A Study on Variables, Technology Facilitators and Measures of Value Co-creation for Management

Value co-creation in this research is to comprehend what facilitates internal or external customers in pursuing creative, inclusive and intellectual interactions. This research consists of two studies. Study I seeks to determine which variables, technology facilitators and measures of value co-creation appear in the literature using a systematic literature study. Study II is an empirical study that uses the results of Study I and evaluates how the co-creation of value is utilized by 135 industry respondents in India. The main theoretical contribution of this quantitative research is that intellectual, social and economic motivation facilitates value co-creation process, and impacts on the 25 outcomes of value co-creation. The empirical study suggests that the potential of value co-creation has not been fully utilized in the companies. Companies need to conduct an audit as to what extent they have implemented value co-creation in order to promote innovations in products and services and further conceive a plan of action based on the results.Tämä tutkimus ymmärtää arvoa luovan yhteiskehittämisen sellaisena toimintana, joka pyrkii sisäisten ja ulkoisten asiakkaiden kanssa tehtävään luovaan, kokonaisvaltaiseen ja älylliseen vuorovaikutukseen. Tutkimus koostuu kahdesta osasta. Systemaattisen kirjallisuustutkimuksen avulla selvitetään, mitkä muuttujat ja teknologiat edistävät arvoa luovaa yhteiskehittämistä ja mitä hyötyä arvoa luovasta yhteiskehittämisestä on. Empiirinen tutkimus hyödyntää kirjallisuuden tuloksia arvioidessaan, kuinka arvoa luova yhteiskehittäminen toteutuu 135 teollisuudessa työskentelevän, intialaisen vastaajan mukaan. Määrällisen tutkimuksen päätuloksen mukaan älyllinen vuorovaikutus-, yhteistyö- ja taloudellinen motivaatio edesauttavat arvoa luovan yhteiskehittämisen prosessia ja edistävät arvoa luovan yhteiskehittämisen 25 hyödyn toteutumista. Empiirinen tutkimus antaa viitteitä siitä, etteivät yritykset täysimääräisesti hyödynnä arvoa luovan yhteiskehittämisen mahdollisuuksia. Yritysten tulisi auditoida nykyinen tuote- ja palveluinnovaatioihin pyrkivä yhteiskehittämisen tapa ja tulosten pohjalta suunnitella toimenpiteet.fi=vertaisarvioitu|en=peerReviewed

FEDSM2006-98530 DIFFUSION OF SLIGHTLY BUOYANT DROPLETS IN ISOTROPIC TURBULENCE

ABSTRACT We study the diffusion of slightly buoyant droplets in isotropic turbulence using High Speed Digital Holographic PIV. Droplets (Specific Gravity 0.85) are injected in the central portion of an isotropic turbulence facility with weak mean flow. Perpendicular digital inline holograms are recorded in a 37 X 37 X 37 mm3 region of interest using two high speed cameras. Data are recorded at 250 frames per second (2000 frames per second is the maximum possible frame rate). An automated program is developed to obtain two dimensional tracks of the droplets from two orthogonal images and match them to get three dimensional tracks. Cross correlation of droplet images are used for measuring their velocities. The time series are low pass filtered to obtain accurate time history of droplet velocities. Data analysis determines the PDF of velocity and acceleration in three dimensions. The time history also enables us to calculate the three dimensional Lagrangian velocity autocorrelation function for different droplet radii. Integration of these functions gives us the diffusion coefficients. For shorter time scales, when the diffusion need not be Fickian we can use the three dimensional trajectories to calculate the generalized dispersion tensor and measure the time elapsed for diffusion to become Fickian

Effect of a behaviour-change intervention on handwashing with soap in India (SuperAmma): a cluster-randomised trial.

BACKGROUND: Diarrhoea and respiratory infections are the two biggest causes of child death globally. Handwashing with soap could substantially reduce diarrhoea and respiratory infections, but prevalence of adequate handwashing is low. We tested whether a scalable village-level intervention based on emotional drivers of behaviour, rather than knowledge, could improve handwashing behaviour in rural India. METHODS: The study was done in Chittoor district in southern Andhra Pradesh, India, between May 24, 2011, and Sept 10, 2012. Eligible villages had a population of 700-2000 people, a state-run primary school for children aged 8-13 years, and a preschool for children younger than 5 years. 14 villages (clusters) were selected, stratified by population size (1200), and randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to intervention or control (no intervention). Clusters were enrolled by the study manager. Random allocation was done by the study statistician using a random number generator. The intervention included community and school-based events incorporating an animated film, skits, and public pledging ceremonies. Outcomes were measured by direct observation in 20-25 households per village at baseline and at three follow-up visits (6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after the intervention). Observers had no connection with the intervention and observers and participant households were told that the study was about domestic water use to reduce the risk of bias. No other masking was possible. The primary outcome was the proportion of handwashing with soap at key events (after defecation, after cleaning a child's bottom, before food preparation, and before eating) at all follow-up visits. The control villages received a shortened version of the intervention before the final follow-up round. Outcome data are presented as village-level means. FINDINGS: Handwashing with soap at key events was rare at baseline in both the intervention and control groups (1% [SD 1] vs 2% [1]). At 6 weeks' follow-up, handwashing with soap at key events was more common in the intervention group than in the control group (19% [SD 21] vs 4% [2]; difference 15%, p=0·005). At the 6-month follow-up visit, the proportion handwashing with soap was 37% (SD 7) in the intervention group versus 6% (3) in the control group (difference 31%; p=0·02). At the 12-month follow-up visit, after the control villages had received the shortened intervention, the proportion handwashing with soap was 29% (SD 9) in the intervention group and 29% (13) in the control group. INTERPRETATION: This study shows that substantial increases in handwashing with soap can be achieved using a scalable intervention based on emotional drivers. FUNDING: Wellcome Trust, SHARE

Discrete element method simulations of Geldart Group a particles in a micro fluidized

The Geldart Group A particles are of great importance in various chemical processes owning to advantages such as ease of fluidization, large surface area. However, it is very challenging to model the fluidization behavior of such particles as reported in the literature. To help address some challenges in modeling Group A particles, experiments were conducted in a rectangular acrylic column with width of 5 cm, height of 43 cm and depth of 0.32 cm at National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) for detailed measurement of fluidized bed hydrodynamics. Different types of particles were tested in this facility and experimental measurements of pressure drop across the bed, bed expansion, bubble properties, and solid motion were acquired for validation of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) models. This study reports the validation of discrete element method (DEM) in NETL’s open source code MFIX using the data from the above mentioned experimental facility. Specifically, sieved FCC particles with a mean diameter of 148 µm and density of 1,300 kg/m3 were simulated using MFIX-DEM. Validation against the experimental data of bubble characteristics and solid movement measured using high speed imaging and high speed PIV were conducted. Efforts were made to ensure consistent post-processing for bubble properties from numerical simulations and experimental images. Effects of different parameters characterizing the particle-particle and particle-wall interactions including spring constant, restitution coefficient, and friction coefficient, were evaluated. In addition, the cohesive inter-particle force, i.e. van der Waals force, was incorporated in the simulation and the influence on numerical results was examined

Predictors of unfavorable responses to therapy in rifampicin-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis using an integrated approach of radiological presentation and sputum mycobacterial burden

INTRODUCTION: Despite the exalted status of sputum mycobacterial load for gauging pulmonary tuberculosis treatment and progress, Chest X-rays supplement valuable information for taking instantaneous therapeutic decisions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though literature on individual parameters is overwhelming, few studies have explored the interaction between radiographic parameters denoting severity with mycobacterial burden signifying infectivity. By using a sophisticated approach of integrating Chest X-ray parameters with sputum mycobacterial characteristics, evaluated at all the three crucial time points of TB treatment namely pre-treatment, end of intensive phase and completion of treatment, utilizing the interactive Cox Proportional Hazards model, we aimed to precisely deduce predictors of unfavorable response to TB treatment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We extracted de-identified data from well characterized clinical trial cohorts that recruited rifampicin-sensitive Pulmonary TB patients without any comorbidities, taking their first spell of anti-tuberculosis therapy under supervision and meticulous follow up for 24 months post treatment completion, to accurately predict TB outcomes. Radiographic data independently obtained, interpreted by two experienced pulmonologists was collated with demographic details and, sputum smear and culture grades of participants by an independent statistician and analyzed using the Cox Proportional Hazards model, to not only adjust for confounding factors including treatment effect, but also explore the interaction between radiological and bacteriological parameters for better therapeutic application. RESULTS: Of 667 TB patients with data available, cavitation, extent of involvement, lower zone involvement, smear and culture grade at baseline were significant parameters predisposing to an unfavorable TB treatment outcome in the univariate analysis. Reduction in radiological lesions in Chest X-ray by at least 50% at 2 months and 75% at the end of treatment helped in averting unfavorable responses. Smear and Culture conversion at the end of 2 months was highly significant as a predictor (p2 zones, were 3.05 (95% CI: 1.12–8.23) and 1.92 (95% CI: 0.72–5.08) respectively. Patients without cavitation, zonal involvement 2 zones and 3+ smear grade individually and independently forecasted a poorer TB outcome. The interaction model revealed that Zonal involvement confined to 2 zones, without a cavity and smear grade up to 2+, constituting “minimal disease”, had a better prognosis. Radiological clearance >50% along with smear conversion at the end of intensive phase of treatment, observed to be a reasonable alternative to culture conversion in predicting a successful outcome. These parameters may potentially take up key positions as stratification factors for future trials contemplating on shorter TB regimens

Methods of Protein Detection in Cancer for Diagnosis, Prognosis and Therapy

Emerging proteomic technologies offer new insight in the study of malignant tumor to identify protein biomarkers for early detection, stratification, prediction and monitoring of treatment, as well as to detect target molecules for therapy. The tumor protein biomarker is responsible for the regulation of the cell cycle to promote cell proliferation and resistance to cell death. Important technologies include ELISA, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, western blot, mass spectrometry, protein microarray, and microfluidics for the study of screening, protein profiling, identification, qualitative and quantitative analysis of differential expressed oncoproteins relative to cancer tissues, counterparts at different stages of the disease from preneoplasia to neoplasia. It can also provide a detailed description of identifying tissue-specific protein biomarkers and to analysis the modification of protein activity in cancer conditions. In this chapter, we discuss current and emerging protein assays for improving cancer diagnosis, including trends toward advances in assay miniaturization, improve sensitivity and specificity, time and cost-effective, and accuracy in detection and measurement of protein activity. However, information from these protein diagnostic technologies should be integrated to obtain the optimal information required for the clinical management of a patient

Viral Diseases of Public Health Importance in India: Current Priorities with Special Emphasis on Prevention

India faces problems with both communicable and non communicable diseases. The major non communicable diseases are cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus. This article focuses on communicable diseases (infectious diseases) especially viral infections of public health importance. The infections include bacterial, parasitic and viruses. It could be said that fungal infections by the nature of the spread are not of public health concern. The viral infections are transmitted by the respiratory route, water and food borne route, vectors and blood and blood products, sexual route and are of major concern. Efforts are aimed at early detection, prevention by use of vaccines and sentinel surveillance. For the success of public health programmes sentinel surveillance of diseases is mandatory. India has got several programme initiatives addressing the problem. The programs include IDSP, VBDCP and NACO. The approximate cumulative annual prevalence of infectious disease in India ranges from 100 to 200 million individuals affected in one year. India should aim to improve case detection by strengthening laboratory services with manpower training and nationwide quality control scheme, sentinel surveillance activity and prevention by improving the efficiency and scope of UIP. Also, creation of a single portal of infectious disease data handling hub to collect information from different sources will help avoid overlap and duplication of reporting

Influence of the cone angles and the p-acceptor properties of phosphorus-containing ligands in the chemistry of dihydrogen complexes of ruthenium

A series of new dicationic dihydrogen complexes of ruthenium of the type trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(η²-H₂)(L')][BF₄]₂ (dppe = Ph₂PCH₂CH₂PPh₂; L' = PF(OMe)₂, PF(OEt)₂, PF(OⁱPr)₂) have been prepared by protonating the precursor hydride complexes trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(H)(L')][BF₄] using HBF₄·Et₂O. The precursor hydride complexes have been obtained from trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(H)(L)][BF₄] (L = P(OMe)₃, P(OEt)₃, P(OⁱPr)₃) via the substitution of a −OR group on the trans phosphorus ligand with a fluoride in the presence of HBF₄·Et₂O. Coupling of the dihydrogen ligand with the trans phosphorus moiety has been observed. In addition to the complexes bearing trans phosphite groups, the precursor hydrides containing trans phosphine ligands, viz., PMe₃ and PMe₂Ph, have also been prepared and characterized. It was found that the binding ability of the trans phosphorus ligand in both the hydride and dihydrogen complexes decreases with an increase in the steric congestion of the trans phosphorus moiety. This indicates that the stability of this series of complexes depends on the cone angles of the trans phosphorus ligand. The protonation reactions of the hydride precursors trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(H)(L)][BF₄] (L = P(OMe)₃, P(OEt)₃, P(OiPr)₃) (under certain experimental conditions in the case of P(OⁱPr)₃) result in mixtures of the new hydride complexes trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(H)(L')][BF₄] (L' = PF(OMe)₂, PF(OEt)₂, PF(OⁱPr)₂) and the trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(η²-H₂)(L')][BF₄]₂ derivatives. There is a strong dependence on the quantity of the acid used for the isolation of either the new hydrides or the corresponding dihydrogen complexes. Both dihydrogen and the new hydride complexes have been isolated and characterized. On the other hand, the protonation reactions of the starting hydrides that have trans-PMe₃, PMe₂Ph, or P(OⁱR)₃ (under certain experimental conditions) ligands gave a hydride dihydrogen complex, the structure formulation of which could not be established with certainty. The roles of the steric as well as the π-accepting properties of the trans phosphorus ligands in this series of complexes are discussed. X-ray crystal structures of trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(H)(P(OMe)₃)][BF4], trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(H)(PF(OMe)₂)][BF₄], and trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(η²-H₂)(PF(OEt)₂)][BF₄]₂ have been determined. trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(H)(L)][BF₄] (L = PMe₃, PMe₂Ph, P(OⁱPr)₃) undergoes substitution of the trans phosphorus ligand with H₂ to give trans-[(dppe)₂Ru(H)(η²-H₂)][BF₄] reversibly under very mild conditions