Free Flow (free + flow)

Distribution by Scientific Domains


Selected Abstracts


The Physical Context of Creativity

CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION MANAGEMENT, Issue 2 2004
Tore Kristensen
Creative processes are complex and consist of sub-processes, e.g. value creation, scaffolding, imagination and materialization. Creativity takes place in a physical context, i.e. in a confined space. Such space restricts and enables the free flow of sensory experiences and proximity of other people. The confinements may make certain sensory experiences available, e.g. vision of source material, sight and sound (including noise). This framing allows certain cognitive processes and restricts others. This may induce emotions that, in turn, facilitate or reduce the enhancement of creativity. Physical space affects the well-being of people, the channels of information, the availability of knowledge tools and sets the stage for coherence and continuity, which may contribute to competitive advantages. [source]


Disaster management and mitigation: the telecommunications infrastructure

DISASTERS, Issue 1 2009
Frédéric Patricelli
Among the most typical consequences of disasters is the near or complete collapse of terrestrial telecommunications infrastructures (especially the distribution network,the ,last mile') and their concomitant unavailability to the rescuers and the higher echelons of mitigation teams. Even when such damage does not take place, the communications overload/congestion resulting from significantly elevated traffic generated by affected residents can be highly disturbing. The paper proposes innovative remedies to the telecommunications difficulties in disaster struck regions. The offered solutions are network-centric operations-cap able, and can be employed in management of disasters of any magnitude (local to national or international). Their implementation provide ground rescue teams (such as law enforcement, firemen, healthcare personnel, civilian authorities) with tactical connectivity among themselves, and, through the Next Generation Network backbone, ensure the essential bidirectional free flow of information and distribution of Actionable Knowledge among ground units, command/control centres, and civilian and military agencies participating in the rescue effort. [source]


Comparison of dental licensure, specialization and continuing education in five countries

EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF DENTAL EDUCATION, Issue 4 2002
Titus Schleyer
Dental practice and education are becoming more globalized. Greater practitioner and patient mobility, the free flow of information, increasingly global standards of care and new legal and economic frameworks (such as European Union [EU] legislation) are forcing a review of dental licensure, specialization and continuing education systems. The objective of this study was to compare these systems in Canada, France, Germany, the UK and the US. Representatives from the five countries completed a 29-item questionnaire, and the information was collated and summarized qualitatively. Statutory bodies are responsible for licensing and re-licensing in all countries. In the two North American countries, this responsibility rests with individual states, and in Europe, with the countries themselves, mainly governed by the legal framework of the EU. In some countries, re-licensure requires completion of continuing education credits. Approaches to dental specialization tend to differ widely with regard to definition of specialities, course and duration of training, training facilities, and accreditation of training programmes. In most countries, continuing education is provided by a number of different entities, such as universities, dental associations, companies, institutes and private individuals. Accreditation and recognition of continuing education is primarily process-driven, not outcome-orientated. Working towards a global infrastructure for dental licensing, specialization and continuing education depends on a thorough understanding of the international commonalities and differences identified in this article. [source]


Open Borders: Absurd Chimera or Inevitable Future Policy?

INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION, Issue 5 2010
John P. Casey
In the current climate of security concerns, the movement of people across borders is becoming increasingly criminalised. Yet there is a parallel political and economic reality in which borders are opening and the movement of people is being liberalised: zones of free movement such as the European Union expand; other bilateral and multilateral agreements include provisions for more fluid cross-border movement; international trade negotiations seek to facilitate the flow of those providing goods and services; developing countries' push for greater access for their citizens to the labour markets of the industrialised world; and a new class of "gold collar" professionals moves with increasing ease around the globe. This paper explores the possibilities of universal open borders as a future policy option. The author accepts realpolitik and understands that the free flow of immigrants is currently impossible, but also maintains that open borders are an inevitable long-term consequence of globalisation, as well as a policy option for addressing North-South inequalities and a moral touchstone for the global extension of human rights. The paper does not advocate for more migration, but instead explores the paradox that the creation of the conditions that would allow for the opening of borders is likely to reduce the incentives for emigration. The paper explores the policy changes needed to achieve open borders. [source]


Neonatal ascites and hyponatraemia following umbilical venous catheterization

JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS AND CHILD HEALTH, Issue 6 2002
MS Mohan
Abstract: The complications associated with umbilical venous catheterization in neonates range from pericardial effusion, portal hypertension, and peritoneal perforation with ascites, to Wharton's jelly embolism. The case of a term neonate who developed ascites and severe hyponatraemia (serum sodium 119 mmol/L) most probably following peritoneal perforation by an umbilical venous catheter is reported. The presenting feature was convulsions associated with dilutional hyponatraemia, probably following absorption of a large quantity of ascitic fluid across the peritoneum. Conservative management was associated with gradual recovery over 24 h. The case highlights that, irrespective of the route, excessive administration of salt-free fluids can lead to dilutional hyponatraemia with adverse consequences. The present case illustrates the importance of confirming intravascular positioning of umbilical catheters by ensuring free flow of blood on aspiration, to prevent/detect inadvertent peritoneal perforation. Ideally, echocardiographic confirmation of optimal intravascular placement of such catheters is preferred as radiographic confirmation is reported to be unreliable. [source]


Managing information sharing within an organizational setting: A social network perspective

PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENT QUARTERLY, Issue 4 2009
John-Paul Hatala
Information sharing is critical to an organization's competitiveness and requires a free flow of information among members if the organization is to remain competitive. A review of the literature on organizational structure and information sharing was conducted to examine the research in this area. A case example illustrates how a social network approach was used to explore the process of measuring the social structure of an organization and the implementation of change interventions to increase connectivity and manage information sharing. The process of conducting social network analysis is described using the case example. Interventions for increasing information flow are discussed. The authors provide an information-sharing model that demonstrates the various domains of connectivity within an organization at any given state. The benefits of using social network analysis for information sharing and the implications for further research and practice are discussed. [source]