bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and evaluation for assembly behaviour of reheat stop valve based on virtual prototyping
Authors: Shi Bing , Jin Ye
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an assembly behaviour dynamic model of reheat stop valve assembly under run‐time situations and combined (assembly error, friction, fluid dynamics and thermal load behaviour) and to carry out assembly process evaluation and optimisation.

Design/methodology/approach

The fluid dynamic behaviour analysis is carried out for the dynamic torque characteristics of reheat stop valve and for the thermal load distribution of the valve shaft‐bush subassembly, which is used for evaluating the thermal deformation of valve shaft by using of finite elements method. The assembly behaviour dynamic model is developed by multibody dynamics theory, which is as the basis of developing virtual prototyping platform for analysing and evaluating the current assembly process.

Findings

It is revealed that the deformation (ε) of valve shaft due to the thermal load, and the assembly coaxial error (e) can change the motion clearance remarkably, which lead the dynamic properties and performance of reheat stop valve changed greatly. The current assembly behaviour variable are not optimum and the initial design clearance between valve shaft and bush 4# can be optimised by the developed virtual prototyping platform on the basis of ADAMS® API. The results of evaluation for the assembly behaviour reveal the well dynamic characteristics of reheat stop valve with the optimum assembly behaviour variable. This will be useful for improving the current assembly process of reheat stop valve.

Research limitations/implications

The present assembly behaviour dynamic model based on virtual prototyping for optimum assembly process design uses only single objective optimisation (the most important clearance between valve shaft and bush 4#). For a complete optimum assembly process design has to be carried out with other three clearance variables (the clearance between valve shaft and bush 1#, bush 2# and bush 3#) together.

Practical implications

The present analysis provides some benchmarks for improving the current assembly process. In practice, the assembly coaxial tolerance of valve shaft‐bush subassembly and the initial design clearances must be limited strictly.

Originality/value

This paper provides a methodology for analysis and evaluation of reheat stop valve assembly behaviour with the consideration of combined environmental behaviours. Based on this methodology, it is possible to develop an assembly behaviour dynamic model, and further, to develop a virtual prototyping platform for analysing and evaluating the assembly process which will offer help to designers for improving the reheat stop valve assembly process.
International trade, foreign direct investment and the phenomenon of child labor
Authors: Iram Uzma , Fatima Ambreen
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the causal links between, foreign direct investment (FDI), openness through trade, poverty, value added of agriculture sector as share of GDP, urban population and child labor by using annual data for Pakistan over the period 1970‐2003.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological framework for causality testing is a multivariate vector autoregression (VAR) model. This permits investigation of the importance of factors on the incidence of child labor in Pakistan. More generally, this study seek to establish the causal link between these factors and child labor, which might suggest important implications for eradicating child labor's strategies for Pakistan.

Findings

This study presents strong and robust evidence that in the long‐run trade openness raises the output of the exportable sector and increases the demand for child labor as well as the child‐wage. However, FDI is found to lower the incidence of child labor, indicating that because of low labor standards and a high incidence of child labor, Pakistan is not attracting a greater inflow of FDI.

Practical implications

This study provides several implications for the policy debate on globalization and child labor and end by suggesting that rich countries should restrict the sale of goods from developing countries that lack or do not enforce child labor laws. Yet many doubt the ability of trade sanctions to eliminate child labor.

Originality/value

This could be the first ever effort in describing child labor incidence with the help of VAR technique for Pakistan.
Macro‐, Meso‐ and Microeconomic considerations in the delivery of social services
Authors: Freyens Ben
Published: October 2008

Purpose

In the wake of public service liberalisation in many OECD countries, economic interventions into the purpose and implementation of social policies have gained a lot of interest in recent years. The prime aim of this paper is to describe the nature of these interventions. The paper examines the reasons for pursuing elusive efficiency objectives in the conduct of public policy, rationales for purchaser‐provider splits, evaluation of cost‐quality relationships, service costing and pricing, and the influence of “external” economic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper breaks the analysis of public policy down to three layers of economic interventions: macroeconomics (allocative efficiency, intervention rationales and macroeconomic environment), mesoeconomics (economics of delivery in “social industries”) and microeconomics (agent behaviour, contracting, pricing and evaluation). Each level of economic intervention is illustrated with examples, mainly taken from Australian public policy and mainstream social economic research.

Findings

Some of the most critical questions in policy implementation (outsourcing, pricing, contracting and agency problems) can be traced back to economic reforms. Experiments with new modes of service delivery are driven by a changing economic context, yet the efficiency gains from these innovative approaches may come at the expense of service quality.

Practical implications

Changing macro‐, meso‐ and microeconomic variables profoundly alter the parameters of service delivery. Designers and managers of service delivery systems need to be aware of – and skilled in – the practical application of economic principles, concepts and methods.

Originality/value

Except for the health sector, there is a lack of consistent research on the interrelationships between the standard economics toolkit and the delivery of public services. Yet the two are profoundly intertwined. The paper helps distinguish these relationships by putting together elements of conceptual analysis and fieldwork.
Evaluating Stephen Zarlenga's treatment of historical monetary thought
Authors: Mouatt Simon
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the proposition that the monetary reform movement has correctly identified the central importance of money‐issue whilst, simultaneously, not appreciated the sophistication of previous monetary theorists.

Design/methodology/approach

The Classical, Keynesian and Marxian monetary traditions are explored within the context of the views of the monetary reformers, as espoused by Stephen Zarlenga of the American Monetary Institute.

Findings

The monetary reform movement has presented a far too simplistic view of previous monetary theorists yet identified an underdeveloped arena for research.

Practical implications

The development of understanding towards a state theory of money.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to theoretical knowledge regarding the political economy of money creation.
Gender, HIV‐AIDS, land restitution and survival strategies in the Capricorn district of South Africa
Authors: Akinboade O.A.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to look at aspects of gender issues in HIV/AIDS (non)affection on land restitution and survival strategies in the Capricorn district of Limpopo province of South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

The study administered questionnaires to purposively selected AIDS‐affected households. For comparison, other randomly selected household categories that have lost members to other causes of death and those who have not experienced any deaths were included in the sample with a view to determining whether the disease could potentially affect households' ability to make potential claims to land, their access to, use of and retention of land, all of which engender a spread of survival strategies as the household's food and livelihood security is threatened.

Findings

In the study area, land is still largely held under traditional customs. Households having land to reclaim as a proportion of those interviewed are low. There are more aged heads among land‐claiming AIDS‐affected households. There is a significant presence of women heads among the land‐claiming households. Accepting cash compensation for land restitution is not popular in the study area. AIDS‐affected households are completely food insecure. As a coping strategy, households borrow money or food. AIDS‐affected households, defined as households that have lost members to AIDS‐related illnesses, sell their livestock because they are no longer able to manage the herd and they sell their crops to meet contingencies. Among them, it is the female‐headed households that are significantly not coping well. Gender is not significantly associated with receipt of social grants in any of the household categories. It is also not significantly associated with the adoption of the maintaining strategy of receiving food parcels or borrowing money or food nor in the adoption of reductive strategy of starving for one or two days. The sale of land is not a coping strategy in the study area.

Originality/value

There are few studies that link the HIV/AIDS pandemic to the land restitution process in South Africa. The findings could assist in understanding the coping/survival strategies of affected households and in designing suitable policies to assist them.
Retaining customers through relationship quality: a services business marketing case
Authors: Catherine Myhal Genevieve , Kang Jikyeong , Murphy John A.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore customer‐perceived relationship quality in a B2B setting, and to propose a conceptual model for this construct.

Design/methodology/approach

An instrumental single case study design is adopted, and Eisenhardt's case study method for theory development is used to collect and analyse data from 55 different customer companies.

Findings

The research identifies a list of 208 components that are important to customers' relationship quality perceptions. These are grouped into seven parsimonious dimensions, which are assembled into a conceptual model. The IMP Group's relationship substance framework, composed of actor bonds, resource ties and activity links is built upon and expanded by adding four new dimensions: competitive position, external association, relationship impact, and situational factors. Together, these dimensions successfully encapsulate the items that customers within this study identify as important when evaluating the quality of their relationships with their service provider.

Research limitations/implications

Though the case study design used potentially limits the generalisability of findings, it is believed that the proposed model does have a wider resonance in terms of helping both academics and practitioners to understand relationship quality.

Practical implications

Because customer relationships (and the benefits derived from them) are difficult to duplicate, these may be a source of competitive advantage for firms. Managing these relationships, as well as their quality, emerges as a point of competitive distinction.

Originality/value

To one's knowledge, there is no published paper that provides a conceptual model of relationship quality using the customer's perspective in a B2B setting. It is believed that the research makes a significant contribution in terms of filling this gap in the knowledge.
B2B services: IT adoption in travel agency supply chains
Authors: Enrique Bigné J. , Aldás Joaquín , Andreu Luisa
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and test a model which integrates the antecedents and consequences of adopting information technology (IT) with suppliers (i.e. online communication and e‐procurement) in the context of the travel agency supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

A mail survey was conducted among 101 managers of travel agencies. A structured questionnaire was developed to measure the informants' scores on a set of the model constructs (i.e. IT adoption, B2B interactions, environmental factors, sales performance, efficiency, and relationship development).

Findings

The findings confirm the influence of e‐communication on e‐procurement in supply chains. Regarding the antecedents, relationship intensity and environmental factors partially enhance the e‐business adoption. The impacts of IT adoption on supply relationships are also supported.

Research limitations/implications

Even though this study is cross‐sectional, it may be interesting to develop a longitudinal study to understand the evolution of this phenomenon.

Practical implications

IT adoption requires an integrative approach in supply chain relationships. The adoption of IT needs to be taken into account by any service business, given its positive effects on the sales growth, cost reduction and favourable long‐term B2B relationships.

Originality/value

The primary objective of the paper is to provide some new perspectives in explaining how IT can enhance service firms' productivity and ensuring long‐term B2B relationships. Interestingly, while previous studies in manufacturing companies have provided theoretical clues to analyze antecedents and outcomes of e‐business, no previous study has been applied in services supply chains.
Yield management, dynamic pricing and CRM in telecommunications
Authors: Jallat Frédéric , Ancarani Fabio
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show how yield management and dynamic pricing, which originated in the airline industry, are now diffusing in other service industries. The aim is to demonstrate that these techniques can be profitably applied to telecommunications and similar sectors and to examine the particular conditions of their implementation, development and efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The main concepts of yield management, dynamic pricing and CRM are carefully scrutinized. Also discussed is the concept of natural demand curve that aims at reaching a better compromise between the capacity of a company and the demand in an environment where services cannot be sold in advance. In order to sustain the analysis and demonstrate its managerial implications, five case studies are presented that exemplify some aspects of yield management techniques in the telecommunication sector.

Findings

Since the telecommunications are undergoing a process of increased competition and dynamic convergence, yield management techniques can help telecom operators to optimize the benefits they can derive from a subtle management of information networks and partnerships. However, such an approach is more difficult to implement in the telecommunication industry than in the airlines sector because of the difficulty to control (and sometimes refuse) network access to customers.

Originality/value

Capacity and revenue management become critical differentiation factors in improving service quality, loyalty and profitability. Given the increase in competitive pressure, the main objective of operators to sell customer access database to potential partners represents a radical change in the nature of financial and information flows and leads to a “customized management of services supply”.
The role of disqualification factors and double counting in estimating the market potential for consumer services
Authors: Faulds David J. , Gohmann Stephan F. , Glynn Mangold W.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review issues pertaining to estimating market potential for consumer services which may cause underestimates of market potential and result in inappropriate marketing strategies. Particular attention is paid to the issue of double counting disqualified individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

The process of estimating market potential for consumer services is described. Attention is paid to the role of factors that disqualify groups of individuals from inclusion in the relevant market and the problem of double counting disqualified individuals. Secondary data for enlistees in the United States Army are used to illustrate the process.

Findings

The United States Army's estimate of its market potential was approximately twice as large as previous estimates when the double‐counting of disqualified individuals was eliminated.

Research implications/limitations

This is the first study appearing in the academic literature that directly addresses the issue of double‐counting disqualified individuals when estimating market potential. It is intended to raise awareness of the issue and lead to a more thorough coverage of the topic in marketing textbooks and other practitioner‐related materials.

Practical implications

The process of estimating market potential applies to a broad range of service industries in which the double counting of disqualified individuals is an important issue. More accurate estimates of market potential can lead to more effective marketing strategies and improved allocation of marketing resources.

Originality/value

A review of the literature indicates that, surprisingly, no previous studies have addressed these important issues. This article helps to fill that void.
“Being” a new principal in Scotland
Authors: Cowie Michael , Crawford Megan
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the extent to which the programme for principal preparation in Scotland relates to what is expected of principals once they are in post and what it is that they actually do.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyses the professional experience of five relatively new elementary school principals reported in monthly logs maintained over a six‐month period.

Findings

The preparation for headship programme appears to help develop the professional identity of aspiring headteachers, broaden their outlook and develop confidence and self‐belief. What is not clear is the extent to which the programme is developing principals with the strength of purpose required to work towards schools centred on educational values.

Originality/value

The paper builds on previous work by the authors and makes a contribution to the research on principal preparation and the work of new school principals.
Lifeworld or systemsworld: what guides novice principals?
Authors: Nelson Sarah W. , de la Colina Maria G. , Boone Michael D.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to contribute to the literature on principal preparation by examining the experiences of novice principals and what their experiences mean for principal preparation in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers employed qualitative methods to examine the experiences of four novice principals over a two‐year period.

Findings

The findings suggest that the current climate of efficiency and accountability is contributing to the socialization of principals who focus on the technical aspects of administration over the of relational aspects leadership.

Originality/value

This study focuses on the link between preparation programs and the practice of novice principals, an area that has not been fully explored in the literature.
Using case studies to visualize success with first year principals
Authors: Sherman Ann
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a discussion of one element of a principal preparation graduate program that uses visualization as a technique to practice decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

The author analyzed information collected from participants who created personal case studies using a visualization technique. Data also were collected through interviews and reflections of the new principals.

Findings

A description of the use of visualization is offered including two examples of case studies using visualization. In the examples, new principals learned to make strong decisions about challenges and felt they developed problem‐solving skills that they would use in the future.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to case scenarios of two new principals. There is a need for a greater connection between university preparation programs and the daily reality of principals' work.

Practical implications

The suitability of the content of existing principal preparation programs warrants closer examination.

Originality/value

This report contributes to the understanding of possible strategies for use in principal preparation programs that develop capacity and decision making.
Evidence‐based leadership development: the 4L framework
Authors: Scott Shelleyann , Webber Charles F.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to use the results of three research initiatives to present the life‐long learning leader (4L) framework, a model for leadership development intended for use by designers and providers of leadership development programming.

Design/methodology/approach

The 4L model is a conceptual framework that emerged from the analysis of one study conducted in Canada and two others conducted in international settings.

Findings

The 4L framework contains eight dimensions that leadership development programming should address: career stage, career aspirations, visionary capacity, boundary breaking entrepreneurialism, professional skills, instructional design and assessment literacy, crisis management, and approaches to leadership development.

Research limitations/implications

As with all research, findings are subject to researcher biases and limitations.

Practical implications

The 4L framework can be used as the basis for graduate programs in leadership, small‐ and large‐scale leadership development initiatives, and cross‐cultural leadership development. Implications of the 4L framework are discussed in relation to stakeholder roles, e.g. leaders, professional developers, university leadership preparation programs, employers, policy makers, and researchers.

Originality/value

The 4L is a framework for leadership development not only applicable within the field of education but also in broader contexts such as business and industry, health and social services, sports, and government. The 4L framework merits serious consideration by professional development providers and institutions of higher learning as a vehicle for leadership training and nurturing. It is comprehensive in that it suggests particular learning content for leadership development initiatives but it also addresses the processes for effective professional development of adult learners.
Barriers to entry: heterodox publishing in mainstream journals
Authors: Reardon Jack
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically ascertain whether an ideological barrier to entry exists, preventing heterodox economists from publishing in mainstream journals.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical results were obtained from a questionnaire asked of heterodox economists. The ten questions include where respondents submitted their research; their treatment by editors and referees; and whether an ideological barrier to publication exists.

Findings

The evidence overwhelmingly supports the existence of an ideological entry barrier. This barrier goes beyond the normal competitive nature of journal publishing, that is limited journal pages constricting the number of “good papers” that can be published, suggesting that there is an insidious ideological entry barrier preventing heterodox ideas from being published.

Originality/value

Based on this evidence, the last section proffers several research suggestions, including more sophisticated models predicting the likelihood of a heterodox economist submitting to a mainstream journal and the likelihood of acceptance. And, finally, several reforms are suggested including the adoption of a universal code of conduct for referees.
Heterodox economics and the future of academic publishing
Authors: Earl Peter E.
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role that academic publishers have historically played and how this is being undermined by the revolution in information and communications technology. A central issue here is that of copyright. Although authors need to be protected against plagiarists, the main role of publishers' control over copyright is to generate profits for the publisher by limiting access.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper explores some open‐access models for academic publishing, the first involving a heterodox economics library portal and the second a more general open peer quality review site.

Findings

It identifies a residual role for commercial academic publishers in the new guise of fee‐for‐service providers of refereeing services, whose accreditations may accelerate the uptake of scholarly contributions.

Originality/value

The paper examines the role that academic publishers have historically played and how this is being undermined by the revolution in information and communications technology.
Journals as constituents of scientific discourse: economic heterodoxy
Authors: Dolfsma Wilfred , Leydesdorff Loet
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a view and analysis of the immediate field of journals that surround a number of key heterodox economics journals.

Design/methodology/approach

Using citation data from the Science and Social Science Citation Index, the individual and collective networks of a number of journals in this field are analyzed.

Findings

The size and shape of the citation networks of journals can differ substantially, even if in a broadly similar category. Heterodox economics cannot (yet) be considered as an integrated specialty: authors in several journals in heterodox economics cite more from mainstream economics than from other heterodox journals. There are also strong links with other disciplinary fields such as geography, development studies, women studies, etc.

Research limitations/implications

The analysis is limited by its reliance on citation data in the Science and Social Science Citation Indexes provided by Thomson‐Reuters.

Practical implications

The analysis shows not only whence journals draw their strengths, but also how knowledge between journals and neighboring sub‐fields is diffused. This can be important for editors, authors, and others.

Originality/value

A network analysis not just focusing on a single journal as a focal point, but combining several journals in a single analysis enables one to visualize structural properties of the field of heterodox economics which otherwise remain latent. This study provides a structural approach to citation analysis as a tool for the study of scientific specialties.
Journal citation among heterodox economists 1995‐2007: dynamics of community emergence
Authors: Cronin Bruce
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the pattern among 17 heterodox economic journals over a prolonged period to provide evidence about the social dynamics among the group of researchers who publish in them and the extent to which they hold or develop a collective identity as heterodox economists.

Design/methodology/approach

Traditional approaches to citation analysis are extended by the use of techniques from social network analysis. In addition to citation counts, measures of network position and clique membership are used to identify key journals and turning points in a longitudinal analysis.

Findings

Important shifts in the nature of citation within the network of journals are identified in the 1998‐2001 period and evidence is found of the emergence of a collective identity.

Research limitations/implications

The methods prove a valuable extension of citation analysis and also focus greater consideration on the social relationships that citations represent. They are well suited to addressing the principal limitation of the study, its restriction to journals within the defined community rather than journals in general.

Originality/value

This extends traditional approaches to citation analysis, provides an important new technique in identifying emergent collective identities and provides insight into the history and nature of the heterodox economic community.
Moral rights and wrongs of research funding
Authors: Jefferson Therese
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to demonstrate the importance of being vigilant in the implications of all indicators of research output, quality and impact that are used in research assessment exercises.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines links between Australia's competitive and contract research funding arrangements, moral rights clauses and some implications for particular disciplines and areas of research, including heterodox economics.

Findings

Contract research arrangements have implications that are at least as significant as those associated with journal rankings and heterodox economists should pay careful attention to the provisions that attach to research funding.

Originality/value

Despite its significance and implications, the recent introduction of moral rights clauses in Australian research contracts has received little systematic attention in academic journals and debate.
Can the principles of heterodox political economy explain its own re‐emergence and development?
Authors: O'Hara Phillip Anthony
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This paper seeks to evaluate how some of the core general principles of heterodox political economy (HPE) can be applied to the issue of how HPE has managed to undergo resurgence and development over recent decades.

Design/methodology/approach

Four major principles of heterodoxy are applied successively to this issue: historical specificity; contradiction; heterogeneous agents and groups; and circular and cumulative causation.

Findings

These principles assist in comprehending how HPE is able to develop its own concepts, networks, publications, academic departments, teaching and policy‐relevant material.

Research limitations/implications

HPE has had considerable success in developing a conceptual apparatus, which helps to explain the emergence of much of its edifice being developed in academic and policy circles. The performance of HPE has been impressive.

Practical implications

The conceptual apparatus of heterodoxy can be applied to real world situations; specifically a component of world history over especially the past 40 years.

Originality/value

This is the first time such a theme has been explored in the literature.
The assessment of economics journals in Italy
Authors: Hermann Arturo
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to outline the system of assessment of economics journals in Italy, with particular attention to its implications for the development of a heterodox approach in economics.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sketches the most important aspects of the Italian system of assessment of economics journals.

Findings

By employing the available sources of information, the main features of Italian periodical literature in social sciences are pin‐pointed. These consist of a large number of journals and, at the same time, there is an absence of ranking procedures for these journals based on impact factor criteria. Journals are mainly assessed through more “qualitative based” criteria: in particular, their scientific orientations, the standing of their Editorial Boards, and their level of diffusion among libraries. One important reason that might explain this trend lies in the blending of different strands of social thought that are at the heart of our cultural tradition. In fact, most such contributions have a distinct humanistic flair, which emphasizes the relevance of feelings, values and collective action in human experience.

Research limitations/implications

The paper stresses that this system of research assessment, while having the merit of preserving some pluralism in social sciences, does not guarantee in many cases a well‐defined evaluation of economics journals, research institutions and individual contributions.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the importance of fostering a pluralistic‐oriented research assessment that should take into account, through a comprehensive and participatory social value process, all the factors relevant for a thorough appraisal of scientific contributions.
News from down under
Authors: King J.E. , Kriesler Peter
Published: October 2008

Purpose

This brief paper seeks to identify three potential threats to the future of heterodox economics in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a case study of three potential threats to the future of heterodox economics in Australia.

Findings

The first comes from funding uncertainties, given the fiscal conservatism of the new federal government. The second emanates from attempts by the élite “group of eight” institutions to secure all (or almost all) of the available research funding for themselves. The third relates to the research assessment exercises currently being undertaken both by the federal government and by the management of individual universities. It is concluded that the future is very far from clear.

Originality/value

The paper provides a case study of three potential threats to the future of heterodox economics in Australia.
Ranking and the prospects of heterodox economics in Greece
Authors: Vlachou Andriana
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the past experience of ranking of journals and Economics departments in Greece.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a critical assessment of rankings on heterodox economists in Greece.

Findings

Modeled after the Anglo‐American patterns, albeit unofficial, ranking had a detrimental impact on heterodox economics in terms of hiring and promotion, and of the subject content of academic programmes.

Research limitations/implications

This tendency is expected to continue and to be reinforced in the future with the upcoming standardized rankings. However, quality research assessment in higher education has been and still is being heavily disputed across Greek universities on academic, politico‐economic and social grounds.

Originality/value

This is the first critical assessment of rankings on heterodox economists in Greece.
Elastic tensor stiffness coefficients for SLS Nylon 12 under different degrees of densification as measured by ultrasonic technique
Authors: Amado‐Becker Antonio , Ramos‐Grez Jorge , José Yañez María , Vargas Yolanda , Gaete Luis
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present results of an investigation, where the elastic tensor based on the engineering constants of sinterized Nylon 12 is characterized and is modeled considering a transversely isotropic behavior as a function of apparent density (relative mass density).

Design/methodology/approach

The ultrasound propagation velocity measurement through the material in specific directions by means of the pulse transmission method was used, relating the elastic tensor elements to the phase velocity magnitude through Christoffel's equation. In addition conventional uniaxial tensile tests were carried out to validate the used technique. Laser sintering of Nylon 12 powder (Duraform PA) has been performed at different laser energy densities, fabricating cube‐shaped coupons as well as dogbone flat coupons, using an SLS 125 former DTM machine.

Findings

Correlations for each one of the Young moduli, Shear constants and Poisson's ratios, presenting an exponential behavior as a function of the sintering degree, were generated. In addition, as the apparent density reaches a maximum value of 977 kg/m3 at an energy density of 0.032 J/mm2, the material behaves in an almost isotropic form, presenting average values for the Young modulus, Shear modulus and Poisson's ratio corresponding to 2,310 MPa, 803 MPa and 0.408, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

The research is limited only to one type of material within the elastic range. Validation of the Young modulus measured along one direction only is performed using a tensile test machine, due to the difficulties in evaluating Poisson's ratios and Shear moduli using conventional tests.

Practical implications

The results presented can be applied to virtual design and evaluating processes such as finite element analysis.

Originality/value

The paper incorporates detailed information regarding the complete elastic characteristics of Nylon 12, including additional measurements of the Shear moduli and Poisson's ratios not studied previously.
Stereolithography build time estimation based on volumetric calculations
Authors: Campbell Ian , Combrinck Jacques , de Beer Deon , Barnard Ludrick
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Not all the inventors and designers have access to computer‐aided design (CAD) software to transform their design or invention into a 3D solid model. Therefore, they cannot submit an STL file to a rapid prototyping (RP) service bureau for a quotation but perhaps only a 2D sketch or drawing. This paper proposes an alternative approach to build time estimation that will enable cost quotations to be issued before 3D CAD has been used.

Design/methodology/approach

The study presents a method of calculating build time estimations within a target error limit of 10 per cent of the actual build time of a prototype. This is achieved by using basic volumetric shapes, such as cylinders and cones, added together to represent the model in the 2D sketch. By using this information the build time of the product is then calculated with the aid of models created in a mathematical solving software package.

Findings

The development of the build time estimator and its application to several build platforms are described together with an analysis of its performance in comparison with the benchmark software. The estimator was found to meet its target 10 per cent error limit in 80 per cent of the stereolithography builds that were analysed.

Research limitations/implications

The estimator method was not able to handle multi‐component complex parts builds in a timely manner. There is a trade‐off between accuracy and processing time.

Practical implications

The output from the estimator can be fed directly into cost quotations to be sent to RP bureau customers at a very early stage in the design process.

Originality/value

Unlike all the other build estimators that were encountered, this method works directly from a 2D sketch or drawing rather than a 3D CAD file.
Fused deposition modelling of an auricle framework for microtia reconstruction based on CT images
Authors: Zeng Wen , Lin Feng , Shi Tingchun , Zhang Renji , Nian Yongyan , Ruan Jie , Zhou Tianrui
Published: October 2008

Purpose

In plastic reconstruction surgeries, total auricular reconstruction for microtia is a real challenge. Presently, autogenous costal cartilage and MEDPOR are the chosen materials but none can satisfy the requirements of orthopaedic operation. The purpose of this paper is to examine how to fabricate an ear scaffold with a good shape.

Design/methodology/approach

A new approach to form the auricle framework is described. CT scan data of the patient's contralateral “good ear” are used to generate a 3D reconstruction model of the new ear. This model is then imported into rapid prototyping (RP) software to slice. The sliced data drive the fused deposition modeling (FDM) machine to build the ear framework layer by layer. Based on the actual shape of the computer model, FDM technology produces a real feel ear framework to match the size of the opposite good ear.

Findings

An artificial human ear was built using FDM technology based on CT images. The auricular framework with polyurethane was a porous structure with good flexibility and biocompatibility. After implanting into the mouse, a real life human ear appeared on the back of the mouse. The experiment indicated that this method provided an efficient way to macrotia reconstruction.

Originality/value

The freeform fabrication technique combined with CT image reconstruction could provide an efficient way to produce a porous structure and solve the framework carving problem in microtia reconstruction.
A study of photomask correction method in area‐forming rapid prototyping system
Authors: Chiu Shih‐Hsuan , Pong Sheng‐Hong , Wu Dien‐Chi , Lin Chien‐Hung
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a novel photomask auto‐correction method for the area‐forming rapid prototyping (RP) system.

Design/methodology/approach

A digital light processing (DLP) projector was used in this research as a light source to generate the photomask image. A set of optical lenses were mounted in front of the DLP to rescale the photomask image. The rescaled photomask image was collected into a computer via a camera. By using the technique of image processing, the actual size of the photomask was then calculated. The designed size of the photomask image was eventually achieved by adjusting the relative locations of the lenses.

Findings

It was found that this proposed photomask auto‐correction method can produce a more accurate dimension of the photomask image and perform with higher efficiency than the manual calibration processes.

Originality/value

The paper is believed to be the first work to use the image‐processing technique to calibrate the photomask of an area‐forming RP system, as well as to employ a method of adjusting the relative position between the lenses to rescale the photomask image size.
Fabrication of a biodegradable drug delivery system with controlled release made of PLGA/5‐FU/hydroxyapatite
Authors: Chu Won‐Shik , Jeong Suk‐Young , Kim Sung‐Geun , Ha Won‐Shik , Chi Sang‐Chul , Ahn Sung‐Hoon
Published: October 2008

Purpose

Rapid prototyping (RP) technology has been widely applied in biomedical research. The purpose of this paper is to describe how a scaffold composite drug delivery system (DDS) was fabricated using a nano composite deposition system (NCDS).

Design/methodology/approach

A biocompatible and biodegradable thermoplastic polymer (poly(DL‐lactide‐co‐glycolide acid)) was used as the matrix, and a mixture of anti‐cancer drug (5‐fluorouracil) and bio‐ceramic (hydroxyapatite – HA) was added to the polymer to form a bio‐composite material for the DDS. An in vitro drug release test showed that the release rate of the drug composite could be controlled by the amount of HA for 50 days.

Findings

Faster release was observed for the DDS with higher weight percent of HA. The relationship between release rate and the amount of HA showed a bi‐linear manner, and bi‐linear drug release models were developed based on the experimental results.

Originality/value

Cylindrical scaffolds were fabricated with polymer/drug/additive using an NCDS. A series of in vitro drug release tests was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the additive, HA. Drug release models were developed based on the experimental results.
Heat treatment of Ti‐6Al‐7Nb components produced by selective laser melting
Authors: Sercombe Tim , Jones Noel , Day Rob , Kop Alan
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a preliminary investigation into the heat treatment of Ti‐6Al‐7Nb components that had been produced via selective laser melting (SLM).

Design/methodology/approach

Bars of Ti‐6Al‐7Nb were produced using SLM by MCP‐HEK Tooling GmbH in Lubeck, Germany. These bars were then subjected to a range of heat treatments and the resultant microstructure evaluated with respect to its likely effect on fatigue.

Findings

It was found that the as received material consisted of an α′ martensitic structure in a metastable β matrix. Evidence of the layer‐wise thermal history was present, as were large (up to ∼500 μm) pores. Solution treatment at 955°C (below the β transus) did not completely disrupt this layered structure and is therefore not recommended. When solution treatment was performed at 1,055°C (above the β transus) a homogeneous structure was produced, with a morphology that depended on the post‐solution treatment cooling rate. It was concluded that the most promising heat treatment consisted of a moderate cooling rate after solution treatment at 1,055°C.

Research limitations/implications

The study had only limited material and therefore it was not possible to perform any mechanical property testing.

Practical implications

The paper presents the initial findings of a project which is aimed at optimising the mechanical properties of Ti‐6Al‐7Nb components produced using SLM.

Originality/value

Currently, little is known about the heat treatment and subsequent mechanical properties of this Ti‐6Al‐7Nb alloy when produced using rapid manufacturing techniques. Such lack of knowledge limits the potential applications, especially in the biomedical field where the consequences of implant failure are high. The paper presents the first step in developing this understanding.
3D restitution, restoration and prototyping of a medieval damaged skull
Authors: Fantini Massimiliano , de Crescenzio Francesca , Persiani Franco , Benazzi Stefano , Gruppioni Giorgio
Published: October 2008

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the method of virtually and physically reconstructing the missing part of a badly damaged medieval skull by means of reverse engineering, computer‐aided design (CAD) and rapid prototyping (RP) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

Laser scanning data were used to create the 3D model of the damaged skull. Starting from this digital model, a virtual reconstruction of the missing part of the skull, based on the ideal symmetry with respect to the mid‐sagittal plane, was achieved in a CAD environment. Finally, the custom‐designed model was directly fabricated by means of the RP process.

Findings

The result shows that the designed missing part of the skull fits very well with the existing skeletal remains. The final physical assembly of the prototyped element on the damaged skull was tested, restoring it to its whole original shape.

Research limitations/implications

The entire process was time‐consuming and may be applied just to the most representative skeletal remains.

Practical implications

The method allows accurate fabrication of the missing part of the skull to be joined with the original skeletal remains. The advantage of using this technique is that the joining operation can be carried out without any need of supplementary connecting material, such as glue or plaster, to fix together the two parts.

Originality/value

The reversible and non‐invasive method improves the restoration process, reduces the risk of damage to the skeletal structure and allows reversion to the original repair as it was before.