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Article
Publication date: 1 May 1993

S. AITA, E. HAUG, F. EL KHALDI, D. LEFEBVRE and E. DI PASQUALE

A sheet metal forming simulation code has been developed, based on the explicit time integration scheme and Mindlin shell theory. It has been used for the analysis of a number of…

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Abstract

A sheet metal forming simulation code has been developed, based on the explicit time integration scheme and Mindlin shell theory. It has been used for the analysis of a number of industrial parts. After recalling some modelling issues, this paper describes an industrial methodology based on the experience of those analyses. The aim of the methodology is to provide, at early design stage, information on the product formability with a workload and lead time adapted to the design delays. Concurrently 2D analyses, critical zones studies and coarse mesh global investigations can be used, with a flexible number of iterations, prior to full refined analyses of the forming process. The application of the methodology on several industrial examples is discussed.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 10 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 14 January 2020

Nedjma Abdelhafidi, Nour El Islam Bachari, Zohra Abdelhafidi, Ali Cheknane, Abdelmotaleb Mokhnache and Loranzo Castro

Integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) using parabolic trough collector (PTC) technology is a new power plant that has been installed in few countries to benefit from the use of…

178

Abstract

Purpose

Integrated solar combined cycle (ISCC) using parabolic trough collector (PTC) technology is a new power plant that has been installed in few countries to benefit from the use of hybrid solar-gas systems. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges in modeling the thermal output of the hybrid solar-gas power plant and to analyze the factors that influence them.

Design/methodology/approach

To validate the proposal, a study was conducted on a test stand in situ and based on the statistical analysis of meteorological data of the year 2017. Such data have been brought from Abener hybrid solar-gas central of Hassi R’mel and used as an input of our model.

Findings

The proposal made by the authors has been simulated using MATLAB environment. The simulation results show that the net solar electricity reaches 18 per cent in June, 15 per cent in March and September, while it cannot exceed 8 per cent in December. Moreover, it shows that the power plant responses sensibly to solar energy, where the electricity output increases accordingly to the solar radiation increase. This increase in efficiency results in better economic utilization of the solar PTC equipment in such kind of hybrid solar-gas power plant.

Practical implications

The obtained results would be expected to provide the possibility for designing other power plants in Algeria when such conditions are met (high DNI, low wind speed, water and natural-gas availability).

Originality/value

This paper presents a new model able to predict the thermal solar energy and the net solar-electricity efficiency of such kind solar hybrid power plant.

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Article
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Cecilia Madero-Gonzalez, Jesus Vazquez-Hernandez and Fernando Gonzalez Aleu

This study aims to examine the impact of gamification on the five dimensions of meaningful learning (i.e. cooperative, active, authentic, constructive and intentional learning…

75

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of gamification on the five dimensions of meaningful learning (i.e. cooperative, active, authentic, constructive and intentional learning) and undergraduate student performance taking online lessons.

Design/methodology/approach

Therefore, the authors conducted an experiment among undergraduate students taking online classes at the Mechanical and Electrical Engineering School at a public university during the COVID-19 pandemic. The experiment included one control and two observation groups using gamification (Golden Points). Qualitative and quantitative analyses were performed.

Findings

Results showed that gamification significantly affects meaningful learning and impacts student performance in online courses.

Originality/value

This study was limited to a single topic in a six-month course at a public university. Additional research is required to continue examining the impact of gamification in higher education institutions with different format courses and in other organisational sectors.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 33 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

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Article
Publication date: 16 August 2021

Seyram Pearl Kumah and Jones Odei-Mensah

The paper aims to examine the asymmetric response of three major altcoins to shocks in six African fiat currencies in a time-frequency space.

206

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to examine the asymmetric response of three major altcoins to shocks in six African fiat currencies in a time-frequency space.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are for the period 10th August 2015 to 2nd February 2019 at a daily frequency. The authors capture the time and frequency information in the return series of the currencies using the ensemble empirical mode decomposition. The authors implemented quantile regression and quantile-in-quantile regression on the decomposed series to test the response of altcoins to both positive and negative shocks in the fiat currencies across time to see if the altcoins are viable alternatives to African fiat currencies.

Findings

The outcome of the study suggests that altcoins behave differently from African fiat currencies and are viable alternative digital currencies and good hedges for African fiat currencies from the medium-term.

Research limitations/implications

Policymakers in Africa and across the globe can follow this paper to mitigate currency crises by adopting altcoins as alternatives to fiat currencies. Forex traders can also mitigate trade risk by using altcoins to hedge dollar/African fiat currency exchange rate risk.

Originality/value

The research was conducted by the authors and has not been published in any journal.

Details

International Journal of Development Issues, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1446-8956

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Publication date: 18 January 2024

Ackmez Mudhoo, Gaurav Sharma, Khim Hoong Chu and Mika Sillanpää

Adsorption parameters (e.g. Langmuir constant, mass transfer coefficient and Thomas rate constant) are involved in the design of aqueous-media adsorption treatment units. However…

Abstract

Adsorption parameters (e.g. Langmuir constant, mass transfer coefficient and Thomas rate constant) are involved in the design of aqueous-media adsorption treatment units. However, the classic approach to estimating such parameters is perceived to be imprecise. Herein, the essential features and performances of the ant colony, bee colony and elephant herd optimisation approaches are introduced to the experimental chemist and chemical engineer engaged in adsorption research for aqueous systems. Key research and development directions, believed to harness these algorithms for real-scale water treatment (which falls within the wide-ranging coverage of the Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) ‘Clean Water and Sanitation for All’), are also proposed. The ant colony, bee colony and elephant herd optimisations have higher precision and accuracy, and are particularly efficient in finding the global optimum solution. It is hoped that the discussions can stimulate both the experimental chemist and chemical engineer to delineate the progress achieved so far and collaborate further to devise strategies for integrating these intelligent optimisations in the design and operation of real multicomponent multi-complexity adsorption systems for water purification.

Details

Artificial Intelligence, Engineering Systems and Sustainable Development
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-540-8

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Article
Publication date: 10 August 2015

Wan Hakimah Wan Ibrahim and Abdul Ghafar Ismail

– The aim of this paper is to discuss the similarities and differences of both conventional and Islamic financial institutions from various institutional perspectives.

4742

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to discuss the similarities and differences of both conventional and Islamic financial institutions from various institutional perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper describes the insights held by the financial institution theory which is discussed from the perspectives of the economics of the financial institution, legal environment, the political aspect of an institution, the philosophical underpinning, the components of institution and also the ethical role of institution. Then, this paper will proceed to justify the similarities and differences that have been observed between both institutions.

Findings

Discussions in this paper will reveal that specifically specific similarity is prevalent on the nature of the supervisory role. The differences between both institutions from the aspects of business organization, economic roles and law of origin have also been found.

Research limitations/implications

The similarities and differences that are established on both institutions will affect the structure of the financial contract and the design of financial systems.

Originality/value

The paper will contribute a new knowledge specifically on the design of the Islamic financial contract based on Shariah law at the initial phase.

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Article
Publication date: 30 May 2024

Yongzhong Yang, Aixian Yu, JinJing Li, Mohsin Shafi and Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi

Gamification has emerged as a dynamic force in education, with increasing interest in its impact on college students' learning. Most previous research regards gamification as a…

161

Abstract

Purpose

Gamification has emerged as a dynamic force in education, with increasing interest in its impact on college students' learning. Most previous research regards gamification as a single element and only focuses on the cognitive level of gamification elements, lacking an overall exploration of the impact mechanism of gamification elements. Against the backdrop of virtual learning communities, we apply the cognition-affection-conation theory to examine the influence of various gamification elements on college students' online learning behaviors, examining both cognitive and affective pathways.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through a predefined questionnaire from 11 Chinese virtual learning communities, with 587 respondents participating in the study. SmartPLS was employed to conduct a Partial Least Squares (PLS) analysis of the research model and test the hypotheses.

Findings

Our findings reveal that immersion and achievement-oriented gamification elements positively impact learning behavior. Conversely, the social gamification element exhibits a negative influence due to social burnout within virtual learning communities. This study pioneers a model to understand the intricate influence mechanisms of gamification elements on college students' online learning behaviors. The model contributes to the enriched exploration and practical application of college students' learning behaviors in virtual learning communities.

Originality/value

Unlike previous studies that often treat gamification as a single element and focus solely on cognitive aspects, this research explores both cognitive and affective pathways using cognition-affection-conation theory. By examining the influence of various gamification elements on college students' online learning behaviors in virtual learning communities, this study provides nuanced insights. In particular, immersion and achievement-oriented gamification elements positively impact learning behavior, while social gamification elements have a negative influence due to social burnout. This comprehensive approach deepens our understanding of how gamification affects students' learning experiences, enriches knowledge, and provides practical insights for educators and instructional designers.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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Article
Publication date: 11 July 2016

Paula Correia, André Vítor, Marlene Tenreiro, Ana Cristina Correia, João Madanelo and Raquel Guiné

Thistle flower (Cynara cardunculus) aqueous extracts, as rich source of milk-clotting peptidases, have been widely used for cheeses marketed under the Registry of the Protected…

177

Abstract

Purpose

Thistle flower (Cynara cardunculus) aqueous extracts, as rich source of milk-clotting peptidases, have been widely used for cheeses marketed under the Registry of the Protected Designation of Origin, as it is the case of Serra da Estrela cheese, manufactured from raw ewes’ milk and without addition of any commercial starter culture. This paper aims at studying the influence of six different ecotypes of thistle flowers in cheese properties during the ripening and of final products.

Design/methodology/approach

Cheeses were produced with different thistle flower extracts and then the clotting time, weight and colour of cheeses, as well as texture properties and sensorial characteristics, were evaluated.

Findings

The clotting time varied from 47 to 66 min, and the weight loss along ripening varied between 32 and 40 per cent. There was some influence of thistle flower ecotype on the colour during ripening and in the final product. The results of texture analysis revealed significant differences between the thistle ecotypes: crust firmness varying from 2.4 to 5.6 N; inner firmness from 0.82 to 1.82 N; stickiness from −0.5 to −1.60 N; adhesiveness from −3.0 to −11.3 N.s; and Ecotype C was particularly distinguishable. Sensorial evaluation revealed differences among the cheeses, with Ecotype C receiving the highest score for global appreciation.

Originality/value

The usage of different extracts of thistle flower to produce Serra da Estrela cheese with different properties is a novelty, and it allows the possibility of manipulating this parameter in the future so as to produce cheeses with specific characteristics, addressed to different consumer targets.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 46 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

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Article
Publication date: 26 July 2021

Ömer Akbal, Hakan F. Öztop and Nidal H. Abu-Hamdeh

The purpose of this paper is to make a three-dimensional computational analysis of melting in corrugated pipe inserted system filled with phase change material (PCM). The system…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make a three-dimensional computational analysis of melting in corrugated pipe inserted system filled with phase change material (PCM). The system was heated from the inner pipe, and temperature of the outer pipe was lower than that of inner pipe. Different geometrical ratio cases and two different temperature differences were tested for their effect on melting time.

Design/methodology/approach

A computational analysis through a pipe with corrugated pipe filled with PCM is analyzed. Finite volume method was applied with the SIMPLE algorithm method to solve the governing equations.

Findings

The results indicate that the geometrical parameters can be used to control the melting time inside the heat exchanger which, in turn, affect the energy efficiency. The fastest melting time is seen in Case 4 at the same temperature difference which is the major observation of the current work.

Originality/value

Originality of this work is to perform a three-dimensional analysis of melting of PCM in a corrugated pipe inserted pipe.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 2 June 2022

Qianling Jiang, Chao Gu, Yan Feng, Wei Wei and Wang-Chin Tsai

Mobile e-commerce has brought convenience to consumers. But for goods such as shoes, mobile e-commerce has failed to provide the same experience as consumers would have in…

1625

Abstract

Purpose

Mobile e-commerce has brought convenience to consumers. But for goods such as shoes, mobile e-commerce has failed to provide the same experience as consumers would have in physical stores, and that also causes problems for online merchants, such as high return rates. As a result, the augmented reality (AR) virtual shoe-try-on function appeared. The way that AR virtual shoe-try-on study different from other AR virtual try-on studies is that AR virtual shoe-try-on study only satisfies consumers' visual experience and consumers cannot judge whether the shoes are comfort or not. Whether consumers would accept AR virtual try-on function to help them make purchase decision due to the visual experience provided by AR virtual try-on function is worth discussion. Measuring users' perceptions and preferences can help companies design AR shoe-trying functions and provide services more cost-effectively.

Design/methodology/approach

To promote the continuous use and better development of such mobile e-commerce based on the technology acceptance model (TAM), this study explored the influencing factors for users' intentions to continue using the AR virtual shoe-try-on function, including the perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, system quality, perceived playfulness and attitude.

Findings

The results of this study showed that TAM is a powerful theoretical tool of the new technology in mobile e-commerce and that the system quality and perceived playfulness also have a positive impact on the original variables of TAM. System quality and perceived playfulness are important predictors of users' continuance intentions to use the AR virtual shoe-try-on function.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study to model iteration and theoretical update is to verify the applicability of the TAM in the AR shoe-try-on function and to expand TAM model with system quality and perceived playfulness. The authors' results will help shoe enterprises win users' recognition through AR shoe-try-on function and improve users' continuance intention of use.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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