bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transnational crisis translation: social media and forced migration
Authors: Marlowe Jay
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline how refugees’ transnational networks and online relationships facilitated through social media provide access to timely and trusted translated information in disaster settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is a digital ethnography of resettled refugees’ practices of transnational care and support through social media that took place over 12 months. It involved conducting 50 semi-structured interviews and collecting 472 online social media diaries with 15 participants. Data analysis was conducted through constructivist grounded theory.

Findings

Transnational networks are increasingly part of refugees’ everyday lives that illustrate how social media platforms can provide forms of transnational care and access to trusted translated communications during times of crisis. The paper discusses the possibilities and cautions of such support.

Research limitations/implications

The small number of participants limits the ability to make generalised claims about refugees and transnational possibilities for reducing disaster risk. However, the reality that social media effectively provide a bridge between “here” and “there” signals the importance of incorporating these considerations as a form of transnational disaster risk reduction.

Practical implications

The project highlights from policy and practice standpoints, how transnational networks and social media can be used to improve disaster communications and translation. This focus is achieved through examining the usability, accessibility and affordability of digital communication technologies for forced migrants.

Originality/value

Few studies focus on refugees and disaster risk reduction. This is particularly the case as it relates to the roles of transnational networks, which have increasing everyday interactions in countries that provide refugee resettlement programmes.
Numerical simulation for entropy generation in peristaltic flow with single and multi-wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Ijaz Khan Muhammad , Farooq Shahid , Hayat Tasawar , Shah Faisal , Alsaedi Ahmed
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The novel mechanical, chemical and thermodynamics characteristics of both single- and multi-wall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) make them a subject of much attention for the scientists and engineers from all domains. Fluid flows subject to CNTs are significant in biomedical engineering, energy storage systems, domestic and industrial cooling, automobile industries and solar energy collectors, etc. Keeping such effectiveness of CNTs in mind, this paper aims to examine peristaltic flow subject to CNTs in an asymmetric tapered channel. Both single and multiple walls CNTs are considered. The viscosity of nanomaterial depends on nanoparticles volume fraction and temperature. Total entropy rate through second law of thermodynamics is calculated. Heat source/sink and nonlinear heat flux are accounted.

Design/methodology/approach

The complicated flow expressions are simplified through lubrication approach. The velocity, temperature and entropy expressions are numerically solved by the built-in-shooting method.

Findings

The solutions for entropy generation, temperature and velocity are plotted, and the influences of pertinent variables are examined. The authors noticed that entropy generation is an increasing function of the Brinkman number.

Originality/value

The originality of this work is to communicate peristaltic CNTs-based nanomaterial peristaltic flow of viscous fluid in an asymmetric channel. No such consideration is yet published in the literature.
A generalised model for electro-osmotic flow in porous media
Authors: Di Fraia Simona , Nithiarasu P.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims at developing a comprehensive model for the analysis of electro-osmotic flow (EOF) through a fluid-saturated porous medium. To fully understand and exploit a number of applications, such a model for EOF through porous media is essential.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model is based on a generalised set of governing equations used for modelling flow through fluid saturated porous media. These equations are modified to incorporate appropriate modifications to represent electro-osmosis (EO). The model is solved through the finite element method (FEM). The validity of the proposed numerical model is demonstrated by comparing the numerical results of internal potential and velocity distribution with corresponding analytical expressions. The model introduced is also used to carry out a sensitivity analysis of the main parameters that control EOF.

Findings

The analysis carried out confirms that EO in free channels without porous obstruction is effective only at small scales, as largely discussed in the available literature. Using porous media makes EO independent of the channel scale. Indeed, as the channel size increases, the presence of the charged porous medium is essential to induce fluid flow. Moreover, results demonstrate that flow is significantly affected by the characteristics of the porous medium, such as particle size, and by the zeta potential acting on the charged surfaces.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, a comprehensive FEM model, based on the generalised equations to simulate EOF in porous media, is proposed here for the first time.
Developing a generic retail business model – a qualitative comparative study
Authors: Haas Yvonne
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Global trends like digitalization and verticalization increase the complexity within the retail industry and decrease the explanatory power of prevailing retail concepts. This paper responds to the call for new ways of understanding retailers’ business activities. The purpose of this paper is to structure and stimulate the emerging conceptual debate about retail business models (RBM) by developing a literature-based and empirically-substantiated generic retail business model framework (generic RBM).

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on a systematic literature review and a qualitative study with 16 expert interviews in the German retail industry.

Findings

The paper identifies six core elements and respective sub-elements of a generic RBM. Contrasting the literature with empirical data, it confirms some common elements (e.g. “value proposition”) but invalidates others (e.g. “organization” or “governance”). The empirical findings add retail specifics like “horizontal integration,” “vertical integration” and “partners and networks” as core elements of a generic RBM.

Originality/value

The paper is the first to develop a generic RBM based on a systematic literature review and an empirical study across retailers. The resulting generic RBM can be used as a retail concept for systemizing and typifying the appearances of retailers in retailing theory. It can also be used for building, analyzing and comparing RBMs in retailing practice. The paper further provides a guideline for generic business model design with a hybrid approach based on literature and qualitative data.
“Does the poor matter” in pro-poor driven sub-Saharan African cities? towards progressive and inclusive pro-poor tourism
Authors: Musavengane Regis , Siakwah Pius , Leonard Llewellyn
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question the extent to which Sub-Saharan African cities are progressing towards promoting pro-poor economies through pro-poor tourism (PPT). It specifically examines how African cities are resilient towards attaining sustainable urban tourism destinations in light of high urbanization.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological framework is interpretive in nature and qualitative in an operational form. It uses meta-synthesis to evaluate the causal relationships observed within Sub-Saharan African pro-poor economies to enhance PPT approaches, using Accra, Ghana, Johannesburg, South Africa, and Harare, Zimbabwe, as case studies.

Findings

Tourism development in Sub-Saharan Africa has been dominantly underpinned by neoliberal development strategies which threaten the sustainability of tourism in African cities.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to three Sub-Saharan African countries. Further studies may need to be done in other developing countries.

Practical implications

It argues for good governance through sustainability institutionalization which strengthens the regulative mechanisms, processes and organizational culture. Inclusive tourism approaches that are resilient-centered have the potential to promote urban tourism in Sub-Saharan African cities. These findings contribute to the building of strong and inclusive Institutions for Sustainable Development in the Sub-Saharan African cities to alleviate poverty.

Social implications

These findings contribute to the building of strong and inclusive institutions for sustainable development in the Sub-Saharan African cities to alleviate poverty.

Originality/value

The “poor” are always within the communities, and it takes a community to minimise the impact of poverty among the populace. The study is conducted at a pertinent time when most African government’s development policies are pro-poor driven. Though African cities provide opportunities of growth, they are regarded as centres of high inequality.
Shariah-compliant status and investors’ demand for IPOs: the effects of information asymmetry
Authors: Tajuddin Ahmad Hakimi , Mohd Rashid Rasidah , Khaw Karren Lee-Hwei , Che Yahya Norliza
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of Shariah-compliant status and the presence of information asymmetry on investors’ demand for initial public offerings (IPOs) in Malaysia.

Design/methodology/approach

The data regarding 260 IPOs dated for a duration of 11 years were acquired from the websites of Bursa Malaysia and Malaysian Issuing House. In evaluating the association between IPO oversubscription and the independent variables in this study, multivariate and quantile regression analyses were implemented.

Findings

It was found that Shariah-compliant status (DSHARIAH) had a significant positive relationship with IPO oversubscription. With this, it was indicated that Shariah-compliant status gains investors’ interests in subscribing to IPOs as these shares could be distributed to a wider group of investors. In the case of the proxies of information asymmetry, although firm size posed significant effects on IPO oversubscription, the effects were negative. Meanwhile, institutional investors posed significant positive effects on IPO oversubscription. Furthermore, it was indicated from the negative effects of firm size that less subscription is received by large firms which are perceived to possess lower information asymmetry from the investors. This is owing to the less underpricing provided by the issuers for their IPOs. However, it was indicated from the significant positive association between institutional investors and IPO oversubscription that the participation in the IPO among institutional investors would enhance the enthusiasm of investors for a specific stock and increase the probability of IPO oversubscription. With this, the winner’s curse hypothesis was supported.

Research limitations/implications

It is recommended that future studies investigate the compliance aspect, specifically the financial and nonfinancial aspects which may affect investors’ decision-making process for their investment.

Practical implications

With the availability of this study’s indicators in the prospectus, the findings of this study have provided useful insights for an issuer and underwriter to ensure a good subscription of its issuance.

Social implications

The findings of this study have provided further comprehension to investors regarding the essential information found in the prospectus during the decision-making process done for IPO subscription.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the first articles which have proven the effects of Shariah-compliant status and the presence of information asymmetry on IPO investors’ demand.
Extending the reach and impact of management research: a question of legitimacy
Authors: Finch David J. , Nadeau John , Foster Bill , O’Reilly Norm , Bates Kim , Stec Deryk
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The issues associated with the production and dissemination of management research have been widely debated amongst administrators, scholars and policymakers for decades. However, few studies to date have examined this issue at the level of the individual scholar. The purpose of this paper is to view a management scholar’s choice of knowledge dissemination (KD) outlets as a legitimacy judgment embedded in their social structure and community norms.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore this, the authors conduct a sequential mixed-methods study. The study uses qualitative methods, including one-on-one interviews (n=29) and five workshops (n=79) with administrators, management scholars, students and external community members (practitioners and policymakers). In addition, the authors analyzed the KD outcomes of 524 management scholars at seven Canadian universities drawn from a stratified sample of business schools.

Findings

The results of the research demonstrate the complex interaction between individual scholar-level factors, including socialization (degree type and practitioner experience) and tenure, and the institutional-level factors, such as strategic orientation and accreditation, and how these influence KD judgments. Specifically, the authors find that institutional factors (such as tenure and promotion) are a central predictor of scholarly KD; in contrast, the authors find that individual-level factors including degree, professional experience and career stage influence non-scholarly KD.

Originality/value

The results suggest that as management scholars face increasing pressure to demonstrate impact beyond academia, it may be more difficult than simply adapting the reward system. Specifically, the authors suggest that administrators and policymakers will have to consider individual factors, including their academic training (including interdisciplinary training), previous practitioner experience and career stage.
“Family-friendly” tenancies in the private rented sector
Authors: Walsh Emily
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to analyse the extent to which the government’s recent proposals to end no-fault evictions will result in “family-friendly” tenancies.

Design/methodology/approach

It applies the theoretical scholarship on the meaning of family and home to the current law relating to private rented tenancies and the government’s proposals to increase security of tenure in the private rented sector.

Findings

Security of tenure is important to a number of the key aspects of home. However, feelings of home are better protected by security of occupancy, which requires more than de jure security of tenure. For families to feel at home in the private rented sector, they must be permitted to personalise their home and to keep pets. Further legislative changes could achieve these changes. However, for families to really make a home in the private rented sector, they need to exercise some choice over where they live and for low-income families; this will only be possible with broader policy changes.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the important scholarship on the meaning of home and applies this to the very current debate on the rights of tenants in the private rented sector.
A hybrid FCM-VIKOR approach to family economic policy-making
Authors: Mousavi Loghman Seyyede Ashraf , Moini Alireza , Pishvaee Mir Saman
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present a systematic methodology to study different economic labor policies and their impacts on women and families. As women entered into the labor market, the traditional division of family labor vanished. Now, families need to make the best decision to both improve the family economy and enhance family's main functions. In addition, the government is responsible toward the consequences of the family policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The content analysis, fuzzy cognitive map, scenario-planning and vlse kriterijumsk optimizacija kompromisno resenje (VIKOR) have been combined to deal with the studied problem. As a case study, the focus has been on the Iranian family. According to the developed methodology, different family-oriented policies have been simulated and their results are analyzed.

Findings

Findings show, considering the effects that the division of the couples’ labor has on meeting the material/non-material family needs, the best policy is to support women's home-based businesses. This way, the economic factors will be improved, the couples’ dependence on meeting their needs will be more favorably affected and the family unity will be strengthened.

Originality/value

In this study, “family” has been analyzed as a single socioeconomic system. Never have the family economic studies been analyzed with a systematic approach by considering all the economic and non-economic factors together. This objective can be realized by applying the methodology proposed in this research because it can help to predict the consequences of any policy toward the family and provide a platform for proposing better policies and making the related decisions in this area.
The transparency of CSUC member university libraries
Authors: Rey Martin Carina , Rodriguez Parada Concepción , Camón Luis Enric
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the level of transparency of the libraries of Catalan universities that are members of the Consortium of University Services of Catalonia (CSUC).

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis involved reviewing the information available on the websites of the ten libraries belonging to CSUC. For each library’s website, the presence of 18 indicators was explored. These indicators had been defined by the Commitment and Transparency Foundation (Spain).

Findings

There is a notable difference between the level of transparency of Catalan universities and their libraries. Moreover, the universities’ culture of transparency is not reflected in that of the libraries. Four of the libraries can be considered transparent because they have accomplished from 12 to 18 indicators; three can be considered “translucent”, due to their indicators ranging from 11 to 7 points; and three are considered opaque as a result of obtaining from 1 to 5 indicators.

Practical implications

There is a need to review the volume and quality of information that can be consulted on library websites, considering that all services and entities funded with public money must inform citizens of the principles that govern their management and the results obtained.

Originality/value

The information regarding transparency is incomplete and should be organised with parameters that make it easier to find. Libraries that occupy the lowest positions in the ranking all belong to private universities. Their poor results are due to the lack of information justifying their management or providing information on how the service is organised. Some conclusions of this study are very similar to those of the study on Madrid’s Madroño Consortium (Pacios Lozano, 2016) which has been taken into account in this paper.
Public libraries, arts and cultural policy in the UK
Authors: Fletcher Richard
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Public libraries in the UK are increasingly expected to provide arts activities and events as part of their usual operations. The purpose of this paper is to summarise recent policy trends in this direction from both the perspective of libraries’ and the arts sector. A touring theatre project aimed at children and families is discussed in further detail to examine some of the outcomes of these policies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper will present a brief history of policy developments and debate in this area. Mixed method findings from the research element of “Among Ideal Friends” will be discussed, having used surveys and interviews with audiences and librarians, geodemographic profiling, box office records and library card data.

Findings

Public funding across both libraries and the arts has decreased at a national and local level, though both sectors are encouraged to work together to share expertise and community knowledge.

Research limitations/implications

The primary funding for the project was an arts funding body. While a holistic approach to evaluation was taken, this limited any specific focus that might have been given to educational outcomes or cost-benefit analysis compared to other interventions.

Practical implications

Public libraries can see the results and challenges of a successful regional touring theatre project for consideration in their own activity planning, especially those related to families and younger users.

Social implications

Libraries and Arts organisations have different priorities in regards to these areas. Though co-operative, the situation is not without tension. The topic is illustrative of some wider debates around cultural value, everyday participation and cultural democracy.

Originality/value

This paper offers a timely discussion of cultural policy in relation to libraries, e.g. The Society of Chief Librarians “Universal Cultural Offer” (October 2017).
Performance measurement system for a lean manufacturing setting
Authors: Perera Samudi , Perera Chandana
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a performance measurement system for a lean manufacturing environment, which assesses the multi-dimensional performance of lean manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a case study approach, structured interviews were conducted to identify the parameters to measure the performance of a lean manufacturing apparel company. A model was developed with the analytical hierarchical process to assess the performance.

Findings

The proposed model consists of three levels: first level (overall manufacturing performance), second level (criteria that represent the stakeholders’ view of manufacturing performance) and third level (sub-criteria for the criteria which represent the areas affected by lean manufacturing). The model connects indicators that measure manufacturing performance with the areas required improvements, according to their relative importance to stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

The interviewers’ perspectives were used to determine the importance of each manufacturing area for stakeholders. Key performance measures can vary from company to company.

Practical implications

Managers can use this model to identify important areas for manufacturing performance and the performance improvements driven by different types of lean practices. The results revealed that identifying stakeholders’ requirements was an important aspect of evaluating manufacturing performance.

Social implications

The model embeds a stakeholder approach in performance measurement, thereby providing a comprehensive model to assess performance.

Originality/value

This study applies the stakeholder view to identify the multi-dimensional nature of performance in a lean manufacturing setting. It also defines the key performance measures using lean practices.
Whom you borrow from matters: universal banks and firm innovation
Authors: Wang Haizhi , Yin Desheng , Zhang Xiaotian Tina , Zhen Xinting
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically investigate universal banks as an important source of external funding and their effects on borrowing firms’ innovation outputs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors employ regression analyses including a difference-in-difference approach and a two-sided matching method to ensure the robustness of the findings. The authors further explore some potential channels and boundary conditions for the main findings.

Findings

The authors find that borrowing from universal banks is negatively associated with the quantity of firm innovation, but not the quality of firm innovation. The authors document that borrowing firms reduce their R&D expenditures and rely more on external partners to produce innovation outputs after loan originations from universal banks. The negative relation between universal bank lending and the quantity of firm innovation is more prominent for unrelated innovation and for financially constrained firms.

Research limitations/implications

The evidence reveals that universal banks may use their informational advantage and market power to limit their corporate borrowers’ investment in innovation activities.

Originality/value

The paper extends the line of research on the source of financing and firm innovation, and establishes a robust relationship between capital market and product market.
Does founding family involvement affect share repurchase activity? Evidence from US firms from 2006 through 2015
Authors: Van Dalsem Shane Anthony
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether family firms (FFs) differ from non-family firms (NFFs) in their propensity and likelihood of repurchasing shares. It focuses on the effects of voting control and managerial control of family members and economic conditions on repurchasing activity.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper employs pooled Tobit and probit models for a sample of 982 US firms for the period 2006 through 2015 and separates the roles of voting control and managerial control on influencing share repurchase decisions.

Findings

This paper provides evidence that FFs have a decreased propensity to repurchase shares relative to NFFs over the sample period. In general, the decreased propensity to repurchase shares is driven by the decision whether to repurchase shares and not the percentage of outstanding market value of equity repurchased.

Practical implications

For critics of share repurchases, this paper provides support for existing literature that FFs provide good long-term stewardship to their firms. In general, it demonstrates that FFs are less likely to repurchase shares than NFFs. Investors that have a preference for or against repurchases can use this information to improve their security selection process.

Originality/value

To date, the effects of family voting and managerial control on share repurchases in the USA has not been considered in the finance literature. This paper adds to the literature by providing evidence that family influence generally results in a lower propensity to repurchase shares.
Unleashing the potential of university entrepreneurship education
Authors: De Carolis Donna M. , Litzky Barrie E.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to highlight the ways in which traditional views of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship have inadvertently limited entrepreneurship education. The authors propose a broader view of what it means to be an entrepreneur and describe a disruptive approach to entrepreneurship education, one that centers around building students’ entrepreneurial mindset. By tapping into students’ “inner entrepreneur” and nurturing their abilities to think and act creatively, embrace failure, effect change and be resilient, the authors are preparing them for the challenges of the twenty-first century labor market.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a perspective paper about how the traditional views of entrepreneurship education may be limiting its potential to create entrepreneurial college graduates set to take on twenty-first century careers.

Findings

Teaching the entrepreneurial mindset and process will allow us, as educators, to best prepare our students for the complexities of the current and future workforce.

Originality/value

By embracing the original meanings of the word “entrepreneur” – an act of reaching out and capturing and undertaking – the authors demystify what it means to be an entrepreneur. When we adopt a broader and more accurate conceptualization of “the entrepreneur,” we can teach our students to be the entrepreneurs of their lives.
Corporate entrepreneurship of emerging market firms: current research and future directions
Authors: Demirkan Irem , Yang Qin , Jiang Crystal X.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the current state of corporate entrepreneurship (CE) of emerging market firms (EMFs) and provide direction for future research on the topic.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors specifically review the recent literature between the years 2000 and 2019 on CE with the keywords “corporate entrepreneurship,” “emerging economies” and “emerging countries” published in the Australian Business Deans Council list journals. The authors review the existing literature about CE in emerging markets, summarize current achievements and present an agenda for future research.

Findings

Based on the review, the authors categorized the macro and micro contexts of CE and summarized the current articles on CE in emerging markets within each macro and micro context. The authors conclude that despite the abundance of research on CE that investigates the three prongs of CE in terms of innovation, strategic renewal and new venturing in developed market contexts, there is a scarcity of literature that focuses on CE in emerging markets from a holistic perspective.

Originality/value

While there is an abundance of literature review on CE in general in terms of the drivers of the construct, the contexts contributing to it and the outcomes, the reviews are lacking about CE specifically within the context of emerging markets. Emerging markets vary from developed markets institutionally, economically, culturally, socially and technologically. However, the questions of how these differences impact the CE activities, as it relates to innovation, venturing and strategic renewal in EMFs, and how these differences provide incentives or hinder the activities that contribute to CE remain mostly unanswered. This paper reviewed the research on CE and emerging market contexts from 2000 to present. It targets to provide a better understanding of the current achievement on this topic and what to be done in the future.
When organizational support yields both performance and satisfaction
Authors: Sungu Lincoln Jisuvei , Weng Qingxiong (Derek) , Kitule Johari Abdu
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the underlying mechanism through which perceived organizational support (POS) influences job performance and job satisfaction. Specifically, the study aims at examining the contingent role of performance ability in the associations of POS and affective organizational commitment (AOC) with job performance and job satisfaction, thus highlighting the pivot role of ability in the social exchanges.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of the present study included 269 employees of a University in Kenya. The data were analyzed with Mplus to test the hypotheses.

Findings

POS enhances AOC that, in turn, positively influences job performance and job satisfaction. Importantly, the results indicate that performance ability moderates both the direct and indirect (via AOC) effects of POS on job performance and job satisfaction. Thus, employees’ abilities for tasks are not only significant for reciprocating resources that organizations invest in employees, but also enhances employee well-being.

Research limitations/implications

Although satisfaction with employee reciprocation was implied based on performance levels, it was not directly tested in the supervisor–employee social exchange. It is possible that even with intentions to deliver (high AOC), the resultant reciprocation may be less satisfactory to the organization. Future research would benefit from investigating the role that reciprocity norm could have in the model, specifically, whether employer satisfaction would be a function of employee performance ability.

Practical implications

Most often, the bottom line goal of organizations is employee performance, whereas AOC indicates employees’ intentions and efforts to reciprocate the organization with high performance, such intentions can only go as far as the ability for such desired outcomes. Consequently, efforts should be made to ensure employee’s capabilities align with specific job tasks to enhance both organizational (job performance) and employee well-being (job satisfaction). During the employee selection process, therefore, a focus on ability cues would be more advantageous than commitment when the bottom line goal is to enhance well-being.

Originality/value

This is the first study that tests the moderating role of the employee’s performance ability in both the POS and AOC relationships with job performance and job satisfaction. Moreover, this is the first study to examine the relationship between POS and AOC with job satisfaction. The study opens a potential avenue to examine the micro-mechanisms that regulate reciprocity in social exchanges, and thus presents the boundary conditions for the predictions of the social exchange theory.
Fuzzy linear regression model on mulberry silk cocoon characteristics
Authors: Kar Niharendu Bikash , Das Subhasis , Ghosh Anindya , Banerjee Debamalya
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to propose a fuzzy linear regression (FLR) model to deal with the vagueness or fuzziness of the underlying relationship between silk cocoon and yarn quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Shell ratio percentage, defective cocoon percentage and cocoon volume are considered as significant independent variables to predict the quality of silk cocoons. Input and output parameters of the FLR model are considered as non-fuzzy, but the underlying relationship between the variables is assumed to be fuzzy.

Findings

The fuzzy regression model shows its superiority against conventional multiple linear regression model for estimation of silk cocoon characteristics. It is inferred that the fuzziness in underlying relationship between the parameters can be handled efficiently by FLR model.

Originality/value

A rigorous experimental work has been carried out on 40 lots of mulberry silk cocoons to generate real-world data set to characterize silk cocoons’ quality in a fuzzy environment.
Additive manufacturing infill optimization for automotive 3D-printed ABS components
Authors: Schmitt Matt , Mehta Raj Mattias , Kim Il Yong
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Lightweighting of components in the automotive industry is a prevailing trend influenced by both consumer demand and government regulations. As the viability of additively manufactured designs continues to increase, traditionally manufactured components are continually being replaced with 3D-printed parts. The purpose of this paper is to present experimental results and design considerations for 3D-printed acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) components with non-solid infill sections, addressing a large gap in the literature. Information published in this paper will guide engineers when designing fused deposition modeling (FDM) ABS parts with infill regions.

Design/methodology/approach

Uniaxial tensile tests and three-point bend tests were performed on 12 different build configurations of 20 samples. FDM with ABS was used as the manufacturing method for the samples. Failure strength and elastic modulus were normalized on print time and specimen mass to quantify variance between configurations. Optimal infill configurations were selected and used in two automotive case study examples.

Findings

Results obtained from the uniaxial tensile tests and three-point bend tests distinctly showed that component strength is highly influenced by the infill choice selected. Normalized results indicate that solid, double dense and triangular infill, all with eight contour layers, are optimal configurations for component regions experiencing high stress, moderate stress and low stress, respectively. Implementation of the optimal infill configurations in automotive examples yielded equivalent failure strength without normalization and significantly improved failure strength on a print time and mass normalized index.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper to experimentally determine and quantify optimal infill configurations for FDM ABS printed parts. Published data in this paper are also of value to engineers requiring quantitative material properties for common infill configurations.
Fast production of customized three-dimensional-printed hand splints
Authors: Popescu Diana , Zapciu Aurelian , Tarba Cristian , Laptoiu Dan
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a new solution for producing customized three-dimensional (3D)-printed flat-shaped splints, which are then thermoformed to fit the patient’s hand. The splint design process is automated and is available to clinicians through an online application.

Design/methodology/approach

Patient anthropometric data measured by clinicians are associated with variables of parametric 3D splint models. Once these variables are input by clinicians in the online app, customized stereo lithography (STL) files for both splint and half mold, in the case of the bi-material splint, are automatically generated and become available for download. Bi-materials splints are produced by a hybrid manufacturing process involving 3D printing and overmolding.

Findings

This approach eliminates the need for 3D CAD-proficient clinicians, allows fast generation of customized splints, generates two-dimensional (2D) drawings of splints for verifying shape and dimensions before 3D printing and generates the STL files. Automation reduces splint design time and cost, while manufacturing time is diminished by 3D printing the splint in a flat position.

Practical implications

The app could be used in clinical practice. It meets the demands of mass customization using 3D printing in a field where individualization is mandatory. The solution is scalable – it can be extended to other splint designs or to other limbs. 3D-printed tailored splints can offer improved wearing comfort and aesthetic appearance, while maintaining hand immobilization, allowing visually controlled follow-up for edema and rapidly observing the need for revision if necessary.

Originality/value

An online application was developed for uploading patient measurements and downloading 2D drawings and STL files of customized splints. Different models of splints can be designed and included in the database as alternative variants. A method for producing bi-materials flat splints combining soft and rigid polymers represents another novelty of the research.
Increasing strength of FFF three-dimensional printed parts by influencing on temperature-related parameters of the process
Authors: Kuznetsov Vladimir E. , Solonin Alexey N. , Tavitov Azamat , Urzhumtsev Oleg , Vakulik Anna
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how the user-controlled parameters of the fused filament fabrication three-dimensional printing process define temperature conditions on the boundary between layers of the part being fabricated and how these conditions influence the structure and strength of the polylactic acid part.

Design/methodology/approach

Fracture load in a three-point bending test and calculated related stress were used as a measure. The samples were printed with the long side along the z-axis, thus, in the bend tests, the maximum stress occurred orthogonally to the layers. Temperature distribution on the sample surface during printing was monitored with a thermal imager. Sample mesostructure was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The influence of the extrusion temperature, the intensity of part cooling, the printing speed and the time between printing individual layers were considered.

Findings

It is shown that the optimization of the process parameters responsible for temperature conditions makes it possible to approximate the strength of the interlayer cohesion to the bulk material strength.

Originality/value

The novelty of the study consists in the generalization of the outcomes. All the parameters varied can be expressed through two factors, namely, the temperature of the previous layer and the extrusion efficiency, determining the ratio of the amount of extruded plastic to the calculated. A regression model was proposed that describes the effect of the two factors on the printed part strength. Along with interlayer bonding strength, these two factors determine the formation of the part mesostructure (the geometry of the boundaries between individual threads).
Precision of customized surgical osteotomy guide (CSOG) in mandibular reconstruction with a customized implant
Authors: Dahake Sandeep W. , Kuthe Abhaykumar M. , Mawale Mahesh B.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This study aims to find the usefulness of the customized surgical osteotomy guide (CSOG) for accurate mandibular tumor resection for boosting the accuracy of prefabricated customized implant fixation in mandibular reconstructions.

Design/methodology/approach

In all, 30 diseased mandibular RP models (biomodels) were allocated for the study (for experimental group [n = 15] and for control group [n = 15]). To reconstruct the mandible with customized implant in the experimental group, CSOGs and in control group, no CSOG were used for accurate tumor resections. In control group, only preoperative virtual surgical planning (VSP) and reconstructed RP mandible model were used for the reference. Individually each patient’s preoperative mandibular reconstructions data of both the groups were superimposed to the preoperative VSP of respective patient by registering images with the non-surgical side of the mandible. In both the groups, 3D measurements were taken on the reconstructed side and compared the preoperative VSP and postoperative reconstructed mandible data. The sum of the differences between pre and postoperative data was considered as the total error. This procedure was followed for both the groups and compared the obtained error between the two groups using statistical analysis.

Findings

The use of CSOG for accurate tumor resection and exact implant fixation in mandibular reconstruction produced a smaller total error than without using CSOG.

Originality/value

The results showed that, benefits provided with the use of CSOG in mandibular reconstruction justified its use over the without using CSOG, even in free hand tumor resection using rotating burr.
Classification of challenges in 3D printing for combined electrochemical and microfluidic applications: a review
Authors: A. Arivarasi , Kumar Anand
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe, review, classify and analyze the current challenges in three-dimensional printing processes for combined electrochemical and microfluidic fabrication areas, which include printing devices and sensors in specified areas.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of the literature focusing on existing challenges is carried out. Focused toward sensors and devices in electrochemical and microfluidic areas, the challenges are oriented for a discussion exploring the suitability of printing varied geometries in an accurate manner. Classifications on challenges are based on four key categories such as process, material, size and application as the printer designs are mostly based on these parameters.

Findings

A key three-dimensional printing process methodologies have their unique advantages compared to conventional printing methods, still having the challenges to be addressed, in terms of parameters such as cost, performance, speed, quality, accuracy and resolution. Three-dimensional printing is yet to be applied for consumer usable products, which will boost the manufacturing sector. To be specific, the resolution of printing in desktop printers needs improvement. Printing scientific products are halted with prototyping stages. Challenges in three-dimensional printing sensors and devices have to be addressed by forming integrated processes.

Research limitations/implications

The research is underway to define an integrated process-based on three-dimensional Printing. The detailed technical details are not shared for scientific output. The literature is focused to define the challenges.

Practical implications

The research can provide ideas to business on innovative designs. Research studies have scope for improvement ideas.

Social implications

Review is focused on to have an integrated three-dimensional printer combining processes. This is a cost-oriented approach saving much of space reducing complexity.

Originality/value

To date, no other publication reviews the varied three-dimensional printing challenges by classifying according to process, material, size and application aspects. Study on resolution based data is performed and analyzed for improvements. Addressing the challenges will be the solution to identify an integrated process methodology with a cost-effective approach for printing macro/micro/nano objects and devices.
Additive manufacturing applied to injection moulding: technical and economic impact
Authors: Vasco Joel , Barreiros F.M. , Nabais Andreia , Reis Nilza
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare the overall performance of the injection moulding process by using metallic inserts produced by both conventional technologies and selective laser melting (SLM).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic methodology is proposed for prior evaluation of the effectiveness of conformal cooling channels to reduce cycle time and/or to reduce the scrap rate.

Findings

The mould was reengineered considering the SLM process and manufactured. Injection trials were carried out to validate expectations provided by injection simulations, which resulted on good quality parts and a significant decrease on cooling time, and, consequently, on the overall cycle time. The minimisation of scrap provided energy savings and time-to-market reduction.

Research limitations/implications

The initial costs for AM tools still pose some doubts on decision-makers. The challenge of this study is to implement the methodology on a small-scale production and still ensure that benefits are achieved.

Practical implications

The case study selected for this research work is based on a parking sensor housing, which is a plastic part assembled on the vehicle’s front and rear bumpers, therefore, with aesthetics concerns. The part produced with the conventional mould exhibits surface defects that, to be minimised (not eliminated), require a longer packing time to diminish the sink marks.

Social implications

The economic impact of the use of SLM is relevant despite the low batch size for the case study presented. Energy savings are achieved due to scrap reduction and shorter cycle time.

Originality/value

The systematic methodology proposed for prior evaluation of the advantages of conformal cooling is possible to be applied both on small scale and high production series.