B.H.V. Topping and D.J. Robinson
The use of three non‐linear mathematical programming techniques for the optimization of structural design problems is discussed. The methods — sequential linear programming, the…
Abstract
The use of three non‐linear mathematical programming techniques for the optimization of structural design problems is discussed. The methods — sequential linear programming, the feasible direction method and the sequential unconstrained minimization technique — are applied to a portal frame problem to enable a study of their convergence efficiency to be studied. These methods are used for both the sizing of the structural members and determining the optimum roof pitch. The sequential linear programming method is shown to be particularly efficient for application to structural design problems. Some comments on the development of computer software for structural optimization are also given.
Kathleen M. Alley and Barbara J. Peterson
To review and synthesize findings from peer-reviewed research related to students’ sources of ideas for writing, and instructional dimensions that affect students’ development of…
Abstract
Purpose
To review and synthesize findings from peer-reviewed research related to students’ sources of ideas for writing, and instructional dimensions that affect students’ development of ideas for composition in grades K-8.
Design/methodology/approach
The ideas or content expressed in written composition are considered critical to ratings of writing quality. We utilized a Systematic Mixed Studies Review (SMSR) methodological framework (Heyvaert, Maes, & Onghena, 2011) to explore K-8 students’ ideas and writing from a range of theoretical and methodological perspectives.
Findings
Students’ ideas for writing originate from a range of sources, including teachers, peers, literature, content area curriculum, autobiographical/life experiences, popular culture/media, drawing, and play. Intertextuality, copying, social dialogue, and playful peer interactions are productive strategies K-8 writers use to generate ideas for composing, in addition to strategies introduced through planned instruction. Relevant dimensions of instruction include motivation to write, idea planning and organization, as well as specific instructional strategies, techniques, and tools to facilitate idea generation and selection within the composition process.
Practical implications
A permeable curriculum and effective instructional practices are crucial to support students’ access to a full range of ideas and knowledge-based resources, and help them translate these into written composition. Instructional practices for idea development and writing: (a) connect reading and writing for authentic purposes; (b) include explicit modeling of strategies for planning and “online” generation of ideas throughout the writing process across genre; (c) align instructional focus across reading, writing, and other curricular activities; (d) allow for extended time to write; and (e) incorporate varied, flexible participation structures through which students can share ideas and receive teacher/peer feedback on writing.
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This paper describes the development and evaluation of the Handy 1 rehabilitation robot which is acknowledged as being the most successful low‐cost, commercially available…
Abstract
This paper describes the development and evaluation of the Handy 1 rehabilitation robot which is acknowledged as being the most successful low‐cost, commercially available rehabilitation robotic system in the world to‐date[1]. Over 100 people with severe disabilities have benefited from using the Handy 1 on a regular basis. Systems are currently in operation in several countries across the world including the UK, USA, Japan, France, Germany, Finland and Italy.
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Arnab Adhikari, Samadrita Bhattacharyya, Sumanta Basu and Rajesh Bhattacharya
In the context of India, this article proposes an integrated multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) regression-based methodology to evaluate input-level performance of the schools…
Abstract
Purpose
In the context of India, this article proposes an integrated multicriteria decision-making (MCDM) regression-based methodology to evaluate input-level performance of the schools and investigate the impact of this performance along with contextual factors, i.e. medium of instruction and location of the school, on the school's output level performance, i.e. student pass rate.
Design/methodology/approach
First, Shannon entropy-based approach is applied for the weight assignment to different parameters. Then, integrated VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS)-based methodology is devised to measure the input-level performance of a school. Finally, multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis is incorporated to study the effect of input-level performance and above-mentioned contextual factors on the school's output-level performance.
Findings
Proposed methodology is applied to assess the input-level performance of 82,930 primary and secondary schools of West Bengal, India. All the factors have a significant impact on boys' pass rate, whereas only input-level performance and location of the school have a significant influence on the girls' pass rate.
Practical implications
The entropy-based approach highlights the importance of scientific weight assignment. Integrated MCDM demonstrates the significance of aggregation due to the variation in scores related to input-level performance across the methods. Regression analysis facilitates the exploration of determinants influencing the output-level performance of the schools.
Originality/value
This work depicts a holistic picture of the performance measurement system of the schools. It encompasses scientific weight assignment to the evaluation criteria, integrated input-level performance assessment of the schools and investigation into the effect of this performance, as well as other contextual factors on the output level performance.
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This paper gives a bibliographical review of the finite element and boundary element parallel processing techniques from the theoretical and application points of view. Topics…
Abstract
This paper gives a bibliographical review of the finite element and boundary element parallel processing techniques from the theoretical and application points of view. Topics include: theory – domain decomposition/partitioning, load balancing, parallel solvers/algorithms, parallel mesh generation, adaptive methods, and visualization/graphics; applications – structural mechanics problems, dynamic problems, material/geometrical non‐linear problems, contact problems, fracture mechanics, field problems, coupled problems, sensitivity and optimization, and other problems; hardware and software environments – hardware environments, programming techniques, and software development and presentations. The bibliography at the end of this paper contains 850 references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations dealing with presented subjects that were published between 1996 and 2002.
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Robert Dongas and Kazjon Grace
In this chapter, the authors explore how the academic work on VR has defined presence to better understand what elements of that theoretical mire are practically useful for…
Abstract
In this chapter, the authors explore how the academic work on VR has defined presence to better understand what elements of that theoretical mire are practically useful for designers. The authors scope out the word ‘presence’ as distinct from related terms like immersion and embodiment. The authors unpack the layers of what it means to be present in an experience, connecting that theory to practice with case studies of three games – Assetto Corsa, Dungeons of Eternity and A Fisherman's Tale. The goal of this analysis is to integrate academic insights with practical design strategies, offering a comprehensive approach to enhancing player experience in VR. Presence in VR is a multifaceted concept encompassing self, physical and social dimensions. This chapter aims to translate these academic insights into actionable design principles. By examining how different types and layers of presence manifest in actual games, the authors provide a framework that designers can use to create more engaging and immersive VR experiences. The analysis of the selected games highlights the importance of narrative coherence, realistic interactions and player agency in fostering a sense of presence. Ultimately, this chapter bridges the gap between theory and practice, helping designers to craft VR games that not only engage but also deeply immerse players in their virtual worlds.
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Unggul Heriqbaldi, Miguel Angel Esquivias and Kemala Sari Agusti
This study aims to explore the role of cultural distance, economic integration, price competitiveness and substitution prices for tourism arrivals between 10 Southeast Asian…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the role of cultural distance, economic integration, price competitiveness and substitution prices for tourism arrivals between 10 Southeast Asian (ASEAN) countries and 22 other origin countries from 2007 to 2019.
Design/methodology/approach
A panel-data gravity model is applied to estimate tourism demand in the ASEAN region. An index of cultural distance (time-variant) is introduced to examine the role of cultural differences across bilateral partners. Moreover, relative prices and substitution prices are introduced to the gravity equation to estimate price elasticities. Finally, this study tested whether the ASEAN free trade agreements (FTAs) encourage intraregional tourism arrivals. Two-panel regression approaches are used to test the model.
Findings
Cultural distance positively affects tourism inflows, boosting foreign arrivals. Income and price elasticities are important determinants in the demand model for ASEAN. A gain in price competitiveness versus alternative destinations can lead to substitution in destination choice. Meanwhile, geographic distance has a negative impact on arrivals, suggesting that connectivity and transportation are key in boosting tourism inflows in ASEAN. A decline in the disposable incomes of tourists caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may reduce tourism arrivals in the region. However, when currencies in ASEAN weaken, and consumer prices are lower than in other destinations, arrivals in ASEAN will be stimulated. FTAs have facilitated travel intra-ASEAN, which is an advantage over the extra-ASEAN sector.
Practical implications
Cultural heritage could be used in tourism promotion as ASEAN can attract tourists seeking novelty and new excitements. ASEAN countries could create complementary destinations and jointly promote cultural heritage to accelerate the region’s recovery. The depreciation of currencies in ASEAN and the gain in relative price competitiveness could attract more tourist visits, helping the region reestablish tourism activities in a postpandemic economy.
Originality/value
The model accounts for three key variables in the gravity approach: cultural distance in ASEAN tourism inflows, the effects of the ASEAN economic community on intraregional tourism, and relative and alternative price competitiveness. This study enriches the literature about tourism-demand approaches in modeling tourism arrivals.
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Anilkumar Malaga and S. Vinodh
The objective of the study is to identify and analyse drivers of smart manufacturing using integrated grey-based approaches. The analysis facilitates industry practitioners in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of the study is to identify and analyse drivers of smart manufacturing using integrated grey-based approaches. The analysis facilitates industry practitioners in the identification of preference of drivers through which smart manufacturing can be implemented. These drivers are explored based on existing literature and expert opinion.
Design/methodology/approach
Modern manufacturing firms have been adopting smart manufacturing concepts to sustain in the global competitive landscape. Smart manufacturing incorporates integrated technologies with a flexible workforce to interlink the cyber and physical world. In order to facilitate the effective deployment of smart manufacturing, key drivers need to be analysed. This article presents a study in which 25 drivers of smart manufacturing and 8 criteria are analysed. Integrated grey Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (grey TOPSIS) is applied to rank the drivers. The derived ranking is validated using “Complex Proportional Assessment – Grey” (COPRAS-G) approach.
Findings
In total, 25 drivers with 8 criteria are being considered and an integrated grey TOPSIS approach is applied. The ranking order of drivers is obtained and further sensitivity analysis is also done.
Research limitations/implications
In the present study, 25 drivers of smart manufacturing are analysed. In the future, additional drivers could be considered.
Practical implications
The study presented has been done with inputs from industry experts, and hence the inferences have practical relevance. Industry practitioners need to focus on these drivers in order to implement smart manufacturing in industry.
Originality/value
The analysis of drivers of smart manufacturing is the original contribution of the authors.
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Yingwei Liu, Zhe Wang, Chuang Liu and Jingming Ma
This study aims to reveal the differential concentration corrosion (DCC) mechanism, which has been ignored by researchers for a long time.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to reveal the differential concentration corrosion (DCC) mechanism, which has been ignored by researchers for a long time.
Design/methodology/approach
The ionic conductive layer near the pipe wall was extracted and discretized. In the case of DCC, the equations of corrosion potential after polarization in units are derived according to Kirchhoff’s Law. By solving these equations, the corrosion potential and current on situation of DCC are calculated.
Findings
DCC can change origin distribution of (nature) potential and current greatly; it will cause polarization. The positions with original lower corrosion potential will produce anodic polarization; meanwhile, the speed of corrosion also increases; the position with original higher corrosion potential will produce cathodic polarization, and the corrosion current is also decreased. Generally speaking, the potential will be homogenized by DCC mechanism.
Originality/value
This model makes an in-depth analysis of the traditional FAC theory, greatly supplements it and enriches the theory.
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This article, which is conceptual and exploratory in nature, aims to examine the use of sustained liminality in the initiation phase of the mentoring relationship. Liminality is…
Abstract
Purpose
This article, which is conceptual and exploratory in nature, aims to examine the use of sustained liminality in the initiation phase of the mentoring relationship. Liminality is the non‐structured transitional phase in transformative cultural and social change: a place betwixt‐and‐between, where previous and future norms are suspended. The article argues that providing an explicit liminal phase in mentoring relationships allows mentor and mentees to consider the nature of the relationship and the eventual process through which its goals might be accomplished.
Design/methodology/approach
The article reflects on experiences gained in using a liminal approach to the mentoring process with distance transnational mentees. It presents the case for the use of what is termed threshold work in addressing the transition from non‐mentored to mentored status. It understands mentoring as a ritual enactment that requires a reassessment of cultural assumptions for participants with differing national identities.
Findings
The article is conceptual in nature and presents only anecdotal outcomes derived from informal discussion with mentees. It argues that, based on these initial experiences, more evidence‐based research might be usefully conducted to examine the effect of a liminal approach on the mentoring process, at both relational and outcomes levels, particularly when mentor and mentee are distanced spatially and by national culture.
Originality/value
This article presents a novel perspective for approaching the initiation phase of the mentoring process. Although used in other contexts, liminality is infrequently employed in mentoring. The utilization of liminality may be particularly valuable in approaching novice mentees who have different national cultural backgrounds and prior educational experiences. As such, the article provides useful insights for practitioners, especially in academic environments.