Jiankang He, Dichen Li, Bingheng Lu, Zhen Wang and Tao Zhang
To present a custom design and fabrication method for a novel hemi‐knee joint substitute composed of titanium alloy and porous bioceramics based on rapid prototyping (RP) and…
Abstract
Purpose
To present a custom design and fabrication method for a novel hemi‐knee joint substitute composed of titanium alloy and porous bioceramics based on rapid prototyping (RP) and rapid tooling (RT) techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
The three‐dimensional (3D) freeform model of a femur bone was reconstructed based on computerized tomography images via reverse engineering and the 3D reconstruction accuracy was evaluated. The negative image of artificial bone was designed with interconnected microstructures (250‐300 μm). The epoxy resin mould of a hemi‐knee joint and the negative pattern of an artificial bone were fabricated on Stereolithography apparatus. Based on these moulds, a titanium‐alloy hemi‐knee joint and a porous‐bioceramic artificial bone were created by quick casting and powder sintering (known as RT) techniques, respectively. After assembling, a composite hemi‐knee joint substitute was obtained.
Findings
The 3D reconstructed freeform model of the femur bone conformed to the original anatomy within a maximum deviation 0.206 mm. The sintered artificial bone had interconnected micropores (250 μm) and microchannels (300 μm). After implanting in vivo, the composite hemi‐knee joint substitute matched well with the surrounding tissues and bones with sufficient mechanical strength.
Research limitations/implications
Further in‐vivo research is needed to provide the evidence for tissue growth into the ceramic structures and long‐term viability and stability of the implant.
Originality/value
This method enhances the versatility of using RP in the fabrication of tissue‐engineered substitutes, especially when individual matching is considered. Although this paper took a customized hemi‐knee joint substitute as an example, it is capable of fabricating other artificial substitutes with a variety of biomaterials.
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The purpose of this paper is to apply what can be learned from the emergence of nature tourism to understand some current and future trends of tourism.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to apply what can be learned from the emergence of nature tourism to understand some current and future trends of tourism.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted the evolutionary paradigm for investigation.
Findings
The emergence of nature tourism in early medieval China can be attributed to four major factors, including transformation of value orientations, seeking longevity, interest in suburbs and population migration.
Research limitations/implications
Historical studies help understand the current and future trends. When the contributing factors for nature tourism are linked to the contemporary world, it can be found that these factors are still playing a part in shaping tourism trends or patterns in their original or alternative forms. These trends or patterns are worthy of scholarly investigations.
Originality/value
This paper offers a comprehensive understanding of the origins of nature tourism.
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– The purpose of this paper is to solve temperature stress for bending beam with different moduli under different constraints subject to nonlinear temperature.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to solve temperature stress for bending beam with different moduli under different constraints subject to nonlinear temperature.
Design/methodology/approach
The equations of neutral axis position, normal stress, and displacement of bending beam with different moduli subjected to nonlinear temperature were derived based on different moduli elasticity theory. Meanwhile, iterative procedure was programmed to solve the nonlinear equations. The analytical solution can return back into the result of the same modulus theory, and the analytical solution was compared with finite element numerical solution. It shows that the analytical model proposed in this paper is reliable to use. Furthermore, the influence of different moduli characteristics on the temperature stress and deformation is discussed.
Findings
The mechanical behavior of the bending beam with different moduli subject to nonlinear temperature is quite different from the one that is subjected to force. The bending beam maybe exist two neutral axis, and the reasonable selection of tension modulus and compression modulus can improve the distribution of the normal stress and reduce the maximum tensile stress or the maximum compressive stress.
Originality/value
The crack produced by temperature stress will affect the integrity and the durability of the structure. The solution for temperature problem with different moduli theory is rarely reported at home and board. In view of this, this paper will do some exploratory research-temperature stress for bending beam with different moduli.
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Jiankang Wang and Jiuling Xiao
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the detailed content and research framework of a knowledge management audit, from the view of operation flow based on a cognition summary…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the detailed content and research framework of a knowledge management audit, from the view of operation flow based on a cognition summary of knowledge management audit proposed by many scholars and organizations, in order to put forward some references for effective implementation of an organization knowledge management project.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper carries out a multi‐perspective analysis of the cognition of knowledge management audit summarizes the similarities and differences between the different viewpoints, also a contrasting analysis on the method proposed by various scholars and organizations from the point of view of flow, and then constructs the conceptive framework of knowledge management audit.
Findings
Knowledge management audit is the first important step in a knowledge management project and includes four phases: preparation, analysis, implementation, and summary. Its primary content involves knowledge management environment audit, knowledge property audit, knowledge management ability audit and knowledge management performance audit, and its main modules consist of knowledge demand analysis, knowledge inventory analysis, knowledge map and knowledge flow analysis.
Research limitations/implications
The paper provides a theoretical construction, but has not conducted a case study. In future research development, the framework of the paper will be improved through the case analysis of organization knowledge management practice.
Practical implications
By utilizing the research framework and method of the paper, an organization may understand rapidly the basic content of a knowledge management audit, implement an effective knowledge management audit to help improve organization (including non‐profit organization) performance and implement a knowledge management strategy.
Originality/value
The paper provides a framework for implementing a knowledge management audit.
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Chandrima Chakraborty and Dipyaman Pal
This chapter discusses a survey of literature on efficiency, productivity and other issues related to pharmaceutical industry in India and across the globe. Econometric…
Abstract
This chapter discusses a survey of literature on efficiency, productivity and other issues related to pharmaceutical industry in India and across the globe. Econometric theoretical literature on technical efficiency (TE) as well as econometric theoretical literature on total factor productivity growth (TFPG) are discussed in separate sections. Individual sections discuss studies on the performance of the pharmaceutical industries in the Indian context, studies on the performance of the pharmaceutical industries in the international context, studies on the efficiency of Indian pharmaceutical industry (IPI), studies on the TFPG of the IPI, other studies on IPI and also studies on the performance of the pharmaceutical industries in the international context (other than India). This chapter discusses the existing study highlighting the gaps and presents the connection of the present study with the existing literature in the conclusion section.
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With the analysis of the causes of corruption, this study aims to investigate specific anti-corruption measures that can be implemented to reform the political system and the…
Abstract
Purpose
With the analysis of the causes of corruption, this study aims to investigate specific anti-corruption measures that can be implemented to reform the political system and the social climate of China.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examines 97 severe corruption cases of high-ranking officials in China, which occurred between 2012 and 2015. As this insinuates that both institutional and social corruption are major problems in China, the analysis delves into multiple facts of corruption, including different types, four primary underlying causes, and suggestions regarding the implementation of three significant governmental shifts that focus on investigation, prevention tactics and legal regulations.
Findings
China’s corruption is not only individual-based but also it has developed into institutional corruption and social corruption. Besides human nature and instinct, the causes of corruption can be organised into four categories, namely, social customs, social transitions, institutional designs and institutional operations. For the removed high-ranking officials, the formation of interest chains was an important underlying cause behind their corruption.
Originality/value
This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because this study provides a well-rounded approach to a complex issue by highlighting the significance of democracy and the rule of law as ways to regulate human behaviour to combat future corruption.
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Rare earths are essential materials for many high-tech industries critical to both economic development and national defense. China, the world's dominant supplier of rare earths…
Abstract
Purpose
Rare earths are essential materials for many high-tech industries critical to both economic development and national defense. China, the world's dominant supplier of rare earths, has recently been imposing stricter controls over its production and export. The purpose of this paper is to examine the domestic roots of the changes in China's rare earth industry production and exports in its three-decade rise to the current global monopoly.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper adopts the historical institutionalism approach to analyze the trajectory of industry and trade development. The author analyzes data collected from government whitepapers and reputed scholarly and news sources.
Findings
This paper argues that the Chinese rare earth industry has gone through three periods of development, in which the state attempted to control the market and industry through reformulating rules and institutions to achieve state goals. Domestic state institutions, combined with macroeconomic environment and state governance strategy shaped the three-decade experience of rare earth industry and trade development in China.
Originality/value
This paper builds on existing findings about Chinese state regulations to provide a novel analytical framework to analyze the role of the state in industry and trade development in the rare earth industry. The focus on a single strategic industry seldom studied in the current literature also provides ample empirical value to further scholarly understanding about this industry.
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Xin Fan and Xiaoyu Song
Regulating and guiding the sound development of capital under a socialist system is not only a significant theoretical innovation rooted in Chinese…
Abstract
Purpose
Regulating and guiding the sound development of capital under a socialist system is not only a significant theoretical innovation rooted in Chinese practice by the Communist Party of China (CPC) but also a major practical exploration for the smooth progression of the party and the nation’s modernization endeavors.
Design/methodology/approach
Adopting an analytical framework that unifies theoretical, historical and practical logic, this paper explores the rationality of capital’s existence under a socialist system based on the notion that capital is a materialized production relationship. It also examines the staged evolution of capital theory under socialism, highlighting the great leap forward realized by the capital theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Findings
With the CPC Central Committee’s deepening understanding of the capital patterns in the socialist system, capital-related policies have undergone a developmental journey through several stages – from the negation and elimination of capital to the support and operation of capital and finally to the stage of regulating and guiding capital. This reflects the reciprocal and complementary relationship between capital theory and capital policy.
Originality/value
In response to issues such as the disorderly expansion of capital in the new development stage, it is imperative to actively promote a practical pathway safeguarded by the adherence to Party leadership, guided by the capital theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics and targeted toward common prosperity.