A comparison of mean age theory and residence time distributions in mixed systems.

A comparison between mean age theory and conventional residence time distributions over a range of quantified mixing levels was conducted using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The system was a stirred tubular reactor. The model was validated by comparing computationally derived RTD curves with experimentally obtained RTD curves, with quantified differences less than 3%. Mixing was quantified using the Tanks-in-Series model. Mixing levels were set by varying flow rate and impeller rpm. Mean age distributions at the outlet, where experimental RTD’s were measured, were very narrow for all levels of mixing studied. RTD’s showed expected characteristics; a wider distribution and long decay for high mixing cases and a narrow distribution centered around the mean time for cases approaching plug flow. Mean age distributions remained substantially narrower than RTD’s. RTD’s and mean age distributions were measured at several locations along the length of the reactor to determine changes in characteristics of each along the reactor. RTD’s and mean age distributions exhibited a narrowing along the length of the reactor, indicating a transition from well-mixed characteristics near the entrance to plug flow behavior near the exit. Differences in the mean age and mean residence time at the outlet increased from 7% at low mixing to 30% at high mixing. Ultimately, this study showed mean age distributions are not comparable to RTD curves over a range of mixing levels. Mean age theory can provide age of material throughout an entire system volume, while RTD’s provide a distribution only at a single measurable location

Sceptical Employees as CSR Ambassadors in Times of Financial Uncertainty

This chapter offers new insights into the understanding of internal (employee) perceptions of organizational corporate social responsibility (CSR) policies and strategies. This study explores the significance of employees’ involvement and scepticism upon CSR initiatives and focuses on the effects it may have upon word of mouth (WOM) and the development of employee–organisation relationships. Desk research introduces the research questions. Data for the research questions were gathered through a self-completion questionnaire distributed in a hardcopy form to the sample. An individual’s level of scepticism and involvement appears to affect the development of a positive effect on employees’ WOM. Involvement with the domain of the investment may be a central factor affecting relationship building within the organization, and upon generation of positive WOM. The chapter offers a conceptual framework to public relations (PR) and corporate communications practitioners, which may enrich their views and understanding of the use and value of CSR for communication strategies and practices. For-profit organisations are major institutions in today’s society. CSR is proffered as presenting advantages for (at macro level) society and (micro level) the organization and its employees. Concepts, such as involvement and scepticism, which have not been rigorously examined in PR and corporate communication literature, are addressed. By examining employee perceptions, managers and academic researchers gain insights into the acceptance, appreciation and effectiveness of CSR policies and activities upon the employee stakeholder group. This will affect current and future CSR communication strategies. The knowledge acquired from this chapter may be transferable outside the for-profit sector

A structural and thermodynamic study of non-aqueous solvent/wax systems

Non-aqueous wax/solvent systems of industrial relevance for the manufacture of paste polishes have been investigated. These mixtures have been modelled using a paraffin wax of Japanese origin (Nippon Seiro 140/145°F) in a solution of pure heptane to which dopant components are added.The stability of any resulting gel has been assessed via solubility studies and measurement of the solvent vapour pressure. A new technique for the measurement of vapour pressure in these systems has been developed. The operation of the apparatus has been made almost completely automatic by the use of modern control units.Complementary analytical techniques such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance have been used to augment the data where appropriate and the structure of these pastes has been investigated with the use of Optical Microscopy

An evaluation of the visitor responses to artwork in countryside settings

The practice of placing artwork, and particular sculpture, in landscape settings is well established, yet rarely examined from the point of view of the observer who comes across the work in an unregulated, semi natural environment, quite often by accident. The research examines four case studies, in Scotland, which involve the siting of artwork in informal, unmediated countryside. The studies reflect a range of work, themed interpretive sculpture, conceptual contemporary sculpture, and sculpture sited in forest setting.The aims were to determine the attitudes and reactions of the visiting public to the work; the motives and intentions of the artists; and of the commissioners of the work. The methodology developed through the research using a combination of visitor observation, on site questionnaires, focus groups and interviews was used to develop a wide ranging set of both quantitative and qualitative data on the sites.Art viewing and landscape appreciation are both part of complex constructs and relationships. The audiences for public art in countryside, are of a similar demographic to that for gallery visiting, yet not necessarily with an interest in art. The case studies show that:• Visitors engage with artworks in countryside at a first level of competence; • Visitor attitudes indicate a willingness to look for explanations, despite professing no interest in art; Visitors indicate positive emotions to art and place; • Cultural background and the gallery mindset affect the visitor perceptions and experience of art in countryside.The practice of using artwork in countryside settings provides a valuable experience, generating positive emotions, memorable places and enhances the countryside experience for a visiting public

Characterization of Polyurethane for Use as Substrate in Nanofiber Sensor for Biomedical Applications

The purpose of this project is to begin to determine properties of polymer nanocomposites that make a suitable substrate for nanofiber sensors. In this work, sensitivity of a sodium ion selective sensor constructed with polyurethane was used as a benchmark for comparison with sensors constructed with nylon-6. The sensors were characterized using contact angle and chronoamperometry. Using an ANOVA analysis, the results showed that the multi-walled carbon nanotube type was a significant factor on sensor response both with and without additional functionalization of the polymer by calixarene. The weight percentage of polyurethane in the electrospinning solution was also statistically significant for sensors made with calixarene. The p-values were 0.031, 0.004, and 0.108, respectively with an alpha value of 0.05. While the p-value of 0.108 is higher than the alpha value, it was concluded to be significant due to its close proximity. Conclusions made from this project include that the nanotube types affect both the conductivity of the sensor as well as the Na+ binding to calixarene. The PU wt.% also affects sensor response, possibly due to the geometry of the sensor. The experimental parameters (nanotube type, nanotube loading, or PU wt.%) do not have a statistically significant effect on adhesion

A Qualitative Exploration of how to improve mentoring for women entrepreneurs

Whilst the number of women-owned enterprises has been increasing substantially in recent decades, women still lag behind men in the creation of new enterprises. This is especially so in rural economies, despite the possibility that entrepreneurial activities would increase women’s economic activity in rural areas. Mentoring is a form of support that is suggested as particularly relevant to women entrepreneurs as it could tackle the problem of the under-representation of women. This paper aims to examine whether mentoring is effective in supporting women in a rural context to engage in entrepreneurial activity. It addresses the lack of knowledge of developed economies through undertaking a study of mentoring of female entrepreneurs in Devon, UK. It seeks to contribute insights to the development of institutional support programmes, and thus bridge the gap between policy and practice as well as creating value, employment and community involvement. An interpretivist approach was adopted using a qualitative research design. One-off in-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of women who operate in some of the most common areas for women entrepreneurs identified by The Federation of Small Businesses in the UK: namely real estate; health and social work; community, social and personal services; wholesale and retail. In addition, as the major industries in the location are farming, food and drink production and tourism, women entrepreneurs were sought in these areas. Participants were found through some of the local business networks that the researcher attended, as well as through LinkedIn.Quota sampling was combined with a purposive approach to select those who had had experience of mentoring. Drawing on justification in the literature that 12 interviews should be enough to reach data saturation in a qualitative study, twelve women native to the rural context and twelve who were incomers were selected, with a further six interviews with mentors. Data was analysed using thematic analysis.Some participants found that there was more expectation to run one’s own business in a rural environment. This was also connected to the lack of employment opportunities. The majority were either sole traders or used manufacturing capability outside the area.Upbringing was found to be a major influence on whether women engaged in entrepreneurship. Most stated that there had been no expectation or suggestion that this was a possibility from their schooling. With regards to mentoring, most expressed the view that it was “vital”. Most were very pragmatic about seeking out practical advice, and gender was not an issue. The most significant form of mentoring was found to be peer mentoring, from women’s business networks and from professional associations and online networks. This form of mentoring has been neglected in the literature. Bearing in mind the small sample size, the findings indicate a more targeted approach to mentoring programmes should be taken. Peer mentoring has not been explored in depth. In addition, the curriculum in the UK could be broadened to include recognition of entrepreneurship as a valid career path. <br/

The role of mentoring for women entrepreneurs in a rural context

This paper aims to examine whether mentoring is effective in supporting women in a rural context to engage in entrepreneurial activity. It seeks to contribute insights to the development of institutional support programmes, and thus bridge the gap between policy and practice as well as creating value, employment and community involvement. There is no clear definition of what constitutes rural enterprise in the UK, a rural enterprise is simply a business registered at an address in an area defined as rural by the Department of Rural Affairs. A useful classification of rural entrepreneurship distinguishes “rural entrepreneurship” (RE) and “entrepreneurship in the rural” (EIR). The latter uses the rural context simply as a location. The former is embedded in the rural context. An interpretivist approach was adopted using a qualitative research design. One-off in-depth interviews were conducted with a sample of 24 women who operate in some of the most common areas for women entrepreneurs and 6 of their mentors. Quota sampling was combined with a purposive approach to select those who had had experience of mentoring. Upbringing was found to be a major influence on whether women engaged in entrepreneurship. Most stated that there had been no suggestion that this was a possibility from their schooling. With regards to mentoring, most expressed the view that it was “vital”. Most were very pragmatic about seeking out practical advice. The most significant form of mentoring was found to be peer mentoring, from women’s business networks, professional associations and online networks. Bearing in mind the small sample size, the findings indicate a more targeted approach to mentoring programmes should be taken. Peer mentoring has not been explored in depth. More could be done to support established businesses rather than a focus on start ups. In addition, the curriculum could be broadened to include recognition of entrepreneurship as a valid career path.</p

Improving mentoring for women to increase entrepreneurship in a rural context

Applicability to theme: Whilst the number of women-owned enterprises has been increasing substantially in recent decades, women still lag behind men in the creation of new enterprises. This is especially so in rural economies, despite the possibility that entrepreneurial activities would increase women’s economic activity in rural areas. Several studies have addressed how a rural environment may affect entrepreneurship but have been mainly situated in developing economies (Patridou and Glaveli, 2008; Stefan, 2014; Odoul et al.,2017; Naminse, Zhuang and Zhu, 2019). Mentoring is a form of support that is suggested as particularly relevant to women entrepreneurs (Laukhuf and Malone, 2015; McMullan and Price, 2012) as it could tackle the problem of the under-representation of women. Policy often includes mentoring as a fundamental element of support for women. Aim: This paper aims to examine whether mentoring is effective in supporting women in a rural context to engage in entrepreneurial activity. It addresses the lack of knowledge of developed economies through undertaking a study of mentoring of female entrepreneurs in the South Hams in Devon, UK. This area is a vibrant rural area. It seeks to contribute insights to the development of institutional support programmes, and thus bridge the gap between policy and practice as well as creating value, employment and community involvement.There is no clear definition of what constitutes rural enterprise in the UK, a rural enterprise is simply a business registered at an address in an area defined as rural by the Department of Rural Affairs (DEFRA, 2011). It has previously been equated with land based businesses, mainly agriculture and tourism. A useful classification of rural entrepreneurship distinguishes between exhibiting “rural entrepreneurship” (RE) or “entrepreneurship in the rural” (EIR). The latter uses the rural context simply as a location. The former is embedded in the rural context (Korsgaard, Muller and Tanvig, 2015). <br/