Ashutosh Sharma and Byungmin Ahn
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of pulse plating current density on the morphology and solderability of Pb-free Sn-Cu solder coatings prepared from…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of pulse plating current density on the morphology and solderability of Pb-free Sn-Cu solder coatings prepared from alkaline stannate baths.
Design/methodology/approach
Sn-Cu solder coatings were produced from a plating solution containing sodium stannate, copper stannate, sodium hydroxide and sorbitol additive on copper substrates. The pulse plating experiments were conducted in galvanostatic mode. The plating current density was varied from 5 to 25 mA/cm2, and the morphology of the coatings was studied. The solderability of the coatings was assessed by spread ratio measurement after reflowing the solder coatings at 250°C.
Findings
The composition control of eutectic solders is always a challenge in plating. The findings show that Sn-Cu coatings prepared by pulse plating are composed of tetragonal ß-Sn structure and Cu6Sn5 compounds irrespective of bath composition and conditions. The final coatings were very dense and smooth with nodular morphology. It was shown that a eutectic composition can be achieved if we apply a current density of ∼15-20 mA/cm2. The solderability studies suggest that solder coatings plated at and beyond 15 mA/cm2 are more suitable for solder finish applications.
Originality/value
The work presents key issues in pulse electroplating of Sn-Cu solder coatings from an alkaline bath. Possible strategies to control the eutectic Sn-Cu composition by plating process are recommended.
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In order to improve the accuracy of project cost prediction, considering the limitations of existing models, the construction cost prediction model based on SVM (Standard Support…
Abstract
Purpose
In order to improve the accuracy of project cost prediction, considering the limitations of existing models, the construction cost prediction model based on SVM (Standard Support Vector Machine) and LSSVM (Least Squares Support Vector Machine) is put forward.
Design/methodology/approach
In the competitive growth and industries 4.0, the prediction in the cost plays a key role.
Findings
At the same time, the original data is dimensionality reduced. The processed data are imported into the SVM and LSSVM models for training and prediction respectively, and the prediction results are compared and analyzed and a more reasonable prediction model is selected.
Originality/value
The prediction result is further optimized by parameter optimization. The relative error of the prediction model is within 7%, and the prediction accuracy is high and the result is stable.
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Bahni Ray, Gautam Biswas, Ashutosh Sharma and Samuel W.J. Welch
The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical approach for investigating different phenomena during multiple liquid drop impact on air‐water interface.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical approach for investigating different phenomena during multiple liquid drop impact on air‐water interface.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have used the coupled level‐set and volume‐of‐fluid (CLSVOF) method to explore the different phenomena during multi‐drop impact on liquid‐liquid interface. Complete numerical simulation is performed for two‐dimensional incompressible flow, which is described in axisymmetric coordinates.
Findings
During drop pair impact at very low impact velocities, the process of partial coalescence is observed where the process of pinch off is different than single drop impact. At higher impact velocities, phenomena such as bubble entrapment are observed.
Originality/value
In this paper, a new approach has been developed to simulate consecutive drop impact on a liquid pool.
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Ashutosh Ashutosh, Ashok Sharma and Masroor Ahmad Beg
Purpose of study: Indian fibre cement industry is at crossroads on account of the dropping margins attributed to the dynamic internal and external challenges faced by it. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Purpose of study: Indian fibre cement industry is at crossroads on account of the dropping margins attributed to the dynamic internal and external challenges faced by it. The ever-changing technology, the increasing availability of substitutes and changing demographic consumption profiles have questioned the survival of this industry. Internal and external factors affecting an organization provide inputs to the strategic decision-making. Diversity of factors and prioritization is a major challenge encountered for developing a strategy for the organization.
Design/methodology/approach
Strategic analysis in the paper proposes to rank important key variables through SWOT-AHP methodology affecting a fibre cement company. Computed priorities of SWOT factor could help in formation of management approach to key decisions facing the firm. It is a descriptive research design. The problem itself has multiple SWOT criteria that have been evaluated in three phases with the help of industry experts and AHP criteria.
Findings
SWOT-AHP analysis has been a strategic fit for qualitative analysis of factors. The important ranked factors affecting the organization have been found to be brand name, capability of both the management and technical, quality of the product, and the efficient customer service and marketing reach/distribution.
Research limitations/implications
Ranking of key SWOT factors found through AHP methodology will help the firm under study to develop and plan strategic alternatives to counter all challenges faced by them.
Practical implications
The management of the firm under study shall be benefited in fine-tuning the overall strategy of the organization.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a hybrid SWOT-AHP strategic analysis first time in this sector. The affecting factors have been quantified and ranked to identify priority factors for the firm to focus.
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Pankaj Sharma and Ashutosh Joshi
Big data analytics has emerged as one of the most used keywords in the digital world. The hype surrounding the buzz has led everyone to believe that big data analytics is the…
Abstract
Purpose
Big data analytics has emerged as one of the most used keywords in the digital world. The hype surrounding the buzz has led everyone to believe that big data analytics is the panacea for all evils. As the insights into this new field are growing and the world is discovering novel ways to apply big data, the need for caution has become increasingly important. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a literature review in the field of big data application for humanitarian relief and highlight the challenges of using big data for humanitarian relief missions.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper conducts a review of the literature of the application of big data in disaster relief operations. The methodology of literature review adopted in the paper was proposed by Mayring (2004) and is conducted in four steps, namely, material collection, descriptive analysis, category selection and material evaluation.
Findings
This paper summarizes the challenges that can affect the humanitarian logistical missions in case of over dependence on the big data tools. The paper emphasizes the need to exercise caution in applying digital humanitarianism for relief operations.
Originality/value
Most published research is focused on the benefits of big data describing the ways it will change the humanitarian relief horizon. This is an original paper that puts together the wisdom of the numerous published works about the negative effects of big data in humanitarian missions.
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Akash Saharan, Ashutosh Samadhiya, Anil Kumar, Krishan Kumar Pandey, Sunil Luthra and Jose Arturo Garza-Reyes
Circularity has acted as an essential phenomenon for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies, pressuring entrepreneurs to its adoption in their businesses…
Abstract
Purpose
Circularity has acted as an essential phenomenon for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in emerging economies, pressuring entrepreneurs to its adoption in their businesses. During the adoption and implementation of circularity, entrepreneurs or circular entrepreneurs (to be precise) are facing various challenges to its effective functioning. However, the scholarly literature has offered limited research into this phenomenon. Thus, the purpose of this research is to identify the various barriers and sub-barriers for circular entrepreneurs to adopt circularity in SMEs of emerging economies.
Design/methodology/approach
A combined qualitative and quantitative approach was employed to achieve the objectives of the study. In the first stage, through an extensive literature review, a list of barriers was identified and in the second stage, a deductive approach was employed to finalize the barriers. Finally, Best-Worst Method (BWM), a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method, was used to analyse the significant importance of the barriers.
Findings
The findings of the study suggested the “financial barrier” as the first-ranked barrier in the adoption of Circular Business Models (CBMs), followed by the “regulatory and operational barrier” as the top second and third barriers. In terms of sub-barriers, “lack of access to funding and capital” has been identified as the top sub-barrier in the adoption of CBM, followed by “excessive regulations and red tape” and “challenges due to ambiguity of the concept”.
Practical implications
To transition from a circular to a linear business approach considerably quicker and smoother, entrepreneurs may utilize the findings of this study as a blueprint for the steps to overcome the barriers in a linear to a circular transition.
Originality/value
This research differentiates from other studies due to solicited input directly from the people who are most familiar with the challenges of making the transition from linear to CBM, i.e. the entrepreneurs themselves.
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Giuseppe Festa, Ashutosh Kolte, Maria Rosaria Carli and Matteo Rossi
This study aims to access, analyze and highlight opportunities and problems of the Indian pharmaceutical sector in the broader national health-care industry. The recent changes in…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to access, analyze and highlight opportunities and problems of the Indian pharmaceutical sector in the broader national health-care industry. The recent changes in the field, at the institutional and corporate levels, have placed India in the spotlight of the global pharmaceutical market, but several threats and weaknesses could limit this expansion.
Design/methodology/approach
Descriptive and inferential analyses have been based on empirical data extracted from authenticated data sources. Subsequently, a narrative strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis was performed based on the results of prior investigations and on qualitative data that were retrieved from a marketing intelligence examination to generate an overall scenario analysis.
Findings
Indian pharmaceutical companies have faced several challenges on various fronts. In the home market, drug prices are controlled by the drug price control order; therefore, there is strong pressure on revenues and subsequently on costs. In the international market, threats derived from pharmaceutical multinational companies are emerging as tough obstacles to overcome.
Practical implications
More focus on patents for innovative drugs is required, instead of concentrating primarily on generic drugs. There is a need for policymakers to work on the sustainability and development of the industry, while the companies must redesign their orientation toward enhancing innovation capabilities. In addition, at the level of corporate strategy, firms should establish collaborations and alliances and expand their industrial marketing vision.
Originality/value
This study provides a global overview of the potential growth and development of the Indian pharmaceutical sector, comparing it with internal trends and external competition. The most relevant contribution of the research relies on the shift to innovative production that Indian companies must adopt (after years of focusing only on generic drugs), and in this vein, appropriate industrial marketing solutions are indispensable.
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Ashutosh Mohan and Sunil Sharma
Organizations are realizing the fact that it takes more than quality, cost, and delivery commitments to ensure survival. Organizations are recognizing the need for extra efforts…
Abstract
Organizations are realizing the fact that it takes more than quality, cost, and delivery commitments to ensure survival. Organizations are recognizing the need for extra efforts in terms of ability to adjust quickly and effectively to demand fluctuations as well as product diversification according to the requirement of customer. The remedy, to face and come out as winner from this critical scenario, is the adoption of lean approach. The paper tries to trace the evolution of lean approach with an effort to re‐define the efficiency and effectiveness parameters under lean thinking. The paper also deals with the underlying principles of lean approach. The main objective of this paper lies in our proposed model, which shows the scope of SCM under lean operations. Finally, the paper exposes the benefits of lean approach at different levels of organization and customers.
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Ashutosh Shankhdhar, Pawan Kumar Verma, Prateek Agrawal, Vishu Madaan and Charu Gupta
The aim of this paper is to explore the brain–computer interface (BCI) as a methodology for generating awareness and increasing reliable use cases of the same so that an…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to explore the brain–computer interface (BCI) as a methodology for generating awareness and increasing reliable use cases of the same so that an individual's quality of life can be enhanced via neuroscience and neural networks, and risk evaluation of certain experiments of BCI can be conducted in a proactive manner.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper puts forward an efficient approach for an existing BCI device, which can enhance the performance of an electroencephalography (EEG) signal classifier in a composite multiclass problem and investigates the effects of sampling rate on feature extraction and multiple channels on the accuracy of a complex multiclass EEG signal. A one-dimensional convolutional neural network architecture is used to further classify and improve the quality of the EEG signals, and other algorithms are applied to test their variability. The paper further also dwells upon the combination of internet of things multimedia technology to be integrated with a customized design BCI network based on a conventionally used system known as the message query telemetry transport.
Findings
At the end of our implementation stage, 98% accuracy was achieved in a binary classification problem of classifying digit and non-digit stimuli, and 36% accuracy was observed in the classification of signals resulting from stimuli of digits 0 to 9.
Originality/value
BCI, also known as the neural-control interface, is a device that helps a user reliably interact with a computer using only his/her brain activity, which is measured usually via EEG. An EEG machine is a quality device used for observing the neural activity and electric signals generated in certain parts of the human brain, which in turn can help us in studying the different core components of the human brain and how it functions to improve the quality of human life in general.
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Giuseppe Festa, Matteo Rossi, Ashutosh Kolte and Luca Marinelli
This research investigates the top five pharmaceutical companies in India to determine whether their financial structures are sound and if they face the risk of bankruptcy…
Abstract
Purpose
This research investigates the top five pharmaceutical companies in India to determine whether their financial structures are sound and if they face the risk of bankruptcy, highlighting the potential contribution of intellectual capital (IC) to financial stability.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis outlines operating ratios, profitability ratios, possibility of bankruptcy (through Z-scores) and attractiveness of the financial structure (through the F-score), with consequent focus on (IC).
Findings
The financial structure of the selected companies seems stable. Changes in the Indian pharmaceutical scenario, above all, regarding the patent system, will force the companies to consider the impact of IC carefully.
Practical implications
Indian pharmaceutical companies need sustainability and development, with increasing focus on patent issues. To enhance innovation capabilities and overcome international competition, they should redesign their business orientation towards IC, mainly when impacting patents.
Originality/value
Using established approaches for predicting potential bankruptcy, this study focuses on the financial performance of top Indian pharmaceutical companies. IC can support financial stability, and this study provides further perspectives for managing their financial structure, both statically and dynamically.