Yee Ling Yap, Yong Sheng Edgar Tan, Heang Kuan Joel Tan, Zhen Kai Peh, Xue Yi Low, Wai Yee Yeong, Colin Siang Hui Tan and Augustinus Laude
The design process of a bio-model involves multiple factors including data acquisition technique, material requirement, resolution of the printing technique, cost-effectiveness of…
Abstract
Purpose
The design process of a bio-model involves multiple factors including data acquisition technique, material requirement, resolution of the printing technique, cost-effectiveness of the printing process and end-use requirements. This paper aims to compare and highlight the effects of these design factors on the printing outcome of bio-models.
Design/methodology/approach
Different data sources including engineering drawing, computed tomography (CT), and optical coherence tomography (OCT) were converted to a printable data format. Three different bio-models, namely, an ophthalmic model, a retina model and a distal tibia model, were printed using two different techniques, namely, PolyJet and fused deposition modelling. The process flow and 3D printed models were analysed.
Findings
The data acquisition and 3D printing process affect the overall printing resolution. The design process flows using different data sources were established and the bio-models were printed successfully.
Research limitations/implications
Data acquisition techniques contained inherent noise data and resulted in inaccuracies during data conversion.
Originality/value
This work showed that the data acquisition and conversion technique had a significant effect on the quality of the bio-model blueprint and subsequently the printing outcome. In addition, important design factors of bio-models were highlighted such as material requirement and the cost-effectiveness of the printing technique. This paper provides a systematic discussion for future development of an engineering design process in three-dimensional (3D) printed bio-models.
Details
Keywords
This paper examines the role of acquirers’ prior related knowledge in the post-acquisition integration process. The purpose of this paper is to identify what constitutes the key…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the role of acquirers’ prior related knowledge in the post-acquisition integration process. The purpose of this paper is to identify what constitutes the key prior related knowledge that can contribute to the reverse knowledge transfer following Chinese firms’ outward mergers and acquisitions (M&As) to Europe, and explain how prior related knowledge affects such transfer of knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors employ a multiple case study approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted from February 2012 to June 2013 with 24 managers.
Findings
The authors find that, in addition to knowledge about the target, prior international business experience, R&D capability, and industrial capabilities are key components of acquirers’ prior related knowledge that can contribute to the success of M&A integration and post-acquisition reverse knowledge transfer. Indeed, Chinese acquirers’ prior related knowledge can influence the reverse knowledge transfer from acquired firms to acquirers by directly improving acquirers’ absorptive capacity and building a harmonious organisational climate to facilitate such transfer.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the absorptive capacity and the cross-border M&A literature. It extends the current knowledge on the key components of an acquirer’s prior related knowledge in the outward M&A by Chinese firms. It also uncovers how post-acquisition reverse knowledge transfer is affected by acquirers’ prior related knowledge.
Details
Keywords
Liew-Phing Pui, Wen-Chian Tan, Ianne Kong and Choon-Hui Tan
This review provides an overview of the applications of Bambara groundnuts in various food products. The genetic diversity, physical properties and chemical compositions of the…
Abstract
Purpose
This review provides an overview of the applications of Bambara groundnuts in various food products. The genetic diversity, physical properties and chemical compositions of the crop are also elucidated.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper critically reviewed the physicochemical properties and applications of Bambara groundnuts from recent literature.
Findings
Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) is a drought-tolerant crop from West Africa that contains not only carbohydrates and fats but is also high in protein. The cultivars of Bambara groundnut can be distinguished by the colours of seeds, which range from red, blue-eye, brown and black-eye. Bambara groundnuts contain carbohydrate (57–67%), protein (15–25%), fat (4–8%), fibre (1.4–1.5%) and ash (2.9–4%). As a percentage of protein, the essential amino acids, lysine, methionine and cysteine are relatively high in Bambara groundnuts. Meanwhile, linoleic, palmitic and linolenic acids are the fatty acids present in this crop.
Practical implications
Several studies have shown that Bambara groundnuts can be used as fat substitutes, emulsifiers, water binders, bulking agents and thickeners due to its water and oil absorption properties, gelling, pasting, emulsifying and foaming abilities. Bambara groundnuts are used in the development of many intermediate or final products like flour blend, cookies, bread and fermented milk. It has a positive impact on the overall proximate, functional, mineral and amino acid profiles of the food products.
Originality/value
Despite its high nutrient density, Bambara groundnuts are an underutilised legume due to unavailability and lack of knowledge among consumers on its benefits. There is a need to promote the use of Bambara groundnuts as a future food.
Details
Keywords
Yong Fu, Kun Chen, Li He and Hui Tan Wang
The purpose of this paper is to address two major challenges faced by robotic fish when operating in underwater environments: insufficient path planning capabilities and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address two major challenges faced by robotic fish when operating in underwater environments: insufficient path planning capabilities and difficulties in avoiding dynamic obstacles. To achieve this, a method is proposed that combines the Improved Rapid Randomized Tree Star (IRRT*) with the dynamic window approach (DWA).
Design/methodology/approach
The RRT-connect algorithm is used to determine an initial feasible path quickly. The quality of sampling points is then improved by dividing the regions and selecting each region’s probability based on its fitness value. The fitness function and roulette wheel method are introduced for region selection. Subtarget points of the DWA algorithm are extracted from the IRRT* algorithm to achieve real-time dynamic path planning.
Findings
In various maps, the iteration count for the IRRT* algorithm decreased by 61%, 35% and 51% respectively, compared to the RRT* algorithm, whereas the iteration time was reduced by 75%, 34% and 57%, respectively. In addition, the IRRT*-DWA algorithm can successfully navigate through multiple dynamic obstacles, and the average time, path length, etc. do not change much when parameters change, and the stability is high.
Originality/value
A novel IRRT*-DWA algorithm is proposed, which, by refining the sampling strategy and updating sub-target points in real time, not only addresses the limitations of existing algorithms in terms of path planning efficiency in complex environments but also enhances their capability to avoid dynamic obstacles. Ultimately, experimental results indicate a high level of similarity between the actual and ideal paths.
Details
Keywords
Dana-Nicoleta Lascu, Zafar U. Ahmed, Irfan Ahmed and Tan Hui Min
Previous research has posited country image to operate at two levels: the country’s macro image, based on general politico-economic descriptors of the country, and the country’s…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous research has posited country image to operate at two levels: the country’s macro image, based on general politico-economic descriptors of the country, and the country’s micro image, based on perceptions of products from the country. The purpose of this paper is to further explore this premise in a practical study, using a psychometric assessment of macro and micro country images by ascertaining the nature of differences in macro and micro images of leading exporters, the USA and China, for consumers in Malaysia, a top import destination of US and Chinese goods; the images of Malaysian goods were similarly assessed.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a systematic sample, with questionnaires distributed to adult respondents using a street intercept. Interviewers asked every other passer-by to fill out a questionnaire, and stood in close proximity to address any questions from respondents. The study hypothesized that there is a significant difference between country macro and micro image, respectively for the USA, China and Malaysia, and that there is significant relationship between country macro image and country micro image in each country, respectively, USA, China and Malaysia.
Findings
The study found support for the reliability of existing country micro and macro image measures, and further refined them for increased validity. The study compared between the countries and found significant differences on both macro and micro dimensions of country image. The US scored highest on technological research, high quality products, standards of living, labor costs, welfare system, industrialization, civilian government, development, literacy, free-market system and democracy, followed by China on technological research, industrialization, development and free-market system, with Malaysia scoring higher on product quality, labor costs, welfare system, civilian government is civilian/non-military, literacy, free-market system and democracy.
Research limitations/implications
A broader study of countries that share geopolitical and cultural similarities might offer additional insights into country macro and micro image.
Practical implications
The study cautions marketers to assess the acceptance of their products in the context of their country’s macro and micro image perceptions in target markets, and steer those perceptions in a manner that would be beneficial to their marketing efforts.
Originality/value
The conceptualization of the macro and micro aspects of country image has been one of the less studied dimensions of country image. This study is the first to address these dimensions from an emerging-market perspective, suggesting that, at the macro level, country perceptions regarding technology, economy, and politics contribute to an overall impression of the country, which would then influence the desirability of its products originating there. For the micro country image, products from countries perceived as innovative, excelling in product design, and producing prestigious products, are likely to be perceived as desirable.
Details
Keywords
Peter J. Buckley, Jeremy Clegg, Adam R. Cross and Hui Tan
This paper explores the impact of China’s growing prominence in global and regional foreign direct investment (FDI) fl ows on the Southeast Asian countries as investment…
Abstract
This paper explores the impact of China’s growing prominence in global and regional foreign direct investment (FDI) fl ows on the Southeast Asian countries as investment locations. Providing internal social and economic cohesion is maintained, China is likely to exert a greater pull on regional FDI after WTO accession. To benefit from China’s success, the Southeast Asian countries will need to replace deteriorating individual locational advantages relative to China with a superior regional one. The ASEAN Free Trade Agreement or the Asian Investment Area or both are likely to be important policy solutions.
Details
Keywords
Abdul Lateef Olanrewaju and Arazi Idrus
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of the affordable housing shortage in the Greater Kuala Lumpur from the suppliers’ perspectives.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the determinants of the affordable housing shortage in the Greater Kuala Lumpur from the suppliers’ perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
Primary data were collected through a cross-sectional survey questionnaire comprising 21 determinants and 111 experts in the housing industry.
Findings
The affordable housing shortages are consequences of regulations and policies on land allocations, building materials and the affordable housing market. The government should provide more lands to the developers or the government should directly build affordable housing on their lands. To lower the cost of construction, the government should reduce the importation tax and procedures, and the housing industry should find alternative building materials.
Originality/value
Theoretically, the research provided fresh insights into the causes of housing shortages and reasons for the increase in housing prices. The results will be useful to policymakers towards affordable housing delivery and to the developers and contractors on measures to increase profit margins and increase housing supply.
Details
Keywords
Hui Boon Tan and Chee Wooi Hooy
The collapse of the Malaysian exchange rate and the stock market during the Asian financial crisis had elevated uncertainties in the financial market and increased the instability…
Abstract
The collapse of the Malaysian exchange rate and the stock market during the Asian financial crisis had elevated uncertainties in the financial market and increased the instability of the bank stock returns. Whilst it is commonly known that the crisis rooted from a complex interplay of various factors, there seemed to exist some fundamental and systemic problems in the banking sector. Besides, the challenges from the wave of financial globalization also urged the authorities to conduct structural enhancement in the sector. This paper briefly outlined the main aspects of the Malaysian bank merger program, and tracked as well as evaluated the effects of the program on the volatility of the Malaysian bank stock returns. It was found that the proposed merger did bring about stability for the banks’ stock prices and returns, especially after the initial consolidation announcement of 29 July 1999 based on the estimations of conditional variances. The analysis also documented a persistency positive risk returns tradeoff and asymmetrical news effects in the bank stocks before the announcement. After the announcement, bank stocks clearly enjoyed a huge reduction in the volatilities and the asymmetrical news effects.
Details
Keywords
Bijan Shirinzadeh, Chee Wei Foong and Boon Hui Tan
The excellent material properties of fibre reinforced composites make them especially attractive for applications in the aerospace and automotive industries. Traditional methods…
Abstract
The excellent material properties of fibre reinforced composites make them especially attractive for applications in the aerospace and automotive industries. Traditional methods of manufacturing composite structures have proven to be labour intensive and time‐consuming. Robotic fibre placement for fabrication of composite components has been proposed. This approach greatly reduces production cost and time. This paper briefly presents the overall strategy for the establishment of a robotic fibre placement facility. The methodology for development of process planning and programming, simulation, program generator and control is described. In addition, the algorithms for automatic fibre path generation for open and closed surfaces will also be discussed, as well as the control system architecture for the process.
Details
Keywords
Frederick (Fengming) Song, Hui Tan and Yunfeng Wu
The Chinese stock market is a typical emerging market with special features that are very different from those of mature markets. The objective of this study is to investigate…
Abstract
Purpose
The Chinese stock market is a typical emerging market with special features that are very different from those of mature markets. The objective of this study is to investigate whether and how these features affect the volatility‐volume relation for Chinese stocks.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines the roles of the number of trades, size of trades, and share volume in explaining the volatility‐volume relation in the Shanghai Stock Exchange with high frequency trade data used.
Findings
The results confirm that the volatility‐volume relation is driven mainly by the number of trades on the Chinese stock market. The number of trades explains the volatility‐volume relation better than the size of trades. Furthermore, some results are obtained that differ from those of mature markets, such as the US market. The results show that the second largest sized trades affect the volatility more than other trades on the Chinese market.
Originality/value
The results show that, in the Shanghai Stock Exchange, informed traders camouflage their private information or manipulation behavior through the second largest sized trades. The results may have important implications for work explaining the volatility‐volume relation on the Chinese stock market, further providing a reference by which to regulate emerging markets.