bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regulating complex geometries using layered depth‐normal images for rapid prototyping and manufacturing
Authors: Chen Yong , Wang Charlie C.L. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeMost layer‐based rapid prototyping systems use polygonal models as input. In addition, the input polygonal models need to be manifold and water‐tight; otherwise the built objects may have defects or the building process may fail in some cases. This paper aims to present a regulation method of an arbitrarily complex polygonal model for rapid prototyping and manufacturing applications.Design/methodology/approachThe method is based on a semi‐implicit representation of a solid model named the layered depth‐normal images (LDNI), which sparsely encodes the shape boundary of a polygonal model in three orthogonal directions. In the method, input polygonal models or parametric equations are first converted into LDNI models. A regulation operator based on the computed LDNI models is presented. A volume tiling technique is developed for very complex geometries and high accuracy requirements. From the processed LDNI model, an adaptive contouring method is presented to construct a cell representation that includes both uniform and octree cells. Finally, two‐manifold and water‐tight polygonal mesh surfaces are constructed from the cell representation.FindingsThe LDNI‐based mesh regulation operation can be robust due to its simplicity. The accuracy of the generated regulated models can be controlled by setting LDNI pixel width. Parallel computing techniques can be employed to accelerate the computation in the LDNI‐based method. Experimental results on various CAD models demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of our approach for complex geometries.Research limitations/implicationsThe input polygonal model is assumed to be closed in our method. The regulated polygonal model based on our method may have a big file size.Originality/valueA novel mesh regulation method is presented in this paper. The method is suitable for rapid prototyping and manufacturing applications by achieving a balance between simplicity, robustness, accuracy, speed and scalability. This research contributes to the additive manufacturing development by providing a digital data preparation method and related tools.
Efficient three dimensional modelling of additive manufactured textiles
Authors: Bingham Guy A. , Hague Richard 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate, develop and validate a three‐dimensional modelling strategy for the efficient generation of conformal textile data suitable for additive manufacture.Design/methodology/approachA series of additive manufactured (AM) textiles samples were modelled using currently available computer‐aided design software to understand the limitations associated with the generation of conformal data. Results of the initial three‐dimensional modelling processes informed the exploration and development of a new dedicated efficient modelling strategy that was tested to understand its capabilities.FindingsThe research demonstrates the dramatically improved capabilities of the developed three‐dimensional modelling strategy, over existing approaches by accurately mapping complex geometries described as STL data to a mapping mesh without distortion and correctly matching the orientation and surface normal.Originality/valueTo date the generation of data for AM textiles has been seen as a manual and time‐consuming process. The research presents a new dedicated methodology for the efficient generation of complex and conformal AM textile data that will underpin further research in this area.
High temperature material properties of IN738LC processed by selective laser melting (SLM) technology
Authors: Rickenbacher L. , Etter T. , Hövel S. , Wegener K. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeSelective laser melting (SLM) is being investigated by Alstom and IWF due to its flexibility, cost‐ and lead‐time reduction potential for reconditioning of hot gas path components used in today's heavy‐duty gas turbines. This paper aims to address this issue.Design/methodology/approachTensile tests as well as relaxation and creep tests were carried out to assess SLM processed IN738LC for use in high temperature applications. To evaluate potential anisotropic material behaviour resulting from the layer‐wise build up process, all specimens were built in two directions: parallel and perpendicular to the build direction, respectively. Furthermore, extensive metallurgical investigations were made to analyse the chemical homogeneity as well as the correlation between microstructure and high temperature properties of SLM processed IN738LC.FindingsTensile tests showed that strength properties superior to cast IN738LC can be achieved by processing this material by SLM alternatively. Due to differences in grain size, grain orientation as well as γ′size and morphology the relaxation behaviour of SLM specimens is inferior compared to cast material. However, creep tests have shown that values within the lower scatter band of cast material can still be achieved along the build direction.Originality/valueVery limited knowledge exists regarding the processing of γ′precipitation‐strengthened nickel‐base superalloys by SLM and the resulting high temperature material properties. Layered manufacturing and any lack‐of‐fusion porosity influences them as well as high temperature gradients, occurring during the process. This article presents the latest insights from material testing of selective laser molten IN738LC at elevated temperatures.
Fatigue analysis of FDM materials
Authors: Lee John , Huang Adam 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to determine the effects of fatigue on fused deposition modeling rapid prototyped acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) materials.Design/methodology/approachFDM dog bones based on UNI EN ISO 527‐1 (1997) were tested at 100, 80, 60, and 40 per cent nominal values of the ultimate stress for nine different print orientations. The samples were cyclically stressed in a tensile tester at 25.4 mm/min (extension) and relaxed at 12.7 mm/min.FindingsAlthough FDM ABS has a tensile strength that is relatively close to that of the bulk material, up to 80 percent, its ability to absorb energy before fracture has a tremendous amount of room for improvement. FDM ABSplus (P430) material properties are noticeably more isotropic than the predecessor, ABS (P400). The ABSplus fractures in the order of thousands of cycles at 40 percent of ultimate stress load, while the ABS exhibits the similar cycle limits at 60 percent of its ultimate stress load.Practical implicationsFDM ABS parts are limited in fatigue characteristics even though they exhibit similar ultimate stress limits as with bulk materials, warranting further research in improving FDM parts expected to experience cyclical loads.Originality/valueThis paper adds knowledge to the limited fatigue data in literature for FDM ABS. It investigated the load cyclic data of fused deposition modeled ABS through analyzing its cycle‐by‐cycle strain energy, providing another means of identifying the fatigue characteristics of materials.
A composite index of citizen satisfaction with local police services
Authors: Rogge Nicky , Verschelde Marijn 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a non‐parametric methodology to construct composite scores of citizen satisfaction with local police services. More precisely, the paper advocates a custom made version of the popular Data Envelopment Analysis approach, also referred to as the “Benefit‐of‐the‐Doubt” model. The key advantage of this approach is that it weights the citizen satisfaction rates with the multiple local police functions and tasks into the composite score in an endogenous manner, thereby allowing for different values and interpretations of “good local policing” among police services. The methodology is illustrated with citizen satisfaction data on a sample of Belgian local police services.Design/methodology/approachThe paper develops a multidimensional measure of local police effectiveness based on citizen satisfaction measures. It uses a non‐parametric evaluation methodology related to the popular DEA‐model. The paper looks for strengths and weaknesses in the performances of local police services both at the micro level (per local police service) and at the macro level (region).FindingsWith an average overall satisfaction score of 91.94 per cent, it seems safe to say that the majority of the citizens are generally satisfied with local police services. The BoD‐model identifies per local police service the basic functionalities that citizens rated relatively highly and poorly. Results show that urbanization per se does not drive the satisfaction scores of the participating local police services. Of much more importance are the regional disparities. Participating local police zones in Flanders receive higher satisfaction scores than those in the Walloon Region (the two big regions in Belgium). One of the findings is that the BoD‐model offers both conceptual and practical advantages in the evaluations of local police services. BoD grants each police service the benefit‐of‐the‐doubt in the effectiveness evaluations. The BoD‐model also identifies the factors of strength and weakness that explain the citizen satisfaction scores.Originality/valueTo the authors’ knowledge, this is the first time that multidimensional scores of citizen satisfaction are used in the effectiveness evaluations of local police services. The paper uses a methodology that accounts for the own particular circumstances of the local police services (by assigning in an endogenous manner weights in the evaluations).
Implementation of a police organizational model for crime reduction
Authors: Santos Rachel B. 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to present the evaluation results of a practice‐based research partnership to develop and implement a new police organizational model for crime reduction into one police agency which was implemented based on the best practices of problem‐oriented policing, hot spots policing, and Compstat.Design/methodology/approachA qualitative process evaluation of organizational changes and an impact evaluation examining specific crime types was conducted over seven years to determine increased efficiency, collaboration, and effectiveness of the police department's crime reduction strategies.FindingsThe process evaluation found that the agency improved its crime analysis capabilities as well as its coordination and communication, expanded its problem solving activities, and made a significant cultural shift towards incorporating problem solving and accountability throughout the organization. The impact evaluation found that the crimes addressed in the implementation – theft from vehicle – did decrease overall and when compared to other crime types and to neighboring jurisdictions.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of the research are that these results are from one agency and that the impact evaluation is not conclusive.Originality/valueThe work was carried out over seven years in which the collaboration between the researcher and the agency was seminal. The model developed can be used by other police departments, and a key finding was that strong leadership played the most important role in the implementation of the crime reduction strategies and accountability practices.
Improving police training from a cognitive load perspective
Authors: Mugford Rebecca , Corey Shevaun , Bennell Craig 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a theoretical framework, which describes how police training programs can be developed in order to improve learning retention and the transfer of skills to the work environment.Design/methodology/approachA brief review is provided that describes training strategies stemming from Cognitive Load Theory (CLT), a well‐established theory of instructional design. This is followed by concrete examples of how to incorporate these strategies into police training programs.FindingsThe research reviewed in this paper consistently demonstrates that CLT‐informed training improves learning when compared to conventional training approaches and enhances the transferability of skills.Originality/valueRarely have well‐validated theories of instructional design, such as CLT, been applied specifically to police training. Thus, this paper is valuable to instructional designers because it provides an evidence‐based approach to training development in the policing domain.
Web technology in supply chain: an empirical investigation
Authors: Tarofder Arun Kumar , Marthandan Govindan , Mohan Avvari V. , Tarofder Prashantini 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate empirically the critical factors for the diffusion of web technologies in supply chain management (SCM) functions, based on the technology‐organizational‐environment model, and to identify the benefits resulting from diffusion.Design/methodology/approachData were collected, via an internet survey, from 251 respondents, ranging from middle‐level to top‐level managers, from firms which currently utilize web technologies for their supply chain activities. Structural equation modelling was employed for five factors: relative advantage; competitive pressure; complexity; trialability; and top management support, which have been hypothesized to affect the diffusion of web technologies in SCM functions.FindingsThe results suggest that all the factors except trialability are significant predictors of web technologies' diffusion in supply chain functions. The results show also that by diffusing web technologies, organizations can enhance their supply chain activities.Research limitations/implicationsThe survey was conducted in a Malaysian context, using a limited set of variables, thus limiting the generalizability of the findings.Practical implicationsThis study provides a greater understanding of managers' perception of web technology diffusion in their organizational SCM functions, and benefits realizing from diffusion of web technology, such as operational efficiency.Originality/valueThose interested in adopting web technologies in their supply chain activities may find these results helpful in guiding their efforts.
Success factors in process performance management
Authors: Blasini Josef , Leist Susanne 
Published: May 2013

PurposeAlthough process performance management (PPM), doubtlessly contributes to the increase of business performance, it has been given only little attention to date. The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of what constitutes successful PPM and to identify critical success factors in PPM.Design/methodology/approachThe authors conducted two complementary literature reviews – a representative literature review to get an overview of possible success factors, and an extended literature review to identify detailed success factor items. To increase the reliability of the success factors, a multiple case‐study was additionally conducted.FindingsIn the first literature review – the representative one – 11 success factors of PPM were identified, to which several detailed PPM success factor items could be identified in the extended literature review. Obviously, the success factor “information quality” is much more mentioned in literature than factors regarding “process quality” or “system quality”.Research limitations/implicationsSince there are no standardized terms regarding PPM, it is challenging to include all important papers into the literature review. The next steps to develop a PPM success model are to conceptualize a structural equation model and to conduct a worldwide online‐survey.Practical implicationsThe findings of this research serve as a basis for a PPM success model, which enables practitioners to focus on what is really important for successful PPM.Originality/valueThe application of a multi‐methodological research approach resulted in success factors whose importance was evaluated by their frequency of occurrence in literature, as well as by experts in real‐life enterprises.
Market efficiency in Indian commodity futures markets
Authors: Kumar Brajesh , Pandey Ajay 
Published: May 2013

PurposeIn this paper, the authors aim to investigate the short‐run as well as long‐run market efficiency of Indian commodity futures markets using different asset pricing models. Four agricultural (soybean, corn, castor seed and guar seed) and seven non‐agricultural (gold, silver, aluminium, copper, zinc, crude oil and natural gas) commodities have been tested for market efficiency and unbiasedness.Design/methodology/approachThe long‐run market efficiency and unbiasedness is tested using Johansen cointegration procedure while allowing for constant risk premium. Short‐run price dynamics is investigated with constant and time varying risk premium. Short‐run price dynamics with constant risk premium is modeled with ECM model and short‐run price dynamics with time varying risk premium is modeled using ECM‐GARCH in‐Mean framework.FindingsAs far as long‐run efficiency is concerned, the authors find that near month futures prices of most of the commodities are cointegrated with the spot prices. The cointegration relationship is not found for the next to near months futures contracts, where futures trading volume is low. The authors find support for the hypothesis that thinly traded contracts fail to forecast future spot prices and are inefficient. The unbiasedness hypothesis is rejected for most of the commodities. It is also found that for all commodities, some inefficiency exists in the short run. The authors do not find support of time varying risk premium in Indian commodity market context.Originality/valueIn context of Indian commodity futures markets, probably this is the first study which explores the short‐run market efficiency of futures markets in time varying risk premium framework. This paper also links trading activity of Indian commodity futures markets with market efficiency.
The growing global footprint of Indian multinationals
Authors: Thite Mohan 
Published: May 2013

PurposeIn this interview with Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group (ABG), he talks about the international journey of ABG, governance issues, experience with acquisitions, Indian management styles, challenges for multinationals from emerging economies and his vision of the future. This paper seeks to report the issues discussed in this interview.Design/methodology/approachThe paper is an interview.FindingsThe ABG is a Fortune 500 conglomerate and a world leader in most of the business segments it operates in. The interview sheds light on the international process and strategy, management philosophy, corporate values framework, approach to and experience with international acquisitions, the need for global mindset, control and coordination issues and an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the Indian economy and firms, in the words of a well‐known and high‐profile Indian business leader.Practical implicationsWith the changing global economic landscape, there is a growing interest in the way multinationals from emerging economies leverage their country‐ and firm‐specific advantages to compete against mature Western multinational firms in both the developed and developing markets. The perspectives of the Chairman of a highly successful Indian multinational provide a fertile ground for the cross‐national transfer of best practices in a multi‐polar world.Originality/valueHaving transformed his company to become a global market leader, Mr KM Birla provides unique insights into the psyche and strategic mindset of his corporation. This interview takes the reader through a journey that traces the evolution of a 150‐year old, large, family‐owned enterprise into a world class, professionally managed global corporation.
Biotech firm valuation in an emerging market – evidence from Taiwan
Authors: Hsiang‐Ling Chen Angela , Wang Xiaoli , Zu‐Hsu Lee Jason , Fu Chun‐Yuan 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the relationship of various financial and non‐financial factors to corporate value and how these factors can be used for the purpose of firm valuation. The focus is placed on a developing high‐tech industry.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collect and compare data from companies within the time window of 1997 through 2010. The techniques of stepwise regression and back‐propagation neural network (BPNN) are applied to analyze this data, where the variables of operating profit margin, ROE, ROA, net income ratio, Tobin's Q and stock price are chosen to indicate firm value.FindingsEach firm value variable appears to have a different set of estimator variables consisting of financial and non‐financial factors. The estimator variable in the set that has a high influence relative to the others tends to be financial factor. However, certain non‐financial factors appear to be considered as an estimator variable for different firm value variables more often than financial factors such as employee productivity, wealth created per employee, revenue growth rate, management expense per employee, R&D expense to management expense ratio, and R&D expenditure to total assets ratio. Further, the incorporation of BPNN shows an improvement of the result of the regression method in terms of overall estimation error, especially for operating profit margin.Originality/valueThe authors' investigation highlights the importance of the use of non‐financial factors for firm valuation in developing biotech industries. The result can be helpful for investors who seek to examine information variables and indicators for the opportunity presented by the above industries. In addition, the significant estimation improvement by incorporating the BNPP method into the commonly used regression method suggests the beneficial use of BPNN in refining the traditional methods in the field.
A conceptual framework for cost measures of harm of HRM practices
Authors: Mariappanadar Sugumar 
Published: May 2013

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose a costs framework for harm of human resource management (HRM) practices to develop the cost measures for the psychological, social and work‐related health aspects of harm of HRM practices on stakeholders (employees, their family and communities) so as to understand the implications of harm on the stakeholders.Design/methodology/approachInitially, the cost components of health care are used to theoretically develop a costs framework for harm of HRM practices to measure cost for each of the psychological and the social aspects of harm of HRM practices. Subsequently, employee relative deprivation, spill over and crossover effects of work on family are the theories used to develop the cost measure for the psychological and the social harm of HRM practices. Finally, the direct costs associated with the psychological and the social harm of HRM practices on stakeholders are valuated using published research.FindingsThe proposed costs framework of harm of HRM practices is a useful theoretical framework to identify, measure and valuate the cost of psychological and social harm of HRM practices on the stakeholders.Practical implicationsThe costs component framework of harm of HRM practices can facilitate the capture of the associated costs of the harm of HRM practices so as to understand organisations' ethics of care for stakeholders.Originality/valueThe theoretical costs framework for harm of HRM practices provides a new technique to measure the cost of psychological and social harm of certain HRM practices imposed on the stakeholders so as to minimise the harm in the future.