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Article
Publication date: 19 August 2024

Ibrahim T. Teke and Ahmet H. Ertas

The paper's goal is to examine and illustrate the useful uses of submodeling in finite element modeling for topology optimization and stress analysis. The goal of the study is to…

134

Abstract

Purpose

The paper's goal is to examine and illustrate the useful uses of submodeling in finite element modeling for topology optimization and stress analysis. The goal of the study is to demonstrate how submodeling – more especially, a 1D approach – can reliably and effectively produce ideal solutions for challenging structural issues. The paper aims to demonstrate the usefulness of submodeling in obtaining converged solutions for stress analysis and optimized geometry for improved fatigue life by studying a cantilever beam case and using beam formulations. In order to guarantee the precision and dependability of the optimization process, the developed approach will also be validated through experimental testing, such as 3-point bending tests and 3D printing. Using 3D finite element models, the 1D submodeling approach is further validated in the final step, showing a strong correlation with experimental data for deflection calculations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted a literature review to understand the existing research on submodeling and its practical applications in finite element modeling. They selected a cantilever beam case as a test subject to demonstrate stress analysis and topology optimization through submodeling. They developed a 1D submodeling approach to streamline the optimization process and ensure result validity. The authors utilized beam formulations to optimize and validate the outcomes of the submodeling approach. They 3D-printed the optimized models and subjected them to a 3-point bending test to confirm the accuracy of the developed approach. They employed 3D finite element models for submodeling to validate the 1D approach, focusing on specific finite elements for deflection calculations and analyzed the results to demonstrate a strong correlation between the theoretical models and experimental data, showcasing the effectiveness of the submodeling methodology in achieving optimal solutions efficiently and accurately.

Findings

The findings of the paper are as follows: 1. The use of submodeling, specifically a 1D submodeling approach, proved to be effective in achieving optimal solutions more efficiently and accurately in finite element modeling. 2. The study conducted on a cantilever beam case demonstrated successful stress analysis and topology optimization through submodeling, resulting in optimized geometry for enhanced fatigue life. 3. Beam formulations were utilized to optimize and validate the outcomes of the submodeling approach, leading to the successful 3D printing and testing of the optimized models through a 3-point bending test. 4. Experimental results confirmed the accuracy and validity of the developed submodeling approach in streamlining the optimization process. 5. The use of 3D finite element models for submodeling further validated the 1D approach, with specific finite elements showing a strong correlation with experimental data in deflection calculations. Overall, the findings highlight the effectiveness of submodeling techniques in achieving optimal solutions and validating results in finite element modeling, stress analysis and optimization processes.

Originality/value

The originality and value of the paper lie in its innovative approach to utilizing submodeling techniques in finite element modeling for structural analysis and optimization. By focusing on the reduction of finite element models and the creation of smaller, more manageable models through submodeling, the paper offers designers a more efficient and accurate way to achieve optimal solutions for complex problems. The study's use of a cantilever beam case to demonstrate stress analysis and topology optimization showcases the practical applications of submodeling in real-world scenarios. The development of a 1D submodeling approach, along with the utilization of beam formulations and 3D printing for experimental validation, adds a novel dimension to the research. Furthermore, the paper's integration of 1D and 3D submodeling techniques for deflection calculations and validation highlights the thoroughness and rigor of the study. The strong correlation between the finite element models and experimental data underscores the reliability and accuracy of the developed approach. Overall, the originality and value of this paper lie in its comprehensive exploration of submodeling techniques, its practical applications in structural analysis and optimization and its successful validation through experimental testing.

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Article
Publication date: 19 March 2021

Mumin Dayan, Ibrahim A. Al Kuwaiti, Zafar Husain, Poh Yen Ng and Aysenur Dayan

The aim of this research is to uncover issues that inhibit patients' satisfaction and loyalty and identify factors that could enhance customer retention by government hospitals in…

1229

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this research is to uncover issues that inhibit patients' satisfaction and loyalty and identify factors that could enhance customer retention by government hospitals in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The mediating impact of outpatient satisfaction on service quality, word of mouth (WoM), hospital image, outpatient–physician relationship and outpatient loyalty were tested.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample data used to test the hypotheses were drawn from a pool of patients served by a government healthcare agency in Abu Dhabi. Questionnaires were provided to 418 participants using methods such as short message service, e-mail and face-to-face delivery. The data were analyzed using SmartPLS 3.3.2 software.

Findings

The results indicate that service quality, WoM and outpatient–physician relationship positively impact outpatient satisfaction and indirectly effect outpatient loyalty; that hospital image positively impacts outpatient satisfaction and loyalty and has a partially mediating effect on loyalty; that waiting time satisfaction has no effect on outpatient satisfaction and no moderating effect on the outpatient satisfaction–loyalty relationship and that switching cost has a positive effect on loyalty but no moderating effect on the outpatient satisfaction–loyalty relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The first limitation of this study concerns the fact that only patients who had previously been served by these hospitals' outpatient units were included. Furthermore, the research was not able to obtain extensive findings related to the various factors that negatively impacted patient satisfaction and loyalty among all of the departments of government hospitals, such as inpatient care and emergency care.

Practical implications

Centered on the findings from this research, increasing switching costs would prevent patients from switching to other healthcare providers. Therefore, it has the potential to create a false loyalty or a hostage customer (Jones and Sasser, 1995). Additionally, making patients feel connected to their treatment plan and engaged in their care by developing a tool to maintain their enthusiasm about their health is important. It is therefore recommended that government hospital care providers and management consider providing online tools that patients can use to self-manage their care.

Social implications

The results regarding patients' satisfaction level suggest several areas for improvement. The first pertains to waiting area entertainment and comfort because patients indicated that there is not enough entertainment or ways to pass the time when waiting for services. In addition to enhancing the entertainment and comfort of waiting areas, government hospital staff should maintain contact with patients who are waiting to ensure that they are aware of the time they will spend. Another area for improvement is the parking lot. During summer, patients prefer to walk less in the sun, which causes them to seek parking closer to the door. Government hospital management should consider different methods for transporting patients closer to the door, such as golf carts or valet services.

Originality/value

This is the first study to investigate the mediating impact of outpatients' satisfaction between its antecedents and loyalty in the UAE. These results provide an improved understanding of the factors influencing patient choices and establish more accurate methods for increasing patient loyalty to retain more patients.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 39 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

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Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 11 December 2023

Abstract

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Higher Education in Emergencies: Best Practices and Benchmarking
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80117-379-7

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Article
Publication date: 1 December 2004

George K. Stylios

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects…

3831

Abstract

Examines the tenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 16 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

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Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Ngatindriatun Ngatindriatun, Muhammad Alfarizi and Tika Widiastuti

This study aims to analyze the influence of the dimensions of Sharia hospital service standards, religiosity commitment and trust of Muslim patients on attitudes and satisfaction…

216

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the influence of the dimensions of Sharia hospital service standards, religiosity commitment and trust of Muslim patients on attitudes and satisfaction, as well as the implications of loyalty.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was carried out by analyzing data obtained from a survey with purposive sampling techniques with 425 patients in an Indonesian-certified Sharia hospital and analyzing it using partial least squares structural equation modeling software to test the path modeling and the relationship between the instruments.

Findings

This study shows that hospital amenities, doctor’s services, nurses’ services, health-care technicalities and hospital environmental and administrative behavior affect patient satisfaction. In addition, religiosity and trust in encouraging patient attitudes determine patient satisfaction. High satisfaction points will increase loyalty to Sharia hospitals.

Research limitations/implications

This study encourages managers to maximize the quality of humanist Islamic medical services and the infrastructure of comfortable facilities. In addition, hospitals need to improve their holistic atmosphere, technical services and administrative behavior so that they can become essential value for hospital marketing – the development of competence and ethical behavior of health workers through various training programs internally and externally.

Originality/value

This study presents the determination of Sharia hospital service standards accompanied by a commitment to religiosity and trust as a psychological perspective of Muslim patients on attitudes and satisfaction and its implications on the brand loyalty of Indonesian Sharia hospitals that have been officially certified.

Details

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0817

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Article
Publication date: 8 June 2022

Chinnaraj Gnanavel and Kumarasamy Vanchinathan

These implementations not only generate excessive voltage levels to enhance the quality of power but also include a detailed investigating of the various modulation methods and…

194

Abstract

Purpose

These implementations not only generate excessive voltage levels to enhance the quality of power but also include a detailed investigating of the various modulation methods and control schemes for multilevel inverter (MLI) topologies. Reduced harmonic modulation technology is used to produce 11-level output voltage with the production of renewable energy applications. The simulation is done in the MATLAB/Simulink for 11-level symmetric MLI and is correlated with the conventional inverter design.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is focused on investigating the different types of asymmetric, symmetric and hybrid topologies and control methods used for the modular multilevel inverter (MMI) operation. Classical MLI configurations are affected by performance issues such as poor power quality, uneconomic structure and low efficiency.

Findings

The variations in both carrier and reference signals and their performance are analyzed for the proposed inverter topologies. The simulation result compares unipolar and bipolar pulse-width modulation (PWM) techniques with total harmonic distortion (THD) results. The solar-fed 11-level MMI is controlled using various modulation strategies, which are connected to marine emergency lighting loads. Various modulation techniques are used to control the solar-fed 11-level MMI, which is connected to marine emergency lighting loads. The entire hardware system is controlled by using SPARTAN 3A field programmable gate array (FPGA) board and the least harmonics are obtained by improving the power quality.

Originality/value

The simulation result compares unipolar and bipolar PWM techniques with THD results. Various modulation techniques are used to control the solar-fed 11-level MMI, which is connected to marine emergency lighting loads. The entire hardware system is controlled by a SPARTAN 3A field programmable gate array (FPGA) board, and the power quality is improved to achieve the lowest harmonics possible.

Details

Circuit World, vol. 49 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

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Article
Publication date: 8 August 2016

Asma Chakri, Rabia Khelif and Mohamed Benouaret

The first order reliability method requires optimization algorithms to find the minimum distance from the origin to the limit state surface in the normal space. The purpose of…

1146

Abstract

Purpose

The first order reliability method requires optimization algorithms to find the minimum distance from the origin to the limit state surface in the normal space. The purpose of this paper is to develop an improved version of the new metaheuristic algorithm inspired from echolocation behaviour of bats, namely, the bat algorithm (BA) dedicated to perform structural reliability analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

Modifications have been embedded to the standard BA to enhance its efficiency, robustness and reliability. In addition, a new adaptive penalty equation dedicated to solve the problem of the determination of the reliability index and a proposition on the limit state formulation are presented.

Findings

The comparisons between the improved bat algorithm (iBA) presented in this paper and other standard algorithms on benchmark functions show that the iBA is highly efficient, and the application to structural reliability problems such as the reliability analysis of overhead crane girder proves that results obtained with iBA are highly reliable.

Originality/value

A new iBA and an adaptive penalty equation for handling equality constraint are developed to determine the reliability index. In addition, the low computing time and the ease implementation of this method present great advantages from the engineering viewpoint.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2015

Rami Sariola and Miia Maarit Martinsuo

This paper investigates third-party relationships in project networks in the construction industry and seeks increased understanding on how such relationships can be strengthened…

708

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigates third-party relationships in project networks in the construction industry and seeks increased understanding on how such relationships can be strengthened. The purpose of this paper is to develop a framework and propositions on enhanced relationship strength between component suppliers and designers as third parties.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual approach is used in this paper. Previous empirical research on business relationships, project networks and relationship strength is reviewed systematically, to identify factors required for strengthening the relationship in project networks.

Findings

Cooperative practices needed for strengthening the relationships in project networks were identified. The framework on how such practices are associated with relationship strength between supplier and designers was developed. Propositions on strengthening the relationship between component suppliers and designers were stated. These propositions can be developed further and tested in a hypothetic-deductive study.

Research limitations/implications

The research was delimited by the choice of designers as third parties. The authors used some excerpts from the earlier interview study with over 20 designers, to illustrate the issues. Empirical analysis was not included in this paper which causes an evident limitation to validity. Additional research is proposed on analyzing the contractors’ and suppliers’ viewpoints to third-party relationships.

Practical implications

The paper suggests cooperative practices for construction component suppliers to enhance their relationship strength with third parties in project networks.

Originality/value

Limited research attention has been directed at the third-party relationships of suppliers in project networks. This paper offers important knowledge about these less salient relationships in project networks, beyond a simple dyadic relationship in the direct supply chain.

Details

International Journal of Managing Projects in Business, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1753-8378

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Article
Publication date: 5 January 2015

Sepehr Abrishami, Jack Goulding, Farzad Pour Rahimian and Abdul Ganah

The purpose of this paper is to find optimal solutions for conceptual design automation, which can be integrated with Building Information Modelling (BIM) support for construction…

1707

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find optimal solutions for conceptual design automation, which can be integrated with Building Information Modelling (BIM) support for construction automation. Problems relating ostensibly to failures in computational support for the conceptual design stage are well-documented in extant literature. These failures are multifarious and significant, with several deficiencies being acknowledged in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry. Whilst acknowledging this, extant literature has highlighted the importance of computational design in the AEC industry; and failures in this area include the need to strengthen the congruent links and support mechanisms in order to exploit the opportunities presented by new computational design methods. Given this, it is postulated that the application of generative design could enhance the design experience by assisting designers with the iterative generation of alternatives and parameterisation (change management) processes. Moreover, as BIM applications are increasingly providing comprehensive support for modelling and management, then additional synergies could be examined for further exploitation.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper focusses on the potential for developing an interactive BIM environment that purposefully adopts generative design as a method of computational design for the early design stages. This research facilitates the automation of the conceptual architectural design process, using BIM as the central conduit for enhancing the integration of the whole building design process (including design interfaces). This approach is designed to improve designers’ cognition and collaboration during the conceptual architectural design process.

Findings

This paper evaluates the existing methods and decision support mechanisms, and it introduces the potential of combining different concepts into a single environment (generative design/BIM).

Originality/value

This research is novel, in that it critically appraises virtual generative workspaces using BIM as the central conduit. The outcome and intervention of this research forms a theoretical basis for the development of a “proof of concept” prototype, which actively engages generative design into a single dynamic BIM environment to support the early conceptual design process.

Details

Construction Innovation, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

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Article
Publication date: 7 May 2024

İsmail Cengiz Yılmaz and Hamdi Tekin

Migration is on the rise due to globalization and human mobility. This has led to increased impacts that have affected many industries, including the construction industry. A…

128

Abstract

Purpose

Migration is on the rise due to globalization and human mobility. This has led to increased impacts that have affected many industries, including the construction industry. A large number of migrants are employed in the construction sector, and employers are challenged to make sure all employees are properly integrated to meet the demands needed for construction projects. This article addresses key differences between migrant and native workers to help hiring departments in the construction industry analyse workers' attitudes based on cultural and motivational factors to have the workforce they need to succeed.

Design/methodology/approach

The research used both quantitative and qualitative surveys. A two-part questionnaire, designed through a comprehensive literature review, was carried out to identify key differences between native and migrant workers. The data were obtained and then analysed using different statistical approaches, including factor analysis protocol, factor structure model, reliability analysis, relative importance index and nonparametric test analysis. A semi-structured interview was then conducted to discuss all the findings.

Findings

The study indicated that migrant workers, compared to natives, tend to give more importance to their working environment, particularly accommodation, work safety and relations with teammates. Also, migrants typically take a socialistic approach instead of an individual approach while at work and reveal an extensive range of behaviours based on a sense of belonging. It might be more important for migrants to have a place in society, to have a settled life and to be integrated into an established order than to improve their rights and benefits. On the other hand, the study argued that native workers tend to prioritize their benefits at work, such as regular payments for overtime and insurance premiums. Their behaviours might carry a more neutral and individual attitude as well as specific cultural traces.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to a sample of participants in the Turkish construction sector. Further research based on more cultural models and motivational factors with a larger group of respondents from different countries could offer better results. The results of the study might not apply to a broad context due to many other factors that affect worker behaviours, such as geography, cultural structures and working conditions. Despite these drawbacks, the present paper may help employers and other stakeholders understand the best way to incorporate migrants into the construction industry.

Originality/value

This research is very important for the construction industry in various countries that are currently employing thousands of migrants. Being able to address the key differences between migrants and native workers based on cultural and motivational factors might help with engagement and create a level of harmony in the field for greater productivity.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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