyzing excellence management practices at a regional level based on experts’ assessment.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes an evaluation approach for analyzing excellence management practices at a regional level based on experts’ assessment.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the National Quality Foundation’s Management Excellence Model (MEG), 19 management excellence practices were identified and tailored for small- and medium-sized industries (SMIs). Data were collected through a survey with 25 experts who assessed these practices in the context of Brazilian manufacturing SMIs. The analysis utilized Fuzzy TOPSIS Class (FTC), and a sensitivity analysis was also conducted.
Findings
The proposed evaluation approach integrates a reference model for management excellence (MEG), an analysis method incorporating uncertainty (FTC), and results that enable decision-makers to make well-informed choices. Of the 19 practices assessed, 15 were classified as “unacceptable,” while four were rated as “regular,” and none as “expected.” Key challenges relate to practices in information security, knowledge, innovation and change management.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s primary limitation is the use of non-probabilistic sampling and its focus on the Brazilian context. However, the extensive knowledge and experience of the experts in manufacturing SMIs and the need for studies addressing specific regional contexts should be noted.
Practical implications
The findings reveal a significant gap between ideal management practices and the actual state of SMIs, especially in emerging markets.
Originality/value
This research introduces a novel approach that combines a reference model tailored for SMIs with a multicriteria decision-making method, offering valuable insights for decision-makers and guiding future research.
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Though poverty is one of the consequences of the lack of education, this latter can be the solution to poverty, particularly when children and youngsters are prioritized in…
Abstract
Though poverty is one of the consequences of the lack of education, this latter can be the solution to poverty, particularly when children and youngsters are prioritized in school. And in the fight against inequality, education for the development of human beings is the key, especially if we want to save children and adolescents in order to guarantee the future.