Generic Profiles Research Articles

Top management and employees’ commitment to sustainability as internal drivers of a company’s ESG performance

Social and environmental issues gain more importance for society that stimulates companies to adopt and integrate more sustainability practices into their business activities. This study is embedded in almost uncovered in the literature context of Russian business that undergoes its ESG transformation in conditions of unprecedented sanctions and hostile institutional environment. The study aims to reveal the role of internal stakeholders (top managers, line managers, and employees) in successful implementation of a company’s ESG practices along various dimensions. Using the primary data from 29 large Russian companies the fsQCA method is applied to identify various configurations of contingencies that stimulate their ESG performance. The analysis results in identification of two alternative core conditions for high ESG performance in Russian companies: high top management commitment to sustainability and low employees’ commitment to sustainability or the employees’ awareness about sustainability. At the end, the study results in two generic profiles composed of top management commitment, line management support, and employees’ awareness, behavior, and commitment towards ESG performance. The results show two different approaches towards ESG transformation that may bring a company to the comparably similar desired outcome. The study has a potential for generalization on a wider scope of emerging market contexts.

Patient reported outcome measures correlate with step-count in total hip arthroplasty.

Passive smartphone-based apps are becoming more common for measuring patient progress after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Optimum activity levels during early THA recovery have not been well documented. Correlations between step-count and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) during early recovery were explored. This study also investigated how demographics impact step-count during early post-operative recovery. Smartphone captured step-count data from 666 THA patients was retrospectively reviewed. Mean age was 64 ± 11 years. 55% were female. Mean BMI was 29 ± 8kg/m2. Mean daily step-count was calculated for each patient over four time-windows: 60 days prior to surgery (preop), 42-49 days postop (6 weeks), 91-98 days postop (3 months), and 183-197 days postop (6 months). Spearman correlation coefficients and linear regression were used to assess the association between PROMs (HOOS-12, HOOS-Jr, and UCLA) and step-count. Patients were separated into three step-count levels: low (< 2500 steps/day), medium (2500-5500 steps/day), and high (> 5500 steps/day). Age > 65 years, BMI > 35 kg/m2, and sex were used for demographic comparisons. Post hoc analyses were performed using Welch's unequal variances t-tests, or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, both with Bonferroni corrections, where appropriate when comparing between groups. Chi-squared analyses were also used when comparing categorical variables. UCLA correlated with step-count at all time-windows (p< 0.001). HOOS12-Function correlated with step-count preoperatively, at 6 weeks, and at 3 months (p< 0.001). High step-count individuals had improved UCLA scores compared to low step-count individuals preoperatively (Δ1.5, p< 0.001), at 6 weeks (Δ0.9, p< 0.001), at 3 months (Δ1.4, p< 0.001), and at 6 months (Δ1.4, p< 0.001). High step-count individuals had improved HOOS12-Function scores compared to low step-count individuals preoperatively (Δ9.6, p< 0.001), at 6 weeks (Δ5.3, p< 0.001), and at 3 months (Δ6.1, p< 0.001). Males had greater step-count at all time points (p< 0.001). Younger patients and low BMI patients had greater step-count across all time points (p< 0.001). High step-count improved PROMs scores compared to low step-count. Early post-operative step-count was significantly impacted by age, sex, and BMI. Generic recovery profiles may not be appropriate across diverse populations.

On the feasibility of ultrasound Doppler-based personalized hemodynamic modeling of the abdominal aorta

BackgroundPersonalized modeling is a promising tool to improve abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) rupture risk assessment. Computed tomography (CT) and quantitative flow (Q-flow) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely regarded as the gold standard for acquiring patient-specific geometry and velocity profiles, respectively. However, their frequent utilization is hindered by various drawbacks. Ultrasound is used extensively in current clinical practice and offers a safe, rapid and cost-effective method to acquire patient-specific geometries and velocity profiles. This study aims to extract and validate patient-specific velocity profiles from Doppler ultrasound and to examine the impact of the velocity profiles on computed hemodynamics.MethodsPulsed-wave Doppler (PWD) and color Doppler (CD) data were successfully obtained for six volunteers and seven patients and employed to extract the flow pulse and velocity profile over the cross-section, respectively. The US flow pulses and velocity profiles as well as generic Womersley profiles were compared to the MRI velocities and flows. Additionally, CFD simulations were performed to examine the combined impact of the velocity profile and flow pulse.ResultsLarge discrepancies were found between the US and MRI velocity profiles over the cross-sections, with differences for US in the same range as for the Womersley profile. Differences in flow pulses revealed that US generally performs best in terms of maximum flow, forward flow and ratios between forward and backward flow, whereas it often overestimates the backward flow. Both spatial patterns and magnitude of the computed hemodynamics were considerably affected by the prescribed velocity boundary conditions. Larger errors and smaller differences between the US and generic CFD cases were observed for patients compared to volunteers.ConclusionThese results show that it is feasible to acquire the patient-specific flow pulse from PWD data, provided that the PWD acquisition could be performed proximal to the aneurysm region, and resulted in a triphasic flow pattern. However, obtaining the patient-specific velocity profile over the cross-section using CD data is not reliable. For the volunteers, utilizing the US flow profile instead of the generic flow profile generally resulted in improved performance, whereas this was the case in more than half of the cases for the patients.

Techniques for solving static Klein-Gordon equation with self-interaction λϕ4 and arbitrary spherical source terms

The Klein-Gordon equation for a scalar field sourced by a static spherically symmetric background is an interesting second-order differential equation with applications in particle physics, astrophysics, and elsewhere. Here we present static solutions for generic source density profiles in the case where the scalar field has no interactions or a mass term. For a λϕ4 self-interaction term, we develop the techniques that are necessary numerical computation. We also provide code to perform the numerical calculations that can be adapted for arbitrary density profiles. ▪.

Selection of pure and binary working fluids for high-temperature heat pumps: A financial approach

High-temperature heat pumps are increasingly being recognized for decarbonizing industrial heat supply up to 200 °C. In the open literature, the operating conditions, working fluids and configurations of high-temperature heat pumps are typically optimized for achieving a maximum Coefficient of Performance (COP). This work however presents a method that optimizes the operating conditions, working fluid and configuration of the heat pump, based on a combined financial and technical appraisal. In this regard a financial model to calculate the levelized cost of heat (LCOH) of a heat pump unit is developed. The model screens a large set of working fluids and therefore allows for subcritical, transcritical and supercritical operation and includes (zeotropic) binary mixtures. The methodology is applied to a large set of generic temperature profiles, with process temperatures between 160 °C and 200 °C and heat source temperatures between 80 °C and 120 °C. The results indicate that designing a heat pump solely based on maximum COP may lead to a sub-optimal financial solution. Overall, binary mixtures, either zeotropic or azeotropic, of natural working fluids often performed best. The benefits of zeotropic mixtures are twofold: improved temperature matching and flexibility in their thermophysical properties. However, for industrial processes with high temperature glides, pure fluids operating in the transcritical regime proved to be the most promising. The study also highlights the sensitivity of the financial performance to the electricity price, annual operating hours and heating capacity.

Generalized eddy‐diffusivity mass‐flux formulation for the parametrization of atmospheric convection and turbulence

AbstractThe atmospheric convection is a phenomenon that has a length scale smaller than the resolution at which the state‐of‐the‐art general circulation numerical models are running, and thus the convection needs to be parametrized. In this work, a theoretical formulation for the parametrization of subgrid‐scale convection based on subgrid averaging that represents a generalized eddy‐diffusivity mass‐flux formulation is presented. The subgrid fluxes are derived by considering a decomposition of subgrid variables into convective and turbulent variables, and by assuming that the convection is modeled by round convective plumes with generic radial profiles. The main difference between our formulation and the mass‐flux formulations is that the condition of a very small fractional area occupied by the convection is replaced with the condition that the convective vertical velocity goes to the mean state far from the updraft region of the plume. The plume model can also be generalized by considering that the convective elements are energy‐consistent plumes, governed by the conservation of mass, momentum, kinetic energy, and buoyancy, which provides a physical‐based closure for the entrainment. Therefore, the closing problem of our formulation consists of the specification of the convective radial profiles and the boundary conditions at the initial vertical level. Furthermore, our formulation allows one to consider more realistic profiles for the convective variables, making the formulation suitable for the parametrization of atmospheric convection at the convective gray zone. This aspect is discussed in the last part of this work, where it is showed how the formulation can be implemented at any resolution. Moreover, in the present framework, no distinct assumptions are required for each convective type, thus facilitating the parametrization of convection in a unified way.

Generic competence among health sciences students in higher education – A cross-sectional study

BackgroundHighly competent health care experts are needed for the development of the social and health care sectors. More knowledge is needed on the levels of generic competencies that health sciences experts possess, particularly in the context of complex decision-making. ObjectivesTo describe self-evaluated generic competence of health sciences students and its associated factors. DesignA cross-sectional observational study design. ParticipantsA total of 291 health science students in five universities in Finland participated in this study during the spring of 2022. MethodsThe data was collected by using the HealthGenericCom instrument with 88 items and 8 sum dimensions using a five-point Likert scale (1—poor to 5—excellent): 1) competence in leadership, administration, and finance; 2) people-centred guiding competence; 3) competence of health promotion; 4) competence of evidence-based practice; 5) digital competence; 6) competence in work well-being and self-management; 7) competence in collaboration and problem-solving, and 8) competence in societal interaction. The K-means cluster algorithm was used to classify generic competence profiles to identify the profiles of health sciences students. ResultsFour generic health sciences competence profiles (A = 18 %, B = 23 %, C = 33 %, D = 26 %) were identified. Profile A demonstrated the lowest level of most generic competencies in health sciences. Digital competence was shown to be at the lowest level among the participants, whereas competence in collaboration, problem-solving, and health promotion was evaluated as the highest competence level. The students evaluated their competence as being higher when they were older, were currently engaged in master's degree programmes, had completed work-based practical training in social and health care, and had varied work experiences or held leading positions. ConclusionsStudents need to improve their generic competencies in health sciences, with a particular focus on developing their digital competence. More focus should be given to work-based practical training.

Certified Severi dimensions for hyperelliptic and supersymmetric cusps

In a previous paper, the first three authors formulated a precise conjecture about the dimension of the generalized Severi varietyMd,g;S,kn of degree-d holomorphic maps P1→Pn whose images' singularities are singleton cusps with value semigroups S and ramification profiles k. In this paper, we prove that an adjusted form of the conjecture holds for generic profiles k associated with two distinguished (infinite) classes of semigroups S.

Topological Flat Bands in Strained Graphene: Substrate Engineering and Optical Control.

The discovery of correlated phases in twisted moiré superlattices accelerated the search for low-dimensional materials with exotic properties. A promising approach uses engineered substrates to strain the material. However, designing substrates for tailored properties is hindered by the incomplete understanding of the relationship between the substrate's shapes and the electronic properties of the deposited materials. By analyzing effective models of graphene under periodic deformations with generic crystalline profiles, we identify strong C2z symmetry breaking as the critical substrate geometric feature for emerging energy gaps and quasi-flat bands. We find continuous strain profiles producing connected pseudomagnetic field landscapes are important for band topology. We show that the resultant electronic and topological properties from a substrate can be controlled with circularly polarized light, which also offers unique signatures for identifying the band topology imprinted by strain. Our results can guide experiments on strain engineering for exploring interesting transport and topological phenomena.

Exploring the Benefits of Ablation Grid Adaptation in 2D/3D Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Mapping through Geometrical Modeling.

This study aims to investigate the potential benefits of adapting the ablating grid in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in a single pulse mapping mode. The goals include enhancing the accuracy of surface sampling of element distributions, improving the control of depth-related sampling, smoothing the post-ablation surface for layer-by-layer sampling, and increasing the image quality. To emulate the capabilities of currently unavailable laser ablation stages, a computational approach using geometrical modeling was employed to compound square or round experimentally obtained 3D crater profiles on variable orthogonal or hexagonal ablation grids. These grids were optimized by minimizing surface roughness as a function of average ablation depth, followed by simulating the post-ablation surface and related image quality. An online application (https://laicpms-apps.ki.si/webapps/home/) is available for users to virtually experiment with contracting/expanding orthogonal and hexagonal ablation grids for generic 3D super-Gaussian laser crater profiles, allowing for exploration of the resulting post-ablation surface layer roughness and depth.

Black holes surrounded by generic dark matter profiles: Appearance and gravitational-wave emission

Black holes surrounded by generic dark matter profiles: Appearance and gravitational-wave emission

Contrast Agent Selection to Prevent Recurrent Severe Hypersensitivity Reaction to Iodinated Contrast Media Based on Nationwide Database.

To investigate the incidence of severe iodinated contrast media (ICM)-related hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) and to find the optimal alternative ICM to reduce the risk of severe HSR recurrence. We retrospectively reviewed 23,383,183 cases of ICM administration between January 2015 and December 2019 from the nationwide health insurance database. We classified ICMs based on generic profiles and the presence of N-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) carbamoyl side chains. The incidence of severe and recurrent severe HSRs was calculated, and χ2 tests were performed to compare the prevalence of severe HSR according to ICM groups. In addition, logistic regression analyses were used to assess differences between ICM groups. The incidence of severe HSRs was 1.92% (450,067 of 23,282,183). Among 1,875,245 individuals who received ICM twice on different days, severe HSR occurred in 40,850 individuals, and severe HSR recurred in 3319 individuals (8.12%). The risk of recurrence significantly decreased when the ICM changed (9.24% vs 7.08%, P < 0.001), especially when the ICM changed to one with a different side chain (6.74%, P < 0.001). In addition, compared with the reuse of the culprit agent, using combinations of iobitridol/iohexol (odds ratio [OR], 0.696; P = 0.04), iohexol/iopamidol (OR, 0.757; P = 0.007), iopamidol/iohexol (OR, 0.447; P < 0.001), and ioversol/iohexol (OR, 0.683; P = 0.04) reduced the risk of recurrence of severe HSR. Changing the culprit ICM to that with a different side chain can reduce severe HSR recurrence. The optimal choice of an alternative ICM depends on the causative agent.

SMARTPHONE-BASED STEP-COUNT MEASURES CORRELATE WITH KOOS-12 FUNCTION AND UCLA ACTIVITY PROMS DURING EARLY TKA RECOVERY

Passive smartphone-based apps are becoming more common for measuring patient progress after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Optimum activity levels during early TKA recovery haven't been well documented. This study investigated correlations between step-count and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) and how demographics impact step-count preoperatively and during early post-operative recovery.Smartphone capture step-count data from 357 TKA patients was retrospectively reviewed. Mean age was 68±8years. 61% were female. Mean BMI was 31±6kg/m2. Mean daily step count was calculated over three time-windows: 60 days prior to surgery (preop), 5-6 weeks postop (6wk), and 11-12 weeks postop (12wk).Linear correlations between step-count and KOOS12-function and UCLA activity scores were performed. Patients were separated into three step-count levels: low (&lt;1500steps/day), medium (1500-4000steps/day), and high (&gt;4000steps/day). Age &gt;65years, BMI &gt;30kg/m2, and sex were used for demographic comparisons.Student's t-tests determined significant differences in mean step-counts between demographic groups, and in mean PROMs between step-count groups.UCLA correlated with step-count at all time-windows (p&lt;0.01). KOOS12-Function correlated with step-count at 6wk and 12wk (p&lt;0.05). High step-count individuals had improved PROMs compared to low step-count individuals preoperatively (UCLA: ∆1.4 [p&lt;0.001], KOOS12-Function: ∆7.3 [p&lt;0.05]), at 6wk (UCLA: ∆1 [p&lt;0.01], KOOS12-Function: ∆7 [p&lt;0.05]), and at 12wk (UCLA: ∆0.8 [p&lt;0.05], KOOS12-Function: ∆6.5 [p&lt;0.05]).Younger patients had greater step-count preoperatively (3.8±3.0k vs. 2.5±2.3k, p&lt;0.01), at 6wk (3.1±2.9k vs. 2.2±2.3k, p&lt;0.05) and at 12wk (3.9±2.6k vs. 2.8±2.6k, p&lt;0.01). Males had greater step-count preoperatively (3.7±2.6k vs. 2.5±2.6k, p&lt;0.001), at 6wk (3.6±2.6k vs. 1.9±2.4k, p&lt;0.001), and at 12wk (3.9±2.3 vs. 2.8±2.8k, p&lt;0.01). No differences in step-count were observed between low and high BMI patients at any timepoint.High step count led to improved PROMs scores compared to low step-count. Early post-operative step-count was significantly impacted by age and sex. Generic recovery profiles may not be appropriate across a diverse population.

SMARTPHONE-BASED STEP-COUNT MEASURES CORRELATE WITH HOOS-12 FUNCTION AND UCLA ACTIVITY PROMS DURING EARLY THA RECOVERY

Smartphone-based apps that measure step-count and patient reported outcomes (PROMs) are being increasingly used to quantify recovery in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, optimum patient-specific activity level before and during THA early-recovery is not well characterised. This study investigated 1) correlations between step-count and PROMs and 2) how patient demographics impact step-count preoperatively and during early postoperative recovery.Smartphone step-count and PROM data from 554 THA patients was retrospectively reviewed. Mean age was 64±10yr, BMI was 29±13kg/m2, 56% were female. Mean daily step count was calculated over three time-windows: 60 days prior to surgery (preop), 5-6 weeks postop (6wk), and 11-12 weeks postop (12wk).Linear correlations between step-count and HOOS12 Function and UCLA activity scores were performed. Patients were separated into three step-count levels: low (&lt;2500steps/day), medium (2500-5500steps/day), and high (&gt;5500steps/day). Age &gt;65years, BMI &gt;30, and sex were used for demographic comparisons.Student's t-tests determined significant differences in mean step-counts between demographic groups and in mean PROMs between step-count groups.UCLA correlated with step-count at all time-windows (p&lt;0.01). HOOS12 Function correlated with step-count preoperatively and at 6wk (p&lt;0.01). High vs low step count individuals had improved UCLA scores preoperatively (∆1.8,p&lt;0.001), at 6wk (∆1.1,p&lt;0.05), and 12wk (∆1.6,p&lt;0.01), and improved HOOS12 Function scores preoperatively (∆8.4,p&lt;0.05) and at 6wk (∆8.8,p&lt;0.001).Younger patients had greater step-count preoperatively (4.1±3.0k vs 3.0±2.5k, p&lt;0.01) and at 12wk (5.1±3.3k vs 3.6±2.9k, p&lt;0.01). Males had greater step-count preoperatively (4.1±3.0k vs. 3.0±2.7k, p&lt;0.001), at 6wk (4.5±3.2k vs 2.6±2.5k, p&lt;0.001), and at 12wk (5.2±3.6k vs. 3.4±2.5k, p&lt;0.001). Low BMI patients had greater step-count at 6wk (4.3±3.3k vs. 2.6±2.7k, p&lt;0.01) and 12wk (5.0±3.6k vs. 3.6±2.6k, p&lt;0.05).Daily step-count is significantly impacted by patient demographics and correlates with PROMs, where patients with high step count exhibit improved PROMs. Generic recovery profiles may therefore not be appropriate for benchmarking across diverse populations.

Evaluation of Generic PAH Profiles Commonly Used in Receptor Models: Implications for Source Control Policy

The use of receptor models, such as EPA’s Chemical Mass Balance, to develop source control policies requires careful consideration of the validity of model inputs. Given the challenges of determining appropriate site-specific polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) source profiles, researchers investigating sources of PAHs in sediments often take profiles from the literature. Some published profiles, such as those first proposed in Li et al. (2003), have been used so often they have effectively become default inputs. In this paper, we investigate the origins of Li’s profiles, and use statistical methods to evaluate how accurately they represent the sources claimed. The results indicate that due to high intrasource variability and intersource similarities, Li’s profiles fail to meet assumptions underlying receptor models and should not be used as generic PAH source inputs. Implications of the misapplication of receptor models used to promote source control policies are discussed. The results call into question a series of papers that claim that refined tar pavement sealers are a significant source of PAHs in urban sediments.

Radiation pressure on dust explaining the low ionized broad emission lines in active galactic nuclei

Context.Broad emission lines are the most characteristic features in the spectra of galaxies with an active galactic nucleus (AGN). They mostly show either single-peaked or double-peaked profiles and originate from a complex dynamics of the likely discrete clouds moving in a spatially extended region known as the broad line region (BLR).Aims.In this paper, we present a large grid of results, which is used to test the model based on calculations of the spectral line generic profiles.Methods.We followed a non-hydrodynamical single-cloud approach to BLR dynamics based on a radiatively dust-driven model. We previously showed in detail that the 2.5D version of the model could provide us with the 3D geometry of the BLR.Results.We show that the shape of profiles not only depends on the accretion rate of the source, the black hole mass, and the viewing angle, but it is most significantly affected by the adopted dust-to-gas mass ratio regulating the strength of the radiation pressure. We also show that the model can aptly explain the low ionized broad emission lines of the mean spectrum of quasars, such as MgII and Hβ.Conclusions.The radiatively dust-driving mechanism can appropriately account for the low-ionized part of BLR of AGNs.

Identification of optimal ground-motion intensity measures for assessing liquefaction triggering and lateral displacement of liquefiable sloping grounds

This article aims at identifying the optimal scalar- and vector-valued intensity measures (IMs) for predicting liquefaction triggering and the consequence of liquefaction (i.e. permanent deformation of sloping grounds), respectively. A total of 169 ground motions were selected from the NGA-West2 database. Using the selected ground motions as input, one-dimensional dynamic analyses were conducted for generic sloping ground soil profiles consisting of a loose-sand liquefiable layer implemented in OpenSees. The excess pore water pressure ratio and the liquefaction-induced lateral displacement were regarded as the engineering demand parameters (EDPs) of interest. A total of 20 scalar-IMs and 21 vector-IMs representative of various characteristics of seismic loading were evaluated as candidate IMs. The criteria for identifying optimal IMs include consideration for the efficiency, sufficiency, and predictability of the given IMs. An error propagation approach was employed to evalute the overall uncertainty of EDPs under scenario earthquakes using different IMs as predictor variables. Based on the results of extensive comparative analyses, acceleration spectrum intensity (ASI), and the vector of peak ground acceleration and spectral acceleration at 0.3 s (peak ground acceleration (PGA) and Sa(0.3 s), respectively) are identified as the optimal scalar- and vector-IM for liquefaction triggering evaluation, respectively. However, Arias intensity ( Ia) and vectors of [ Ia, cumulative absolute velocity] and [PGA, Ia] are identified as the optimal scalar- and vector-IM for predicting the liquefaction-induced lateral displacements. The optimal IMs identified could be used in performance-based liquefaction hazard evaluations, to assess the liquefaction triggering and consequence of liquefiable sites.

Critical-layer instability of shallow-water magnetohydrodynamic shear flows

In this paper, the instability of shallow-water shear flow with a sheared parallel magnetic field is studied. Waves propagating in such magnetic shear flows encounter critical levels where the phase velocity relative to the basic flow,$c-U(y)$, matches the Alfvén wave velocities$\pm B(y)/\sqrt {\mu \rho }$, based on the local magnetic field$B(y)$, the magnetic permeability$\mu$, and the mass density of the fluid$\rho$. It is shown that when the two critical levels are close to each other, the critical layer can generate an instability. The instability problem is solved, combining asymptotic solutions at large wavenumbers and numerical solutions, and the mechanism of instability explained using the conservation of momentum. For the shallow-water magnetohydrodynamic system, the paper gives the general form of the local differential equation governing such coalescing critical layers for any generic field and flow profiles, and determines precisely how the magnetic field modifies the purely hydrodynamic stability criterion based on the potential vorticity gradient in the critical layer. The curvature of the magnetic field profile, or equivalently the electric current gradient$J' = - B''/\mu$in the critical layer, is found to play a complementary role in the instability.

Impact of recent district heating developments and low-temperature excess heat integration on design of industrial energy systems: An integrated assessment method

One of today’s biggest challenges is taking effective measures to mitigate negative effects and consequences of human-made climate change such as sector coupling and excess heat valorization. In this work, sector coupling of residential and industrial heat supply are considered in an optimization-based design and operation evaluation for industrial energy supply systems with the aim of minimizing costs and determining the impact of on-going developments and progresses in district heating systems. The developed method is applied to a use case with a superstructure for the industrial energy system including a biomass-fired steam generation unit, two heat pumps and various thermal storages, generic industrial load profiles for steam, hot water and excess heat and simulation-based district heating load profiles. The most relevant results reveal that depending on the district heating setting total annual costs, including fuel costs and annualized investments, increase between 2 and 39% compared to no additional district heating supply by the industrial energy supply system. However, the lowest cost increase does not coincide with the lowest additional energy amount. Thus, synergies such as corresponding temperature levels between energy supply for all domains have been identified as crucial criteria for economic success. Also, unit integration for excess heat recovery occurs always combined with thermal storages adapting the temporal occurrence of excess heat. Results for the evaluated use case highlight the importance and relevance of combined considerations for sector coupling measures. Thus, methods, as presented in this work, can contribute crucial information for future assessments. However, further development of the model, e.g. a larger set of generation technologies, and further use cases with other temperature levels, demand profiles are identified as relevant next steps.

Information security education based on job profiles and the e-CF

PurposeThe information security field requires standardised education. This could be based on generic job profiles and a standard competence framework. The question is whether this is possible and feasible. To find out, the author did a case study: developing an information security master curriculum based on a generic PVIB job profile and the underlying competence framework e-CF.Design/methodology/approachThe research is a case study, using Design Science. Starting point is the specification of the learning goals for a cybersecurity master curriculum, using a generic PvIB job profile and the underlying competence framework e-CF. The curriculum has subsequently been developed, using backward design. Thereafter, the curriculum has been submitted for accreditation to test the successfulness of the approach.FindingsA generic job profile and a competence framework such as the e-CF support the development of standardised education. The generic PVIB job profile used works well. The e-CF can be useful, but requires modifications and the introduction of sub-competences. However, the main complaint concerning the e-CF is the use of examples instead of mandatory content.Originality/valueCompetence frameworks are available to formulate job descriptions, and are also suited for developing standardised education. Little research has been done on this. This case study shows that a competence framework is a useful tool for developing standardised education, although the e-CF may not be the most appropriate.