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Article
Publication date: 8 January 2020

Cassidy Silbernagel, Adedeji Aremu and Ian Ashcroft

Metal-based additive manufacturing is a relatively new technology used to fabricate metal objects within an entirely digital workflow. However, only a small number of different…

1565

Abstract

Purpose

Metal-based additive manufacturing is a relatively new technology used to fabricate metal objects within an entirely digital workflow. However, only a small number of different metals are proven for this process. This is partly due to the need to find a new set of parameters which can be used to successfully build an object for every new alloy investigated. There are dozens of variables which contribute to a successful set of parameters and process parameter optimisation is currently a manual process which relies on human judgement.

Design/methodology/approach

Here, the authors demonstrate the application of machine learning as an alternative method to determine this set of process parameters, the subject of this test is the processing of pure copper in a laser powder bed fusion printer. Data in the form of optical images were collected over the course of traditional parameter optimisation. These images were segmented and fed into a convolutional autoencoder and then clustered to find the clusters which best represented a high-quality result. The clusters were manually scored according to their quality and the results applied to the original set of parameters.

Findings

It was found that the machine-learned clustering and subsequent scoring reflected many of the observations which were found in the traditional parameter optimisation process.

Originality/value

This exercise, as well as demonstrating the effectiveness of the ML approach, indicates an opportunity to fully automate the approach to process optimisation by applying labels to the data, hence, an approach that could also potentially be suited for on-the-fly process optimisation.

Graphical abstract

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 26 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 24 October 2018

Shola Abidemi Olabode

Abstract

Details

Digital Activism and Cyberconflicts in Nigeria
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78756-014-7

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Article
Publication date: 29 May 2023

Ediomo-Ubong Nelson, Ogochukwu Winifred Odeigah and Emeka W. Dumbili

The purpose of this study is to understand the complex interplay between illicit opioids trade and consumption practices and state policies that aim to reduce their misuse.

123

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the complex interplay between illicit opioids trade and consumption practices and state policies that aim to reduce their misuse.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted an exploratory design. Data were gathered through in-depth interviews with 31 commercially oriented drug dealers in Uyo, Nigeria. The framework approach was used in data analyses, while “friction” provided the interpretive lens.

Findings

Accounts revealed public concerns over the misuse of tramadol and other opioids among young people and the associated health and social harms. These concerns provided support for enforcement-based approaches to prescription opioids control, including police raids on pharmacy stores. These measures did not curtail opioids supply and consumption. Instead, they constrained access to essential medicines for pain management, encouraged illegal markets and fuelled law enforcement corruption in the form of police complicity in illegal tramadol trade.

Research limitations/implications

The findings reveal the frictions of drug control in Nigeria, wherein enforcement-based approaches gained traction through public concerns about opioids misuse but also faced resistance due to the persistence of non-medical use and illegal supply channels made possible by law enforcement complicity. These indicate a need to prioritize approaches that seek to reduce illegal supply and misuse of opioids while ensuring availability of these medications for health-care needs.

Originality/value

The study is unique in its focus on the creative tension that exists between state control measures and local opioids supply and consumption practices.

Details

Drugs, Habits and Social Policy, vol. 24 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6739

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 February 2022

Şerif Canbay and Mustafa Kırca

The study aims to determine whether there is a bidirectional causality relationship between health expenditures and per capita income in Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa…

2196

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to determine whether there is a bidirectional causality relationship between health expenditures and per capita income in Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and Turkey (BRICS+T).

Design/methodology/approach

For that purpose, the 2000–2018 period data of the variables were tested with the Kónya (2006) panel causality test. Additionally, the causality relationships between public and private health expenditures and per capita income were also investigated in the study.

Findings

According to the analysis results, there is no statistically significant causality relationship from total health expenditures and public health expenditures to per capita income in the relevant countries. Besides, there is a unidirectional causality relationship from private health expenditures to per capita income only in Turkey. On the other hand, a unidirectional causality relationship from per capita income to total health expenditures in China, Russia, Turkey and South Africa and from per capita income to public health expenditures in India, Russia, Turkey and South Africa were determined. Consequently, a causality relationship from per capita income to private health expenditures was found out in Russia and Turkey.

Originality/value

The variables are tested for the first time for BRICS+T countries, vis-à-vis the period under consideration and the method used.

Details

Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Science, vol. 27 no. 53
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2218-0648

Keywords

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