Haeseong Jee and Emanuel Sachs
Rapid prototyping technologies can create a physical part directly from a digital model by accumulating layers of a given material. Providing tremendous flexibility in the part…
Abstract
Rapid prototyping technologies can create a physical part directly from a digital model by accumulating layers of a given material. Providing tremendous flexibility in the part geometry that they can fabricate, these technologies present an opportunity for the creation of new product attributes that cannot be made with existing technologies. For this to be possible, however, various design environments including different fabrication processes need to be considered at the time of design. This paper proposes an extended design automation paradigm for design and fabrication of a new product attribute, surface macro‐texture.
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Michele Lanzetta and Emanuel Sachs
The use of bimodal powders has been shown to offer the possibility of dramatically improved surface finish in 3D printing. This work focused on individual lines, the primitive…
Abstract
The use of bimodal powders has been shown to offer the possibility of dramatically improved surface finish in 3D printing. This work focused on individual lines, the primitive building block of 3D printed parts. It was observed that the fine component of bimodal ceramic powders, while uniformly distributed in the original powderbed, was preferentially found at the surface of the printed line, while the interior of the line was denuded of fines. Microscopic examination and approximate quantitative analysis supports the assertion that essentially all the fines have moved to the surface of the line. The mechanism for this rearrangement is not known, but is speculated to be related to the relative difficulty of wetting fine powders. The parameter space in which this phenomenon can be observed was examined in a preliminary manner.
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Charles Hull, Michael Feygin, Yehudah Baron, Roy Sanders, Emanuel Sachs, Allan Lightman and Terry Wohlers
Recent developments in rapid prototyping provide evidence of the maturing of some areas of application. New applications continue to surface and new systems/processes are being…
Abstract
Recent developments in rapid prototyping provide evidence of the maturing of some areas of application. New applications continue to surface and new systems/processes are being introduced on a regular basis. The Fifth International Conference on Rapid Prototyping (Dayton, Ohio, 1994) provided an opportunity to bring together leaders in the commercial development and application of RP technology and to hear their perspectives on the current capabilities and future directions. A “Manufacturers round table” provided the forum for the audience to submit questions. Relates participants’ responses.
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Report from a recent conference held in Italy and organised by the RapidPrototyping Research Group at the University of Nottingham. Papers werepresented on a wide variety of…
Abstract
Report from a recent conference held in Italy and organised by the Rapid Prototyping Research Group at the University of Nottingham. Papers were presented on a wide variety of subjects including stereolithography, selective laser sintering, laser forming, fused deposition modelling, three‐dimensional printing, CAD and data transfer and rapid tooling. Tooling was one of the key topics during the three‐day event.
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While asset/liability management (A/L M) has been applied widely by insurers for 15 years, it has had mixed results. This article describes how initial efforts were unsuccessful…
Abstract
While asset/liability management (A/L M) has been applied widely by insurers for 15 years, it has had mixed results. This article describes how initial efforts were unsuccessful, due to the focus on accounting values rather than economic values. The author asserts that insurers must rectify this misstep before A/L M can become a useful tool for them. Several forces are combining to ensure that this takes place in the near future.
David B. Zoogah, Emanuel Gomes and Miguel Pina Cunha
There is a growing desire for more scientific and technical knowledge regarding Africa. This is because Africa has the potential and opportunity to generate impactful research…
Abstract
Purpose
There is a growing desire for more scientific and technical knowledge regarding Africa. This is because Africa has the potential and opportunity to generate impactful research. However, this potential is not optimized because of several constraints, including the lack of systematic reviews and models of knowledge management and paradoxical trends in Africa. The purpose of this paper is to review studies on knowledge management and associated paradoxes in Africa and a paradox-conscious African knowledge management model. The autochthonous African model that the authors propose has implications for global knowledge management.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors review studies on knowledge management and paradoxes on Africa.
Findings
The authors propose a model and identify 12 paradoxes broadly categorized as industrial, political and social.
Practical implications
The paradoxical tensions characteristic of Africa may be considered integral to business and policy rather than local expressions to be solved through international “best practice.”
Originality/value
The model this paper propose enables theoretical and empirical studies of knowledge management sensitive to the paradoxical tensions associated with autochthonous management knowledge and autochthonous knowledge management.
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This chapter examines corporate governance–related financial reporting issues in the context of globalization. Over the past few decades, the process of globalization has…
Abstract
This chapter examines corporate governance–related financial reporting issues in the context of globalization. Over the past few decades, the process of globalization has substantially altered the fields of corporate governance and accounting. More specifically, Anglo-American models of corporate governance and financial reporting have received increasing momentum in emerging economies, including China. However, a review of relevant studies suggests that there is limited research examining the implementation of Anglo-American concepts in various countries regardless of their growing acceptance. This monograph extends the existing literature by comprehensively investigating the adoption of internationally acceptable principles and standards in China, the largest transitional economy that has different institutional context from Anglo-American countries. In addition, the review has a number of implications for developing the theoretical framework, and determining the research methodology for the monograph.
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Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have arisen as the availability of larger data sources, statistical methods, and computing power have rapidly and simultaneously…
Abstract
Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) have arisen as the availability of larger data sources, statistical methods, and computing power have rapidly and simultaneously evolved. The transformation is leading to a revolution that will affect virtually every industry. Businesses that are slow to adopt modern data practices are likely to be left behind with little chance to catch up.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide a brief overview of machine learning and AI in the business setting. In addition to providing historical context, the chapter also provides justification for AI investment, even in industries in which data is not the core business function. The means by which computers learn is de-mystified and various algorithms and evaluation methods are presented. Lastly, the chapter considers various ethical and practical consequences of machine learning algorithms after implementation.
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Francisco Coronado, Vincent Charles and Rocky J. Dwyer
The purpose of this paper is to incorporate factors that characterize the agricultural activity as productivity indices to compute the agricultural competitiveness of regions in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to incorporate factors that characterize the agricultural activity as productivity indices to compute the agricultural competitiveness of regions in order to rank the regions, and compare the results with those obtained by applying other commonly used social and economic indicators.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors identify regional factors related to the use of water, soil, production, revenues, and rural population, which conform a total of six productivity indices, that the authors then employ to calculate the regional agricultural competitiveness index.
Findings
The agricultural-related indices are informative in supporting the regional ranking related to resources and technology utilization. The results reveal that the coastal regions are the most competitive when compared to the regions located in the highlands and the jungle. Nevertheless, in contrast with other existing competitiveness rankings, the present study identifies the regions with the greatest potential for agriculture.
Research limitations/implications
The authors identify the regions which have a higher potential of development considering the natural resources and agricultural production. The authors hope that this paper can assist regional and national policymakers in their endeavor to improve regional and national competitiveness.
Practical implications
The authors identify the regions with a higher potential of development considering natural resources and agricultural production and the possibilities to improve their competitiveness.
Social implications
The study also bears social implications, given that the rural activities in Peru are carried out by approx. 7 million inhabitants, whose contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP) is as much as 7 percent, making use of about 94 percent of the available water.
Originality/value
The originality of the present paper resides in the attempt to compute a regional competitiveness index by taking agricultural resources as determinant factors. The authors rank the regions based on their agricultural competitiveness.