scholarly journals Implementation of the Digital Sales Channel in the Coatings Industry

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 1168
Author(s):  
Eva Krhač Andrašec ◽  
Benjamin Urh ◽  
Marjan Senegačnik ◽  
Tomaž Kern
Keyword(s):  
Data Entry ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Sales Channel ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Sales Channels ◽  
Sales Process ◽  
Direct Data ◽  
The Common ◽  
Potential Customers

The development process in the coatings industry can be shortened by digital transformation, and its costs can be reduced using a technical enabler. However, formulators need up-to-date and comprehensive data on existing and potential ingredients to develop the formulation. We were curious about how to supply formulators with data. The idea was that suppliers of ingredients provide data using the “common enabling technology”. We hypothesize that direct data entry compensates suppliers because they can shorten the sales process and increase sales. We used a survey to select key sales channels in the industry. Detailed process models were designed using structured interviews. We analyzed models using structural and operational indicators. Finally, we formed a new digital sales process and verified it. The results show that the digitally formatted sales process can be shortened by up to 32%. Simultaneously, more potential customers can be accessed using the common technology. Existing sales channels would not be closed down. Nevertheless, the digital sales channel is expected to prove its worth over time and gradually increase its share. The suppliers of ingredients can thus avoid a radical process transformation and the immediate integration of additional information technology into the company information system in such an evolutionary way.

Healthcare and Terrorism: The Lebanese Experience

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-4
Author(s):  
Nooreddine Iskandar ◽  
Tatiana Rahbany ◽  
Ali Shokor
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Terrorist Attacks ◽  
Analysis Method ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Security Issues ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Common ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background: Due to the common instability caused by political and security issues, Lebanese hospitals have experienced acts of terrorism multiple times. The most recent Beirut Explosion even forced several hospitals to cease operations for the first time in decades—but studies show the preparedness levels for such attacks in similar countries are low. Objective: The aim of this study is to explore the experience of Lebanese hospitals with terrorist attacks. Methods: This qualitative study used semi-structured interviews with various stakeholders to assess their experience with terrorist bombings. Data was analyzed using the thematic analysis method. Results: The researchers found that Lebanese hospitals vary greatly in their structures and procedures. Those differences are a function of 3 contextual factors: location, culture, and accreditation status. Hospitals found near ‘dangerous zones’ were more likely to be aware and to have better response to such events. A severe lack of communication, unity of command, and collaboration between stakeholders has made the process fragmented. Conclusion: The researchers recommend a larger role for the Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) in this process, and the creation of a platform where Lebanese organizations can share their experiences to improve preparedness and resilience of the Lebanese healthcare system in the face of terrorism.

scholarly journals Period poverty in rural Uganda; an exploration of the challenges and the need for intervention

2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
C Kennedy ◽  
J Severe
Keyword(s):  
Community Setting ◽  
Female Education ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Intervention Programme ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
School Year ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
The Common ◽  
Women And Girls ◽  
Academic Year

Abstract Background Period poverty refers to a lack of access to safe means of managing menstruation. It affects the education, health and dignity of millions of women and girls globally. This study aims to identify the barriers facing menstruating girls in rural Uganda, investigate the effects of period poverty in this demographic and assess the need to implement a programme to tackle challenges identified. Methods A qualitative study was undertaken in a community setting. 42 Participants were selected in Bududa, Uganda using convenience sampling. School-age girls supported by The Shelo Foundation (charity no.1155142) who had begun menstruating and adults in positions of responsibility in the community were interviewed to gain a cross sectional understanding of the questions posed. Data was collected prospectively in semi-structured interviews over a four-week period in July 2013. Questions focused on access to essential hygiene materials, challenges faced when menstruating (with a focus on accessing education) and possible solutions to the barriers reported. Interview transcripts were analysed; the common concepts were identified, and conclusions drawn from the results. Results Inability to access sanitation products, due to financial poverty and local availability, was the main challenge highlighted throughout the analysis of the interview transcripts. The other common themes included lack of suitable hygiene facilities, absence of education on menstruation and the vulnerability of menstruating girls to abuse and stigma. Analysis found that on average girls were missing three days of school a month due to their periods, equalling 18% of the academic year. Conclusions Period poverty disadvantages school-aged females in Bududa, Uganda. Financial poverty, lack of education and stigma contribute to period poverty. An intervention programme including accessible sanitation products and education is recommended to tackle this gender inequality for girls in this population. Key messages A lack of sanitation products, subpar education and stigma contribute to period poverty in Uganda and negatively impact female education with menstruating students missing up to 18% of a school year. An intervention programme incorporating access to sanitation products alongside education is recommended to tackle period poverty in this population and improve women’s health and female education.

scholarly journals A Case Study of How Malay ESL Learners Build Vocabulary Using Multimedia Technology

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-130
Author(s):  
Nur Sakinah Ahmad Nasaruddin ◽  
Rosemaliza Mohd Kamalludeen
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Dissonance ◽  
Multimedia Technology ◽  
Kuala Lumpur ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
School Students ◽  
Multimedia Tools ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Vocabulary Building ◽  
Esl Learners

This study explored the process of how Malay primary ESL learners build English vocabulary using multimedia technology. With this purpose, students’ choices of multimedia technology tools and the reasons behind the choices were investigated. The qualitative approach was employed in this study by conducting semi-structured interviews with three Malay primary school students aged 12 years old from a public school in Kuala Lumpur. The findings revealed that the students chose three main types of multimedia tools namely audio, audio-visual, and video games. The participants revealed three reasons behind their preferences of the multimedia tools which are acquisition of additional information, presence of visuals, and convenience. It was also found that the process of vocabulary-building using the preferred multimedia tools can be organised into four stages namely (i) first encounter, (ii) cognitive dissonance, (iii) establishing equilibrium, and (iv) remembering. The findings suggest English teachers to include multimedia tools in the teaching of vocabulary because it facilitates the process of vocabulary building among students as the words are learned in context and enhanced with visuals.

Caregiver Experiences and Roles in Care Seeking During COPD Exacerbations: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Madhuvanthi Suresh ◽  
Jessica Young ◽  
Vincent Fan ◽  
Carol Simons ◽  
Catherine Battaglia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medical Intervention ◽  
Emotional Reactions ◽  
Chronic Obstructive ◽  
Care Seeking ◽  
Management Support ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Obstructive Pulmonary Disease ◽  
Copd Exacerbations ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Lack Of Information

Abstract Background Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive, debilitating illness characterized by exacerbations that require timely intervention. COPD patients often rely on informal caregivers—relatives or friends—for assistance with functioning and support. Caregivers perform roles that may be particularly important during acute exacerbations in monitoring symptoms and seeking medical intervention. However, little is known about caregivers’ roles and experiences as they support their patients during exacerbations. Purpose To explore the experiences, roles in care seeking, and needs of caregivers during COPD exacerbations. Methods Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 caregivers of Veterans with COPD who experienced a recent exacerbation. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using inductive content analysis. Results Five themes arose: (a) caregivers reported continuously monitoring changes in patients symptom severity to identify exacerbations; (b) caregivers described emotional reactions evoked by exacerbations and constant vigilance; (c) caregivers described disagreements with their patient in interpreting symptoms and determining the need for care seeking; (d) caregivers noted uncertainty regarding their roles and responsibilities in pursuing care and their approaches to promote care varied; and (e) expressed their need for additional information and support. Caregivers of patients with COPD often influence whether and when patients seek care during exacerbations. Discrepancies in symptom evaluations between patients and caregivers paired with the lack of information and support available to caregivers are related to delays in care seeking. Clinical practice should foster self-management support to patient–caregiver dyads to increase caregiver confidence and patient openness to their input during exacerbations.

The Strategic Value of the Mono-Brand Store for European Luxury Fashion Brands

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christopher M. Moore
Keyword(s):  
Agency Theory ◽  
Distribution Channel ◽  
International Markets ◽  
First Century ◽  
Luxury Brand ◽  
Sales Channel ◽  
Sales Channels ◽  
Strategic Value ◽  
Insight Into

Mono-brand stores have traditionally served as the pre-eminent sales and distribution channel for luxury fashion goods. Although the emergence of digital sales channels platforms has certainly challenged the sales channel dominance of mono-brand stores, the consequential impact of digitalisation of luxury-brand selling has been to recast and intensify the strategic value of mono-brand stores, principally as a means of reinforcing, protecting, and communicating the luxury brand’s proposition across international markets. By drawing from and applying agency theory and institutional theory to an understanding of the role of the mono-brand store, we can gain insight into the evolution of the most traditional of luxury-brand distribution methods in the twenty-first century.

Knowledge Discovery Process Models

2012 ◽  
pp. 72-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mouhib Alnoukari ◽  
Asim El Sheikh
Keyword(s):  
Life Cycle ◽  
Knowledge Discovery ◽  
Process Model ◽  
Common Factor ◽  
Final Outcome ◽  
Process Models ◽  
Data Driven ◽  
Discovery Process ◽  
The Common ◽  
Discovery Process Models

Knowledge Discovery (KD) process model was first discussed in 1989. Different models were suggested starting with Fayyad’s et al (1996) process model. The common factor of all data-driven discovery process is that knowledge is the final outcome of this process. In this chapter, the authors will analyze most of the KD process models suggested in the literature. The chapter will have a detailed discussion on the KD process models that have innovative life cycle steps. It will propose a categorization of the existing KD models. The chapter deeply analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of the leading KD process models, with the supported commercial systems and reported applications, and their matrix characteristics.

Improving K-12 Online Learning

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 38-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
Esther Ntuli ◽  
Lydia Kyei-Blankson
Keyword(s):  
Academic Writing ◽  
Teacher Candidates ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
State Standards ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Internet Resources ◽  
The Common ◽  
K 12 ◽  
Online Sources ◽  
Classroom Use

Research indicates the need for teachers to be able to locate, evaluate, and use Internet resources in their teaching and learning processes. In addition, the Common Core State Standards require that students are able to think critically and know how to search and use alternative views and perspectives in their assignments. These skills are imperative for teachers and teacher candidates. This article reports the results of a study that sought to examine strategies used by teacher candidates when using Internet search engines, their ability to integrate the information they find into their own assignments, and use the acquired skills for future classroom use. The study employed a mixed-method approach in the collection and analysis of data gathered from a sample of 45 teacher candidates. Data sources included a survey, class assignments that required documentation of the search process as well as the located sources, and semi-structured interviews. Findings from the study revealed the need to teach teacher candidates how to conduct searches effectively, critically evaluate the sources, and integrate the information acquired from the online sources into professional and academic writing that models such behavior for their students. Suggestions for improvement of practice offered in this paper were piloted in one instructional technology course.

A closer look at opportunities for blind adults: Impacts of stigmatization and ocularcentrism

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 270-283
Author(s):  
Laura Yvonne Bulk ◽  
Andrea Smith ◽  
Laura Nimmon ◽  
Tal Jarus
Keyword(s):  
Visual Acuity ◽  
Social Isolation ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Blind People ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Initial Analysis ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
The Common

Blind Canadians experience higher rates of unemployment, social isolation, and poverty than sighted Canadians. Examining what influences opportunities can help to identify the factors that disable blind people. During initial analysis, stigma and ocularcentrism emerged as important factors. Thus, this article examines how stigma operates culturally, socially, politically, and economically to shape opportunities among blind adults. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews with six legally blind participants (visual acuity of 20/200 or below), aged 19–65 years. Thematic analysis was employed to understand the common and diverging narratives of participants. Within participant narratives, ocularcentrism is found to contribute to stigmatization at societal, interpersonal, and internalized levels. Opportunities are experienced within this context, and the stigmatization experienced both shaped and was shaped by participation in activities. It is imperative that a closer look is given to how stigma shapes the opportunities for blind people, so that individuals, teachers, practitioners, and policy makers can develop relevant and effective interventions and can challenge stigmatization.

scholarly journals Design of an experimental four-camera setup for enhanced 3D surface reconstruction in microsurgery

2017 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 539-542 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Marzi ◽  
Andreas Wachter ◽  
Werner Nahm
Keyword(s):  
3D Reconstruction ◽  
Reconstruction Algorithms ◽  
Camera System ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Main Disadvantage ◽  
The Common ◽  
Visualization Systems ◽  
Compact Design ◽  
The Impact

AbstractFuture fully digital surgical visualization systems enable a wide range of new options. Caused by optomechanical limitations a main disadvantage of today’s surgical microscopes is their incapability of providing arbitrary perspectives to more than two observers. In a fully digital microscopic system, multiple arbitrary views can be generated from a 3D reconstruction. Modern surgical microscopes allow replacing the eyepieces by cameras in order to record stereoscopic videos. A reconstruction from these videos can only contain the amount of detail the recording camera system gathers from the scene. Therefore, covered surfaces can result in a faulty reconstruction for deviating stereoscopic perspectives. By adding cameras recording the object from different angles, additional information of the scene is acquired, allowing to improve the reconstruction. Our approach is to use a fixed four-camera setup as a front-end system to capture enhanced 3D topography of a pseudo-surgical scene. This experimental setup would provide images for the reconstruction algorithms and generation of multiple observing stereo perspectives. The concept of the designed setup is based on the common main objective (CMO) principle of current surgical microscopes. These systems are well established and optically mature. Furthermore, the CMO principle allows a more compact design and a lowered effort in calibration than cameras with separate optics. Behind the CMO four pupils separate the four channels which are recorded by one camera each. The designed system captures an area of approximately 28mm × 28mm with four cameras. Thus, allowing to process images of 6 different stereo perspectives. In order to verify the setup, it is modelled in silico. It can be used in further studies to test algorithms for 3D reconstruction from up to four perspectives and provide information about the impact of additionally recorded perspectives on the enhancement of a reconstruction.

scholarly journals Life in Family Buildings as a unique environment in Turkey

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-12
Author(s):  
Seheryeli Yılmaz ◽  
Osman Sabuncuoglu
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Interpersonal Relations ◽  
Metropolitan Areas ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Advantages And Disadvantages ◽  
The Family ◽  
The Common ◽  
Family Building ◽  
Close Relatives

Family building (FB) is a building where residents of different flats are close relatives. Being quite common in metropolitan areas, these unique psychosocial environments remain underexamined. We aimed to research into the interactions within the family and psychosocial features of FBs. One hundred and one children living in FBs and FB-experiences of their parents were assessed by semi-structured interviews using K-SADS-PL. Mothers scored their satisfaction from FB-lifestyle in the scale of 0-100. The sample consisted of 35 girls and 66 boys. Mean age was 108±37.4 months. ADHD and anxiety disorders were the common diagnoses. Eighty-two families lived with paternal relatives. Number of relative-neighbors in the building changed between 2-10. Forty-one mothers scored ?50 for their satisfaction; 58% believed FBs affected their children's symptoms negatively. Examining the perceived advantages and disadvantages of FBs, ‘extreme criticism' and ‘social support' were the decisive items to predict mothers' satisfaction levels. Having both positive and negative effects, FB-lifestyle seem to complicate interpersonal relations within the family. This study has revealed some preliminary findings, but further studies are required in the field.

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