Entrepreneurship has been widely studied in recent decades, and it has been linked to other research areas such as social psychology. Remarkable contributions have combined these fields to explore ...how to predict entrepreneurial intentions. Building on previous research on the factors that predict students' intentions to start a business, this study explores the link between intentions and behavior. The aim is to ascertain whether university students have genuine intentions to start a business and see themselves as capable of doing so. This study draws upon Ajzen’s theory of planned behavior to examine the role of students' and/or prospective entrepreneurs' skills and capabilities. Structural equation modeling is used to empirically test the hypotheses. This study makes a unique contribution, extending the model described by the theory of planned behavior by adding entrepreneurial skills and addressing a gap in the literature on the link between entrepreneurial intentions and entrepreneurial behavior.
Currently the development of additive manufacturing and the emerging of new materials allows to manufacturing process obtaining functional models with properties and geometries adapted to each ...particular case with low production times and costs. Specifically, 3D printing by fused deposition modeling (FDM) that operates with polymers, is one of the most widespread and popular techniques. Among the numerous materials available, the elastomeric polymers, whose base composition is polyurethane, are becoming increasingly important since allow to obtain flexible pieces with good mechanical and chemical resistance. The objective of this work is to study the effect of an abrasive fluid (commercial automotive petrol) on test specimens made of two different elastomeric filaments commonly used in 3D printing, thermoplastic polyurethane and thermoplastic elastomers. To do this, some of the main physical and mechanical properties – hardness, weigh variation and tensile and bending tests ‐ of these materials were analyzed after immersion of the samples in petrol for different periods of time. Specimens with different volume of material inside their structure were designed in order to determine the effect of the volume filling on the mechanical properties and the petrol effect.
Los ámbitos de interés de la tecnología educativa han ido modificándose con relación a la evolución de la disciplina. Los desarrollos tecnológicos y los nuevos enfoques educativos han permitido que ...esta haya experimentado una evolución en cuanto a temas, enfoques y metodologías de investigación. Este artículo presenta un estudio de las áreas de interés y temas de investigación en esta disciplina, por medio del análisis de su evolución, desde el diseño instruccional y los estudios comparativos, pasando por los nuevos enfoques que integran las diferentes teorías del aprendizaje, hasta el impacto que ha supuesto el desarrollo de nuevas modalidades de enseñanza, como el e-learning. El análisis del estado actual nos permite recopilar posibles líneas de investigación a futuro en cuanto a temática, enfoque metodológico, contextos y participantes, que pueden resultar de interés para la comunidad científica.
The use of conventional manufacturing methods is mainly limited by the size of the production run and the geometrical complexity of the component, and as a result we are occasionally forced to use ...processes and tools that increase the final cost of the element being produced. Additive manufacturing techniques provide major competitive advantages due to the fact that they adapt to the geometrical complexity and customised design of the part to be manufactured. The following may also be achieved according to field of application: lighter weight products, multimaterial products, ergonomic products, efficient short production runs, fewer assembly errors and, therefore, lower associated costs, lower tool investment costs, a combination of different manufacturing processes, an optimised use of materials, and a more sustainable manufacturing process. Additive manufacturing is seen as being one of the major revolutionary industrial processes of the next few years. Additive manufacturing has several alternatives ranging from simple RepRap machines to complex fused metal deposition systems. This paper will expand upon the structural design of the machines, their history, classification, the alternatives existing today, materials used and their characteristics, the technology limitations, and also the prospects that are opening up for different technologies both in the professional field of innovation and the academic field of research. It is important to say that the choice of technology is directly dependent on the particular application being planned: first the application and then the technology.
Additive manufacturing technologies have demonstrated great potential for reproducing complex geometries, free patterns and meticulous details. These characteristics are present in the design of ...solutions in the acoustic field with different requirements and functionalities. This paper reviews several articles dealing with different acoustic phenomena (absorption, filtration, modulation, diffraction or propagation of acoustic waves). The work demonstrates the high potential of these technologies in various applications. Solutions were found in the acoustic conditioning of absorbent panels sector, ranging from design to manufacture. Other design and manufacturing examples were evaluated, including hearing protection devices, musical instruments, silencers, hearing aids as well as electroacoustic sensors. It have been evaluated many references of the use of additive manufacturing in the generation and handling of acoustic waves used in advanced medical imaging and therapeutic ultrasound applications, among others.
This study aims to obtain an updated overview of the use of additive manufacturing in the acoustic applications. It also summarizes the range and areas of application of these technologies in those environments where they could offer the best benefits.
PurposeThe aim of this paper is to analyse the moderating effect of digital transformation (DT) on the relationship between innovation capacity and the performance of agrifood ...businesses.Design/methodology/approachBased on a structured questionnaire, data on 98 agrifood small and medium-sized enterprises operating in Spain were collected. The data were analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling to test the proposed model and study the moderating effect of DT on the relationship between the innovation capacity and performance of agrifood businesses.FindingsThe study finds support for the hypotheses and shows the existence of a direct positive relationship between the DT and performance of agrifood businesses. Developing new practices focussed on customer service and performing actions such as improving sales, promoting a new product or service and including a post-sales service influence the capacity of a business to undertake DT.Research limitations/implicationsFuture studies should include other factors in the analysis. For example, the impact of knowledge transfer and research and development (R&D) on agrifood businesses' performance should be studied. Education and training, as well as having a diverse network, can help develop and boost businesses' capacity to use and apply the required innovation. Networks play an important role in learning how to apply DT.Originality/valueThis quantitative study is the first to examine the moderating effect of DT in the Spanish agrifood sector on the relationship between innovation capacity and performance. The study examines the role of the DT of companies and explores the competitiveness and efficiency tools that digitalisation offers. Innovation capacity is crucial for the application of these tools.
Patients with kidney failure who are receiving maintenance dialysis have a higher risk of infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and worse clinical outcomes after ...coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) than the general population. Therefore, immunization against SARS-CoV-2 with effective vaccines is an important component of health-maintenance strategies for these patients. This study evaluated the humoral and cellular responses to messenger RNA (mRNA) SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in this population.
Observational prospective multicenter cohort study.
205 patients treated at 3 dialysis units at the Hospital Clínic of Barcelona (Spain) were vaccinated from February 3 to April 4, 2021, and followed until April 23, 2021.
Immunization with either the mRNA-1273 (Moderna) or BNT162b2 (Pfizer-BioNTech) SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine.
Seroconversion, defined as the detection of IgG antibodies to the receptor-binding domain of the S1 spike antigen of SARS-CoV-2 (anti–S1-RBD IgG), and the identification of activated CD4+T cells 3 weeks after completing vaccination. Anti-S1-RBD IgG levels were also analyzed as a secondary outcome.
Univariate and multivariable logistic and multiple linear regression models were used to evaluate the associations between vaccination and study outcomes.
We found that 97.7% of 175 vaccinated patients who were seronegative at baseline developed a response (humoral, cellular, or both); 95.4% of these patients seroconverted, while 62% of those tested for cellular immunity had a positive response. Greater age and immunosuppressive treatment were associated with lower antibody levels.
Mandatory vaccine administration by health authorities. Anti–S1-RBD IgG levels were reported up to 150U/mL and cellular immune responses were characterized qualitatively. Antibody assay and cellular response assessment may not be comparable with previously published laboratory approaches.
Immunization with mRNA vaccines generated a humoral and cellular immune response in a high proportion of patients with kidney failure receiving maintenance dialysis. These findings as well as the high risk of infection and poor clinical outcomes among these patients make their vaccination a health priority.
To analyse the characteristics and predictors of death in hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Spain.
A retrospective observational study was performed of the first ...consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 confirmed by real-time PCR assay in 127 Spanish centres until 17 March 2020. The follow-up censoring date was 17 April 2020. We collected demographic, clinical, laboratory, treatment and complications data. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality. Univariable and multivariable Cox regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with death.
Of the 4035 patients, male subjects accounted for 2433 (61.0%) of 3987, the median age was 70 years and 2539 (73.8%) of 3439 had one or more comorbidity. The most common symptoms were a history of fever, cough, malaise and dyspnoea. During hospitalization, 1255 (31.5%) of 3979 patients developed acute respiratory distress syndrome, 736 (18.5%) of 3988 were admitted to intensive care units and 619 (15.5%) of 3992 underwent mechanical ventilation. Virus- or host-targeted medications included lopinavir/ritonavir (2820/4005, 70.4%), hydroxychloroquine (2618/3995, 65.5%), interferon beta (1153/3950, 29.2%), corticosteroids (1109/3965, 28.0%) and tocilizumab (373/3951, 9.4%). Overall, 1131 (28%) of 4035 patients died. Mortality increased with age (85.6% occurring in older than 65 years). Seventeen factors were independently associated with an increased hazard of death, the strongest among them including advanced age, liver cirrhosis, low age-adjusted oxygen saturation, higher concentrations of C-reactive protein and lower estimated glomerular filtration rate.
Our findings provide comprehensive information about characteristics and complications of severe COVID-19, and may help clinicians identify patients at a higher risk of death.
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This study examines how and under what conditions joint ventures facilitate cooperative learning. The study analyzes how a joint-venture approach facilitates initial learning in the cooperative ...process and considers to what extent inter-organizational factors such as commitment, trust, control and conflict resolution affect the partners involved. The study then compares these hypotheses based on a sample of 74 international joint ventures (IJVs). The results provide empirical evidence to show that commitment is both a significant and essential variable, yet they also illustrate that this type of cooperation is not enough on its own for partners to learn how to cooperate effectively.
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•This paper provides 5S methodology implementation experiences in engineering labs.•In this project we look for achieving profitability and an operating costs reduction.•Seven ...indicators have been used in order to verify the success of the methodology.•The 5S panel reflects the information for programming activities and responsibilities.•The results show that the activities are performed in less time and high safety.
This article examines the experience in 5S methodology implementation in order to optimize the work and safety of the university engineering laboratories, in such a way that the results obtained can be extended to other, similar centers. The research project developed has created an organization culture of all resources in the practice laboratories. A working model was defined to create a 5S structure and an implementation process has been established. With the 5S methodology implementation, the school laboratories have become industrial laboratories; they have been adapted to the conditions of security and organization that are usually found in the metalworking industry. Learning, control and maintenance of the resources and activities involved are performed in less time and with a considerable reduction of cost. There is also an increase in available space available for the location of the resources.
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