University of Windsor

About: University of Windsor is a education organization based out in Windsor, Ontario, Canada. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Argumentation theory. The organization has 10654 authors who have published 22307 publications receiving 435906 citations. The organization is also known as: UWindsor & Assumption University of Windsor.

Research paradigms of contemporary knowledge management studies: 1998‐2007

Abstract: Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the research paradigms of contemporary knowledge management studies in the past decade using citation and co‐citation analysis.Design/methodology/approach – Research in any academic area often clusters into informal networks that focus on common questions in common ways, and the accumulated knowledge often flows between members of these networks, revealed in patterns of citations. The research paradigms of a given field can be identified by analyzing corresponding knowledge flows and citation and co‐citation process. The methods used in the study include citation analysis, co‐citation analysis, and social network analysis.Findings – The paper draws an intellectual map of knowledge flows between knowledge management scholars. Key research themes and concepts as well as their relationships in the field of knowledge management are identified.Research limitations/implications – An in‐depth analysis of the relationships between knowledge management research and...

An individual-based evolving predator-prey ecosystem simulation using a fuzzy cognitive map as the behavior model

Abstract: We present an individual-based predator-prey model with, for the first time, each agent behavior being modeled by a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM), allowing the evolution of the agent behavior through the epochs of the simulation. The FCM enables the agent to evaluate its environment (e.g., distance to predator or prey, distance to potential breeding partner, distance to food, energy level) and its internal states (e.g., fear, hunger, curiosity), and to choose several possible actions such as evasion, eating, or breeding. The FCM of each individual is unique and is the result of the evolutionary process. The notion of species is also implemented in such a way that species emerge from the evolving population of agents. To our knowledge, our system is the only one that allows the modeling of links between behavior patterns and speciation. The simulation produces a lot of data, including number of individuals, level of energy by individual, choice of action, age of the individuals, and average FCM associated with each species. This study investigates patterns of macroevolutionary processes, such as the emergence of species in a simulated ecosystem, and proposes a general framework for the study of specific ecological problems such as invasive species and species diversity patterns. We present promising results showing coherent behaviors of the whole simulation with the emergence of strong correlation patterns also observed in existing ecosystems.

An integrative review of the factors influencing new graduate nurse engagement in interprofessional collaboration.

Abstract: Aim To analyse critically the barriers and facilitators to new graduate nurse engagement in interprofessional collaboration. Background The acculturation of new graduate nurses must be considered in strategies that address the global nursing shortage. Interprofessional collaboration may support the transition and retention of new graduate nurses. Design Whittemore and Knafl's revised framework for integrative reviews guided the analysis. Data sources A comprehensive multi-step search (published 2000–2012) of the North American interprofessional collaboration and new graduate literature indexed in the CINAHL, Proquest, Pubmed, PsychINFO and Cochrane databases was performed. A sample of 26 research and non-research reports met the inclusion criteria. Review methods All 26 articles were included in the review. A systematic and iterative approach was used to extract and reduce the data to draw conclusions. Results The analysis revealed several barriers and facilitators to new graduate engagement in interprofessional collaboration. These factors exist at the individual, team and organizational levels and are largely consistent with conceptual and empirical analyses of interprofessional collaboration conducted in other populations. However, knowledge and critical thinking emerged as factors not identified in previous analyses. Conclusion Despite a weak-to-moderate literature sample, this review suggests implications for team and organizational development, education and research that may support new graduate nurse engagement in IPC.

A review of icing prevention in photovoltaic devices by surface engineering

Abstract: The renewable energy sector and the solar industry, more specifically, are expected to grow in the upcoming years. However, in many colder climates worldwide, ice and snow accumulation on solar panels is prevalent and can negatively affect the efficiency or even stop the production of energy. A superhydrophobic coating has been proposed as a functional coating for use in solar cell and outdoor applications. A review of the literature has revealed that a superhydrophobic coating can be designed to display desirable characteristics that can enhance the efficiency of solar cells and prevent the degradation of efficiency over time. Five properties in relation to superhydrophobic coatings have been discussed: ice resistance, transparency, self-cleaning, antireflection, and mechanical robustness. Included in these discussions were the desired effects of the properties, and the parameters needed to optimize these properties. It was found that the water repellent properties of a superhydrophobic coating can prevent and reduce the accretion of ice, while subsequently the ice resistant properties of the composite wetting state can diminish its adhesion, making ice removal a less energy-intensive process. The good resistance to snow accumulation and the self-cleaning capabilities maintain a clean transparent substrate. Additionally, the transparency and intrinsic antireflective effects can be optimized to ensure maximum light transmission and increased efficiency. A stable and mechanically robust coating would allow for minimal maintenance, prolong the benefits of sought after properties, and increase the overall useful life of a solar panel.