Work Processes Research Articles

#892 Hemodialysis close to home: lessons from 9 years dialysis hubs

Abstract Background and Aims In the Netherlands, more than 18.000 patients are treated with renal replacement therapy (RRT) (end of 2022), of which 5.216 patients with hemodialysis (HD). Only 5% (255 patients) are treated with HD outside a dialysis center, at home. Home HD can be either performed by the patient alone, or with assistance from spouse or other informal caregiver or from a health care professional. When applicable, patients and there (dialysis)partners are trained to perform their treatment independently. Home HD can give more flexibility and independence which could improve quality of life. To make HD close to home available for patients even if their own house is not suitable and to deal with limited resources, such as nursing support, we have started in 2015 to set up small dialysis facilities in collaboration with other healthcare providers, such as nursing homes or general practitioners, and have called them Hubs. By setting up Hubs, we ensure that dialysis remains available close to home for patients who cannot carry out the treatment completely independently or with their own partner, but need help from a care worker. Method We provide an overview of the logistical and technical matters involved in setting up a successful Hub and will discuss the experience so far with 11 Dianet Hubs in the Netherlands. Results Preparatory phase: In the run-up to a new dialysis hub a standard check list is used. The Quality and Safety department supervises the process and translates control measures into cooperation agreements. For a hub to be successful, partnership with local dialysis centers and hospitals is key. Together the best location can be pinpointed. Annual audits are carried out. Patient characteristics and medical back up: Because a Hub is a home HD setting, good stable vascular access is mandatory, together with hemodynamic stability during sessions. However, because the HD population has multiple comorbidities, in case of instability, acute consultation with the referral center is necessary. Protocols guide the health care professional at the Hub in those circumstances. Furthermore, every hub presents new challenges that are embedded in the work processes. Current situation: Eleven dialysis hubs, each accommodating up to 8 patients are in operation in collaboration with a partnering dialysis center. Since 2015, processes have been refined, risks identified and hubs almost continuously occupied. Due to patient factors, sometimes incenter dialysis is necessary, for example in case of access problems. We learned during the pandemic, that accessibility of the dialysis hubs located in (primary) care homes is an important factor to consider when choosing a Hub location. Both patients and partnering dialysis centers feel that our Hubs meet a need for close to home assisted HD. Conclusion With 11 dialysis hubs we have built up a wealth of experience. From employer perspective, deployment of dialysis nurses in hubs is profitable. HD close to home offers patients an alternative for home HD. There is great support within healthcare facilities; they experience the impact of dialysis on patients’ lives. Annual audits guarantee quality and safety.

A review of natural resource extraction industries and their influence on the occurrence of poverty

PurposeThis research paper takes a narrow approach to examining the apparent link between poverty and the resource extraction industries. However, it acknowledges that much more is to be explored about this relationship. Many complexities influence the occurrence and degree of poverty in a particular country, region, or community.Design/methodology/approachThe literature review identified proposed and operational poverty reduction actions and processes categorized under the broad concept of community development projects. The surveyed cases describe how various corporate strategies, work processes, labor requirements and efficient management and governance solutions are purported to improve poverty-reduction efforts potentially.FindingsNo causal linkages between poverty and hypothetically valuable and successful community development projects were found. No poverty monitoring evaluations and learning data (MEL) for these projects were proposed and published in most of the literature. However, associations were observed between some business practices implemented in these resource extraction community development projects and observations of indicators of lower poverty levels.Practical implicationsThe research improves our understanding of the requirements and opportunities for successful community development projects by highlighting processes, company strategy, human resource programs and enlightened governance that can contribute to reducing poverty.Originality/valueThe paper identifies the characteristics of community development projects that appear to span natural resource extraction industries and countries. Effective management strategies and representative and formally designated organisational governance boards are essential for these projects.

Managing Human Resource in the Digital Economy: Balancing Challenges and Opportunities

Digital technologies enable the adoption of more efficient working models, such as process automation, predictive analytics for better decision making, and the use of digital platforms for employee development and performance management. This study aims to investigate employee perceptions and experiences of digital transformation in the context of challenges and opportunities at the company PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia (CP) Food. The research method used is descriptive qualitative with a data collection approach through questionnaires and observations. The questionnaire was designed to collect employee responses on various aspects of digital transformation in terms of opportunities and challenges. Using a purposive sampling approach, which is a sampling method in which the researcher deliberately selects certain participants or sample units based on certain characteristics or criteria that are considered relevant to the research objectives. The results showed that employees have a positive view of digital transformation at the company PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia (CP) Food. Employees see it as an opportunity for career development and professional growth, and feel supported in developing their digital skills. A work culture that supports collaboration, innovation, and creativity is also considered important in creating a productive and dynamic work environment. The integration of digital technology is considered successful by employees, indicating that the company has successfully implemented technology in daily work processes well. This research provides valuable insights into how digital transformation affects employee perceptions and experiences in the work environment. The implications of these findings can be used by companies to design more effective human resource management strategies to face the challenges and opportunities in the evolving digital economy.

Therapeutic relationship in nurses’ work process at Psychosocial Care Centers

Objetivo: conocer de qué manera los enfermeros perciben la relación terapéutica en su proceso de trabajo en los Centros de Atención Psicosocial. Metodología: estudio cualitativo, descriptivo y exploratorio, basado en el enfoque del materialismo histórico dialéctico. Los datos se recolectaron través de entrevistas semiestructuradas, basadas en análisis de contenido en conjunto con análisis temático y se los discutió por medio de la dialéctica entre trabajo muerto y trabajo vivo en acción. Resultados: participaron diez enfermeros. La relación terapéutica surgió de la tensión dialéctica entre el trabajo muerto, considerado como trabajo anterior y enajenado, y el trabajo vivo en acción, que es el lugar de la relación terapéutica. Conclusión: el trabajo muerto se evidenció en la reproducción del modelo de atención en el que el trabajo burocrático es asumido por los enfermeros y se deslegitima el rol de los pacientes. El trabajo vivo en acción se identificó por el establecimiento de la relación terapéutica, desarrollada a través de la convivencia, en los intercambios de confianza, a través de talleres, en el rol de referencia y a través de la relación como experiencia definitoria de la trayectoria profesional. La tensión dialéctica se convierte en un proceso rico en consumo de tecnologías ligeras, que ayuda al enfermero a reconocer su rol en el nuevo modelo de atención a la salud mental, en el que la praxis se convierte en un camino posible en el contexto de su trabajo.

Application of N/P-rGO composite electrode materials and novel electrolytes in high-performance supercapacitors

Traditional graphene-based electrode materials often can not have excellent gravimetric and volumetric electrochemical properties at the same time. Furthermore, the gel electrolyte widely used at present has the disadvantages of poor water retention, easy solidification, low ionic conductivity, and narrow working temperature range during the working process. In this paper, nanocellulose/N, P co-doped reduced graphene oxide composites (NC-NPrGOs) were synthesized via a simple approach using graphene oxide (GO), ammonium dihydrogen phosphate, and nanocellulose (NC) as raw materials. Meanwhile, a new type of gel electrolyte (SNG) with renewable, wide working temperature range and ultra-high water retention properties was prepared using sodium alginate (SA), NC, GO, and potassium hydroxide as precursors. Benefiting from the unique physical and chemical properties of NC-NPrGOs, the assembled aqueous symmetric supercapacitors assembled by NC-NPrGOs present high gravimetric (303.9 F/g) and volumetric specific capacitance (416.5 F cm−3), large gravimetric (10.5 Wh kg−1) and volumetric energy density (14.6 Wh/L). Due to the multiple interactions of several components in SNG, the flexible solid-state supercapacitors (ASSC) assembled by NC-NPrGO55 and SNG deliver high specific capacitance (240.0 F/g), ultra-long cycling life, excellent bending resistance, a wide range of operating temperatures, and good regenerative performance. In summary, NC-NPrGOs and SNGs are ideal for the investigation of new energy storage devices.

Individual differences in attention control: A meta-analysis and re-analysis of latent variable studies.

A meta-analysis and re-analysis of prior latent variable studies was conducted in order to assess whether there is evidence for individual differences in broad attention control abilities. Data from 90 independent samples and over 23,000 participants suggested that most (84.4%) prior studies find evidence for a coherent attention control factor with average factor loadings of .51. This latent attention control factor was related to other cognitive ability factors including working memory, shifting, fluid intelligence, long-term memory, reading comprehension, and processing speed, as well as to self-reports of task-unrelated thoughts and task specific motivation. Further re-analyses and meta-analyses suggest that the results remained largely unchanged when considering various possible measurement issues. Examining the factor structure of attention control suggested evidence for sub-components of attention control (restraining, constraining and sustaining attention) which could be accounted for a by a higher-order factor. Additional re-analyses suggested that attention control represents a broad ability within models of cognitive abilities. Overall, these results provide evidence for attention control abilities as an important individual differences construct.

Early Marine Systems' Design – Cracking the wicked problem - The case of a novel biomass harvesting vessel

Several IMDC contributions have argued for a better approach to capture stakeholders' expectations in vessel newbuilding projects' execution. The appropriate processes of requirements elucidation are, however, often forgotten or insufficiently handled in traditional ship design and customer-designer settings. Such situations most often reveal a situation in which both "tamed" and "wicked" problems are addressed and must be dealt with properly and effectively at the earliest stage of the process. This paper shows how such problems can be addressed by using the existing multidisciplinary methodology. A practical approach consisting of a set of methods, tools, and work processes integrated into the Accelerated Business Development (ABD) approach is applied to a specific use case, a next-generation factory stern trawler development. A detailed step-by-step story of the early vessel design process – requirements elucidation in parallel with concept design solution development – is outlined following a narrative approach. The process being described covers how necessary support information, stakeholders' expectations identification, business[1]related analyses, specific design layout, onboard comfort, and fish process handling and storage are dealt with effectively and efficiently. This case study exemplifies specific solutions to better handle particularly wicked problem situations, but also tamed problems are addressed systemically. The paper concludes by showing how a final ship design solution can look like and consequently be prepared for and to be built. The handover process and documentation from requirements capture and concept design solution development to further basic design activities are highlighted. The case vessel at hand won the prestigious “ship-of-the-year” award in Norway in 2023. The paper critically discusses what are likely to be the most important factors leading to this outcome.

Prediction of gas-solid nozzle performance based on CFD and response surface methodology

In this work, structural parameters and performance prediction of fan nozzles for powder spraying are investigated. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to simulate the working process of the grooved fan nozzle. A Box-Behnken experimental model was developed to analyze the effects of the structural parameters on the nozzle air flow stability and working performance, taking the nozzle structural parameter contraction angle (α), the ratio of outlet to inlet diameter (d/D), the ratio of outlet diameter to length (L2/d), and the half angle of the “V”– shaped groove (β). The air flow stability and working performance of nozzle were evaluated through coefficient of variation (Cv) and standard deviation (SD). Using multiple regression analysis, the prediction model of Cv and SD on the structural parameters is established. It was obtained that: with the increase of the diameter and length of the nozzle outlet, the spray angle of the nozzle decreases. As the “V”– shaped groove angle increases, the powder spray angle decreases. The effects of structural parameters on Cv are d/D, α, β, and L2/d in ascending order, and on SD are d/D, α, β, and L2/d in ascending order. In addition, the influence of the interaction of each structural parameter on Cv and SD was obtained. This study can provide a reference for the design and structural optimization of fan nozzles for powder spraying.

E-Upkruti-A Novel App to Attend Social Problems

Due to the fasting moving technical world all are busy in our routine life, without getting the time to pay heed on the social problems occurring in the society. These problems remain unaddressed by the public because of the lack of time coordination and lack of moral untechnical support. Hence our project aims at creating a platform for solving these issues. By taking the help of relevant departments and social workers into picture for help. This project aims at capturing the real-time photos of social problems and sending it to the relevant sectors to solve in the stipulated time. In an era of dynamic and innovative solutions, its designed to revolutionize the way social work is administered, executed, and experienced. This project addresses this demand by creating a seamless ecosystem that caters to the unique requirements of three distinct user groups: Administrators, Social Workers, and Users. For Administrators, the system provides a robust suite of tools that enables them to not only log in and oversee social work activities, but also to verify and manage user complaints. This Social Work Management System represents a significant step in optimizing the social work process, promoting collaboration, and ultimately improving the lives, who rely on social services

Two-stage treatment of pulp bleaching wastewater by Fenton and biological processes to remove recalcitrant pollutants

In this work, Fenton and aerobic biological processes were successfully coupled to treat pulp bleaching wastewater. The goal was to find a treatment solution to simultaneously maximise the removal of recalcitrant pollutants (adsorbable organic halides – AOX) and organic load (COD) from that wastewater. To that end, two treatment setups were studied: (i) aerobic biological process (activated sludge) followed by Fenton; and (ii) Fenton followed by aerobic biological process. Treatment by biological process followed by Fenton allowed for an overall removal of AOX and COD of 89.5 % and 82.5 %, respectively, at the optimised Fenton conditions determined by Response Surface Methodology: 489 mM H2O2, 9.3 mM Fe2+, and 49.2 min of treatment. Under the inverse treatment setup, an overall removal of 89.6 % AOX and 71.9 % COD was attained. Moreover, it was proven that the microbiological activity was not greatly affected by neither the initial organic load, nor the existence of Fenton chemicals and transformation products in the wastewater composition. Although the treatment sequence Biological → Fenton presented maximum overall performance, operating costs associated with this solution were over 2-fold higher than the inverse sequence, owing to the higher demand of chemicals.

Analyzing the Effect of Tethered Cable on the Stability of Tethered UAVs Based on Lyapunov Exponents

In the working process of the tethered unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), there is interference from the tethered cable, which can easily lead to the instability of the UAV. To solve the above problems, a method based on the Lyapunov exponent is proposed to analyze the stability of tethered cables for tethered UAVs. The dynamics equation of the UAV platform is established using the Euler–Poincare equation. The tension formula of the tethered cable is derived from the catenary theory and the principle of micro-segment equilibrium. Based on the Lyapunov exponential method, the stability changes of the tethered UAV in the takeoff, hovering, and landing stages are simulated and analyzed in a MATLAB environment. Prototype tests are carried out to prove the correctness of the simulation model and calculation conclusions. The results show that with an increase in the density of the tethered cable, the stability of the tethered UAV tends to decrease. At the same time, stability is affected by the density of the tethered cable more often during takeoff than during landing.

Unnoticed problems and overlooked opportunities: How and when employees fail to speak up under ambiguous threats.

Organizations often need to deal with ambiguous threats, which are complex, unprecedented, and difficult-to-predict events that hold the potential to cause harm. Drawing on the attention-based view of work behavior, we propose that employees do not always remain vigilant to such threats. Consequently, we argue that, in the face of those threats, employees can fail to notice or recognize problems or vulnerabilities in their organizations' work processes or products that can hinder coping. We posit that this effect is, paradoxically, more pronounced when employees are working with trustworthy managers who are perceived as capable and focused enough on the well-being of their units to adequately deal with work challenges. Thereby, we highlight that employees may overlook problems and thus not speak up, precisely when their input is highly desired to address ambiguous threats and can be effectively used by competent and caring managers. Using a combination of field surveys and preregistered experiments, we demonstrate support for our arguments. In the process, we present an alternative attention-based perspective to the voice literature that has so far predominantly focused on cost-benefit-based explanations (i.e., how employees evaluate the perceived costs of speaking up vs. presumed benefits) when describing hurdles to employee voice. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Anxiety in the emergency medical practice – its psychiatric and somatic origin, comorbidities, behavior and treatment

Anxiety conditions and disorders are common in the general population, and patients suffering from them often seek the services of emergency departments. Anxiety is a psychopathological symptom that accompanies not only psychiatric conditions, but a wide range of somatic diseases, and a combination of both. The biochemical and pathophysiological mechanisms of psychosomatic interrelationship and comorbidity are complex and multi-layered. Thus, diagnosing the root cause of anxiety is a clinical challenge. Early, and on time, recognition of an anxiety disorder helps to avoid unnecessary investigations, ensures correct treatment and saves hospital resources. Careful use of medications, psychoeducation and referral to a specialist improves patient outcome with this potentially debilitating disease. In this article, the authors aim to present in a synthesized form the main epidemiological data on the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and disorders, anatomical localization and biochemical mechanisms and relationships in the pathogenesis of anxiety symptoms, as well as to derive the main guidelines for recognizing and differentiating clinicopathological constellations in somatic conditions in emergency medical practice. Materials and methods. Existing published studies from an international database, related to the subject of the article, have been thoroughly studied. Results. Anxiety symptoms, in particular panic attacks and disorders, are widespread in primary care and occupy a significant part of the work process, especially at times of peak loads, natural disasters and situations of mass traumatism. Conclusions. Timely training and good preparation for recognition and adequate assessment of anxiety conditions in primary and emergency medical care significantly shorten the therapeutic route of patients. They receive competent help on time, and the cost of their treatment is significantly reduced. Discussion. Modern medical science, including psychiatric, offers advanced drug and non-drug methods for the treatment and prevention of anxiety conditions and disorders.

Artificial intelligence and human integration: a conceptual exploration of its influence on work processes and workplace learning

ABSTRACT This paper examines the influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on job and organizational processes, drawing on sociotechnical systems (STS) theory. It discusses the emergence of AI and its implications for HRD on individual, group, and organizational learning. AI has changed the trajectory of work processes and outcomes, paving the way for the future of work. An AI-human integration process model is proposed to reinforce its influence on job design in response to AI applications in the workplace. Learning is experienced between humans and between humans and AI. AI’s cognitive intelligence is capable of learning from each other through a process of deep learning. Humans, too, can learn from AI to modify their response towards working with AI-enabled applications. The model illustrates the relationships between individuals, work processes, and sociotechnical systems through multilevel interactions. Of relevance to HRD are two critical processes, namely learning and innovating, that facilitate the continuation of AI-human integration, enabling employees to embrace AI as an integral part of their work life. The paper offers several implications for HRD research and practice, recognizing opportunities for workplace learning and the potential constraints and risks arising from AI adoption that are applicable globally and internationally.

An alternative approach to ontology-based curriculum development in higher education

Global trends in higher education emphasize the development of curricula that offer greater responsiveness to learners. Creating flexible and responsive curricula will require additional support systems for curriculum management. The first step toward sustainably developing this kind of system is to represent essential curricular information in a way that allows sharing common components across various work processes within the educational environment. The current research implements a new approach for representing curriculum components, by systematically analyzing external source data to extract the basic knowledge, skills and dependencies which then become objects into an ontology. The resulting ontology should act as a computationally-accessible model of the curriculum with sufficient information and usable quality. This paper describes a trial implementation of our approach using actual curriculum documents. Results from performance metrics and expert evaluation validate the proposed strategy and suggest that the approach is feasible for real-world practice.

Leadership Styles and Knowledge Management in Islamic Educational Institutions: An Empirical Investigation

This research explores information about Knowledge Management (KM) in education, especially in educational institutions. Using the Library Research method, the research objects used in this research include articles with the keywords KM in Education and KM. Comparative analysis of various articles is studied to produce a comprehensive exposition and conclusion of research results. The research results found that there are seven stages in KM. KM Cycle: acquire, use, learn, contribute, assess, maintain and release. The application of KM in educational institutions is important to build data registers and habits, focus on society's needs and fulfill them, organize work processes and information flows, and ensure technology availability to collect and share information, improve student learning and its results, and consider perspectives more comprehensively. Through this research, KM in education can receive more attention and development, especially in educational institutions.

Technology Introduction in the Health Sector Through Learning and Innovation-Oriented Work Processes

Due to rising expectations and, at the same time, increasingly scarce resources, the health care system is also forced to constantly work on its efficiency. One possible solution is the introduction of innovative welfare technologies, but this requires the adaptation of work processes. The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of knowledge management (KM) mechanisms for learning and innovation in work processes of health organizations that increasingly use welfare technologies. The study extends existing knowledge on relevant KM mechanisms for learning and innovation in the work processes of healthcare organizations using welfare technologies. Five different KM mechanisms are suggested and discussed.

Technology Introduction in the Health Sector Through Learning and Innovation-Oriented Work Processes

Due to rising expectations and, at the same time, increasingly scarce resources, the health care system is also forced to constantly work on its efficiency. One possible solution is the introduction of innovative welfare technologies, but this requires the adaptation of work processes. The aim of this paper is to analyze the role of knowledge management (KM) mechanisms for learning and innovation in work processes of health organizations that increasingly use welfare technologies. The study extends existing knowledge on relevant KM mechanisms for learning and innovation in the work processes of healthcare organizations using welfare technologies. Five different KM mechanisms are suggested and discussed.

The Impact of E-Marketing on Consumer Satisfaction during Pandemic Time

During the pandemic, E-marketing was of great importance to enterprises in general. Digitized enterprises or enterprises that have been digitized during the pandemic have managed to develop their work processes without stalling in their development. At the time when everything stopped working, the companies that had already digitized processes within their companies were managing to cope with the situation that had gripped the whole world. The approach of enterprises in the time of the pandemic has greatly influenced the perception and importance of the digitalization of enterprises in the daily work processes. Communication, process management, and employee management have been a key factor in not stalling processes, ie in maintaining the health of employees of those enterprises. As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, the majority of business executives have ordered their organizations to digitize at least a portion of their operations to safeguard workers and cater to clients who are experiencing limited mobility. We have all watched what is undoubtedly going to go down in history as the widespread adoption of digital access to services and remote work, even though many doubters have not recognized this as a viable prospect. Online ordering and delivery have become the primary business of grocery businesses. In many nations, the emphasis in schools is entirely on online education. Plans for "online" supply chains and factories are being actively developed by manufacturers. Although in some regions the masses have started to reopen and businesses are opening, many businesses are still considering digitalization and further development of their internal processes as a priority. Customer satisfaction is one of the greatest assets of any business, including e-business in today's competitive environment. Several factors can help e-businesses to build a base for their customers. It undoubtedly includes service and customer satisfaction which can be the determinants of success.

Nurturing systems thinking among young people by developing business ideas on sustainable AI

The complexity of sustainability challenges has exposed the limitations of solutions relying on atomistic disciplinary knowledge and linear thinking, evidencing the need for embracing holistic and transdisciplinary mindsets. This paper builds on the assumption that systems thinking can contribute to approaching sustainability issues. In this study we investigate how to nurture systems thinking among young people in and through developing socially sustainable business ideas that utilize Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies. To this end, we analyze 21 9th grade students' contributions during a work practice week at a Finnish university, during which they were introduced to AI, sustainability, and business thinking and invited to generate business ideas for sustainable innovations that use AI. Our multimodal analysis examines students’ business ideation process and outputs to identify various elements present in the working process that contribute to the development of sustainable AI from a systemic perspective. Based on our findings, we propose combining business innovation with sustainability as a strategy to develop learners' systems thinking.