Search results

This paper adopts a modified Taguchi approach to develop empirical relationships to the performance characteristics (output responses) in terms of process variables and demonstrated their validity through comparison of test data. The method suggests a few tests as per the orthogonal array and provides complete information for all combinations of levels and process variables. This method also provides the estimated range of output responses so that the scatter in the repeated tests can be assessed prior to the tests.

In order to obtain defect-free products meeting the required specifications, researchers have conducted extensive experiments using powder bed fusion (PBF) process measuring the performance indicators (namely, relative density, surface roughness and hardness) to specify a set of printing parameters (namely, laser power, scanning speed and hatch spacing). A simple and reliable multi-objective optimization method is considered in this paper for specifying a set of optimal process parameters with SS316 L powder. It was reported that test samples printed even with optimal set of input variables revealed irregular shaped, microscopic porosities and improper melt pool formation.

Finally, based on detailed analysis, it is concluded that it is impossible to express the performance indicators, explicitly in terms of equivalent energy density (E_0ˆ*), which is a combination of multiple sets of selective laser melting (SLM) process parameters, with different performance indicators. Empirical relations for the performance indicators are developed in terms of SLM process parameters. Test data are within/close to the expected range.

Based on extensive analysis of the SS316 L data using modified Taguchi approach, the optimized process parameters are laser power = 298 W, scanning speed = 900 mm/s and hatch distance = 0.075 mm, for which the results of surface roughness = 2.77 Ra, relative density = 99.24%, hardness = 334 Hv and equivalent energy density is 4.062. The estimated data for the same are surface roughness is 3.733 Ra, relative density is 99.926%, hardness is 213.64 Hv and equivalent energy density is 3.677.

Even though equivalent energy density represents the energy input to the process, the findings of this paper conclude that energy density should no longer be considered as a dependent process parameter, as it provides multiple results for the specified energy density. This aspect has been successfully demonstrated in this paper using test data.

To assess the state of supply chain management (SCM) research in India and to understand the research trends and methodologies used. The present study also aims to create a taxonomy of the subject areas researched in India.

The present study employed the systematic literature review methodology. Literature from 395 peer journal papers in 67 leading journals over a 20-year period (2000–2020 Quarter-1) was comprehensively reviewed and assessed.

SCM research in India started around the year 2000. The quantum of research was low (single digit) until 2010. There has been steady growth over the last decade, and over 50% of the total papers up until now has been published in the last four years. The present study created a three-tiered taxonomy of the subject areas and classified the papers as per it. The first tier (level-1) has seven categories (SCM strategy, network design, SCM processes and integration, IT systems, skills, performance measurement and others). A perusal of the newly created taxonomy revealed that, except for a few areas under level-1 categories (such as SCM processes and SCM strategy), the other level-1 categories have not seen much research. Similarly, there is little or no research in a large number of level-2 categories (such as outsourcing strategy, channel strategy, demand management, demand fulfillment, customer relationship management, integrated supply chain planning, new product development, returns, supply chain orientation, performance monitoring, performance improvement, SCM adoption process, SCM implementation issues and quantified benefits of SCM). Methodologically, the rigor of SCM research in India needs improvement.

A comprehensive taxonomy of SCM subject areas researched in India at three cascading levels was created for the first time in the present study. The taxonomy will help provide researchers with a clear understanding of the structure of the subject areas and help in identifying areas where research has been carried out and the subject areas where gaps exist for future research to proceed. The present study also provides an overview of the methodological rigor of SCM research in India and points out some of the limitations that researchers should avoid in future studies.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of thermal radiation interaction with Hall current, buoyancy force, and oscillatory surface temperature on hydromagnetic-mixed convective heat exchange stream of an electrically conducting nanofluid past a moving permeable plate in a porous medium within a rotating system.

Analytical closed-form solutions are obtained for both the momentum and the energy equations using the perturbation method.

The effects of various important parameters on velocity and temperature fields within the boundary layer are discussed for three different water-based nanofluids containing copper (Cu), aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) as nanoparticles. Local skin friction and Nusselt number are illustrated graphically and discussed quantitatively. The results show that Hall current significantly affects the flow system. Results for some special cases of the present analysis are in good agreement with the existing literature.

The problem is relatively original to study the hydromagnetic-oscillatory flow of a nanofluid with Hall effect and thermal radiation past a vertical plate in a rotating porous medium.

The purpose of this study is to empirically test a theoretical model on supply chain management (SCM) adoption in India.

The present study used a multiple case research method to study the phenomenon. The findings are based on analysis of the SCM adoption processes in three large manufacturing organizations from the aluminium, steel and fertilizer industries.

The present study tested four propositions. Three of the propositions were empirically validated and one proposition was revised. The key findings are: one, a lack of recognition by an organization of higher advantages because of SCM adoption as compared to the costs leads to SCM non-adoption. Two, a lack of organizational readiness factors such as a collaborative and innovative culture, higher absorptive capacity and slack resources leads to the non-adoption of SCM. Three, a lack of institutional pressure and marketing activities of the SCM vendors on an organization lead to the non-adoption of SCM.

The major contribution of the present study is that it has empirically validated the theoretical model for SCM adoption in India. The findings of the present study have both theoretical and practical implications. Theoretically, a model of SCM adoption was validated. The study provides managerial connotations for SCM vendors, consultants, practitioners and policy implications for policymakers.

It is now well-established that good water quality is associated with economic prosperity, reduced incidence on public health and the good functioning of the various ecosystems found in our environment. Water contamination is mostly related to both diffused (agricultural lands and geologic rock degradations) and point sources of pollution. Mauritius has many water resources which depend solely on precipitation for their replenishment. Water parameters which are of relevance include total dissolved solids (TDS), temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, dissolved and particulate organic carbon and major cations and anions. The traditional methods of analysis for these parameters are mostly using electrical and optical methods (probes and sensors in the field), while chemical titrations, Flame AAS and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography techniques are carried out in the laboratory. Image Classification techniques using neural networks can also be used to detect the presence of contaminants in water. In addition to basic water quality parameters, the field sensors range have been extended to cover important major ions and can now be integrated with Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based models for the prediction of variations in water quality to better protect human health and the environment, reduce operation costs of water and wastewater treatment plant unit processes.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Dynamics of micropolar – water B Fluids flow simultaneously under the influence of thermal radiation and Soret–Dufour Mechanisms.

The thermal radiation contribution, the chemical change and heat generation take fluidity into account. The flow equations are used to produce a series of dimensionless equations with appropriate nondimensional quantities. By using the spectral homotopy analysis method (SHAM), simplified dimensionless equations have been quantitatively solved. With Chebyshev pseudospectral technique, SHAM integrates the approach of the well-known method of homotopical analysis to the set of altered equations. In terms of velocity, concentration and temperature profiles, the impacts of Prandtl number, chemical reaction and thermal radiation are studied. All findings are visually shown and all physical values are calculated and tabulated.

The results indicate that an increase in the variable viscosity leads to speed and temperature increases. Based on the transport nature of micropolar Walters B fluids, the thermal conductivity has great impact on the Prandtl number and decrease the velocity and temperature. The current research was very well supported by prior literature works. The results in this paper are anticipated to be helpful for biotechnology, food processing and boiling. It is used primarily in refrigerating systems, tensile heating to large-scale heating and oil pipeline reduction.

All results are presented graphically and all physical quantities are computed and tabulated.

With U.S. health care costs increasing at three times the rate of inflation and Americans spending 50 percent more on health care than any other nation, health care practitioners will most certainly continue to focus upon cost containment and budgets (Guthrie, 1991). However, as suggested by some experts (e.g. Lytle and Mokwa, 1992), managerial approaches preoccupied with containing costs and financial budgeting are no longer sufficient for success, or maybe even survival, in today's intensely competitive marketplace. The major transformations in structure that have taken place in the health care industry throughout the 1980s call for more proactive and strategic approaches to planning and managing if health care organizations are to be successful in today's highly competitive environment.