Matheus Francisco, Lucas Roque, João Pereira, Susiane Machado, Sebastião Simões da Cunha Jr and Guilherme Ferreira Gomes
This study aims to address a deep statistical analysis on transtibial prostheses made of composite isogrid carbon/epoxy structure.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address a deep statistical analysis on transtibial prostheses made of composite isogrid carbon/epoxy structure.
Design/methodology/approach
For the methodological procedure, an experimental arrangement was created using design of experiments, and the response surface methodology (RSM) was used. The RSM was obtained from the decision variables of the isogrid model, which consists of angle, circular width and helical width. All modeling was performed numerically using the finite element method.
Findings
Results obtained through analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated the sensitivity of each decision variable (manufacture) in the mechanical responses. The results obtained in this study provide a starting point in formulating optimization problems for researchers and engineers.
Originality/value
A noteworthy thing about structural analysis and structural optimization is that some parameters and decision variables are more significant than others in certain responses (Major et al., 2011). Knowing the sensitivity of these parameters is essential for the correct formulation of an optimization problem. To handle these obstacles, design of experiments and ANOVA are used to solve and obtain the main effects on the structural performance. Nevertheless, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, very few efforts have been devoted to the development to show the factors that influence the various responses of a lower limb prosthesis isogrid tube.
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Ester Miquel, Josep Maria Sanahuja Gavaldà and Mar Moron-Velasco
This study, part of an international effort to bring art and culture closer to everyone, aims to analyze interprofessional collaboration between schools and artistic institutions…
Abstract
Purpose
This study, part of an international effort to bring art and culture closer to everyone, aims to analyze interprofessional collaboration between schools and artistic institutions in the development of inclusive artistic spaces. It focuses on identifying opportunities for professional development and student learning.
Design/methodology/approach
From the theoretical framework of collaboration and professional development, this study follows a qualitative case study design. It analyses the design, implementation and evaluation of three inclusive artistic projects in Barcelona. An interpretive qualitative methodology is used to collect and analyze data from 30 professionals from artistic institutions and schools, and 85 students. Data were obtained through video recordings, field notes and group and individual interviews.
Findings
The results demonstrated a strengthening and stimulation of interprofessional collaboration networks, providing the community with new learning spaces that are more open, flexible and inclusive. Furthermore, sharing knowledge and methodological strategies not only promotes professional development but also positively impacts students’ outcomes. Inclusive artistic spaces serve as a crucial platform for this purpose, offering an environment where artistic expression and cultural engagement intersect with educational goals.
Practical implications
The findings have two clear practical implications: firstly, to build inclusive artistic spaces in the community based on collaboration between schools and artistic institutions; and secondly, to generate a reference framework for professional development among different types of community institutions.
Originality/value
This paper adopts a practice theory approach to study interprofessional collaboration between schools and artistic institutions, giving voice not only to professionals but also to students.
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This paper is an attempt to explore the relevance and usefulness of accounting education to development needs of LDCs; and to make constructive suggestions for educational change…
Abstract
This paper is an attempt to explore the relevance and usefulness of accounting education to development needs of LDCs; and to make constructive suggestions for educational change in any areas where relevance or usefulness seem to be very seriously deficient Identification of development needs is discussed first, then the present character of accounting education as exported to LDCs is discussed in the context of development needs. Finally strategic proposals are made to close the largest gaps between development need and the supply of accounting education.
Augusto Bargoni, Alberto Ferraris, Šárka Vilamová and Wan Mohd Hirwani Wan Hussain
The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrative picture of the state of the art of the literature on digitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an integrative picture of the state of the art of the literature on digitalisation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) as an enabler for their internationalisation process and as a comprehensive view of the specific domains impacted by digital technologies as well as their repercussions on the international outreach.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic review which leverages a descriptive analysis of extant literature and an axial coding technique has been conducted to shed light on the current knowledge and to identify primary research areas and future research lines.
Findings
The research indicates that digitalisation impacts the internationalisation of SMEs in three specific domains: (1) internationalisation through the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICT) technologies and e-commerce platforms; (2) international expansion through the digitalisation of value chain activities and (3) international outreach through knowledge acquisition on digital platforms.
Originality/value
The value of this study is threefold. First, the authors attempt to systematically review the literature on SMEs digitalisation and internationalisation and provide a holistic perspective on the intertwining of these two research streams. Second, the authors propose a novel conceptualisation on the dimensions of SMEs digitalisation as enablers to internationalisation. Third, the authors put forward promising future lines of research.
Highlights
Digitalisation represents a pivotal strategy that allows companies to build new strategic capabilities and is a propeller for SMEs internationalisation.
Through e-commerce, SMEs could compete at the same level of multinational companies but enduring lower costs of expansion.
Digital platforms allow SMEs to enhance the learning processes about international markets through an immediate access to relevant information.
Digital entrepreneurship has enabled SMEs to develop new configurations of value chain activities, evolving their business model or reaching new markets.
SMEs are changing the “business as usual” paradigm offering digital tools to build modular architectures that are scalable and agile in their evolution ability.
Digitalisation represents a pivotal strategy that allows companies to build new strategic capabilities and is a propeller for SMEs internationalisation.
Through e-commerce, SMEs could compete at the same level of multinational companies but enduring lower costs of expansion.
Digital platforms allow SMEs to enhance the learning processes about international markets through an immediate access to relevant information.
Digital entrepreneurship has enabled SMEs to develop new configurations of value chain activities, evolving their business model or reaching new markets.
SMEs are changing the “business as usual” paradigm offering digital tools to build modular architectures that are scalable and agile in their evolution ability.
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Urvashi P. Mall and V. H. Patel
This paper aims to determine the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (IVD) on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds derived from tomato pomace flour (TPF) and amla…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to determine the impact of in vitro gastrointestinal digestion (IVD) on the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds derived from tomato pomace flour (TPF) and amla pomace flour (APF), and to evaluate their potential health benefits as prebiotics on gut microbiota.
Design/methodology/approach
The nutritional and functional properties and the bioaccessibility of phenolic compounds obtained from APF and TPF were measured using IVD model and the potential prebiotic effects were assessed during in vitro fermentation.
Findings
APF and TPF contained significant amounts of total dietary fibre (55.83% and 48.29%, respectively) and protein (2.1% and 14.37%, respectively). After IVD, a considerable amount of polyphenols from APF and TPF were released. In the intestinal phase, APF and TPF showed significant (p = 0.05) release of total phenolics (81% and 57%, respectively) and flavonoids (84% and 76%, respectively). Additionally, in comparison to the control samples, IVD increased antioxidant capacity. The proliferation of bacteria (L. acidophilus) and the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including propionate and butyrate, were both increased during in vitro fermentation of APF and TPF. Both the flours showed a positive prebiotic activity with the value of <1.50.
Social implications
The study supports sustainable agriculture and global pollution reduction. Incorporating these by-products into diets might increase the availability of inexpensive, nutritious food choices, improve digestive health and create economic possibilities for food producers and farmers.
Originality/value
The research provides novel information on the bioaccessibility of polyphenols and antioxidants during digestion, and the prebiotic potential APF, which have not been previously documented.
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Mohsen Ali Murshid, Zurina Mohaidin and Goh Yen Nee
The role of patient’s characteristics in the prescribing decision of physicians comprises two major constructs: drug request and expectations. The purpose of this paper was to…
Abstract
Purpose
The role of patient’s characteristics in the prescribing decision of physicians comprises two major constructs: drug request and expectations. The purpose of this paper was to examine the existing literature on patient characteristics and then explore the circumstances that reinforce the connection between patient characteristics (drug requests and expectations) and physician prescribing decision.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of the literature was carried out across online databases from 1994 to 2015, and 25 reviewed articles were identified. The influence of patient factors on physician prescribing decisions was identified in the articles. A conceptual model to investigate the patient characteristics that influence physicians’ prescribing decision was the developed.
Findings
There have been numerous studies on the effect of patient characteristics on physician prescription decision. Some studies discovered patient’s request for drug and expectations strongly influence physicians’ prescribing decision, whereas others found only minor or no relation. To resolve this ambiguity, there is a need to precisely understand how patient factors affect prescribing decisions of physicians, under different contexts and conditions. This review contends that contextual variables – drug characteristics, drug cost/benefits ratio and physician habit persistence – are determining factors in this debate.
Research limitations/implications
The study recommends further studies on the influence of each factor on physician prescribing behaviour and an evaluation of the proposed model and moderating variables.
Originality/value
This paper is the first significant step towards recognizing contextual variables that may moderate the relationship between a patient’s drug request and expectations and prescribing behaviour. This research contributes to resolving the debate on the ways patient factors affect prescribing behaviour.
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Matheus Francisco, João Pereira, Lucas Oliveira, Sebastião Simões Cunha and G.F. Gomes
The present paper aims at the multi-objective optimization of a reentrant hexagonal cell auxetic structure. In addition, a parametric analysis will be carried out to verify how…
Abstract
Purpose
The present paper aims at the multi-objective optimization of a reentrant hexagonal cell auxetic structure. In addition, a parametric analysis will be carried out to verify how each of the design factors impact each of the responses.
Design/methodology/approach
The multi-objective optimization of five different responses of an auxetic model was considered: mass, critical buckling load under compression effort, natural frequency, Poisson's ratio and failure load. The response surface methodology was applied, and a new meta-heuristic of optimization called the multi-objective Lichtenberg algorithm was applied to find the optimized configuration of the model. It was possible to increase the failure load by 26.75% in compression performance optimization. Furthermore, in the optimization of modal performance, it was possible to increase the natural frequency by 37.43%. Finally, all 5 responses analyzed simultaneously were optimized. In this case, it was possible to increase the critical buckling load by 42.55%, the failure load by 28.70% and reduce the mass and Poisson's ratio by 15.97 and 11%, respectively. This paper addresses something new in the scientific world to date when evaluating in a multi-objective optimization problem, the compression and modal performance of an auxetic reentrant model.
Findings
It was possible to find multi-objective optimized structures. It was possible to increase the critical buckling load by 42.82%, and the failure load in compression performance by 26.75%. Furthermore, in the optimization of modal performance, it was possible to increase the natural frequency by 37.43%, and decrease the mass by 15.97%. Finally, all 5 responses analyzed simultaneously were optimized. In this case, it was possible to increase the critical buckling load by 42.55%, increase the failure load by 28.70% and reduce the mass and Poisson's ratio by 15.97 and 11%, respectively.
Originality/value
There is no work in the literature to date that performed the optimization of 5 responses simultaneously of a reentrant hexagonal cell auxetic structure. This paper also presents an unprecedented statistical analysis in the literature that verifies how the design factors impact each of the responses.
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T. Diana L.v.A. de Macedo‐Soares and Débora C. Lucas
Notes that quality management practices of leading firms have increasingly been considered benchmarks for other companies in quest of successful competitive technologies. Shares…
Abstract
Notes that quality management practices of leading firms have increasingly been considered benchmarks for other companies in quest of successful competitive technologies. Shares the most relevant findings of the authors’ study on key quality practices of leading firms in Brazil. Includes comparisons with results of research in the USA. Identifies socio‐cultural factors as a root‐cause for the difficulties of employing these practices effectively in Brazil. Recommends the development of innovative capabilities and cultural synergies, in the scope of the increasing associations with foreign firms, to overcome at least some of the difficulties at issue.
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Nawazish Mirza, Cristiana Doina Tudor, Alexandra Horobet and Lucian Belascu
This study aims to explore the strategic integration of Sharia-compliant and environmental, social and governance (ESG)-focused investments within global equity portfolio…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the strategic integration of Sharia-compliant and environmental, social and governance (ESG)-focused investments within global equity portfolio optimization frameworks, with a particular emphasis on variance minimization and dynamic rebalancing techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses historical data from Sharia-compliant, ESG-focused and conventional equity exchange-traded funds (ETFs). Advanced mean-variance optimization methodologies via quadratic programming are employed, encompassing static optimization with and without a 50% cap on individual asset weights, dynamic optimization with monthly rebalancing and rolling window optimization.
Findings
Portfolios integrating Sharia-compliant investments frequently outperform those composed solely of conventional equity ETFs. Dynamic optimization with monthly rebalancing achieved the highest Sharpe ratio (1.3708) and demonstrated enhanced portfolio resilience during market turbulence, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Sharia-compliant investments showed substantial allocations during key periods, with weights reaching up to 100% in the first half of 2020. In contrast, ESG-focused investments exhibited more limited and sporadic allocations, reflecting a more opportunistic role in the portfolio.
Practical implications
The findings reaffirm the critical role of Sharia-compliant investments in well-diversified, risk-conscious portfolios while also providing nuanced insights into the more selective integration of ESG-focused assets. The results offer practical guidance for portfolio managers seeking to integrate ethical and sustainable investment principles within advanced portfolio optimization frameworks, particularly when focusing on minimizing variance and dynamically responding to evolving market conditions.
Social implications
The study contributes to the growing body of literature on ethical and sustainable investments, demonstrating that it is possible to balance ethical considerations with robust financial performance. The research underscores the potential for Sharia-compliant investments to play a significant role in global portfolios, potentially fostering greater financial inclusion and cross-cultural understanding in the investment community.
Originality/value
This research provides novel insights by focusing on Sharia-compliant investments within non-Muslim countries, an area that has been relatively underexplored. It also compares the outcomes of static, dynamic and rolling optimizations, highlighting the dynamic interplay between ethical investment principles and financial performance.
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Yu Xia, Shulong Yan and Mengying Jiang
The rapid emergency remote teaching has moved informal learning programs online including makerspaces, which has created an opportunity for harnessing the benefits of virtual…
Abstract
Purpose
The rapid emergency remote teaching has moved informal learning programs online including makerspaces, which has created an opportunity for harnessing the benefits of virtual makerspaces. This study reports on findings from three club designers and facilitators’ reflections on a fully virtual maker club offered in the summer of 2023. This paper aims to inform practitioners of the potential challenges and strategies to resolve various issues.
Design/methodology/approach
Reflective video journaling was conducted by facilitators. Videos were transcribed and analyzed for observations, learning events, challenges and strategies.
Findings
Findings present strategies adopted to address problems during implementation and a checklist for practitioners. The problems are associated with the learning environments, technology tools and student participation. The authors adopted in-the-moment and short-term strategies to tackle the problems and long-term strategies that bear implications for future virtual makerspaces.
Practical implications
This paper can provide direct guidance to practitioners in schools, libraries, museums, etc., who plan to offer informal collaborative learning for children online. It prepares practitioners for the potential challenges and equip them with concrete strategies and questions.
Social implications
Fully virtual makerspaces have the potential to reach a wider range of audience.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first to report the reflective findings on a fully virtual makerspace club that comprehensively covers challenges and strategies before, during and after the club, which has direct implications for future offerings of such programs.