Design Methodology Research Articles

Electrolytic synthesis of γ-Al2O3 nanoparticle from aluminum scrap for enhanced methylene blue adsorption: experimental and RSM modeling

The presence of methylene blue (MB) dye in wastewater has raised concern about human health and environmental ecology due to potential carcinogenic, and mutagenic effects. Therefore, this work aims to remove MB dye from wastewater using γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles synthesized from aluminum scrap via simple electrolytic method. The successful synthesis of the adsorbent was confirmed by a range of spectroscopy and microscopy techniques, including XRD, SEM, FTIR, and BET. The central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) method was used to optimize the processing parameters such as solution pH, contact time, initial MB concentration, and adsorbent dose. The ANOVA results clearly shows that the quadratic model (p < 0.0001) was sufficient to the best predicting of the removal performance of MB dye (R2 = 0.9862). The optimum condition for the maximum MB dye removal (98.91%) was achieved at solution pH of 8.298, initial MB concentration of 31.657 mg/L, adsorbent dose of 0.387 g/L, and contact time of 46.728 min. Nano-γ-Al2O3 was shown to have a good surface area of 59 mg2/g by BET analysis. The adsorption kinetics follows the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.997). With a maximum adsorption capacity of 137.17 mg/g, the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 = 984) provides the best fit to the adsorption isotherm data, indicating a monolayer adsorption process. Furthermore, thermodynamic analysis demonstrated that the adsorption of MB dye was an endothermic and spontaneous process. The reusability study showed that γ-Al2O3 nano-adsorbent retained 85.08% of its original removal efficiency after five cycles. According to the findings of the study, MB dye molecules were taken up by γ-Al2O3 nano-adsorbent via hydrogen bond formation, Van der Waals interaction, and electrostatic attraction. Therefore, γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles can be used as a potentially eco-friendly and low-cost adsorbent for the removal of MB dye from aqueous solutions.

Optimizing biofuel production from algae using four-element framework: Insights for maximum economic returns

This paper introduces a Four Element Strategy (FES) focused on concentration of CO2 gas (Cc,g), energy input to the process, concentration of nutrients, and the type of algal strain to maximize biofuel production (BYP) from algae strains and evaluate associated economic benefits. Two algal strains encompassing slain algae Nannochloropsis sp. (Ns), and freshwater strain Chlorella vulgaris (Cv) were used in the current study. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Box Behnkin Design (BBD) are integrated with a biokinetic model to explore the relationships among growth parameters in the ranges; Cc,g ∼ 0.03–20 %), Nitrogen (N) to phosphorus (P) ratio (RN/P)∼1–11, and light intensity (LI)∼ 100–400 µE m⁻² s⁻¹ with corresponding CO2 bio-fixation rate (RCO2, g L⁻¹ d⁻¹), biomass accumulation (X, g L⁻¹), and algal growth rate (µ, d⁻¹). Optimization results indicate that the most productive conditions involve LI in the range of 100–270 µE m⁻² s⁻¹, Cc,g between 0.03 % and 15 %, and RN/P of 3.5–11, achieving maximum RCO2, X, and µ at 1 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹, 6 g L⁻¹, and 1.6 d⁻¹, respectively. Further optimization using the desirability function supports achieving RCO2 of 1.2 g L⁻¹ d⁻¹, X of 1.8 g L⁻¹, and µ of 1.7 d⁻¹, with RN/P, Cc,g, and LI at 11, 4.5 %, and 200 µE m⁻² s⁻¹, respectively. Notably, Ns demonstrated higher nutrient uptake rates and BYP compared to Cv, with total production costs of $0.629/L and respective required cost coverages of $0.138 and $0.375 for Ns and Cv. This study offers a comprehensive guideline for large-scale microalgae cultivation technology (MCT) processes, providing insights into optimizing conditions for biofuel production while considering economic viability.

Hybrid process combining ultrafiltration and electro-oxidation for COD and nonylphenol ethoxylate removal from industrial laundry wastewater

Laundry wastewater is a significant source of nonylphenol ethoxylate (NPEO) at wastewater treatment plants, where its breakdown forms persistent nonylphenol (NP). NP poses risks as an endocrine disruptor in wildlife and humans. This study investigates the degradation of NPEO and COD in industrial laundry wastewater (LWW) using a two-stage process combining ultrafiltration (UF) and electro-oxidation (EO). UF was used to remove suspended solids, while soluble COD (COD0 = 239 ± 6 mg.L-1) and NPEO (NPEO0 = 341 ± 8 μg.L-1) were oxidized by the EO process. Different operating parameters were studied such as current density, electrolysis time, type of cathode and supporting electrolyte concentration. Using an experimental design methodology, the optimal conditions for COD and NPEO3-17 degradation were recorded. This included achieving 97% degradation of NPEO3-17 and 61% degradation of COD, with a total operating cost of 3.65 USD·m-3. These optimal conditions were recorded at a current density of 15 mA·cm-2 for a 120-minute reaction period in the presence of 4 g·Na2SO4 L-1 using a graphite cathode. The EO process allowed for reaching the guidelines required for water reuse (NPEO <200 μg.L-1, COD < 100 mg·L-1) in the initial laundry washing cycles. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that both NP and NPEO compounds, including higher and shorter ethoxylate chains (NPEO3-17), were effectively degraded during the EO process, with removal efficiencies between 94% and 98%. This confirms the EO process's capability to effectively degrade NP, the by-product of NPEO breakdown.

Are bodybuilding and cross-training practices dangerous for promoting orofacial injuries? A scoping review.

Bodybuilding and cross-training exercises bring health benefits. However, orofacial injuries can occur during practice. This study aimed to map, analyze, interpret, and synthesize data from studies on the main orofacial injuries resulting from bodybuilding and cross-training practices. This scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR methods, with high-sensitivity searches in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Embase, Virtual Health Library and the Google Scholar. Original scientific articles published up to May 2024 were included, which evaluated the presence of self-reported or professionally diagnosed orofacial injuries by bodybuilding and cross-training practitioners aged 18 years or older. Literature reviews, editorials, and guidelines were excluded. Tables and figures were used to map and summarize the results. Out of 30.485 potentially eligible articles, four were included. The main orofacial injuries identified in both bodybuilding and cross-training practitioners were dental damage (n = 4), temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders (n = 3), and traumas to oral soft tissues (n = 2) and facial soft tissues (n = 2). Dental damage and TMJ disorders were the most prevalent conditions among bodybuilding and cross-training practitioners. Therefore, dental damage and TMJ disorders were the most prevalent conditions among bodybuilding and cross-training practitioners. However, further prospective studies with more in-depth methodological designs and fewer biases are necessary.

A Study on an Energy-Regenerative Braking Model Using Supercapacitors and DC Motors

This study presents an energy regeneration model and some theory required to construct a regeneration braking system. Due to the effects of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, there is increasing interest in the use of electric vehicles (EVs), electric bikes, electric bicycles, electric buses and electric aircraft globally. In order to promote the use of electric transportation systems, there is a need to underscore the impact of net zero emissions. The development of EVs requires regenerating braking system. This study presents the advantages of regenerative braking. This system is globally seen in applications such as electric cars, trams, and trains. In this study, the design specification, design methodology, testing configurations, Simulink model, and recommendations will be outlined. A unique element of this work is the practical experiment that was carried out using 1.5 Amps with no load and 2.15 Amps with a load. The discharge voltage was purely from the 22 W bulb load connected to the capacitor bank as we limited this study to the use of 1.5 Amps and it took 15 min for a full discharge cycle, after which no charge was left in the capacitor bank. The results showed that the discharge rate and charging rate for the regenerative braking system were effective but could be improved. The objective of this paper is to investigate how a supercapacitor works alongside a battery in regenerative braking applications. This study demonstrates that the superconductor used can deliver maximum power when required. Also, it can also withstand elevated peaks in charging or discharging current via the supercapacitor. Combining a battery with a supercapacitor reduces the abrupt load on the battery by shifting it to the capacitor. When these two combinations are used in tandem, the battery pack’s endurance and lifespan are both boosted.

Cross-cultural adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Turkish version of the Smombie Scale for Adolescents.

Smombie has become an important problem especially in terms of adolescent health. The aim of this study was to translate the Smombie Scale for Adolescents (SSA) into Turkish and to examine its psychometric properties. This study has a methodological design. The study was conducted between March and April 2024. The sample of the study consisted of 430 adolescents. The data were collected by using Personal Information Form and SSA. Content Validity Index, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), test-retest reliability, Cronbach's α coefficient, item-total score correlation, 27% upper-lower group item analysis and Hotelling T2 test were used in data analysis. The four-factor structure of the scale showed a good fit in CFA (chi-square minimum discrepancy [CMIN] = 187.463, degrees of freedo (DF) = 83, CMIN/DF = 2.259, root mean square error of approximation = 0.054, root mean square residual = 0.033, goodness of fit index = 0.947, adjusted goodness of fit index = 0.923, normed fit index = 0.930, tucker-lewis index = 0.949 and comparative fit index = 0.959). Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was found to be 0.86. The item-total score correlation of the scale was found between 0.212 and 0.721. The test-retest intraclass correlation coefficient of the scale was found to be 0.876. This study shows that the scale is a reliable tool for assessing adolescents' smombie tendencies. It is thought that the scale will contribute to the protection and development of adolescent health.

Context-Specific Dynamics of Centrally Planned Macro Program for School Infrastructure Reform

The educational program evolved at the national level manifests in a general macro program. The school infrastructure development program through the President’s Education Reform Program (PERP) is one of the centrally developed educational programs in Nepal, as the case of this research article. The objective of this article is to analyze the context dynamics of centrally evolved school infrastructure (ICT and classroom building) program installation. The primary data employed in this article were drawn from the stakeholders of three program school cases situated in Sarlahi and Rautahat districts belonging to an embedded multiple-case study design of qualitative research methodology. FGD, key informant (KI) interviews, and general observation methods were used for information elicitation. The research findings reveal that centrally developed macro program policy interacts with school system-specific micro-contexts or central policy contexts which make program policy be implemented irrespective of the prioritized need, adapted with a modified technical design responding to the school-specific resources, and practiced with diverse school leadership styles. In the lapses of coordination and commitment of the tiered governance systems, the PERP or any other macro-program policy becomes strange for the implementers. The complex interaction of school-specific systems dynamics consisting of school infrastructural needs, stakeholder involvement, established school leadership styles, and initiation of local government authority make central macro policy be enacted and adapted rather than be linearly implemented. This implies incorporating the school-specific dynamics as a core component of the education plan for the formation of pragmatic program policy to enact effectively.

Date kernel biochar: A green approach to methylene blue removal from polluted water in Iraq

ABSTRACT This study investigated the potential use of biochar produced from Iraqi date kernels (Khestawi) as an adsorbent for methylene blue (MB) removal from polluted water. A full factorial design methodology was employed to examine the effects of heating rate, pyrolysis temperature and holding time on the performance of the produced biochar. The results showed that pyrolysis temperature and time had a strong effect on the biochar performance, while the heating rate had a weaker effect. The biochar produced at pyrolysis temperatures of 350°C and 550°C exhibited MB removal percentages (% R) of 48.9% and 30.9%, respectively. Similarly, biochar production through pyrolysis durations of 30 and 90 minutes resulted in MB removal rates of 47.5% and 30.3%, respectively. The adsorption experimental data was well-fitted by the Freundlich isotherm model, with a high value of the Freundlich constant (KF = 1.64), indicating a high adsorption capacity of the biochar. The activation of biochar using bio-oil (organic-1) led to a substantial enhancement in the adsorption capacity, with the activated biochar (ABC-1) exhibiting a higher adsorption capability and a higher value of the Freundlich constant (KF = 7.12). Overall, the results suggest that biochar produced from date kernels has the potential as an effective and sustainable adsorbent for MB removal from polluted water, with the potential for further enhancement through biochar activation.

A new distributed robust H∞ control strategy for a class of uncertain interconnected large-scale time-delay systems subject to actuator saturation and disturbance

In the realm of large-scale systems, the complexity of controller design has long been exacerbated by the proliferation of decision variables and inherent conservatism. This study introduces a novel approach to address these challenges, presenting a new distributed robust controller design methodology tailored for large-scale systems grappling with disturbances, uncertainties, and actuator saturations. The primary objectives include reducing conservatism, minimizing decision variables, and significantly curtailing computation time. To surmount these hurdles, the research leverages descriptive and reciprocally convex methods, formulating the design procedure using linear matrix inequalities. This enables the adjustment of uncertain parameters and robust disturbance rejection, thereby ensuring stability in large-scale systems. Additionally, a feedback control law is proposed to accommodate saturation constraints and ensure the closed-loop system’s stability. Notably, the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme is demonstrated through the evaluation of a full-car active suspension system, which is partitioned into interconnected subsystems to a large-scale system. Comparative analyses underscore the superior performance and technical advancements offered by the proposed methodology over existing approaches.

Box-Behnken Design for Mitigation of Cadmium Bivalent Ions from Aqueous Medium.

Statistical analysis is essential for minimizing the time, cost, and number of experiments needed to get the maximum output. In this work, the removal of cadmium bivalent (Cd (II)) ions was optimized using Box-Behnken design methodology. The effects of pH, concentration, time, and temperature were investigated for the removal of cadmium. Maximum removal (85.70%) was achieved at pH of 5.34, initial Cd(II) ions concentration 46.61,contact time 166.09 (min), and at 59.40 oC temperature on Punica Granatum carpellary membrane powder (PGCMP) and 88.61% removal was achieved on its modified forms (MPGCMP) at pH of 5.79, initial Cd(II) ions concentration 65.70,contact time 178.96, and at 59.91 oC temperature. The model was validated by analyzing variance (ANOVA). The practical data was well fitted to the quadratic model. PGCMP and MPGCMP were found to be naturally occurring, environmentally friendly adsorbents for the mitigation of Cd (II) ions as well as other toxic heavy metals from drinkable or wastewater.

A Deep Reinforcement Learning Approach to DC-DC Power Electronic Converter Control with Practical Considerations

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in using model-free deep reinforcement learning (DRL)-based controllers as an alternative approach to improve the dynamic behavior, efficiency, and other aspects of DC–DC power electronic converters, which are traditionally controlled based on small signal models. These conventional controllers often fail to self-adapt to various uncertainties and disturbances. This paper presents a design methodology using proximal policy optimization (PPO), a widely recognized and efficient DRL algorithm, to make near-optimal decisions for real buck converters operating in both continuous conduction mode (CCM) and discontinuous conduction mode (DCM) while handling resistive and inductive loads. Challenges associated with delays in real-time systems are identified. Key innovations include a chattering-reduction reward function, engineering of input features, and optimization of neural network architecture, which improve voltage regulation, ensure smoother operation, and optimize the computational cost of the neural network. The experimental and simulation results demonstrate the robustness and efficiency of the controller in real scenarios. The findings are believed to make significant contributions to the application of DRL controllers in real-time scenarios, providing guidelines and a starting point for designing controllers using the same method in this or other power electronic converter topologies.

A Multiscale Modeling and Experimental Study on the Tensile Strength of Plain-Woven Composites with Hybrid Bonded–Bolted Joints

CFRP hybrid bonded–bolted (HBB) joints combine the advantages of traditional joining methods, namely adhesive bonding, and bolting, to achieve optimal connection performance, making them the most favored connection method. The structural parameters of CFRP HBB joints, including overlap length, bolt-hole spacing, and fit clearance relationships, have a complex impact on connection performance. To enhance the connectivity performance of joint structures, this paper develops a multiscale finite element analysis model to investigate the impact of structural parameters on the strength of CFRP HBB joint structures. Coupled with experimental validation, the study reveals how changes in structural parameters affect the unidirectional tensile failure force of the joints. Building on this, an analytical approach and inverse design methodology for the mechanical properties of CFRP HBB joints based on deep supervised learning algorithms are developed. Neural networks accurately and efficiently predict the performance of joints with unprecedented combinations of parameters, thus expediting the inverse design process. This research combines experimentation and multiscale finite element analysis to explore the unknown relationships between the mechanical properties of CFRP HBB joints and their structural parameters. Furthermore, leveraging DNN neural networks, a rapid calculation method for the mechanical properties of hybrid joints is proposed. The findings lay the groundwork for the broader application and more intricate design of composite materials and their connection structures.

Cellulase entrapment into alginate-PEG beads cross-linked with glutaraldehyde: Optimization of the immobilization conditions and kinetic characterization of the immobilized enzyme

Immobilization methods for cellulase entrapped into alginate beads with glutaraldehyde (GA) cross-linking were investigated. Cellulase entrapped into alginate-polyethylene glycol beads with glutaraldehyde cross-linking (SA-PEG-E) showed more superiority both in terms of catalytic performance and reusability than other methods. Several conditions during SA-PEG-E immobilization such as cellulase concentration, GA amount, pH of immobilization, cross-linking time and hardening temperature were evaluated to study their effect on immobilized enzyme activity, immobilization yield and immobilization efficiency. Based on the results, GA amount, pH of immobilization and hardening temperature were selected for process optimization of SA-PEG-E using the Box-Behnken design of response surface methodology. The results showed that the optimum immobilized conditions were obtained with a GA amount of 0.8 mL, pH of immobilization 4.7, and hardening temperature of 47.5 °C when the cellulase concentration was 7.5 mg/mL and cross-linking time was 2 h. Then, the characterization of SA-PEG-E was studied. The optimum pH of SA-PEG-E was observed to be 4, 1 unit lower than that of the free enzyme (pH 5). The optimum temperature was the same for both free and immobilized cellulase at 50 °C. In addition, the SA-PEG-E exhibited broad pH and temperature adaptability.

Enhancing cotton fabric dyeing: Optimizing Mordanting with natural dyes and citric acid

This study investigates the optimization of fabric dyeing using natural dyes extracted from Clitoria ternatea, Cudrania javanensis, and Hibiscus sabdarifa by enhancing the mordanting process with citric acid. The principle of adding citric acid is as a crosslinker agent between cotton fabric and dye through an esterification reaction. A central composite design (CCD) of the response surface methodology (RSM) is employed to optimize parameters. Three mordanting variations and dyeing parameters, such as temperature and time, are considered. Results indicate that pre-mordanting yields superior outcomes, with optimal temperature and time at 65 °C and 82 min, respectively. Cotton fabric dyed with Cudrania javanensis and citric acid exhibits the highest color durability. This study successfully demonstrates the effectiveness of pre-mordanting, meta-mordanting, and post-mordanting methods with optimized conditions for achieving optimal coloring outcomes, particularly highlighting the efficacy of citric acid as a crosslinking agent.

Employability and motivation: which motivational theories are most appropriate?

PurposeA range of models of employability implicitly or directly identify potential drivers of motivated behaviour related to engaging in employment-related outcomes whilst acknowledging that employability is also about developing life skills. Motivational theorists suggest that tasks engaged for external purposes, e.g. working towards an employment-related goal, are experienced differently than (those same) tasks engaged in for less external reasons, e.g. the desire for knowledge. Whilst there are excellent examples of the use of motivational theory in some models of employability, sometimes the evidence is either outdated, incorrectly interpreted or fails to use the most appropriate motivational theory. The aim of this paper is to bring to attention several prominent motivational theories and some key evidence that seems most pertinent across models of employability.Design/methodology/approachAs this was a non-empirical design, the approach did not fit any research design methodology or structured, systematic or meta-analysis review. The paper outlines a series of arguments by reviewing in detail several theories of motivation and mapping them against current models of employability.FindingsFrom a theoretical point of perspective, it is suggested that Expectancy Value Theory needs to be considered when creating models of employability. It is also suggested that motivation for employment-related tasks is probably extrinsic, though evidence suggests that forms of extrinsic motivation can also be motivationally adaptive. Several models posit self-efficacy as a driver of motivated behaviour, but the evidence suggests a clear and consistent interactive relationship between subjective task value and self-efficacy, suggesting that self-efficacy is only a useful predictor when value is high.Practical implicationsWhilst the aim of models of employability is to improve our understanding of the predictors of employability behaviours, the practical consequence is the development of appropriate curriculum. Understanding which features of employability create adaptive and maladaptive motivation should help educators create curriculum that produces optimal engagement and performance.Originality/valueModels of employability are mostly created using bodies of extant evidence. In this paper, we have tried to identify where some of the interpretation of the evidence has been more or less appropriate. We hope that ideas and evidence in this paper will allow theorists, where appropriate, to re-develop their models.

Development of a social commerce scale: exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using structural equation modelling

Purpose This paper aims to propose an instrument for measuring social commerce among entrepreneurs from the USA, Mexico and Colombia. Design/methodology/approach The methodological design was quantitative, explanatory, observational and transversal, where a sample of 1,644 entrepreneurs from the USA (n = 525), Mexico (n = 608) and Colombia (n = 510) was obtained. For the validation and reliability of the instruments, a structural equation model (SEM) was developed for the three studies carried out. Regarding the goodness and adjustment indices of the SEM in the three countries, they turned out to be acceptable. Findings Through the results obtained in the three studies carried out, it has been verified that the instrument of social commerce in its two factors: Marketing and Market Participation, has sufficient validity and statistical reliability. Likewise, it has been verified that both the manifest variables and the latent variables of the construct show a significant relationship between the three studies carried out in different populations. Research limitations/implications The findings obtained in the presented study contribute to entrepreneurs, leaders and managers of the business sector to improve the entrepreneurial project through marketing and market participation of the product and service, as well as the business unit that seeks to position itself in the market. Likewise, it helps entrepreneurs to understand analytically and systematically the constructs that social commerce is made up of, which will help entrepreneurial leaders reduce or control their risk when considering social commerce in their entrepreneurship, achieving the success of the entrepreneurial project through its positioning in the market considering marketing and market participation as main factors of social commerce. Originality/value The findings are relevant and of great value to the literature because at present there is not enough research that is focused on the variables analysed related to social commerce in the contexts of the USA, Mexico and Colombia. The relevance of the present scale in comparison to others proposed by the literature is that the proposed scale is focused on entrepreneurs who seek to be more successful through the positioning of their business unit, product or service in the market through the market participation. It is achieved through marketing strategies. Another contribution provided by the present study lies in the methodological robustness of the scale and its analysis, comparing it with studies in three leading entrepreneurship countries in Latin America, comparing the validity and reliability as well as the goodness of fit indices of the proposed model in each of the studies. They were significant and very similar, so the proposed scale is of great value and usefulness in the literature.

Improving processing efficiency through workflow process reengineering, simulation and value stream mapping: a case study of business process reengineering

PurposeBusiness Process Reengineering (BPR) eliminates non-value-added (NVA) and essential non-value-added (ENVA) waste through radical process redesign to improve organizational operations. Comprehensive research integrating BPR tools is needed to understand their benefits for manufacturing firms. This research presents an integrated BPR-simulation framework tailored to the manufacturing sector to maximize process improvements and operational excellence.Design/methodology/approachThe BPR design methodology adopts a systematic, multi-stage approach. The first phase involves identifying a specific improvement process aligned with BPR's core objectives. This phase analyses and redesigns workflows to optimize task sequences, roles, and stakeholder interactions while eliminating redundancies and inefficiencies via Workflow Process Reengineering. Visual process mapping tools, including VSM and simulation, pinpoint areas of waste, delay, and potential enhancement. The second phase follows the workflow analysis and aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness by redefining roles, rearranging tasks, and integrating automation and technology solutions. The redesigned process undergoes evaluation against key performance indicators to ensure measurable improvements are achieved. The final phase validates the proposed changes through simulation models, assesses the impact on key performance metrics, and establishes the necessary infrastructure for successful implementation. The proposed model is empirically validated through a case study of a leading apparel company in Vietnam, confirming its effectiveness.FindingsThe findings reveal that NVA activities are being eliminated, and ENVA activities in key departments are significantly reduced. This yielded a substantial improvement, reducing 25 out of 186 combined ENVA and NVA operations in the sewing facility, involving a decrease of 15 ENVA operations and the removal of 10 NVA operations. Consequently, this led to an 8.5% reduction in the proportion of ENVA operations, accompanied by a complete 100% elimination of NVA activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe single case study limits generalizability; thus, expanded implementation across diverse manufacturing sub-sectors is required to establish validity and broader applicability of the integrated framework.Originality/valueThe experimental results highlight the proposed model's effectiveness in optimizing resource utilization and its practical implementation potential. This structured BPR methodology enables organizations to validate, evaluate, and establish proposed process changes to enhance operational performance and productivity.

Developing bullying prevention guidelines for nurse interns’ and its effects on their assertiveness

BackgroundBullying is a serious problem that has short and long term negative consequences for nurse interns. Bullying prevention guidelines have a great impact on reducing the incidence of bullying among nurse interns.AimThe present study aimed to evaluate the effect of developing bullying prevention guidelines on nurse interns’ assertiveness levels.MethodsA methodological study design was used to conduct the study at Ain Shams University Hospitals in Cairo Governorate, Egypt. The study subjects consisted of all nurse interns enrolled in the 2022–2023 internship year and their number 121 nurse interns. The data were collected using four tools: the Bullying Knowledge Questionnaire, the Negative Act Questionnaire Revised (NAQ-R), the Individual Bullying Behaviors in Clinical Practice Survey, and the Assertiveness Inventory.ResultsThe scores for total bullying knowledge and assertiveness after the implementation of the prevention guidelines were significantly increased (91.4% and 86.3%, respectively) among those who were exposed to bullying than among those with pretest scores of (34.7% and 11.8% respectively) (P < 0.001).ConclusionBullying prevention guidelines significantly reduced nurse interns bullying and improved their assertiveness. The study recommended the dissemination and generalization of the developed bullying prevention guidelines in different training settings.

Knowledge-Based Development and Ventures in Building Coastal Resilience

Due to climate change and rapidly increasing challenges of environmental disturbances, building coastal resilience is becoming necessary for coastal communities. Knowledge-based development and ventures are major subjects in the literature of building coastal resilience. However, current literature on the relationship between knowledge-based development and knowledge-based ventures in building coastal resilience is limited. In this paper, the author shows a design methodology of integrating both knowledge-based development and ventures in building coastal resilience. The methodology is grounded in the theories of input-process-output model of strategic entrepreneurship, docility and business incubation, distributed cognition and network effects, and process-centered value generation. The design is put into action to study the experiences of Louisiana in building coastal resilience during and after historical hurricane Katrina.

Design and Implementation of PLL with Dead Zone-Less Low-Power Phase Frequency Detector

This project introduces a Phase-Frequency Detector (PFD) that includes a dedicated circuit for removing the dead zone. This design utilizes Pass Transistor Logic (PTL) and Delay Cells (DCs) to effectively address this issue. Additionally, a Low-Pass Filter is integrated into the system and connected with charge pump, employing a technique that replaces resistors with transistors, thereby significantly reducing the overall circuit area. Furthermore, a Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) serves to eliminate the dead zone and significantly reduce the circuit's size. This project aims to advance circuit design methodologies by enhancing performance and minimizing area requirements.