Search results

1 – 10 of 699
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 12 August 2014

I. Pires, B. Gouveia, J. Rodrigues and R. Fonte

The purpose of this study is to characterize sintered hydroxyapatite (HA) samples produced by three-dimensional printing (3DP). This study is part of a project concerned with the…

595

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to characterize sintered hydroxyapatite (HA) samples produced by three-dimensional printing (3DP). This study is part of a project concerned with the fabrication of calcium phosphates implants by 3DP. However, before considering a more complex structure, like scaffolds or implants, a thorough knowledge of the role played by the sintering temperature on physical and mechanical the properties of porous HA is necessary.

Design/methodology/approach

The characteristics of sintered HA samples have been analyzed by means of x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and uniaxial compression tests. The 3DP parameters used to produce the HA samples were those who led to higher accuracy and mechanical stability.

Findings

Sintering temperature and powder morphology are critical factors influencing densification behavior, porosity, phase stability, mechanical strength and tangent modulus of the HA samples produced by 3DP. This study allowed us to conclude about the 3DP parameters to be used to produce porous HA specimens with the required integrity and dimensional accuracy, and the optimal post-processing sintering temperature which led to the best results in terms of porosity, microstructure, phase stability of HA and mechanical properties.

Originality/value

This paper provides a method to evaluate the manufacturability of calcium phosphate models produced by 3DP.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 20 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 1 February 2016

Tien-Chi Huang, Yu Shu, Ting-Chieh Yeh and Pei-Ya Zeng

This paper aims to identify ways to establish an information system to aid users to enhance the effectiveness of self-regulated learning and solve the problem of learning domain…

3279

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify ways to establish an information system to aid users to enhance the effectiveness of self-regulated learning and solve the problem of learning domain unawareness. Many libraries are spacious and with a rich collection of books, the problem a newcomer may encounter in the wide library is spatial unawareness. In addition, people new to a particular field of study often encounter the problem of learning domain unawareness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents an overview of self-regulated learning theory first. We realize the essential principles of self-regulated learning model in the library and developed a learning system that utilizes the concept of combining mobile augmented reality (AR), indoor navigation and data mining algorithms.

Findings

The proposed NO Donkey E-learning (NODE) system utilizes AR and innovative indoor positioning technology to fulfil the goal of navigation inside a library and solve the problems of spatial and learning domain unawareness. On the one hand, the system allows peers to communicate asynchronously to create a cloud-based information sharing community; the dual-track terminal (the website and the app interfaces) in the system could provide both educational functionalities and mobility for readers. On the other hand, AR navigation function integrates the information of reading paths, the real-space locations, real-time dynamic information, book introductions and readers’ comments to help readers have access to the topic-related books efficiently.

Practical implications

We found that although the library provides the floor plan and signs, such passive and fixed indication may cause spatial unawareness. People need system to show the bookshelf location and dynamic direction indicators when they walk in the wide library. However, most existing library information systems only provide readers with the function of book search, including which floor the book is on, call number and check-out status. In this sense, we propose that self-regulated learning theory integrated the new innovation technology is the solution for the above issues.

Originality/value

The system developed in this study, while viewing the real scenes inside the library through camera lens, provides related virtual educational information services and learning paths on screen and guides the public to do systematic self-regulated learning. With the functions of the “learning topic” and “knowledge sharing”, the learning system promotes the general public to self-monitor their learning progress and to use the sharing mechanism as the system structure to solve the two main problems of spatial unawareness and domain unawareness in learning in libraries, creating a truly innovative people-centred library information system.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 12 November 2019

Xinwu Ma and Lu Sun

Arbitrary constraints might be included into the problem domain in many engineering applications, which represent specific features such as multi-domain interfaces, cracks with…

117

Abstract

Purpose

Arbitrary constraints might be included into the problem domain in many engineering applications, which represent specific features such as multi-domain interfaces, cracks with small yield stresses, stiffeners attached on the plate for reinforcement and so on. To imprint these constraints into the final mesh, additional techniques need to be developed to treat these constraints properly.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes an automatic approach to generate quadrilateral meshes for the geometric models with complex feature constraints. Firstly, the region is decomposed into sub-regions by the constraints, and then the quadrilateral mesh is generated in each sub-region that satisfies the constraints. A method that deals with constraint lines and points is presented. A distribution function is proposed to represent the distribution of mesh size over the region by using the Laplace equation. The density lines and points can be specified inside the region and reasonable mesh size distribution can be obtained by solving the Laplace equation.

Findings

An automatic method to define sub-regions is presented, and the user interaction can be avoided. An algorithm for constructing loops from constraint lines is proposed, which can deal with the randomly distributed constraint lines in a general way. A method is developed to deal with constraint points and quality elements can be generated around constraint points. A function defining the distribution of mesh size is put forward. The examples of constrained quadrilateral mesh generation in actual engineering analysis are presented to show the performance of the approach.

Originality/value

An automatic approach to constrained quadrilateral mesh generation is presented in this paper. It can generate required quality meshes for special applications with complex internal feature constraints.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 November 2024

Sridar Ramachandran, Chizoba Kingsley Ugokwe, Khairunnisak Latiff and Mohd Romzee Ibrahim

This paper aims to provide insights into service innovation (SI) during the COVID-19 crisis and its potential impact on tourism development in the medium-to-long term. The…

352

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide insights into service innovation (SI) during the COVID-19 crisis and its potential impact on tourism development in the medium-to-long term. The pandemic had a devastating effect on the industry, requiring immediate mitigation. It is yet to fully establish the impact of SI in the face of the COVID-19 volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity (VUCA). This study discusses the potential link between SI and COVID-19 crisis mitigation and offers recommendations for tourism recovery.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper synthesizes empirical evidence on post-crisis tourism SI using a theory-based general literature review approach.

Findings

COVID-19 crisis spun various forms of SI, which emerged as a conventional solution to crisis prevention, encompassing the management of crisis-time competitiveness, revenue deficits and risk perception. However, resistance to innovative services is linked to situational conditions.

Research limitations/implications

COVID-19 is an unprecedented crisis. Therefore, this study serves as a primer for further inquiry into SI. For instance, areas such as governance in tourism innovation and consumers' inclination toward innovation-driven services are underexplored.

Practical implications

SI acts as a situational facilitator, but its characteristics can impede or facilitate adoption. Moreover, the irrelevance of innovations in some environments is evidenced. Thus, practitioners must adopt a responsive learning approach in SI adoption. To mitigate the COVID-19 impacts, reconfiguration in SI, recovery marketing strategy, knowledge gap and governance will be critical interventions.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first comprehensive discussions on the potential role of SI in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on the THI.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Book part
Publication date: 3 September 2021

Luis Quintana-Romero, Miguel Ángel Mendoza-González and José Álvarez-García

Tourism is Mexico's largest source of foreign exchange, only surpassed by remittances and foreign direct investment, and is one of the most wealth-generating economic activities…

Abstract

Tourism is Mexico's largest source of foreign exchange, only surpassed by remittances and foreign direct investment, and is one of the most wealth-generating economic activities in the country. However, measures to mitigate the Covid-19 pandemic – such as the suspension of flights and strict restrictions on people's mobility – have caused great economic damage to the tourism industry, and with it, to large regions in the country. This chapter aims to determine the national and regional impacts of Covid-19 on Mexican tourism and analyze potential recovery scenarios. To this end, the study looks at tourism performance in Mexico in 2020 and compares it to the experience of the H1N1 influenza epidemic of 2009. The methodology uses a spatial econometric model to simulate potential impacts and prospective recovery scenarios. Finally, recommendations for tourism policy consider new trends in tourism, namely the rise in tourism advertising through digital platforms, the surge in domestic, rural and environmental tourism, and the development of a more informed, demanding and selective consumer.

Details

Pandemics and Travel
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80071-071-9

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 November 2022

Ana Lúcia Lima Gadelha, Luis Borges Gouveia and Anabela Mesquita Sarmento

This article aims to identify management practices that evidence how internal control have been considered essential, from the edition of the State Constitutional Amendment no. 75…

1588

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to identify management practices that evidence how internal control have been considered essential, from the edition of the State Constitutional Amendment no. 75 of 2012, within the public administration of the executive branch of the State of Ceará, during the period 2012–2021.

Design/methodology/approach

The study relates the identified management practices to COSO (The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations) methodology “Internal Environment” component categories. The research is classified as basic, exploratory and bibliographic, on the theme of internal control in scientific articles published between 2015 and 2021, and documental, carried out through official documents, including the 27 Brazilian constitutions.

Findings

Existence of management practices that corroborate the essentiality of internal control in Ceará.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to evidencing the control practices implemented in Ceará, not evaluating them as to their quality.

Practical implications

Contributions on control on constitutional-legal bases for other Brazilian Federation States.

Social implications

Possibility of introducing the research theme into various branches of scientific knowledge, such as political science and contributing to public organizations to implement policies with the proper application of resources for the benefit of society.

Originality/value

The originality of the research is in demonstrating the essentiality of internal control in the State of Ceará, from the edition of management acts performed by the executive branch, based on Constitutional Amendment 75 of 2012, which did not become a dead letter of the law, enabling other states of the federation to do the same.

Details

Revista de Gestão, vol. 30 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1809-2276

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 28 August 2024

Yazan Alnsour and Ahmad H. Juma’h

Contact tracing apps have emerged to collect data and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. However, privacy and security concerns have caused individuals to hesitate to…

49

Abstract

Purpose

Contact tracing apps have emerged to collect data and mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. However, privacy and security concerns have caused individuals to hesitate to adopt these solutions. Our objective is to evaluate the role of the political environment, information privacy, security and users’ intentions to use contact tracing apps.

Design/methodology/approach

We scraped the digital app store and collected 399 relevant reviews and other data from 21 contact tracing apps in the USA. A semi-supervised machine learning model was developed to extract information on privacy and security aspects from the reviews.

Findings

Our findings show a positive connection between security controls and user adoption, as reflected in star ratings. Users residing in states with blue political environments tend to assign higher ratings to apps, especially when robust security controls are in place. These findings confirm the influence of the political environment on the adoption of contact tracing apps. In times of a pandemic, our findings suggest that users prioritize security over privacy concerns, emphasizing the critical role of strong security features in promoting app acceptance.

Originality/value

This paper emphasizes the political environment of the state offering the app intersects with concerns about security and privacy as well as the effectiveness of security and privacy measures, influencing the app’s ratings. Also, it shows the importance of understanding and addressing the role of the political environment when designing and promoting such public health tools, regardless of the specific disease or outbreak.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. 37 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 19 January 2015

Miguel Castilho, Barbara Gouveia, Inês Pires, Jorge Rodrigues and Manuel Pereira

This paper aims to study the influence of the binder saturation level on the accuracy and on the mechanical properties of three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffolds for bone tissue…

1113

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influence of the binder saturation level on the accuracy and on the mechanical properties of three-dimensional (3D)-printed scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

To study the influence of the liquid binder volume on the models accuracy, two quality test plates with different macropore sizes were designed and produced. For the mechanical and physical characterisation, cylindrical specimens were used. The models were printed using a calcium phosphate powder, which was characterised in terms of composition, particle size and morphology, by X-ray diffraction (XRD), laser diffraction and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The sample’s physical characterisation was made using the Archimedes method (porosity), SEM, micro-computer tomography (CT) and digital scan techniques, while the mechanical characterisation was performed by means of uniaxial compressive tests. Strength distribution was analysed using a statistical Weibull approach, and the dependence of the compressive strength on the porosity was discussed.

Findings

The saturation level is determinant for the structural characteristics, accuracy and strength the models produced by three-dimensional printing (3DP). Samples printed with the highest saturation showed higher compressive strengths (24 MPa), which are over the human trabecular bone. The models printed with lower saturations presented the highest accuracy and pore interconnectivity.

Originality/value

This study allowed to acquire important knowledge concerning the effects of shell/core saturation on the overall performance of the 3DP. With this information it is possible to devise scaffolds with the required properties for bone scaffold engineering.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Book part
Publication date: 26 September 2024

Sang Hoon Han, Kaifeng Jiang and Jaideep Anand

This chapter discusses how the real options theory can be useful for understanding the adoption of human resources management (HRM) practices. The authors review how the real…

Abstract

This chapter discusses how the real options theory can be useful for understanding the adoption of human resources management (HRM) practices. The authors review how the real options theory has provided insights into the processes through which firms manage uncertainties involved in the adoption of HRM practices. The authors offer propositions for future HRM research from the real options perspective. The authors contend that analyzing HRM practice adoptions through the lens of real options theory can enhance our understanding of the mechanisms through which firms choose which HRM practices to adopt and how they adjust the timing, scale, and methods of investment in these practices. Specifically, the authors suggest that differences in information relevant to valuation of HRM options are the source of distinct choices of HRM options across firms. Finally, the authors propose advancing knowledge on HRM practice adoptions by using a portfolio of options approach, as well as considering factors like competitors, path dependence, and switching options.

Details

Research in Personnel and Human Resources Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-889-2

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 2 March 2015

Luís P. Amaral, Nelson Martins and Joaquim B. Gouveia

– The paper aims to deliver a general review of the methods used to pursue the concept of a “sustainable university”.

4955

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to deliver a general review of the methods used to pursue the concept of a “sustainable university”.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was Internet based, and it included research papers, books, conference proceedings, technical reports and Internet Web sites. The review was divided in two main parts: sustainability implementation methods and assessment and report tools. In turn, the practices used on universities to implement included more “traditional” environmental sustainability initiatives and a more updated sustainable management systems.

Findings

Because “traditional” sustainability environmental sustainability initiatives have flaws, more recent tools were developed to help manage sustainability. Two sustainability management systems specifically oriented to universities are outlined on this paper. They both highlight the advantage of disposing a systematized management system; the need of address environmental issues and putting special attention on the use of resources, especially energy, on campus buildings; the social responsibility of the institution; and educational and research sustainability activities that must be taken on universities. Managing sustainability in a university would be facilitated if the procedure used to implement sustainability is aligned with the tool used that assesses its performance.

Originality/value

The paper presents an updated review of the efforts that universities have made in contributing to a sustainable development. It includes methods and tools used to manage sustainability within a university, including the ones used to implement, assess and report it. The paper also intends to highlight the need of consistency and coherence between the implementation method and the assessment and report tools.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

1 – 10 of 699
Per page
102050