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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 October 2024

Toby Wilkinson, Massimiliano Casata and Daniel Barba

This study aims to introduce an image-based method to determine the processing window for a given alloy system using laser powder bed fusion equipment based on achieving the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to introduce an image-based method to determine the processing window for a given alloy system using laser powder bed fusion equipment based on achieving the desired melting mode across multiple materials for powder-free specimens. The method uses a convolutional neural network trained to classify different track morphologies across different alloy systems to select appropriate printing settings. This method is intended for the development of new alloy systems, where the powder feedstock may be unavailable, or prohibitively expensive to manufacture.

Design/methodology/approach

A convolutional neural network is designed from scratch to identify the 4 key melting modes that are observed in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing across different alloy systems. To increase the prediction accuracy and generalisation accuracy across different materials, the network is trained using a novel hybrid data set that combines fully unsupervised learning with semi-supervised learning.

Findings

This study demonstrates that our convolutional network with a novel hybrid training approach can be generalised across different materials, and k-fold validation shows that the model retains good accuracy with changing training conditions. The model can predict the processing maps for the different alloys with an accuracy of up to 96% in some cases. It is also shown that powder-free single-track experiments are a useful indicator for predicting the final print quality of a component.

Originality/value

The “invariant information clustering” (IIC) approach is applied to process optimisation for additive manufacturing, and a novel hybrid data set construction approach that accounts for uncertainty in the ground truth data, enables the trained convolutional model to perform across a range of different materials and most importantly, generalise to materials outside of the training data set. Compared to the traditional cross-sectioning approach, this method considers the whole length of the single track when determining the melting mode.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 9 February 2024

Martin Novák, Berenika Hausnerova, Vladimir Pata and Daniel Sanetrnik

This study aims to enhance merging of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques with powder injection molding (PIM). In this way, the prototypes could be 3D-printed and mass…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to enhance merging of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques with powder injection molding (PIM). In this way, the prototypes could be 3D-printed and mass production implemented using PIM. Thus, the surface properties and mechanical performance of parts produced using powder/polymer binder feedstocks [material extrusion (MEX) and PIM] were investigated and compared with powder manufacturing based on direct metal laser sintering (DMLS).

Design/methodology/approach

PIM parts were manufactured from 17-4PH stainless steel PIM-quality powder and powder intended for powder bed fusion compounded with a recently developed environmentally benign binder. Rheological data obtained at the relevant temperatures were used to set up the process parameters of injection molding. The tensile and yield strengths as well as the strain at break were determined for PIM sintered parts and compared to those produced using MEX and DMLS. Surface properties were evaluated through a 3D scanner and analyzed with advanced statistical tools.

Findings

Advanced statistical analyses of the surface properties showed the proximity between the surfaces created via PIM and MEX. The tensile and yield strengths, as well as the strain at break, suggested that DMLS provides sintered samples with the highest strength and ductility; however, PIM parts made from environmentally benign feedstock may successfully compete with this manufacturing route.

Originality/value

This study addresses the issues connected to the merging of two environmentally efficient processing routes. The literature survey included has shown that there is so far no study comparing AM and PIM techniques systematically on the fixed part shape and dimensions using advanced statistical tools to derive the proximity of the investigated processing routes.

Article
Publication date: 12 November 2024

Jingyuan Wang, Yong-Hua Li, Denglong Wang and Min Chai

To address the shortcomings of the traditional back propagation (BP) neural network agent model, such as insufficient fitting accuracy and low computational efficiency, an…

Abstract

Purpose

To address the shortcomings of the traditional back propagation (BP) neural network agent model, such as insufficient fitting accuracy and low computational efficiency, an improved method is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an improved sparrow search algorithm (ISSA) is developed to optimize the reliability calculation of the BP neural network (ISSA-BP) using an enhanced BP neural network model. The traditional sparrow search algorithm is enhanced by incorporating a golden sine strategy to improve its position-updating mechanism, thereby overcoming its tendency to converge prematurely to local optima. Additionally, an opposition-based learning strategy is integrated to explore the reverse solution around the optimal solution of the sparrow search algorithm, mitigating the risk of local optima.

Findings

The results of the test function demonstrate that the proposed method significantly enhances fitting accuracy while maintaining computational efficiency. Finally, by applying this approach to the metro bogie frame as a case study, the structural reliability of the bogie frame is evaluated using the Monte Carlo method, providing valuable insights for subsequent analysis and structural optimization.

Originality/value

The use of the surrogate model approach for structural reliability analysis significantly improves solution efficiency. Furthermore, the integration of ISSA with the BP neural network enhances both fitting accuracy and computational efficiency, demonstrating the superiority and practicality of the proposed method.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2024

Osvaldo Hernández, Leila Regina Durán, Andrés Fresno and María Fernanda Chamorro

In response to the challenges posed by the social environment, numerous individuals with autism use coping strategies, engaging in a phenomenon known as “camouflaging” to mask…

Abstract

Purpose

In response to the challenges posed by the social environment, numerous individuals with autism use coping strategies, engaging in a phenomenon known as “camouflaging” to mask their distinctive traits. Despite the growing attention directed toward this area of study, to date, there are no bibliometric studies delineating the evolution of this research theme. This study aims to analyze scientific research on camouflage and the autistic spectrum published in Web of Science (WoS).

Design/methodology/approach

Articles on camouflage and autism were retrieved from the WoS. The advanced search interface used was “Title, Abstract, Keywords (autistic OR asperger syndrome OR Autism OR ASD AND camouflage OR camouflaging AND Masking).” The analysis and visualization of the selected records and their data were carried out using MS Excel (v16.0) and Biblioshiny (v2.0, R package).

Findings

Following the selection process, a total of 70 articles were included. Notably, the UK emerged as the leading contributor in terms of the number of published articles. Prominent authors in this domain included William Mandy, Laura Hull and Meng-Chuan Lai, who exhibited the highest number of published articles and citations. The Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders stood out as the most prolific journal. Predominant research themes encompassed camouflage (and its synonyms, masking or compensation), gender differences and mental health.

Originality/value

This study contributes to existing knowledge on this topic, as well as identifying new areas of research related to autism and camouflage. Moreover, it serves as a valuable resource for health-care professionals, including physicians and clinical psychologists, who may seek to augment their understanding and proficiency in the field.

Details

Advances in Autism, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-3868

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2024

Zhigang Song and Qinxuan Gu

Drawing on power approach-inhibition theory, this study aims to theorize a cross-level model to examine how team member personal power (i.e. expert power and referent power…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on power approach-inhibition theory, this study aims to theorize a cross-level model to examine how team member personal power (i.e. expert power and referent power) impacts shared leadership through activating their taking charge behaviors in R&D teams, as well as the moderating effect of team learning orientation on the relationship between team member taking charge behaviors and shared leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

With multisource data collected from 264 employees in 58 R&D teams from 13 companies, this study tested the hypotheses of the cross-level theoretical model using Mplus 7.4.

Findings

The results showed that team member expert power was positively related to their taking charge behaviors, which in turn led to shared leadership, while team member referent power was not significantly related to their taking charge behaviors. Furthermore, the positive relationship between team member taking charge behaviors and shared leadership was strengthened by team learning orientation.

Practical implications

This paper offers suggestions regarding how vertical leaders should pay attention to team member power to promote their change-oriented taking charge behaviors and address team learning to strengthen the effect of team member taking charge behaviors on shared leadership.

Originality/value

By echoing the changing focus towards a shared leading process among team members in leadership literature, this paper provides important insights for both scholars and practitioners to understand the role that power plays in activating team member taking charge behaviors which in turn improves shared leadership.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 45 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 7 October 2024

Xiaoqian Richard Hu

In contrast to other Chinese sports, which attract enormous commercial interests and relates to a kind of political kudos and ideological significance, Chinese baseball represents…

Abstract

In contrast to other Chinese sports, which attract enormous commercial interests and relates to a kind of political kudos and ideological significance, Chinese baseball represents a singular case for the author to investigate the way in which China responds to sport globalisation due to its peripheral position in, and limited resource from, the domestic sport system and powerful stakeholders from the global society. The study examines the development of Chinese baseball and its interplay with the global sport giants and international events (i.e. the Olympic Games and the Major League Baseball [MLB]). Given the influence of sport globalisation, the author also identifies the consistent dominance of Chinese sport authorities and the spectrum of local stakeholders' reaction towards globalisation. The chapter ends with a discussion of the relationship between marginal position of Chinese baseball in the local sport system and the rationale of its response to sport globalisation.

Details

The Mediating Power of Sport
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-079-3

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Xiuping Li and Ye Yang

Coordinating low-carbonization and digitalization is a practical implementation pathway to achieve high-quality economic development. Regions are under great emission reduction…

Abstract

Purpose

Coordinating low-carbonization and digitalization is a practical implementation pathway to achieve high-quality economic development. Regions are under great emission reduction pressure to achieve low-carbon development. However, why and how regional emission reduction pressure influences enterprise digital transformation is lacking in the literature. This study empirically tests the impact of emission reduction pressure on enterprise digital transformation and its mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

This article takes the data of non-financial listed companies from 2011 to 2020 as a sample. The digital transformation index is measured by entropy value method. The bidirectional fixed effect model was used to test the hypothesis.

Findings

The research results show that emission reduction pressure forces enterprise digital transformation. The mechanism lies in that emission reduction pressure improves digital transformation by promoting enterprise innovation, and digital economy moderates the nexus between emission reduction pressure and digital transformation. Furthermore, the effect of emission reduction pressure on digital transformation is more significant for non-state-owned, mature and high-tech enterprises.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the mediating role of enterprise innovation between carbon emission reduction pressure and enterprise digital transformation, as well as the moderating role of digital economy. The research expands the body of knowledge about dual carbon targets, digitization and technological innovation. The author’s findings help update the impact of regional digital economy development on enterprise digital transformation. It also provides theoretical guidance for the realization of digital transformation by enterprise innovation.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 11 November 2024

Pinyan Lin

This chapter presents data and analysis to conceptualise the role of the executive principal, and how the executive principal practises leadership in formal school partnerships in…

Abstract

This chapter presents data and analysis to conceptualise the role of the executive principal, and how the executive principal practises leadership in formal school partnerships in China. To achieve this, this research draws on Foucault’s concept of pastoral power, enriching it through interplay with Chinese notions of morality. This research is anchored in one innovative educational organisation – the Education Collective (EC). The EC is a large-scale and multi-level educational organisation formed by two or more schools or campuses guided by a common concept and bound by a contract. Education collectivisation has now become the mainstream model of running compulsory education in China. The head of the EC, often referred to as the executive principal, is the legal representative of each EC and is responsible for the entire collective.

Details

Critical Education Leadership and Policy Scholarship: Introducing a New Research Methodology
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-473-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 December 2022

Wisanupong Potipiroon and Orisa Chumphong

This research aims to examine the impact of authoritarian leadership on firm-level voluntary turnover among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand and asks whether…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to examine the impact of authoritarian leadership on firm-level voluntary turnover among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Thailand and asks whether benevolent leadership can mitigate the adverse impact of authoritarian leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 110 owner-managers of SMEs and 951 employees in Thailand were invited to participate in the study. Tobit regression was used for analyzing aggregated data (i.e. employees' assessment of owner-managers' leadership styles) and firm-level voluntary turnover data provided by SME owner-managers.

Findings

The results showed that authoritarian leadership was positively related to voluntary turnover, whereas benevolent leadership was negatively related to voluntary turnover. Furthermore, the relationship between authoritarian leadership and voluntary turnover was moderated by benevolent leadership, such that the highest levels of voluntary turnover rates were observed among firms with high-authoritarian and low-benevolent leaders. In contrast, firms with high-authoritarian and high-benevolent leaders were not necessarily associated with high turnover rates. These results were observed for both the voluntary turnover rates of full-time and part-time employees and the weighted voluntary turnover rate.

Practical implications

These findings suggest that owner-managers of SMEs should take a balanced leadership approach to managing their employees, acting as paternalistic leaders who tread a fine line between being “strict and cold” and being “strict and warm.” They can achieve this by showing care and genuine concern for employees when enacting authority.

Originality/value

While past research has shed important light on the additive and joint effects of authoritarian and benevolent leadership styles on individual-level outcomes, this study contributes to this body of work by being among the first to show that these effects are also isomorphic at the organizational level of analysis.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 19 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 2 September 2024

Vasilii Erokhin and Tianming Gao

Sustainable development is inseparable from rational and responsible use of resources and promotion of green entrepreneurship. The contemporary green development agenda…

Abstract

Sustainable development is inseparable from rational and responsible use of resources and promotion of green entrepreneurship. The contemporary green development agenda encompasses climate, economic, technical, social, cultural, and political dimensions. International efforts to greening the global development are conducted by the major economies, including China as the world’s largest consumer of energy and the biggest emitter of greenhouse gases. China is aware of its environmental problems, as well as of its part of the overall responsibility for the accomplishment of the sustainable development goals. By means of the decarbonization efforts, the latter are integrated both into the national development agenda (the concept of ecological civilization) and China’s international initiatives (the greening narrative within the Belt and Road Initiative). Over the past decade, China has made a breakthrough on the way to promoting green entrepreneurship and greening of its development (better quality of air and water, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and organic farming). On the other hand, emissions remain high, agricultural land loses productivity, and freshwater resources degrade due to climate change. In conventional industries (oil, coal mining, and electric and thermal energy), decarbonization faces an array of impediments. In this chapter, the authors summarize fundamental provisions of China’s approach to building an ecological civilization and measures to reduce emissions and achieve the carbon neutrality status within the nearest decades. The analysis of obstacles to the decarbonization of the economy and possible prospects for the development of green entrepreneurship summarizes China’s practices for possible use in other countries.

Details

Emerging Patterns and Behaviors in a Green Resilient Economy
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-781-4

Keywords

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