Oxygen Transport Membranes for Efficient Glass Melting.

Glass manufacturing is an energy-intensive process in which oxy-fuel combustion can offer advantages over the traditional air-blown approach. Examples include the reduction of NO and particulate emissions, improved furnace operations and enhanced heat transfer. This paper presents a one-dimensional mathematical model solving mass, momentum and energy balances for a planar oxygen transport membrane module.

The impact of physician payment methods on raising the efficiency of the healthcare system: an international comparison.

This article reviews policies on physician payment methods that Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries have implemented to promote an efficient deployment of physicians. Countries' experiences show that payment by fee-for-service, capitation and salary influences physician activity levels and productivity. However, the impact of these simple payment methods is complex and may be diluted by clinical, demographic, ethical and organisational factors.

Impact, regulation and health policy implications of physician migration in OECD countries.

BACKGROUND: In the face of rising demand for medical services due to ageing populations, physician migration flows are increasingly affecting the supply of physicians in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and development (OECD) countries. This paper offers an integrated perspective on the impact of physician migration on home and host countries and discusses international regulation and policy approaches governing physician migration. METHODS: Information about migration flows, international regulation and policies governing physician migration were derived from two questionnaires sent to OECD countries, a secondary analysis of EUROSTAT Labour Force Surveys, a literature review and official policy documents of OECD countries.

Occupational risks in Latin America and the Caribbean: economic and health dimensions.

This study analyzes health and economic aspects of occupational safety in Latin America and the Caribbean. Work-related injuries and illnesses represent a primary health risk in the region. Specific factors negatively affect work safety in the region: the structure of the labour market, the lack of adequate resources for enforcement, prevention and research, the hazard profile, as well as the presence of vulnerable groups in the workforce.