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Article
Publication date: 1 August 2003

L.C. Hieu, E. Bohez, J. Vander Sloten, H.N. Phien, E. Vatcharaporn, P.H. Binh, P.V. An and P. Oris

Design methods for medical rapid prototyping (RP) of personalized cranioplasty implants are presented in this paper. These methods are applicable to model cranioplasty implants…

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Abstract

Design methods for medical rapid prototyping (RP) of personalized cranioplasty implants are presented in this paper. These methods are applicable to model cranioplasty implants for all types of the skull defects including beyond‐midline and multiple defects. The methods are based on two types of anatomical data, solid bone models (STereoLithography files – STL) and bone slice contours (Initial Graphics Exchange Specification – IGES and StrataSys Layer files – SSL). The bone solids and contours are constructed based on computed tomography scanning data, and these data are generated in medical image processing and STL slicing packages.

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Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 9 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 14 October 2013

Vatcharaporn Esichaikul, Win Myint Aung, Clemens Bechter and Mariam Rehman

The purpose of this paper is to define standard guidelines for the development of a wiki collaboration space for e-Learning, in order to provide collaborative activities among…

797

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define standard guidelines for the development of a wiki collaboration space for e-Learning, in order to provide collaborative activities among students, and between instructors and students.

Design/methodology/approach

The general requirements and extended features of wiki collaboration space were determined by conducting a requirement study and discussion with major stakeholders, i.e. students and tutors. Then, the wiki collaboration space was developed based on an open source wiki system. Finally, a wiki collaboration space was evaluated in terms of usability and collaboration effectiveness.

Findings

A comparison was performed between the wiki collaboration space and the original wiki in students’ works in an online course. The results showed that the effectiveness of collaboration and usefulness of wiki collaboration space were higher than original wiki in collaborative assignment.

Practical implications

As for practical implications, e-Learning developers/managers can use the outcome of this study as a guideline to integrate wiki and/or other social software to supplement e-Learning systems for better collaboration.

Originality/value

There is a need to define standard guidelines that provide the necessary features for wiki in e-Learning. In this study, extended features of wiki as collaborative learning tool were identified and evaluated to meet the needs of students in e-Learning environment.

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Journal of Enterprise Information Management, vol. 26 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0398

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Article
Publication date: 26 January 2022

Nurdin Nurdin, Helana Scheepers and Rosemary Stockdale

Most studies in electronic government (e-government) sustainability focus on the role of specific actors (stakeholders such as government employees or citizens) in sustaining an e

886

Abstract

Purpose

Most studies in electronic government (e-government) sustainability focus on the role of specific actors (stakeholders such as government employees or citizens) in sustaining an e-government project. However, such actors may not have sufficient resources to support e-government sustainability by themselves and must collaborate across different departments and stakeholders to sustain e-government projects. This paper aims to take a social systems theory perspective on sustainable local e-government, where actors cooperate and coordinate in a social system to leverage resources for e-government sustainability in local government contexts in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is an interpretive study of two local e-government case studies based on in-depth interviews with local government information technology (IT) managers, local leaders and staff. Data analysis based on constructivist grounded theory is used to understand the role of a social system in sustaining e-government systems in local governments in developing countries.

Findings

The original social system theory was developed for industry initiatives and adapted for public organisations in this paper. The unique characteristics of the public sector and e-government innovation are used to identify new components of the social system related to local e-government. Local e-government is sustained through a collaboration between actors in a social system to leverage resources and reduce challenges.

Research limitations/implications

While this is an exploratory study, the cases show that the use of a social system theory consisting of institutional, management, social and economic components requires multiple lenses for investigation. This is a challenging process because it requires different areas of knowledge to carry out the research. The challenges may influence the overall outcome of this study. In addition, the two cases may generate limited insight and experiences as this study was carried out within two local governments in Indonesia. The findings may not provide a strong basis for generalization to other contexts.

Practical implications

This study offers guidance to local government IT departments to improve collaboration in a social system between local actors (such as political, managers and staff) while implementing and using e-government systems.

Social implications

Sustainable local e-government requires all actors to coordinate and cooperate in a social system to reduce financial, political and technical challenges.

Originality/value

This paper offers new insight into how a local government collaborates in a social system to realize sustainable e-government systems. Collaborating in a social system reduces common challenges and leverages resources to support e-government sustainability.

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Journal of Systems and Information Technology, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1328-7265

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2005

L.C. Hieu, N. Zlatov, J. Vander Sloten, E. Bohez, L. Khanh, P.H. Binh, P. Oris and Y. Toshev

Aims to investigate medical rapid prototyping (medical RP) technology applications and methods based on reverse engineering (RE) and medical imaging data.

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Abstract

Purpose

Aims to investigate medical rapid prototyping (medical RP) technology applications and methods based on reverse engineering (RE) and medical imaging data.

Design/methodology/approach

Medical image processing and RE are applied to construct three‐dimensional models of anatomical structures, from which custom‐made (personalized) medical applications are developed.

Findings

The investigated methods were successfully used for design and manufacturing of biomodels, surgical aid tools, implants, medical devices and surgical training models. More than 40 medical RP applications were implemented in Europe and Asia since 1999.

Research limitations/implications

Medical RP is a multi‐discipline area. It involves in many human resources and requires high skills and know‐how in both engineering and medicine. In addition, medical RP applications are expensive, especially for low‐income countries. These practically limit its benefits and applications in hospitals.

Practical implications

In order to transfer medical RP into hospitals successfully, a good link and close collaboration between medical and engineering sites should be established. Moreover, new medical applications should be developed in the way that does not change the traditional approaches that medical doctors (MD) were trained, but provides solutions to improve the diagnosis and treatment quality.

Originality/value

The presented state‐of‐the‐art medical RP is applied for diagnosis and treatment in the following medical areas: cranio‐maxillofacial and dental surgery, neurosurgery, orthopedics, orthosis and tissue engineering. The paper is useful for MD (radiologists and surgeons), biomedical and RP/CAD/CAM engineers.

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Assembly Automation, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 13 November 2017

Stuti Saxena

With an increasing thrust upon transparency and accountability in government, e-government platforms are being scaled in many countries to bolster trust of the citizens and to…

1492

Abstract

Purpose

With an increasing thrust upon transparency and accountability in government, e-government platforms are being scaled in many countries to bolster trust of the citizens and to bring about efficiency in public service delivery. Recently, India launched its “Digital India” initiative as an e-government measure. This study aims to gauge respondents’ perceptions regarding corruption in public services post-launch of the “Digital India” initiative.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted via email, soliciting inputs from 217 respondents following a convenience sampling technique in selected districts of India. Using an institutional theory lens, this study uses a quantitative approach where correlations and hierarchical regression analysis inform the overall analysis.

Findings

The results showed that low transparency, high cost incurred in availing public services, inefficiency in government and favoritism in government are the key determinants that influenced the perception of users about corruption in e-government services. Also, one demographic variable, namely, gender, showed a statistically significant relationship with the perception of corruption in e-government services.

Originality/value

Hitherto, extant literature is replete with conceptual and theoretical studies on the impact of e-government initiatives on curbing corruption, and there is negligible empirical research in developing countries vis-à-vis this dimension – the present study seeks to fill this gap. Second, previous research has not used the institutional theory to investigate the efficacy of e-government initiatives; this study uses the framework of the institutional theory framework to substantiate the arguments.

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foresight, vol. 19 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

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Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Stuti Saxena

The purpose of this paper is to underline the role of demographic variables as far as the perception of corruption among the Indian respondents is concerned.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to underline the role of demographic variables as far as the perception of corruption among the Indian respondents is concerned.

Design/methodology/approach

Hierarchical regression analysis is conducted to ascertain the role of demographic variables in line with the study’s objectives.

Findings

Gender is a demographic factor that influences the perception of corruption by the respondents. Other demographic factors including education, marital status, professional status and age do not have any influence on the user perception of corruption in e-government services. Implicitly, there are differences in the manner in which men and women perceive the prevalence of corruption in India. Therefore, males perceive that corruption has decreased in e-government services post-launch of “Digital India” initiative and women perceive the opposite.

Research limitations/implications

On the one hand, the study holds significance, in that no empirical investigation has been conducted which seeks to underline the impact of the “Digital India” initiatives on the citizen’s perception of corruption in public services. On the other hand, the present research is limited in the sense that only demographic variables are being probed in the present study with a small sample.

Originality/value

Studies in developing countries have remained few and far between despite the growing concern for existence of corruption in government services. The present study seeks to fill the gap by underlining the role of demographic variables as far as the perception of corruption in public services is concerned in the Indian context.

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Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5038

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Article
Publication date: 10 June 2014

Sameer C. Raghatate, Abhaykumar M. Kuthe, Tushar R. Deshmukh and Sandeep W. Dahake

The main purpose of this paper is to report the successful treatment modality for patients suffering from arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) of the foot which…

396

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper is to report the successful treatment modality for patients suffering from arthritis of the metatarsophalangeal joint (MTPJ) of the foot which otherwise could not be treated through traditional surgeries.

Design/methodology/approach

The unique capabilities of the computer-aided design and the rapid prototyping (RP) technology are used to develop the customized MTPJ implant (SamKu).

Findings

This approach shows good results in the fabrication of the MTPJ implant. Postoperatively, the patient experienced normalcy in the movement of the MTPJ of the foot.

Practical implications

Advanced technologies made it possible to fabricate the customized MTPJ implant (SamKu). The advantage of this approach is that the physical RP model assisted in designing the final metallic implant. It also helped in the surgical planning and the rehearsals.

Originality/value

This case report illustrates the benefits of imaging/computer-aided manufacturing/RP to develop the customized implant and serve those patients who could not be treated in the traditional way. This is a pioneered attempt toward implementation of a customized implant for patients suffering from arthritis of the MTPJ.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 3 January 2019

Marco Mandolini, Agnese Brunzini, Michele Germani, Steve Manieri, Alida Mazzoli and Mario Pagnoni

Orbital fractures are the most commonly encountered midfacial fractures, and usually, the fracture involves the floor and/or the medial wall of the orbit. This paper aims to…

191

Abstract

Purpose

Orbital fractures are the most commonly encountered midfacial fractures, and usually, the fracture involves the floor and/or the medial wall of the orbit. This paper aims to present an innovative approach for primary and secondary reconstructions of fractured orbital walls through the use of computer-assisted techniques and additive manufacturing.

Design/methodology/approach

First, through the 3D anatomical modelling, the geometry of the implant is shaped to fill the orbital defect and recover the facial symmetry. Subsequently, starting from the modelled implant, a customised mould is designed taking into account medical and technological requirements.

Findings

The selective laser sintered mould is able to model and form several kind of prosthetic materials (e.g. titanium meshes and demineralised bone tissue), resulting in customised implants and allowing accurate orbital cavity reconstructions. The case study proved that this procedure, at the same time, reduces the morbidity on the patients, the duration of surgery and the related costs.

Originality/value

This innovative approach has great potential, as it is an easy and in-office procedure, and it offers several advantages over other existing methods.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 18 January 2011

Ryszard Uklejewski, Mariusz Winiecki, Piotr Rogala and Janusz Mielniczuk

The aim of this paper is to present the main results of a research project finished in 2008 which concerned the selective laser melted (SLM) prototype of a new kind of minimally…

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to present the main results of a research project finished in 2008 which concerned the selective laser melted (SLM) prototype of a new kind of minimally invasive resurfacing hip arthroplasty (RHA) endoprosthesis with the original multi‐spiked connecting scaffold (MSC‐Scaffold). Previous attempts performed in pre‐Direct Metal Manufacturing (DMM) era demonstrated that it was impossible to manufacture suitable prototypes of this RHA endoprosthesis (especially of the MSC‐Scaffold) using traditional machining technologies. Owing to an extensive development of DMM technologies observed in recent years the manufacturing of such prototypes has become possible.

Design/methodology/approach

Computer aided design models of pre‐prototypes and the prototype of the RHA endoprosthesis with MSC‐Scaffold were designed and initially optimized within the claims and the general assumptions of international patents by Rogala. Prototyping in SLM technology was subcontracted to SLM Tech Center (Paderborn, Germany). Macroscopic and SEM microscopic evaluation of the MSC‐Scaffold was performed using SLM manufactured prototypes and paying special attention to the quality and precision of manufacturing.

Findings

It was found that SLM can be successfully applied to manufacturing of prototypes of the original minimally invasive RHA endoprosthesis. The manufacturing quality of the 3D spikes system of the MSC‐Scaffold, which mimics the interdigitations of articular subchondral bone, has been proved to be geometrically corresponding to the biological original. Nevertheless, some pores and non‐melted zones were found in SLM prototyped RHA endoprosthesis cross‐sections which need to be eliminated to minimize the potential risk of clinical failure.

Research limitations/implications

The presented case study was performed with a limited number of samples. More research needs to be performed on the rapid prototyped samples including microstructural and mechanical tests. The results may enable the optimization of the SLM manufacturing process of the prototypes of the minimally invasive RHA endoprosthesis with MSC‐Scaffold.

Practical implications

The SLM can be considered as potentially suitable for the fabrication of patient‐fitted minimally invasive RHA endoprostheses with MSC‐Scaffold.

Originality/value

For the first time, largely owing to SLM technology, it was possible to manufacture the prototype of the original minimally invasive RHA endoprosthesis with MSC‐Scaffold suitable for further research.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2005

S. Singare, L. Dichen, L. Bingheng, G. Zhenyu and L. Yaxiong

To develop a computer‐assisted prefabricated implant design and manufacturing system to improve the esthetic outcome in chin surgery.

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Abstract

Purpose

To develop a computer‐assisted prefabricated implant design and manufacturing system to improve the esthetic outcome in chin surgery.

Design/methodology/approach

Design methods for medical rapid prototyping (RP) of custom‐fabricated chin augmentation implant are presented in this paper. After a careful preoperative planning based on cephalometric tracing for esthetic assessment, helical computed tomography data were used to create a three‐dimensional model of the deficient mandible. Based on these data, the inner surface of the prosthesis was designed to fit the bone surface exactly. The outer geometry was generated from a dried human mandible to create anatomically correct shape prosthesis. The inner and outer surfaces were then connected, and a solid model resulted. A RP system was used for production of the physical models. The surgical planning was performed using the implants and skull models. The resulting SLA implant is used for the production of a mold, which is used to cast the titanium part. Three patients with a congenital small chin or a small and asymmetric mandible underwent reconstruction with individual prefabricated implant. Mean follow‐up period was 1.5 years.

Findings

This approach showed significant results in chin augmentation. Compared with traditional methods, the intra‐operative fit was excellent. The operating time was reduced. Postoperatively, the patients experienced the restoration of a natural chin contour, so the esthetic outcome was pleasing. Over the mean follow‐up period of 1.5 years, there were no complications and no implant had to be removed. Long‐term excellent esthetic outcomes by using this new technique have recently been reported.

Research limitations/implications

The methods described above suffer from certain limitations. The registration of the mandible template to create the augmentation image requires high skills of the designer. In addition, the use of RP model in preoperative preparation is expensive.

Practical implications

This method not only demonstrates the significant progress in the reconstruction of chin defects using CAD/CAM RP and RT, compared with the conventional methods of chin augmentation surgery, but also provides natural geometrical prosthesis contour design and accurate fabrication and precise fitting of the prosthesis. The advantages of using this technique are that the physical model of the implant is fitted on the skull model so that the surgeon can plan and rehearse the surgery in advance and a less invasive surgical procedure and less time‐consuming reconstructive and an adequate esthetic can result.

Originality/value

This clinical case demonstrated the potential value of CAD/CAM and RP‐based custom fitted and anatomically correct shape prosthesis fabrication and presurgical planning in craniofacial surgery.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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