bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pantograph-catenary contact reliability analysis under crosswind
Authors: Li Yong-Hua , Cao Yang , Wu Yong-Xin , Bai Xiao-Ning , Mao Jia-Wei
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to establish the relationship between crosswind speed and pantograph-catenary lateral deviation, as well as quantify the influence of crosswind speed and rod size uncertainty on pantograph-catenary contact reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

The closed vector method is used to establish the pantograph-catenary kinematics formula. A new prediction model is proposed by using the bird swarm algorithm to optimize the grey model. The lateral deviation of the pantograph and catenary is predicted via the new model. Then the relationship between the effective length of the rod and operating mileage is inferred by combining the effective length theory with the Gamma process, as well as the pantograph-catenary contact reliability model is established according to reliability theory.

Findings

The results obtained show the impacts of uncertainty design parameters of pantograph rods on pantograph-catenary contact reliability index, and the results at crosswind speed of 0 ms−1 and 5 ms−1 are 5.0630 and 4.1442, respectively. The reliability decreases with the increasing crosswind speed, and can be greater than the reliability calculated for rod size degradation due to long-term use.

Originality/value

Most preceding works on pantograph-catenary contact reliability were based on principles of dynamics, without considering the pantograph-catenary relative motion. This research reveals the law of pantograph-catenary relative motion for uncertainty design parameters and crosswind, and quantifies the reliability from the angle of kinematics.
Flexural bearing capacity of RC hollow slab beam strengthened by steel plates of different thicknesses
Authors: Liu Long , Wang Lifeng , Xiao Ziwang
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The flexural reinforcement of bridges in-service has been an important research field for a long time. Anchoring steel plate at the bottom of beam is a simple and effective method to improve its bearing capacity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the influence of anchoring steel plates of different thicknesses on the bearing capacity of hollow slab beam and to judge its working status.

Design/methodology/approach

First, static load experiments are carried out on two in-service RC hollow slab beams; meanwhile, nonlinear finite element models are built to study the bearing capacity of them. The nonlinear material and shear slip effect of studs are considered in the models. Second, the finite element models are verified, and the numerical simulation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. Finally, the finite element models are adopted to carry out the research on the influence of different steel plate thicknesses on the flexural bearing capacity and ductility.

Findings

When steel plates of different thicknesses are adopted to reinforce RC hollow slab beams, the bearing capacity increases with the increase of the steel plate thickness in a certain range. But when the steel plate thickness reaches a certain level, bearing capacity is no longer influenced. The displacement ductility coefficient decreases with the increase of steel plate thickness.

Originality/value

Based on experimental study, this paper makes an extrapolation analysis of the bearing capacity of hollow slab beams reinforced with steel plates of different thicknesses through finite element simulation and discusses the influence on ductility. This method not only ensures the accuracy of bearing capacity evaluation but also does not need many samples, which is economical to a certain extent. The research results provide a basis for the reinforcement design of similar bridges.
A qualitative and quantitative comparison between Web scraping and API methods for Twitter credibility analysis
Authors: Dongo Irvin , Cardinale Yudith , Aguilera Ana , Martinez Fabiola , Quintero Yuni , Robayo German , Cabeza David
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to perform an exhaustive revision of relevant and recent related studies, which reveals that both extraction methods are currently used to analyze credibility on Twitter. Thus, there is clear evidence of the need of having different options to extract different data for this purpose. Nevertheless, none of these studies perform a comparative evaluation of both extraction techniques. Moreover, the authors extend a previous comparison, which uses a recent developed framework that offers both alternates of data extraction and implements a previously proposed credibility model, by adding a qualitative evaluation and a Twitter-Application Programming Interface (API) performance analysis from different locations.

Design/methodology/approach

As one of the most popular social platforms, Twitter has been the focus of recent research aimed at analyzing the credibility of the shared information. To do so, several proposals use either Twitter API or Web scraping to extract the data to perform the analysis. Qualitative and quantitative evaluations are performed to discover the advantages and disadvantages of both extraction methods.

Findings

The study demonstrates the differences in terms of accuracy and efficiency of both extraction methods and gives relevance to much more problems related to this area to pursue true transparency and legitimacy of information on the Web.

Originality/value

Results report that some Twitter attributes cannot be retrieved by Web scraping. Both methods produce identical credibility values when a robust normalization process is applied to the text (i.e. tweet). Moreover, concerning the time performance, Web scraping is faster than Twitter API and it is more flexible in terms of obtaining data; however, Web scraping is very sensitive to website changes. Additionally, the response time of the Twitter API is proportional to the distance from the central server at San Francisco.
DRG-based payment system and management accounting changes in an Indonesian public hospital: exploring potential roles of big data analytics
Authors: Fahlevi Heru , Irsyadillah Irsyadillah , Indriani Mirna , Oktari Rina Suryani
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide insights into management accounting changes (MACs) and potential roles of big data analytics (BDA) in accelerating the MACs in an Indonesian public hospital as a response towards the adoption of the diagnosis-related groups (DRG)-based payment system.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method approach was used to collect and analyse data from a referral public hospital in Indonesia. First, a BDA simulation was carried out to reveal its usefulness in predicting and evaluating patient costs, and finally improving the cost recovery rate (CRR) of each DRG case. This part formulated and tested the mathematical models that predict patient cost, the CRR and determinants (length of stay/LOS, severity/SEV, patient age/AGE and gender/SEX). For this purpose, data of the top ten inpatient cases of 2018 were collected and analysed. Second, semi-structured interviews with senior staff and doctors were carried out to understand cost control strategies implemented in the hospital and the management and doctors’ perceptions regarding the application of tested mathematical models for cost control. Old institutional economics and new institutional sociology were used to gain insight about how and why management accounting practices changed in the hospital.

Findings

The findings show that the absence of detailed per-case/patient cost information has not only hindered further evolvement of MACs but also stimulate tensions between managerial and medical worlds in the studied Indonesian public hospital. The simulation of BDA in this study was not only discovering the determinants of case cost recovery but also enabling the prediction of CRR of patients immediately after admission. The application of BDA and casemix accounting in the hospital will potentially become catalysts of discussion and mutual learning between managerial and medical staff in controlling patient costs.

Originality/value

This paper provides a more comprehensive picture of the potential roles of BDA in cost control practices. The study assesses the feasibility of BDA application in the hospital and evaluates the potential roles and acceptance of BDA application by both management and doctors.
Strategic capabilities and firm performance in Omani manufacturing and service SMEs
Authors: Nusair Khaldoon , Al-Azri Hamed Ibrahim , Alfarhan Usamah F. , Al-Muharrami Saeed , Nikhashemi S.R.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) strategic capabilities in terms of their marketing and management capabilities, their sources of environmental uncertainty and their organizational capabilities. Additionally, to what extent the effect differs across two sectors (manufacturing and service).

Design/methodology/approach

Partial least squares structural equation modeling was used to conduct multigroup analysis for the two sectors. Data was collected from a sample of 315 Omani SMEs, 166 from manufacturing and 149 from services.

Findings

The results show that strategic capabilities have a significant positive effect on customer satisfaction. However, the effect differs between manufacturing and service SMEs; the effect is greater in service than in manufacturing SMEs. Furthermore, the effect of organizational capabilities on customer satisfaction was found to be positive. However, the effect is higher in manufacturing as the difference is statistically significant.

Originality/value

Due to the growing importance of the service and manufacturing SMEs in developing countries and their considerable involvement in economic development, it is important to understand the characteristics of the strategic capabilities in both sectors. Thus, according to the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first to propose a comprehensive framework that measures collectively the direct impact of strategic capabilities, organizational capabilities and environmental uncertainties on SMEs customer satisfaction and effectiveness.
Chinese expatriates working with African partners: power struggles and knowledge hiding
Authors: Ado Abdoulkadre , Wanjiru Roseline , Su Zhan
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The study explores African partners' experiences regarding Chinese expatriates' knowledge control practices in 29 Sino-African joint ventures in 12 countries. It provides insights into power dynamics and knowledge transfer (KT) from African partners' perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

The qualitative paper mobilized semi-structured interviews with Africans who worked with Chinese expatriates across Africa. The study focused on understanding the experiences of African partners when collaborating with their Chinese expatriate colleagues on assignments in joint ventures (JVs) in Africa.

Findings

Chinese expatriates employed five tactics, as described by African partners, to control knowledge based on power, behaviors and knowledge type. Particularly, through the lens of unofficial power, this study explains knowledge hiding tactics between knowledge-holding Chinese expatriates and host country knowledge-seeking locals. A new dimension of authority-based knowledge hiding is discovered.

Originality/value

The paper brings new insights into the analysis of power (official and unofficial) boundaries regarding knowledge control mechanisms in joint venture collaborations between employees from China and Africa. Unofficial power appeared as a major leverage for expatriates in monopolizing their strategic knowledge. The study recommends mobilizing African diaspora and repatriates from China to improve KT for Africa.
Managing supplier capabilities for buyer innovation performancein e-business
Authors: Saunila Minna , Ukko Juhani , Nasiri Mina , Rantala Tero , Sore Sariseelia
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the connections between the capabilities of suppliers, buyer operations and the innovation performance of buyers in service-based supply chains. In particular, the authors use a construct of supplier capabilities comprising the capabilities needed to produce an online store and divided into capabilities related to the product, capabilities related to service delivery and capabilities related to the buyer-supplier relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected with cross-sectional, random sampling from Finnish companies that have an active online store. A survey was used to collect data on managerial assessments of capabilities of a supplier, the operations of buyers and the innovation performance of buyers. Multiple regressions were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results reveal that capabilities related to the buyer-supplier relationship are positively connected with the innovation performance of the buyer, but those related to the product and service delivery do not significantly influence the innovation performance of the buyer. The results show that the moderating influence of buyer operations on the relationship between capabilities related to the product and the innovation performance of the buyer is negative. The moderating influence of buyer operations on the relationship between capabilities related to service delivery and the innovation performance of the buyer is positive.

Research limitations/implications

Forming tight relationships with online store suppliers appears to be a successful way to attain innovation performance for online store operators. Online store operators should not expect supplier capabilities related to online store functionality and characteristics of online store delivery alone to improve their innovation performance.

Originality/value

Few studies use an e-business operations model to comprehend the role played by supplier capabilities in buyer innovation performance in service-based supply chains. Building on a resource-based view with inter-organizational management and e-business literature streams, the authors focus on three supplier capabilities and buyer operations to investigate their effects in terms of enhancing innovation performance.
Exploratory study on the perceptions of event gamification on positive behavioral outcomes
Authors: Sisson Annamarie D. , Whalen Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The value of the events industry is increasing worldwide. An essential component for successful events is creating a unique experience by offering gamification. A conceptual model is proposed, exploring pre-event game communication and its effect on attendees' value perceptions, willingness to participate, word of mouth intentions and emotional commitment during gameplay at conference events.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of variance and structural equation modeling were employed to test the model using data collected from 177 attendees recruited from hospitality and tourism association network listservs and online research company.

Findings

Results reveal that perceptions of event gamification increase word of mouth intentions, willingness to participate and emotional commitment.

Practical implications

The study contributes to the knowledge of conference events with recommendations for incorporation of game elements for meeting planners to enhance attendee behaviors at the event.

Originality/value

This study is among the first to examine positive behavioral outcomes of using games at conference events.
The importance of trust factor in the intentions to purchase Islamic insurance (takaful) in Indonesia
Authors: Poan Roy , Merizka Valencya Engla , Komalasari Farida
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the role of attitude, religiosity, awareness and subjective norm toward trust which influences purchase intention regarding Islamic insurance in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses quantitative methods. Online questionnaires are distributed and collected for people who already have an insurance policy, have the knowledge and are interested in buying Islamic insurance in Indonesia. A total of 322 valid responses were collected using non probability purposive sampling and snowball sampling method. To achieve the purpose of this study, an analysis using SEM or structural equation model for hypothesis testing was performed.

Findings

The results show that trust significantly affected purchase intention regarding Islamic insurance. Other than that, trust is significantly influenced by awareness, religiosity and subjective norm. Moreover, the attitude toward trust found that not significantly related.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is the first research integrating attitude, religiosity, awareness and subjective norm, mediating by trust toward a purchase intention of Islamic insurance in Indonesia.
A system for equity: enhancing STEM education during a pandemic
Authors: Baucum Macie N. , Capraro Robert M.
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report the change in students' STEM perceptions in two different informal learning environments: an online STEM camp and a face-to-face (FTF) STEM camp.

Design/methodology/approach

For this quasi-experimental study, 26 students participated in an online STEM summer camp and another 26 students participated in the FTF STEM camp. Students from each group took the same pre- and post-STEM Semantics Survey documenting their perceptions of the individual STEM fields and of STEM careers. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests, Mann–WhitneyUtests and corresponding effect sizes were used to compare the pre- and post-scores within and between the camps.

Findings

Results indicate that both camps produce similar outcomes regarding STEM field and career perceptions. However, analysis of all statistical values indicates that the online STEM camp can produce a larger positive influence on STEM field perceptions and the FTF camp can produce a larger positive influence on STEM career perceptions.

Research limitations/implications

This suggests that STEM camps, both online and in-person, can improve students' perceptions of the STEM fields and of STEM careers. Implications from this study indicate that modifications of informal learning environments should be based on the type of learning environment.

Originality/value

This manuscript discusses the development and impact of an online STEM camp to accommodate for the sudden onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the inability to hold an in-person STEM camp. These results may influence the curriculum and organization of future online and FTF STEM camps.
Thriving or surviving at work: how workplace learning opportunities and subjective career success are connected with job satisfaction and turnover intention?
Authors: Lehtonen Eija Elina , Nokelainen Petri , Rintala Heta , Puhakka Ilmari
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to better understand factors related to turnover intention (TI) and job satisfaction (JS) in the information technology and engineering sectors. Specifically, this study investigates the role of workplace learning opportunities (WLO) afforded by the environment and individual’s subjective career success (SCS). The connections between learning opportunities and career success are examined, as well as their connections to JS and TI.

Design/methodology/approach

The current research was based on self-report questionnaire data (N = 153). The questionnaire included existing instruments measuring WLO, SCS, JS and TI. The analyses of the data included Pearson product-moment correlations, path analysis (based on multiple regression) and analysis of relative importance (dominance analysis).

Findings

Results indicated that higher access to resources that support learning, more opportunities for professional growth and satisfactory career decisions made by employees were connected to lower TI. The processes of well-being and learning are strongly intertwined and mutually reinforce each other, reducing the willingness to change a job in the near future.

Originality/value

This study adds to the previous research by providing more detailed knowledge on the connections between the various dimensions of WLO and SCS. The findings of the present study can offer insights for developing work environments where employees wish to remain, learn and are satisfied with their job and careers, thus ultimately supporting their well-being.
Human resources and Industry 4.0: an exploratory study in the Brazilian business context
Authors: Pio Pedro Carmona , Rampasso Izabela Simon , Cazeri Gustavo Tietz , Santa-Eulalia Luis Antonio , Pavan Serafim Milena , Anholon Rosley
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The present study aimed to evaluate how Brazilian companies from different sectors are developing human resources practices in the context of Industry 4.0 and which of these practices allows better differentiate of companies.

Design/methodology/approach

After a systematic literature review to identify the most important human resources practices in the context of Industry 4.0, a survey with professionals from human resources area of companies operating in Brazil was carried out. Data analysis was performed through frequency evaluation and CRITIC method (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation). CRITIC method was used to identify the practices that best differentiate the studied companies.

Findings

The analysed companies are in different evolutionary stages regarding how human resources management practices are adapting to the Industry 4.0 context. Few companies have presented reliable results to better support the transition process. Practices related to evaluating employee performance in this context, estimating the needs of financial resources and time for the training required by Industry 4.0 and establishing systems to recognise talents among employees who already work for the company are the practices that best differentiate companies.

Originality/value

There are few studies on this topic for Brazilian context. The information presented in this article can be useful for professionals and researchers.
Towards a human-centred approach for enhancing place prosperity: defining and operating within the basic human needs
Authors: Abubakar Aisha
Published: August 2021

Purpose

The concept of basic human needs, though diversely interpreted, remains a policy and practice approach to combat poverty and improve wellbeing. Meanwhile, defining locally sensitive basic needs to support context-specific improvement is still an essential requirement. The paper examines basic human needs fulfilment in the context of effective improvement strategies and proposes a Basic Human Needs Glossary, a definition framework and tool for understanding needs pursuits and helping to streamline responses towards establishing their potential.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposal for basic needs and development by the economist Manfred Max-Neef is examined from an operative point of view, including the role that the actualization of needs-centred goals performs in the pursuit of prosperity. The paper then adopts, adapts and defines the basic needs proposed by Max-Neef and outlines Basic Terms of Pursuit (BToP) for these through qualitative content analysis.

Findings

It is possible to breakdown the basic needs concepts into smaller subsets of traits, which are framed within the interrelated dimensions of personal and social interactions of people, and of people and environment (natural and man-made).

Research limitations/implications

The glossary with BToP is not conclusive, however. There is still potential to advance and further refine these through further content, qualitative and ethnographic research.

Originality/value

Enabling capacities for progressive needs fulfilment is, in theory, key to facilitating paths to prosperity, especially in intervention processes to improve vulnerable communities, like slums. A deeper clarification of needs pursuit presented by the glossary adds rigor to this task and to enhancing wellbeing standards overall. Thus, it can play an important resource role in urban practice.
Displacement-plurality (D-P) in women refugees, its influence on work engagement and implications for diversity practice: a critical and reflective review
Authors: Wimalasiri Varuni
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Much of the current research on women refugees and work focuses solely on settlement, neglecting the effects of displacement within this equation, despite its significant impact. Drawing from the wider literature of international development, migration, gender, work psychology and sociology, this paper provides a framework to guide informed research within this area.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a reflective and critical review of the intersection between gender, forced displacement and work. It addresses a blind spot in the current work literature, which fails to address the impact of displacement on refugee women and the consequences of displacement for vocational engagement during resettlement.

Findings

This paper contributes to the current literature in four ways. First, it adds forced displacement to the peripheral-intersections literature informing Acker's theory of “inequality regimes”. Secondly, it contributes to a deeper understanding of how pluralities and intersectionality develop during forced displacement, by introducing the theory of displacement-plurality (D-P). Thirdly, it contributes to human resource management (HRM) diversity practice by explaining the relationship between D-P and related constructs, such as work engagement (WE), economic empowerment (EE), work-related factors (WRFs) and psycho-social factors (PSFs) to help improve localised diversity practices in relation to refugee populations. Fourthly, it provides a detailed framework to guide research and practice in this area, supported by a critical evaluation of the current refugee work literature.

Originality/value

When we understand displacement-related factors, we can move towards a more emancipatory approach to intersectionality, allowing us to develop more sophisticated approaches to diversity in organisations. In turn, this helps us to understand people's lived experiences and their responses to organisational interventions more effectively.
Selective laser melting dental CoCr alloy: microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance
Authors: Chen Jie , Yang Yongqiang , Wu Shibiao , Zhang Mingkang , Mai Shuzhen , Song Changhui , Wang Di
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In this paper, the mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of CoCr alloy fabricated by selective laser melting (SLM) were studied, and the changes of performance after porcelain sintering process were also analysed. This study is to point out the relationship between the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of CoCr alloys prepared by SLM after porcelain sintering process. In addition, the biosafety of the sintered CoCr alloy was evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

The microscopic feature changes of CoCr alloy samples after porcelain sintering process were observed by DMI 5000 M inverted metallographic microscope and Nova Nano430 FE-SEM. Moreover, phase identification and determination were conducted by X-ray diffraction (XRD) using Smartlab X-ray diffractometer. The Vickers microhardness was measured on the HVS-30 microhardness tester, and tensile tests were carried out on a CM3505 electronic universal testing machine. The corrosion resistance was tested by a classical three-point electrode system electrochemical method, then the ion precipitation was measured by using an atomic absorption spectrometer of Z2000 7JQ8024.

Findings

The XRD results indicate that the transition of γ phase (FCC) to e phase (HCP) occurs during the porcelain sintering processing of CoCr alloy. Moreover, the Vickers microhardness of the upper surface and the side surface of the CoCr alloy sample was improved by more than 36%. In addition, the ultimate strength of CoCr alloy via porcelain sintering treatment was increase to 1,395.3 ± 53.0 MPa compared to 1,282.7 ± 10.1 MPa of unprocessed CoCr alloy. However, the corrosion resistance of CoCr alloy samples decreases after porcelain sintering process.

Originality/value

There are few studies on the relationship of microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of CoCr alloys prepared by SLM after porcelain sintering process. In this study, the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of CoCr alloy after porcelain sintering process were studied, and the biosafety of the alloy was evaluated. The research found that it is feasible to apply CoCr alloy fabricated by SLM to dental medicine after porcelain sintering process.
Effects of infill patterns on the strength and stiffness of 3D printed topologically optimized geometries
Authors: Hmeidat Nadim S. , Brown Bailey , Jia Xiu , Vermaak Natasha , Compton Brett
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Mechanical anisotropy associated with material extrusion additive manufacturing (AM) complicates the design of complex structures. This study aims to focus on investigating the effects of design choices offered by material extrusion AM – namely, the choice of infill pattern – on the structural performance and optimality of a given optimized topology. Elucidation of these effects provides evidence that using design tools that incorporate anisotropic behavior is necessary for designing truly optimal structures for manufacturing via AM.

Design/methodology/approach

A benchmark topology optimization (TO) problem was solved for compliance minimization of a thick beam in three-point bending and the resulting geometry was printed using fused filament fabrication. The optimized geometry was printed using a variety of infill patterns and the strength, stiffness and failure behavior were analyzed and compared. The bending tests were accompanied by corresponding elastic finite element analyzes (FEA) in ABAQUS. The FEA used the material properties obtained during tensile and shear testing to define orthotropic composite plies and simulate individual printed layers in the physical specimens.

Findings

Experiments showed that stiffness varied by as much as 22% and failure load varied by as much as 426% between structures printed with different infill patterns. The observed failure modes were also highly dependent on infill patterns with failure propagating along with printed interfaces for all infill patterns that were consistent between layers. Elastic FEA using orthotropic composite plies was found to accurately predict the stiffness of printed structures, but a simple maximum stress failure criterion was not sufficient to predict strength. Despite this, FE stress contours proved beneficial in identifying the locations of failure in printed structures.

Originality/value

This study quantifies the effects of infill patterns in printed structures using a classic TO geometry. The results presented to establish a benchmark that can be used to guide the development of emerging manufacturing-oriented TO protocols that incorporate directionally-dependent, process-specific material properties.
Investigation of selective laser melting process for Cu-5Sn alloy on surface roughness, microstructure and mechanical property
Authors: Yang Peng , He Dingyong , Wang Zengjie , Tan Zhen , Fu Hanguang , Shao Wei , Guo Xingye
Published: August 2021

Purpose

In this research, the highly dense bulk Cu-5Sn alloy specimens were fabricated using selective laser melting (SLM). This study aims to establish the relationship between laser power (LP), scanning speed (SS) and hatch space (HS) with surface roughness (Ra) and density. To obtain Cu-5Sn alloy formed parts with high strength and low surface roughness. The microstructure and mechanical properties of SLMed Cu-5Sn were investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

The relative density (RD) was optimized using the response surface method (RSM) and analysis of variance. First, the Ra of SLMed formed specimens was studied to optimize the forming process parameters with a good surface. Then, the dense specimens were studied by ANOVA and the RSM to obtain dense specimens for mechanical property analysis.

Findings

Dense specimens were obtained by RSM and ANOVA. The tensile properties were compared with the casted specimens. The yield and ultimate strengths increased from 71 and 131 MPa for the cast specimens to 334 and 489 MPa for the SLMed specimens, respectively. The ductility increased significantly from 11% to 23%, due to the refined microstructure of the SLMed specimens, as well as the formation of many twin crystals.

Originality/value

The Ra, RD and mechanical properties of SLM specimens Cu-5Sn were systematically studied, and the influencing factors were analyzed together. This study provides a theoretical and practical example to improve the surface quality and RD.
Football fans and stakeholder theory – A qualitative approach to classifying fans in Germany
Authors: Jaeger Johannes
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Public debates and scholarly literature on football fandom are often characterised by generalisation and lacking differentiation. The changing ethnography of fans, affected by the rapid commercialisation and internationalisation of the game, reinforces the demand for contemporary classification criteria and fan typologies that take the complexity and heterogeneity of fans into account and draw a more differentiated picture of fans and sub-groups.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the grounded theory methodology and a systematic literature review on stakeholder theory, stakeholder classification criteria and football fandom, the authors conduct and analyse 14 semi-structured expert interviews with fan managers employed by German professional football clubs. Building on the analysis, the authors identify, present and discuss ten contemporary criteria and five corresponding typologies for the classification of football fans.

Findings

The grounded theory analysis suggests that football fans can be characterised according to ten classification criteria. Building on the analysis, the authors derive five fan typologies that differ in their characteristics along the continua of the identified criteria. Typologies comprise (1) active fans, (2) consuming fans, (3) event fans, (4) corporate fans and (5) passive followers.

Originality/value

The paper enlarges prior knowledge on the behavioural and attitudinal characteristics of fans as individuals and adds knowledge regarding relationships within fan groups, and regarding formal and non-formal relations between fans and clubs. The results provide scholars with a framework for further scientific investigation and practitioners with a concept for a more sophisticated and differentiated approach to managing fan relations.
Investissement Public et Investissement Privé en Afrique Subsaharienne: Rôle de la Qualité Institutionnelle
Authors: Houngbedji Honoré S. , Bassongui Nassibou
Published: August 2021

Cette étude examine le rôle de la qualité institutionnelle dans la relation entre l'investissement public et l'investissement privé au sein d'un échantillon de 37 pays de l'Afrique Subsaharienne sur la période 2002–2018 en utilisant un modèle à effets de seuils à transition brute. Les résultats indiquent que la qualité institutionnelle mesurée par la stabilité politique, l'Etat de droit, et le poids de la règlementation affecte la relation entre l'investissement public et l'investissement privé. Particulièrement, l'effet de complémentarité de l'investissement public se fait ressentir lorsque le score de la stabilité politique est supérieur à 71,9 points sur une échelle de 100, un score de 50,5 et 50,6 points respectivement pour l'Etat de droit et le poids de la règlementation. Ces résultats suggèrent que toute mesure de promotion des investissements privés via les investissements publics au sein de l'échantillon devra prendre en compte le niveau de la stabilité politique, de l'Etat de droit puis du poids de la règlementation dans ces pays.
‘Lifescaping’ toxicants: Locating and living with e‐waste in Tanzania
Authors: Ntapanta Samwel Moses
Published: August 2021

Based on fieldwork in an informal scrap recycling workshop, this article explores how unregulated electronic waste (e‐waste) handling activities in Dar es Salaam expose workers to toxic substances as part of their livelihoods. These informal economic activities are situated in the urban landscape within the surrounding global flows of e‐waste and recycling and demonstrate how workers reflect on and seek to mitigate the toxic exposures they encounter as part of daily life. The concept ‘lifescaping’ is used to show how, while informal workers may be aware of toxic exposures and make the best of tricky situations in various ways, they have limited access to information about the dangers and must develop their own strategies by performing various micro‐actions through which they hope to protect themselves.
Incinerating hazardous waste for the public good
Authors: Klaas Franziska , Nyabise Nelson
Published: August 2021

Incineration outside of the health sector has started to become a growing business in Tanzania recently. The following article reflects on how internationally and locally formulated concerns about pollution from incineration unfold in the context of Dar es Salaam. More precisely, it looks at civil servants authorized to monitor incineration activities. How do they translate their mandate into practice? What are the public goods at stake in the monitoring of incineration? The article concludes with reflections on incineration as a highly ambivalent waste management technology for those responsible for monitoring it.
Fuelling toxic relations: Oil sands and settler colonialism in Canada
Authors: Gross Lena
Published: August 2021

How does the often‐invisible nature of pollution affect people's physical health and psychosocial relations, and their well‐being near major industrial projects? Based on long‐term ethnographic fieldwork in Northern Alberta, Canada, this article explores this question by focusing on oil sands extraction on Cree, Dené and Métis nations' homelands with its environmental and socio‐cultural consequences. Looking at different forms of dispossessions and Indigenous concepts of relationality and home, the author argues that pollution should be seen as an act of settler violence instead of merely a by‐product of industry.
Modes of knowing: Perceiving and living toxicity in Ecuadorian Amazonia
Authors: Guzmán‐Gallegos María A.
Published: August 2021

Located in Ecuador's southern Amazonia, the Condor Mountain Range is the home of the Shuar people, who have been living for the last three decades amid increasing colonization and expanding mineral extraction. In these mined lands, gold is constantly brought into being through chemical manipulations. After state authorities declared the valleys a zone of environmental destruction, these chemical compounds in soils, waters and bodies have been widely documented. The Shuar villagers are concerned with the evident destructive effects of cyanide on aquatic life. However, the invisible hazardous effects of mercury and manganese, the evidence of which can be sensed neither in fish's flesh nor on their bodies, remain unsettled. This article explores how toxic chemicals are made perceptible or imperceptible. Toxicological and biomedical knowledge practices produce (im)perceptibility through chains of associations and disassociations. Such practice intertwines with colonization projects that ignore the importance of fish and fishing to the Shuar.
Anti‐glomerular basement membrane disease (Goodpasture disease): From pathogenesis to plasma exchange to IdeS
Authors: Shin Jae Il , Geetha Duvuru , Szpirt Wladimir M. , Windpessl Martin , Kronbichler Andreas
Published: August 2021

Anti‐glomerular basement membrane (GBM) disease (Goodpasture disease) often presents with severe kidney failure and pulmonary hemorrhage. Anti‐GBM antibodies are pathogenic, and other autoantibodies such as laminin‐521 have been identified recently, potentially indicating a subset with a more severe disease phenotype and poor prognosis. Around 30%–40% of patients are also anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody (ANCA)‐positive and this subset combines features of anti‐GBM disease and ANCA‐associated vasculitis, with particular impact on long‐term treatment. A combination of therapeutic plasma exchange (or immunoadsorption), cyclophosphamide, and glucocorticoids is considered standard of care management, but despite early initiation, patients with poor prognostic factors often remain dialysis dependent. Imlifidase (IdeS), capable to cleave IgG within hours, has been tested in a phase II trial. Among 15 patients, 10 with poor prognosis at baseline (eGFR <15 ml/min/1.73 m2) were dialysis independent at 6 months. Further developments are needed to refine treatment approaches in anti‐GBM disease.
Banana plant as a source of valuable antimicrobial compounds and its current applications in the food sector
Authors: Mostafa Heba Sayed
Published: August 2021

Bananas (Musaceae) are one of the world's most common fruit crops and the oldest medicinal plants that are used to treat a variety of infections. There has been recent interest in elucidating the efficiency of the naturally active ingredients, particularly the antimicrobials, in this plant. This review begins with a short background of the banana plant and its cultivars as well as a brief description of its parts. Different experimental tests of the antimicrobial effects and the responsible bioactive compounds of the banana part extracts are then elaborated. A variety of recent and evolving applications of banana parts in the development of functional bakery, dairy, beverage, and meat products as a wheat substitute, fiber/prebiotic source, fat/sucrose substitute, and natural antioxidant are also discussed. Finally, the recent challenges and opportunities presented by different banana parts in creating bio‐packaging materials and bactericidal nanoparticles are addressed. This plant contains a variety of antimicrobial substances, including dopamine, gentisic acid, ferulic acid, lupeol, and 3‐carene. However, few studies have been conducted on its use as a bio‐preservative in food products; it should also be seen as a natural source of both antimicrobial and antioxidant agents. It offers a potentially simple eco‐friendly alternative to antibacterial and fungicidal agents rather than chemicals. Low cost, reliable methods for purifying these compounds from banana waste could be useful for food storage and creating more value‐added bio‐packaging products for perishable food goods.
Reduction in flavor‐intense components in fish protein hydrolysates by membrane filtration
Authors: Steinsholm Silje , Oterhals Åge , Thoresen Lars , Underhaug Jarl , Kousoulaki Katerina , Aspevik Tone
Published: August 2021

Enzymatic protein hydrolysates based on side stream materials from the fish‐filleting industry are increasingly explored as food ingredients. However, intense sensory properties, and high salt contents, are often a limiting factor. Most of the sensory attributes, such as fish flavor and salty taste, can be ascribed to low‐molecular‐weight, water‐soluble components, whereas bitterness is associated with small hydrophobic peptides. In this study, protein hydrolysates based on head and backbone residuals from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) and Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) were produced using two different enzymes. The effects of micro‐ and nanofiltration on the chemical composition, protein recovery, and sensory properties of the final products were investigated. The choice of raw material and enzyme had negligible effects, whereas nanofiltration caused a considerable reduction in metabolites, ash, and the intensity of several sensory attributes. The intensity of bitterness increased after nanofiltration, indicating that small peptides associated with bitter taste were retained by the membrane. Total protein yield after microfiltration was 24%–29%, whereas 19%–24% were recovered in the nanofiltration retentate.

Practical Application

Enzymatic protein hydrolysates can be included in food products to increase the protein content, and as a nutritional supplement and/or functional ingredient; however, unpalatable and intense flavors limit applications. This study investigated the use of membrane filtration to improve flavor quality and reduce salt content in fish protein hydrolysates. Although some protein loss is unavoidable in micro‐ and nanofiltration, this study demonstrates the production of fish protein hydrolysates with >90% protein and peptide content, which is suitable for inclusion in foods.
Study on the water state, migration, and microstructure modification during the process of salt‐reduced stewed duck
Authors: Li Rui , Kuang Wei , Hu Yili , Jin Weiping , Liao E , Chen Jiwang , Zhou Xiaorong , Wang Haibin
Published: August 2021

High salt content is one of the major problems for stewed products. To help address this issue, the effect of salt reduction on water migration in stewed ducks was investigated through diverse approaches, including water activity (Aw) and water‐holding capacity (WHC) assay, as well as low‐field nuclear magnetic resonance (LF‐NMR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation. Our results showed that Aw value remained stable, while centrifugal loss decreased, and cooking loss increased significantly (p < 0.05). The analysis of NMR indicated that, during the marinating stage, the proportion of immobilized water increased from 86.86%–89.66% (sodium chloride group) and 90.51% (salt‐reduced group), respectively. After 2 h, the free water content became 0, and then became stable until the end of marinating. In the stewing stage, at the beginning 20 min, relaxation time of immobilized water decreased to about 35 ms and the ratio of immobilized water significantly reduced (p < 0.05) by 5.38% (sodium chloride group) and 5.95% (salt‐reduced group), respectively. Free water peak was detected upon stewing of 10 min, and 20 min later, there was no significant difference in the proportion of free water (p > 0.05). In general, no significance was observed in water behavior and microstructure of stewed duck meat between the salt reduction group and sodium chloride group. In addition, SEM analysis revealed that marinating could expand the muscle fiber gap to accommodate more immobilized water. However, the fiber was looser at the initial stage of stewing and then became more compact.

Practical Application

This work demonstrates potentially feasible to produce salt‐reduced duck products.