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A qualitative study of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK’s research and innovation ecosystem:Structural inequality, lived experience and recommendations for change
No full textAssessing the role of psychology, cognitive attribute and opportunity in determining retirement planning behaviour
No full textPurposeThis study examines the interrelationships among future time perspective (FTP), retirement goal clarity (RGC), financial knowledge (FK) and income stability in shaping retirement planning behaviour.Design/methodology/approachData were collected through survey-based questionnaires distributed to individuals aged 20 years and older. We employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the data and test our hypotheses. FindingsOur findings indicate no significant direct relationship between FTP and RPB. FK has a marginal direct relationship with RPB. However, an indirect relationship is significant for both FTP and FK through the mediating effect of RGC. Hence, RGC is the primary mechanism that translates capacity into planning behaviour. Income stability significantly and negatively influences RPB. Subsample analyses reveal that FTP, RGG and RPB remain consistent across all subgroups, while the direct effects of FK and income stability vary across different subgroups.Originality/valueOur study adds to the understanding of retirement planning in developing economies with different economic, social, and cultural dynamics compared to developed nations. We also integrate Hershey et al.’s (2013) capacity, willingness and opportunity model and Beach's (1998) image theory to analyse the interrelationships between psychological, cognitive and situational factors affecting RPB
Contextualizing open innovation and coopetition in business-to-business model innovation: a narrative review
No full textThis chapter presents a narrative review of open innovation and coopetition within the framework of business-to-business business model innovation. In doing so, we review the evolving landscape of innovation strategies in the business-to-business domain, highlighting the significance for firms to effectively balance collaboration and competition relationships in driving business-to-business business model innovation and sustainable value creation. Through an examination of relevant literature, we elucidate on the principles and applications of open innovation and coopetition in fostering synergistic relationships among business-to-business firms. Furthermore, we discuss the implications of these concepts on firms’ relational dynamics, market positioning, and value creation within business-to-business ecosystems. By synthesizing key insights and identifying emerging trends, our review contributes to a deeper, more nuanced understanding of the role of open innovation and coopetition in shaping the future of business-to-business business models
Petroleum Waxes
No full textAs hydrocarbon fluids are produced from the petroleum reservoir they will inevitably cool and depressurize. As a consequence, heavier hydrocarbons may precipitate to form a solid phase—wax. Wax deposition in the pipe and process equipment can build up significantly with time and result in flow restrictions, leading to the reduction or even cessation of production. Therefore wax deposition must be understood, predicted, and treated effectively to maintain operational efficiency and ensure desired production flow rates. The objectives of this chapter are to understand the compositional makeup of wax as well as the application of thermodynamics to precipitation and the phase behavior of wax in multiphase crude oil systems. This chapter takes these fundamental principles and provides a detailed review of the different wax prediction models before moving to the more practical aspects of wax engineering and chemical controls and removal technologies. Finally, a case history is used to exemplify several of the principles covered.</p
Parametric estimation of conditional Archimedean copula generators for censored data
No full textA novel framework is introduced for estimating Archimedean copula generators in a conditional setting by embedding endogenous variables directly within the generator function. Unlike standard copula constructions that rely on a fixed dependence structure across all covariate levels, the proposed methodology allows both the strength and the shape of dependence to evolve with the covariates. To identify the values of a continuous risk factor at which the dependence pattern undergoes substantive changes, an iterative splitting algorithm is developed to determine optimal partitioning points within the covariate range. The approach is evaluated through applications to a diabetic retinopathy study and a claims reserving analysis, illustrating that explicitly modelling covariate effects yields a more accurate representation of dependence and enhances the practical relevance of copula models in medical and actuarial settings
Deep ultraviolet ultrashort laser pulses for precise ablation of soft biological tissue
No full textLaser ablation offers the potential for precisely removing pathological tissue without damaging surrounding healthy structures. Among the existing laser types, deep ultraviolet ultrashort pulsed lasers offer the highest axial precision and reduced collateral damage, yet their application for ablating soft tissues apart from the cornea remains underexplored. Here, ablation of ex vivo lamb liver using laser pulses at 206 nm wavelength and 250 fs pulse duration is investigated. Laser parameters that enable clean, controlled tissue removal are identified by systematically varying the laser pulse energy, spot size, and pulse repetition rate, and the ablated tissues are analysed using histological analysis and surface profilometry. With optimised settings, tissue removal with axial precision down to 10 microns is demonstrated. Ablation threshold fluence of 38.7 ± 2.1 mJ·cm−2 is determined for lamb liver tissue, and fluence windows yielding precise ablation with no observable collateral damage are defined for different laser spot sizes. The ablation responses of tissues with different physical properties are also investigated. These results advance understanding of laser-tissue interaction in the deep ultraviolet ultrashort pulse regime and demonstrate the potential of the proposed tissue removal method for high-precision surgical applications
Explicit minimisers for anisotropic Riesz energies
No full textIn this paper we characterise the energy minimisers of a class of nonlocal interaction energies where the attraction is quadratic, and the repulsion is Riesz-like and anisotropic. In particular we show that, if the Fourier transform of the repulsive potential is positive, the minimiser is supported on a fully-dimensional ellipsoid, and its density is given by a Barenblatt-type profile. Our technique of proof is based on a Fourier representation of the potential of such measures, that extends a previous formula established by some of the authors in the Coulomb case
A novel approach to balancing stakeholder interests in construction waste landfill charges for advancing a circular economy
No full textLandfill charging schemes effectively reduce construction and demolition waste (C&DW) sent to landfills, advancing the global circular economy. Their success, however, depends on scientifically sound charging standards. Current methods for setting landfill charges largely rely on waste generators’ willingness to pay, with little consideration for landfill operators’ interests. To address this gap, this study proposes a novel, stakeholder-inclusive approach to develop waste landfill charging standards. Distinct from methods centered on willingness to pay, this approach integrates both generators’ cost considerations and operators’ revenue needs, alongside market realities (e.g., costs of alternative disposal facilities, transportation expenses). It comprises four progressive steps: (1) identifying the generation area and specific locations of the C&DW to be landfilled; (2) calculating the total disposal costs at alternative facilities; (3) estimating transportation costs from waste sources to the target landfill; (4) determining the final charging standard by balancing cost-efficiency for generators and operational sustainability for operators. Validated through a case study of the Litoushan Landfill in Shenzhen, China, the approach yielded an optimal charging standard ranging from CNY 106 to CNY 112/m3. This method provides a valuable, and actionable reference for policymakers worldwide to establish evidence-based C&DW landfill charging standards, strengthening waste management practices globally. Additionally, its adaptable framework can be extended to determine charging standards for other waste types (e.g., municipal solid waste, industrial solid waste), further supporting the global transition to a circular economy
UHS Microfluidic Investigation of Hydrogen-Methane Mixtures at 58.6 bar and 20–50 °C
No full textHydrogen storage in depleted gas reservoirs has gained attention as a large-scale option for intermittent green energy. Few experimental studies have investigated the influence of its native natural gas on the storage process. We investigate the influence of methane on UHS through microfluidic experiments with pre-blended and port-injection mixtures at 58.6 bar and 20–50 °C. Our drainage results indicate a positive correlation between front stability and capillary number. A wider range of pores is invaded with increasing methane content. In-situ mixing exerts a negative effect on storage capacity (as high as 13 %) and flow connectivity. Conversely, a higher withdrawal efficiency is observed for hydrogen, with one-third of the remaining ganglia occupying pore corners and parts of pores. Presence of methane in the mixtures increases the percentage of multiple pore-spanning ganglia from 1.6 % to 23–25 % at the end of imbibition. While the presence of methane can enhance connectivity, the process of in-situ mixing may reduce storage capacity, indicating a complex effect on the overall UHS process which required further investigation especially over higher-pressure conditions
Towards bioelectric signal-enabled human healthcare monitoring: state-of-the-art, design strategies, challenge, and future
No full textBioelectric signals play a vital role in human healthcare monitoring. This review examines front-end circuits and systems for acquiring electroencephalogram (EEG), electrocorticogram (ECoG), electrocardiogram (ECG), electrooculogram (EOG), and electromyogram (EMG) signals, highlighting key design considerations and challenges. This work further surveys related state-of-the-art biosensors, commercial components, and wearable consumer products, and offers insights into emerging research directions in biosensor circuit design for next-generation healthcare applications
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