Examples Of Current Practice Research Articles

Update on Transcatheter Interventions in Adults with Congenital Heart Disease.

The field of adult congenital interventions is unique in the world of cardiac catheterization, combining the structural concepts commonly employed in pediatric heart disease and applying them to adult patients, who are more amenable to device intervention as they no longer experience somatic growth. Rapid advances in the field have been made to match the growing population of adult patients with congenital heart disease, which currently surpasses the number of pediatric patients born with congenital heart disease. Many congenital defects, which once required surgical intervention or reoperation, can now be addressed via the transcatheter approach, minimizing the morbidity and mortality often encountered within adult congenital surgeries. In this paper, we aim to provide a focused review of the more common procedures that are utilized for the treatment of adult congenital heart disease patients in the catheterization laboratory, as examples of current practices in the United States, as well as emerging concepts and devices awaiting approval in the future.

Outlines of the Science and Technology System: A Look into the Past for Forming Policy for the Development of the Next Generation Ecosystem. Part 2

Shifting from the description of landscape of the science and education system presented in the first part of the work as well as from identification of some values of the governing body (all these are needed for a situational study of trends, strengths and weaknesses), in this article we examine the system in a country case to find measures to overcome its accompanying nature with respect to economy. This is manifested in the diversion of management from what researchers and developers do, what they need, where and what goals to set, how to use the results obtained in the field of science and technology for the benefit of society, economy and person. By connecting the system to key building blocks, as well as functions and values they deliver, of a much broader innovation ecosystem, we are setting its next-generation outlines on the agenda. Systematic implementation of policies is based on a long-term vision, strategy and medium-term plans in the field of science, technology and innovation. Strategic decision-making requires greater clarity of the outlines of the future as a professional, and not just a political, consensus of stakeholders. To this end, taking into account the significantly increased pace and changed mechanism of technological renewal which have an impact on competitiveness, we use the method proposed by Startup Genome for ranking startup ecosystems. This method also identifies four stages of the ecosystem life cycle: activation, globalization, attractiveness and integration. We rely on concepts, historical and current practical examples to give high-level characteristics and formulate criteria and tasks for transformation of the startup ecosystem as a part of innovation ecosystem.

LED Traffic Signal Repair and Replacement Practices

Upgrading traffic signal systems from incandescent bulbs to LED modules over the last two decades has vastly improved the sustainability of this ubiquitous transportation asset. Recent technological upgrades have extended the warrantied life of these assets from 5 years to 15 years. With these advancements, it is vital that prioritization be given to sustainable operations and maintenance strategies which take advantage of the extended lifespan and continued reduction in energy consumption of LED modules. One major limiting factor in determining these strategies is that the service life of new 15-year-warrantied LED modules is currently unknown. Through available literature, this paper identifies the expected service life of 5-year-warrantied LED modules, commonly used from the early 2000s to 2022, as a baseline for comparison. Literature also provides insight into current Inspection, Repair, and Replacement practices. Interviews with manufacturers provide insight into current and future lifespan expectations. Finally, feedback from active transportation agencies provides examples of current practices in the absence of official national guidance, of which there is little. Understanding the current state of practice and expectations for the future will allow for the development of a repair and replacement guideline, ultimately taking maximum advantage of these advancements in sustainable technology.

Reporting of patient involvement: a mixed-methods analysis of current practice in health research publications using a targeted search strategy

ObjectivesTo evaluate the extent and quality of patient involvement reporting in examples of current practice in health research.DesignMixed-methods study. We used a targeted search strategy across three cohorts to identify...

Global Climate Services: A Typology of Global Decisions Influenced by Climate Risk

Climate services are ideally co-developed by scientists and stakeholders working together to identify decisions and user needs. Yet, while climate services have been developed at regional to local scales, relatively little attention has been paid to the global scale. Global climate services involve decisions that rely on climate information from many locations in different world regions, and are increasingly salient. Increasing interconnections in the global financial system and supply chains expose private companies and financial institutions to climate risk in multiple locations in different world regions. Further, multilateral decisions on greenhouse gas emission reduction targets, disaster risk finance or international migration should make use of global scale climate risk assessments. In order to advance global climate service development, we present a typology of decisions relying on global (i.e., non-local) climate risk information. We illustrate each decision type through examples of current practice from the coastal domain drawn from the literature and stakeholder interviews. We identify 8 types of decisions making use of global climate information. At a top-level, we distinguish between “multilateral climate policy decisions,” and “portfolio decisions involving multiple locations.” Multilateral climate policy decisions regard either “mitigation targets” or “multilateral adaptation” decisions. Portfolio decisions regard either “choice of location” or “choice of financial asset” decisions. Choice of location decisions can be further distinguished as to whether they involve “direct climate risks,” “supply chain risks” or “financial network risks.” Our survey of examples shows that global climate service development is more advanced for portfolio decisions taken by companies with experience in climate risk assessment, i.e., (re-)insurers, whereas many multilateral climate policy decisions are at an earlier stage of decision-making. Our typology thus provides an entry-point for global climate service development by pointing to promising research directions for supporting global (non-local) decisions that account for climate risks.

Supporting career development in organisations: Drivers, practices and challenges

This article describes the evolution of career development in UK employing organisations over the period 2000-2020. It looks at the characteristics of career development in organisations; the business drivers for supporting the career development of employees; some of the ideas that have influenced how employers think about career development; and key career development practices. The article also explores the challenges that constrain effective career development for employees. In addition to published material, the article includes some case examples of current practice, drawing on semi-structured interviews with NICEC Fellows, specialists in organisational careers work and HR professionals.

Planning Educational Content in School Curriculum Documents: Examples of current practice from pre-schools in the Czech Republic and Slovakia

The aim of the research was to analyse the ways in which educational content is planned and taught in selected pre-school educational programmes in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, with a focus on the topics, educational objectives, and different approaches to school curriculum design. Methods. The first part of the research consisted of a qualitative content analysis of the school educational programmes of 40 pre-schools in the Czech Republic and 40 reflective reports from the teachers of these pre-schools. The research focused on approaches to designing integrated educational blocks in these school educational programmes and on teachers´ preferences when implementing them in their teaching. The second part was undertaken in cooperation with the Faculty of Education of Matej Bel University in Banská Bystrica, Slovakia. Research data was obtained by a questionnaire survey among students of distance studies in study programmes preparing pre-school teachers in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The results from the research sample indicated that the chronological approach of integrated educational blocks was the most popular type within pre-schools in both countries. The pre-schools designed the educational content according to the season and structured it into weekly themes. This approach might not necessarily fulfil the requirements of the Czech and Slovak national educational programmes in relation to the specified educational content according to the current needs and interests of children. Even though some teachers were often allowed to choose their own topics, the majority of teachers were still required to implement topics specified in the school educational programme. In conclusion, the paper provides a possible outline of the causes of this situation and suggests opportunities for further research. Keywords: pre-school education, educational content, school educational programme, curriculum, planning

The evolution of conservation education and its role in saving apes in Africa.

The current paradigm of conservation initiatives promotes activities that benefit conservation of wildlife while at the same time improving the welfare of humans living near wildlife habitats. This dual focus of conservation has resulted in an increase in activities that engage local communities. The past decade has seen a shift in how conservation practitioners define the role of conservation education. While once limited to a focus on increasing knowledge and influencing attitudes and behavior of local communities, today the term is used to encompass a range of activities from traditional education to training local people in alternative livelihoods that can positively impact conservation outcomes. This change in the use of the term, as well as the increased awareness of the need to involve local communities in all aspects of conservation activities, has resulted in complex programs that cross many disciplines. This special edition provides examples of current practices at conservation sites focused on apes in Africa.

Implementation of World Health Organization Guidelines in the Prevention of Surgical Site Infection in Low- and Middle-Income Countries:What We Know and Do Not Know.

Background: In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), infection is the most frequent complication in surgical procedures, and surgical site infections (SSIs) globally are the most frequent health-care-associated infections (HAIs). Preventing SSI is an important target for overall quality improvement and patient safety as well as supporting the infection prevention and control (IPC) global agenda. Methods: In 2018, the World Heath Organization (WHO) presented the first Global Guidelines for the Prevention of Surgical Site Infections. The WHO also simplified SSI surveillance materials and included process measures, critical to addressing the barriers existing in LMICs. Because surveillance activities alone will not lead to improvements and implementation is more challenging than guideline development, the WHO then outlined a novel, step by step approach for implementation based on its tried and tested improvement approach for IPC measures. These documents have been reviewed and summarized to achieve wider reach in the surgical community. Results: The WHO implementation guidance notes examples of current practice against the WHO SSI prevention guideline recommendations and considers LMIC settings. It identifies the related problem that needs to be addressed if the recommendation is not being applied consistently and reliably. It breaks down the steps required to make an improvement applying key elements known as the multi-modal improvement strategy. Conclusions: Implementation of IPC guidance documents and tools published by global organizations and national governments continues to be a challenge, especially for LMICs. Successful approaches need to include a science-based approach to implementation and improvement, as well as joined up working and learning across IPC and surgical communities. Real improvements can be only achieved, based on WHO workforce recommendations, with IPC programs including the staff to execute these programs and using a proven approach.

ECLECTIC 4.0: the new learning model for business schools

PurposeCurrent learning models need to change to facilitate learners acquiring and assimilating the competencies required for the future work scenario. The purpose of this paper is to propose a new learning model, ECLECTIC 4.0, comprising elements drawn from various sources, theories, styles, authors, technology and ideas to gain maximum insight.Design/methodology/approachThe ECLECTIC 4.0 learning model is based on Robert J Sternberg's triarchic theory of intelligence, which proposes that varied contexts and tasks require different kinds of analytical, creative and practical intelligence. This paper discusses the interplay between the triarchic theory of intelligence and the ECLECTIC 4.0 learning model, highlighting the model's expected modifications for teaching toolkits, business schools and industry. Examples of current practices in business schools and industry that are paving the way for what is proposed in the model are provided and discussed.FindingsTo compete and succeed in the future work scenario, the competencies required (e.g. agility, mindfulness, collaboration, co-creation and design thinking) are different from those prevalent today. To acquire and assimilate these competencies, current business school learning and teaching models needs to change. The proposed model incorporates eight learning characteristics: embedding in business; collaborative learning; linking humanities to management; encouraging non-linear thinking; complementary insight enabling co-creation; technology to solve problems; innovating in response to demands and creating an experience centre.Originality/valueThe new ECLECTIC 4.0 learning model addresses the need for educationalists, especially in management education, to adopt the most appropriate teaching toolkits.

Methodological Rigor in Mixed Methods: An Application in Management Studies

As mixed methods continues to grow as a discipline, work to define what constitutes quality mixed methods research has become an emergent conversation. While progress has been made in this area, there has been some debate as to what quality entails and how to achieve it. This article contributes to mixed methods by highlighting the importance of rigor as an interdisciplinary baseline for quality evaluation and proposes a rigorous mixed methods framework. This framework is then applied to the management studies literature to give insight into a literature base where mixed methods research is still relatively nascent. Findings give examples of current practices in management studies as well as an example of how the rigorous mixed methods framework can be operationalized.

Vlach vocal traditional music in the region of Homolje from the legacy of Olivera Mladenovic

Olivera Mladenovic researched Vlach culture in the 1980s. Recordings preserved in the archive of the Institute of Ethnography SASA also contain examples of vocal practice of the Vlachs from Homolje region (Northeast Serbia). The material was recorded on six audio cassettes, which were later digitized. As ethnomusicological studies of this area are very scarce, the recorded material certainly represents a valuable testimony to the musical culture of the Vlach ethnic community. The aim of this article is to determine the particularities of the recorded examples, based on ethnomusicological analysis and transcription, as well as to isolate the vocal genres found on these audio cassettes. Vocal examples from the recordings of Olivera Mladenovic will be paired with existing examples from the literature, as well as examples of current practice recorded by the author of this article. In this way, at least a partial picture of the Vlachs? musical life in Homol?? from the 1980s to the present day will be established, and the comparison will allow us to observe continuity and change.

Initiatives to integrate operational knowledge in design: a building client perspective

Purpose This paper aims to focus on deliberate actions by the building client to integrate knowledge of facilities management, in particular building operation, in design and construction of sustainable facilities. Examples of current practices are studied to answer the following questions: Which initiatives to enable operational friendly and sustainable buildings are currently used by building clients in Denmark? Which initiatives could be appropriate to use in the future, and which parties are in the best position to implement the various initiatives? Design/methodology/approach The study is a hermeneutic multi-method study, which consists of a review of former research, a case study and a survey. It starts with theoretical background based on earlier research with the aim to identify initiatives to ensure the use of operational knowledge in building design. Hereafter, the paper presents, analyses and discusses two studies: a case study of current practices at a university campus organisation and a survey of five swimming facilities. All cases are from Denmark. Findings In all, 31 initiatives to enable use of operational knowledge in building design were initially identified. In the case study, 11 additional initiatives were found. The case study and the survey of swimming facilities show different degrees of implementation, varying from 18 to 31 initiatives implemented. However, the studies show that introducing the initiatives is not sufficient; it takes deliberate actions to get the initiatives well implemented. Within the building client organisation, three main actors should care for implementing the initiatives: Top management, building client division and operation division. Originality/value Research-based literature on practices in relation to knowledge transfer from operation to design is limited. This paper provides insights into deliberate efforts on transferring knowledge from operation to design among Danish building clients.

Self-help groups and patient participation: current results and projects in the Belgian region of Flanders

In 2018, around 1500 self-help groups existed in the Belgian region of Flanders, dealing with almost 200 different diseases or problems. Most have existed for 25 to 35years, with new initiatives added annually. The first part of this article describes the development of self-help groups and patient participation in Flanders. The second part discusses the legal framework for the participation of patient associations at the micro-, meso-, and macrolevel. The third section describes two current practical examples of patient participation in the health system: the "self-help-friendly hospital" and "the integration of experts by experience in hospitals" with initial interim results. Finally, we discuss development and growth opportunities, as well as needs of self-help groups and patient associations and their support agencies and umbrella associations. More support for self-help groups and increased recognition of their achievements can promote structural forms of cooperation with the professional health system and boost patient participation.

Imitating Incidents: How Simulation Can Improve Safety Investigation and Learning From Adverse Events.

One of the most fundamental principles of patient safety is to investigate and learn from the past in order to improve the future. However, healthcare organizations can find it challenging to develop the robust organizational processes and work practices that are needed to rigorously investigate and learn from safety incidents. Key challenges include difficulties developing specialist knowledge and expertise, understanding complex incidents, coordinating collaborative action, and positively changing practice. These are the types of challenges that simulation is commonly used to address. As such, this article proposes that there are considerable opportunities to integrate simulation more deeply and systematically into routine efforts to investigate and learn from safety incidents. This article explores how this might be performed by defining five key areas where simulation could be productively integrated throughout the investigation and learning process, drawing on examples of current practice and analogous applications in healthcare and other industries.

Hollowed-out genring as a way of purposefully embracing troublesome knowledge: Orientation and de-orientation in the learning and teaching of fine art

Abstract This text emerges from ongoing research focused on pedagogical developments within the curriculum of the Year 0 Fine Art pathway at Norwich University of the Arts. Within the teaching and learning of Fine Art, students will work between both written and visual genres, often struggling to rationalize the two. As part of our research, we have developed practice-based research tasks that work in parallel to the traditional academic essay, an a-typical visual genre of equal status. We believe that through such dual genring, a more appropriate and wider range of resources will, over time, begin to work symbiotically with the essay. The research tasks serve as destabilizing prompts; they constitute a hollowed-out genre that encourages students to enter into a de-orientated, liminal, conceptual space within their learning. With the introduction of specifically developed reflective models, students are able to navigate this liminal space and are afforded opportunities for developmental reorientations to the threshold concepts inherent with the Fine Art discipline. Drawing upon examples of current practice and student learning, we demonstrate how a process of genring and the use of reflective tools encourage students to both confront aspects of troublesome knowledge and see critical writing as an important facet of their practice.

Group and individual evaluation in engineering project courses

In engineering programs of study, students often work in small to medium size groups. In particular, programs designed on the project –based learning principle rely heavier on structured group work for projects and integrated courses. There are incontestable benefits surfacing from group work, particularly seen as the increase of critical thinking and problem solving skills and development of social interaction abilities.Challenges occur more often than expected with the assessment and evaluation of the individual performance and participation of each group member in contrast with the whole group results. The final result can be outstanding but it might realistically belong to only one or two group members. The result of the individual assessment must not only reflect accurately and fairly one’s effort but also fit properly in the whole group diversity landscape. Alternatively, group members may have valuable but rather inconspicuous contributions that might easily be undetected and go unrecognized.How to identify sooner rather than later the non-participating students within the group and correct the situation? Which is the best method of fair detection and praise for considerable contribution? The extraction of peer evaluation data and its incorporation in the overall group assessment, represents another often difficult or misinterpreted task. These are questions and challenges yet to be properly addressed. This paper provides a synopsis of existing evaluation techniques for engineering students working in groups, both from a psychological and academic point of view, including examples of current practices from existing project –based learning programs.

Strategic Procurement Practices for the Industrial Supply Chain

Early sourcing decisions have a critical impact on the performance of industrial construction projects. However, the industrial construction sector has been relatively understudied, especially the sourcing and supply chain practices typically implemented in early phases of capital projects. This study reports on how engineering-procure-construction (EPC) firms select suppliers in the early stages of the project. Particular focus involves the decisions firms make in sourcing process and the types and roles of supporting information. The paper reports on five case studies with large EPC firms. Data were collected from multiple individuals in each firm with extensive supporting documentation. A cross-case analysis describes similarities and differences between EPCs and helps to compare empirical findings with the broader literature. Findings contradict some areas of the literature, in particular the push for strategic supplier alliances. Other findings confirm the strategic importance of early procurement decisions to project performance and similarity across the types of decision drivers for supplier selection. Practitioners will find the case studies useful examples of current practice to compare with their corporate efforts. Researchers will similarly find details that extend extant literature, proposing new avenues for future research.

From Paper to Digital, and Point to Polygon — The Application of GIS in a National Body of Survey and Record

This paper describes the development and current use of GIS in the work of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Scotland (RCAHMS). As the national body of survey and record for Scotland, many areas of RCAHMS work make extensive use of GIS, from coordinating field recording and desk-based mapping, to management of extensive datasets. The impact of digital technologies on both recording and presenting the field archaeology of Scotland are explored. Examples of current practice are presented, concluding with a discussion of challenges, including INSPIRE, and the need to develop spatial data standards for cultural heritage, in the present and for the future.

Legal barriers to 3D cadastre implementation: What is the issue?

The ways society use and occupy space occur in multiple dimensions; however, the ways we manage and administer space relies on two-dimensional information representations (2D). The legal ambiguity and administrative limitations inherent in such practices are becoming increasingly pronounced within land administration especially for urban areas. In response, a research domain has emerged – termed by specialists as ‘3D Cadastres’ – to seek greater correspondence between the administration of legal land and property (parcel) boundaries and the reality of physical bounds of structures themselves. Within this corpus of literature, advances in the technical domain are evident. However, other areas of research have not experienced the same degree of attention, with a particular lag in analysis of legal issues: this apparently explains the lack of progress in the realisation of operational 3D cadastres. However, given many countries actually already administer ownership of 3D property within current statutory frameworks, is the continued concentration on legal issues a red herring? Are legal issues significant barriers to implementation, and if not, what other considerations are there?This position paper, comprising two main sections, aims to consider, clarify and reconceptualise the significance of the law as an obstacle to implementation of 3D cadastres. It does this by firstly reviewing the legal issues articulated within the literature and examining the extent of its impact using current practical examples. This leads to the conclusion that finding alternative methods and processes to overcome perceived legal issues actually facilitates progress towards 3D property registration and therefore, 3D cadastre implementation. This challenges the dominant assumption that legal issues are a significant barrier. The paper then proposes to consider the influence of legal issues through an institutional lens, as a way of gaining other insights into how legal issues can influence 3D cadastre implementation. The introduction of institutional theory and a theoretical framework provides a way to reconceptualise the role of legal issues in 3D cadastre implementation. The framework is further used as a sensitising mechanism for discussing broad-based institutional issues that have as yet, not been given significant consideration in the literature. The paper concludes with a response to the main research question and the proposition that significant barriers to 3D cadastre implementation lies not in technological or legal issues, but the more fundamental social and cultural issues that make up the institutional framework underpinning cadastral systems.