Determination of Torsional Stresses in Shafts: From Physical Analogies to Mathematical Models

This paper presents the historical development of methods used for the study of torsional stresses in shafts. In particular, the paper covers both analog methods, especially those based on electrical analogies proposed circa 1925, and numerical methods, especially finite difference methods (FDM), finite element methods (FEM) and boundary element methods (BEM)

Improving the organization of palliative care: identification of barriers and facilitators in five European countries.

BACKGROUND: Interventions to improve palliative care encounter challenges beyond the usual implementation problems because of palliative care's complex and changing character. In this study, we explored barriers and facilitators faced by health-care professionals in five European countries (England, Germany, Italy, Norway and the Netherlands) with regard to improving the organization of their palliative care service. METHODS: Semi-structured individual and focus group interviews were conducted with purposefully selected health-care professionals. The constant comparative method was used to analyse the data. RESULTS: Professionals working in hospitals, hospices, nursing homes and primary care facilities who provide palliative care to adult patients were interviewed (n =40) or participated in ten focus group interviews (n =59). Barriers and facilitators were inductively grouped into 16 categories and arranged into five themes: innovation, individual professional level, group dynamics, organizational context and local political-economic context. Although the barriers and facilitators identified differed in scope, context, strength and provenance, they were shared by professionals from different European countries. CONCLUSION: This study identified barriers and facilitators to organizational change in palliative care. Some of these barriers and facilitators were experienced by professionals in almost all countries and are therefore prerequisites to change. Understanding the barriers to and facilitators of change will help tailor organizational improvements to the needs of individuals and organizations.peerReviewe