Xiaotong Jiang, Xiaosheng Cheng, Qingjin Peng, Luming Liang, Ning Dai, Mingqiang Wei and Cheng Cheng
It is a challenge to print a model with the size that is larger than the working volume of a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The purpose of this paper is to present a feasible…
Abstract
Purpose
It is a challenge to print a model with the size that is larger than the working volume of a three-dimensional (3D) printer. The purpose of this paper is to present a feasible approach to divide a large model into small printing parts to fit the volume of a printer and then assemble these parts into the final model.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed approach is based on the skeletonization and the minima rule. The skeleton of a printing model is first extracted using the mesh contraction and the principal component analysis. The 3D model is then partitioned preliminarily into many smaller parts using the space sweep method and the minima rule. The preliminary partition is finally optimized using the greedy algorithm.
Findings
The skeleton of a 3D model can effectively represent a simplified version of the geometry of the 3D model. Using a model’s skeleton to partition the model is an efficient way. As it is generally desirable to have segmentations at concave creases and seams, the cutting position should be located in the concave region. The proposed approach can partition large models effectively to well retain the integrity of meaningful parts.
Originality/value
The proposed approach is new in the rapid prototyping field using the model skeletonization and the minima rule. Based on the authors’ knowledge, there is no method that concerns the integrity of meaningful parts for partitioning. The proposed method can achieve satisfactory results by the integrity of meaningful parts and assemblability for most 3D models.
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Keywords
Chun-Liang Chen, Yao-Chin Lin, Wei-Hung Chen and Xin-Si Heng
The purpose of this paper is to prove the importance of both cluster leadership and identification on cluster innovation.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to prove the importance of both cluster leadership and identification on cluster innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The case studies presented in this study involve a cluster by micro-enterprises in Yilan, Taiwan. Data collected during interviews, observations and secondary data provide understanding and practices for the impact of cluster identification on cluster innovation.
Findings
This study proved: first, the importance of cluster identification on innovation by representing the need of consensus and collaboration of the members in conducting innovation actions; and second, the cluster identification is influenced by the cluster leadership by showing high satisfaction of the leader, close interaction between the members and high identification with the cluster.
Research limitations/implications
This study predicts the ongoing cluster innovation activities will be achieved due to the transformational leadership and high cluster identification.
Originality/value
This study enriches the factors of cluster innovation accomplishment and proposes the important of cluster identification, which has not been discussed much in the past.
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Claudio Miraldo, Sonia Francisca Monken, Lara Motta and Ana Freitas Ribeiro
To promote access to their services, health-care companies provide various communication channels to their customers (beneficiaries) to enable the receipt of requests, such as…
Abstract
Purpose
To promote access to their services, health-care companies provide various communication channels to their customers (beneficiaries) to enable the receipt of requests, such as authorization for examinations, procedures and hospitalizations. Under the approach of innovation studies, the management of customer relationship channels for health-care companies is characterized as a knowledge-intensive business service (KIBS). The purpose of this study is presenting innovation as a strategy to increase customer service productivity, as well as the monitoring of the quality of the service, the generation of health information for beneficiaries and compliance with the regulation set by the Brazilian National Health Agency (ANS).
Design/methodology/approach
The study is characterized as an applied research, as it proposes solutions to problems faced by supplemental health-care companies using the strategy of action research, i.e. an independent, social research with an empirical basis.
Findings
The result of this study shows that a computerized health-care system can increase productivity by 21.96%, and it presents an innovative solution for health-care companies to guarantee the process of meeting the demands and requests of their beneficiaries, ensuring the compliance with ANS regulations.
Practical implications
These results can be replicated to other healthcare companies and contribute to those seeking innovation, increased productivity and quality improvements in their services.
Originality/value
This work was also motivated by the lack of lstudies in the areas of health-care companies in Brazil.
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Ying Zhang, Ann Marie Fiore, Ling Zhang and Xiaogang Liu
To examine the relationships among website design features, consumer experience responses and patronage intention toward online mass customization (OMC) apparel websites.
Abstract
Purpose
To examine the relationships among website design features, consumer experience responses and patronage intention toward online mass customization (OMC) apparel websites.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 312 useable online surveys were obtained from Mainland China consumers. Multi-item scales were adopted to measure eight constructs: visual design; information quality; entertainment, aesthetic, educational, escapist experiences; flow; and patronage intention. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was conducted to determine factor structures and to test the hypothesized relationships among website design features, 4Es (entertainment, aesthetic, educational and escapist experiences), flow and consequent purchase intention toward OMC apparel websites.
Findings
All hypotheses, but one, were supported. OMC website visual design; information quality; and entertainment, aesthetic and educational experiences had a positive effect on consumer patronage intention.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include using a sample of consumers from major cities in China; results cannot be generalized to all Chinese consumers. Websites were not actively navigated. Additionally, the present study examined only two dimensions of OMC website quality, visual design and information quality; more tangible and specific features could be considered in future research.
Practical implications
The findings provide website designers and marketers with insights into experiences that may lead to an increase in patronage intention toward OMC websites.
Originality/value
The study provides evidence that flow helps explain the impact of experiential value (i.e. 4Es) from website design features on patronage intention.