High B-field, large area ratio MHD duct experiments

Studies of the effect of area ratio variation on the performance of a supersonic Hall MHD duct were extended up to area ratios of 6.25/1. It is shown that for a given area ratio there is a combustion pressure above which the power generating region of the duct is shock free and the power output increases linearly with the square of the magnetic field. Below this pressure a shock forms in the duct which moves upstream with increasing magnetic field strength and results in a less rapid rise in power output

Effect of vacuum exhaust pressure on the performance of MHD ducts at high B-field

The effect of area ratio variation on the performance of a supersonic Hall MHD duct is investigated. Results indicate that for a given combustion pressure there exists an area ratio below which the power generating region of the duct is shock free and the power output increases linearly with the square of the magnetic field. For area ratios greater than this, a shock forms in the power generating region which moves upstream with increasing magnetic field strength resulting in a less rapid raise in the power output. The shock can be moved downstream by either increasing the combustion pressure of decreasing the exhaust pressure. The influence of these effects upon duct performance is presented

The role of shell crossing on the existence and stability of trapped matter shells in spherical inhomogeneous \Lambda-CDM models

We analyse the dynamics of trapped matter shells in spherically symmetric inhomogeneous \Lambda-CDM models. The investigation uses a Generalised Lema\^itre-Tolman-Bondi description with initial conditions subject to the constraints of having spatially asymptotic cosmological expansion, initial Hubble-type flow and a regular initial density distribution. We discuss the effects of shell crossing and use a qualitative description of the local trapped matter shells to explore global properties of the models. Once shell crossing occurs, we find a splitting of the global shells separating expansion from collapse into, at most, two global shells: an inner and an outer limit trapped matter shell. In the case of expanding models, the outer limit trapped matter shell necessarily exists. We also study the role of shear in this process, compare our analysis with the Newtonian framework and give concrete examples using density profile models of structure formation in cosmology.Comment: 17pp 12fig

Special issues for older women with primary breast cancer

It is estimated that the number of older women living with breast cancer will quadruple by 2040 [1]. Despite this, there is a lack of strong evidence and guidelines to support management decisions for this population. This article has evolved from a conference session on this subject, held at the 2020 UK Interdisciplinary Breast Cancer Symposium (UKIBCS; West Midlands, UK, 27–28 January 2020) [2]. The UKIBCS is a biennial meeting for all those with an active interest in breast cancer research and treatment, hosted by the charity Breast Cancer Now (London, UK), in collaboration with eight other breast cancer focused specialist societies. In this editorial, we discuss key issues in the management of breast cancer in older women, which include both tumor and patient factors. We also review current national initiatives to tackle these issues and summarize ongoing work in this field

The association between retinal vein ophthalmodynamometric force change and optic disc excavation

Aim: Retinal vein ophthalmodynamometric force (ODF) is predictive of future optic disc excavation in glaucoma, but it is not known if variation in ODF affects prognosis. We aimed to assess whether a change in ODF provides additional prognostic information. Methods: 135 eyes of 75 patients with glaucoma or being glaucoma suspects had intraocular pressure (IOP), visual fields, stereo optic disc photography and ODF measured on an initial visit and a subsequent visit at mean 82 (SD 7.3) months later. Corneal thickness and blood pressure were recorded on the latter visit. When venous pulsation was spontaneous, the ODF was recorded as 0 g. Change in ODF was calculated. Flicker stereochronoscopy was used to determine the occurrence of optic disc excavation, which was modelled against the measured variables using multiple mixed effects logistic regression. Results: Change in ODF (p=0.046) was associated with increased excavation. Average IOP (p=0.66) and other variables were not associated. Odds ratio for increased optic disc excavation of 1.045 per gram ODF change (95% CI 1.001 to 1.090) was calculated. Conclusion: Change in retinal vein ODF may provide additional information to assist with glaucoma prognostication and implies a significant relationship between venous change and glaucoma patho-physiology

Relationships Among Annual Revenue and Green Initiatives, Quality Management, and Organizational Performance

Today’s global awareness of environmental risks and the pressing needs to compete through efficiency have led to stronger initiatives in the green movement across industries. We examine organizations’ annual revenue levels and their connections to organizational green orientation and impact, quality management programs, and employee perceptions of cultural practices and organizational performance. Results indicate high-revenue organizations use quality management tools more extensively with greater green impact and low-revenue organizations have a more informal and decentralized organizational cultur

Sustainability and Quality Management in Healthcare During COVID-19

This study aims to examine the relationships between healthcare organizations’ sustainability performance and 1) green sustainability practices, 2) organizational culture, and 3) quality management practices. We proposed a conceptual model of the relationships and formulated three hypotheses. The findings showed that green initiatives and quality management practices affect healthcare organizations’ sustainability performance, specifically social and environmental performance. The findings did not support the contribution role of organizational culture on sustainability performance. This study provides important strategic guidance for healthcare professionals who work to balance the implementation of corporate green practices and the triple bottom line dimensions of sustainability performance. The results showed that positive sustainability outcomes can be achieved when healthcare organizations commit to environmental issues and strategically invest in cost-efficient and eco-friendly initiatives

Organizational Culture and Quality Improvement on Sustainability Performance During the First Year of Covid-19 in the Healthcare Industry

This research examines employees’ perceptions of green practices implemented in organizations and their impacts on sustainability performance focusing on the healthcare industry during the first year of COVID-19. It explores how organizational culture and quality improvement practices affect the relationship between green practices and sustainability performance. Results indicate a multi-level framework that organizational culture and quality improvement practices significantly affect the relationship between green practices and healthcare organizations’ sustainability performance

Perfect weddings abroad

Approximately 16% of UK couples are currently married abroad. However, academic or practitioner focused research that explores the complex nature of a couple’s buying preferences or the development of innovative marketing strategies by businesses operating within the weddings abroad niche sector, is almost non-existent. This exploratory paper examines the role and relevance of marketing within the weddings abroad sector. The complex nature of customer needs in this high emotional and involvement experience, are identified and explored. A case study of Perfect Weddings Abroad Ltd highlights distinctive features and characteristics. Social networking and the use of home-workers, with a focus on reassurance and handholding are important tools used to develop relationships with customers. These tools and techniques help increase the tangibility of a weddings abroad package. Clusters of complementary services that are synergistic and provide sources of competitive advantage are identified and an agenda for future research is developed

Directional vortex motion guided by artificially induced mesoscopic potentials

Rectangular pinning arrays of Ni dots define a potential landscape for vortex motion in Nb films. Magnetotransport experiments in which two in-plane orthogonal electrical currents are injected simultaneously allow selecting the direction and magnitude of the Lorentz force on the vortex-lattice, thus providing the angular dependence of the vortex motion. The background dissipation depends on angle at low magnetic fields, which is progressively smeared out with increasing field. The periodic potential locks in the vortex motion along channeling directions. Because of this, vortex-lattice direction of motion is up to 85o away from the applied Lorentz force direction.Comment: PDF file includes figure