Subbarama Kousik Suraparaju, Arjun Singh K., Vijesh Jayan and Sendhil Kumar Natarajan
The utilisation of renewable energy sources for generating electricity and potable water is one of the most sustainable approaches in the current scenario. Therefore, the current…
Abstract
Purpose
The utilisation of renewable energy sources for generating electricity and potable water is one of the most sustainable approaches in the current scenario. Therefore, the current research aims to design and develop a novel co-generation system to address the electricity and potable water needs of rural areas.
Design/methodology/approach
The cogeneration system mainly consists of a solar parabolic dish concentrator (SPDC) system with a concentrated photo-voltaic module at the receiver for electricity generation. It is further integrated with a low-temperature thermal desalination (LTTD) system for generating potable water. Also, a novel corn cob filtration system is introduced for the pre-treatment to reduce the salt content in seawater before circulating it into the receiver of the SPDC system. The designed novel co-generation system has been numerically and experimentally tested to analyse the performance at Karaikal, U.T. of Puducherry, India.
Findings
Because of the pre-treatment with a corn cob, the scale formation in the pipes of the SPDC system is significantly reduced, which enhances the efficiency of the system. It is observed that the conductivity, pH and TDS of seawater are reduced significantly after the pre-treatment by the corncob filtration system. Also, the integrated system is capable of generating 6–8 litres of potable water per day.
Originality/value
The integration of the corncob filtration system reduced the scaling formation compared to the general circulation of water in the hoses. Also, the integrated SPDC and LTTD systems are comparatively economical to generate higher yields of clean water than solar stills.
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Peter Prakash F., Muthukannan Duraiselvam, Natarajan S. and Kannan Ganesa Balamurugan
This paper aims to investigate the effect of laser surface texturing (LST) on the wear behavior of C-263 nickel-based superalloy and to identify the optimum wear operating…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effect of laser surface texturing (LST) on the wear behavior of C-263 nickel-based superalloy and to identify the optimum wear operating condition.
Design/methodology/approach
C-263 nickel-based superalloy was selected as substrate material and pico-second Nd-YAG laser was used to fabricate the waviness groove texture on their surface. Wear experiments were designed based on Box-Bhenken design with three factors of sliding velocity, sliding distance and applied load. Wear experiments were performed using pin on disc tribometer. Morphologies of textures and worn-out surfaces were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy. Surface topographies and surface roughness of the textures were evaluated by weight light interferometry. The response surface methodology was adopted to identify the optimum wear operating condition and ANOVA to identify the significant factors.
Findings
LST improves the wear resistance of C-263 nickel-based superalloy by appeoximately 82 per cent. Higher wear rate occurs at maximum values of all operating conditions, and applied load affects the coefficient of friction. Applied load significantly affects the wear rate of un-textured specimen. The interaction of sliding velocity and applied load also affects the wear rate of textured specimens. The optimum parameters to get minimum wear rate for un-textured specimens are 1.5 m/s sliding velocity, 725 m sliding distance and 31 N of applied load. For textured specimens, the optimum values are 1.5 m/s sliding distance, 500 m sliding distance and 40 N of the applied load.
Originality/value
Literature on laser texturing on nickel-based superalloy is very scarce. Specifically, the effect of laser texturing on wear behavior of the nickel-based superalloy C-263 alloy is not yet reported.
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S. Natarajan, Raja S., Pitchandi K. and Sivachandiran Loganathan
This paper aims to synthesize and test Mn-Sb/TiO2-CNT catalysts with different Sb/Mn molar ratios to be used in NH3-SCR reaction.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to synthesize and test Mn-Sb/TiO2-CNT catalysts with different Sb/Mn molar ratios to be used in NH3-SCR reaction.
Design/methodology/approach
A series of Sb-loaded carbon nanotubes (CNTs)-based Mn/TiO2 catalysts were prepared by the incipient wetness co-impregnation method and tested for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx with NH3.
Findings
The Sb-loaded Mn/TiO2-CNTs catalyst outperformed other catalysts and presented the highest activity in the temperature regime of 100–400°C. The catalyst loaded with Sb also showed good SO2 and H2O resistance and exhibited better thermal stability. A stepwise study of SO2 addition evidenced that Mn-Sb/TiO2-CNTs catalyst exhibited better SO2 resistance than the base catalyst Mn/TiO2, where the Sb doping greatly inhibited the sulphating of active phase of the catalyst.
Originality/value
In Sb-loaded catalysts, the formed SOx species fused with SbOx instead of MnOx. This favoured interaction of SO2 with SbOx successfully prevents the MnOx from being sulphated by SO2 which substantially improves the SO2 tolerance of Sb-loaded catalysts.
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M. Adam Khan, S. Sundarrajan and S. Natarajan
The aim of this paper is to study the hot corrosion behaviour of super 304H stainless steel for marine applications.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to study the hot corrosion behaviour of super 304H stainless steel for marine applications.
Design/methodology/approach
The investigation was carried out with three different combinations of salt mixture (Na2SO4, NaCl and V2O5) at two different temperatures (800 and 900°C).
Findings
The spalling and growth of oxide layer was observed more with the presence of V2O5 in the salt mixture at 900°C during experimentation than what was observed in 800°C. The mass change per unit area is calculated to study the corrosion kinetics and also the influence of salt mixture. Further, the samples are analysed through materials characterisation techniques using optical image, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDAX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The presence of V2O5 in the salt mixture was the most important influencing species for accelerating hot corrosion.
Originality/value
SEM, EDAX and XRD analysis confirmed the formation of Fe2O3 and Cr2O3 at 900°C showing contribution in corrosion protection.
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The purpose of this paper is to discuss credit card fraud in Trinidad and Tobago.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss credit card fraud in Trinidad and Tobago.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes credit card typologies in Trinidad and Tobago and the existing law governing such fraud. It outlines the success and inadequacies of the enforcement machinery and issues involving credit card fraud detection and prevention.
Findings
The law regarding credit cards is in a very confused and unsatisfactory state in Trinidad and Tobago. Education in counteracting the criminal activities of credit card fraudsters is vital. Informing the public of the various fraudulent typologies relative to credit cards and at the same time, advising members how to protect themselves are the most effective methods to address the fraud problem. The Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago should also play a critical role in addressing credit card fraud. The association should formulate credit card policies along similar principles as those formulated for cheque fraud to benefit all banks and merchants.
Originality/value
Credit card fraud has only been a recent phenomenon in Trinidad and Tobago. This paper is valuable in offering suggestions as to the way forward in the prevention of such fraud.
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The focus and goal of this chapter is to systematically detail how the “cascade” system is organized and how it operates by coordinating current research. To do so, this chapter…
Abstract
The focus and goal of this chapter is to systematically detail how the “cascade” system is organized and how it operates by coordinating current research. To do so, this chapter first builds an understanding of the historical conditions that forged the “cascade” system, then turns to how the system operates – charting its affordances and limitations through others’ research – and then discusses what opportunities can be leveraged to support teachers’ work. In doing so, this chapter provides relevant information and documentation about the “cascade” system so that readers can understand how this system currently works and what is possible. Two interpretations are made from the analysis of current research. First, the “cascade” is overwrought with voices, and the participants overwhelmed; and second, the “cascade” fosters an untenable view of how people learn and what constitutes teaching. Increasingly, teachers and their education are being widely recognized as central to the fortunes of schoolchildren. In India, a significant amount of attention is being paid to teacher education more than ever before. For example, the recent 5-year planning and operations budget is being touted as the “Teacher Education Plan.” Thus, probing the existing system and its norms and practices is vital to ensuring this attention isn’t frittered away and is put toward helping teachers step up to the challenge of providing all students rich opportunities to learn.
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Surachai Chancharat and Arisa Phadungviang
This study groups mutual funds using k-means clustering analysis and compares the k-means clustering process with existing clustering techniques using mutual fund data for equity…
Abstract
This study groups mutual funds using k-means clustering analysis and compares the k-means clustering process with existing clustering techniques using mutual fund data for equity funds, general fixed-income funds, and balanced open-end mutual funds rated by the Association of Investment Management Companies. Data are from January 2016 to December 2020 for 60 months and includes information on prices, risks, and investment policies. The sample for this study comprises 173 funds from 10 asset management companies with the highest net assets. The tool used for analysis is the k-means technique using a statistical package set for k = 3. The funds can be divided into three groups: Group 1 has 5 mutual funds (2.89%), Group 2 has 24 mutual funds (13.87%), and Group 3 has a total of 144 mutual funds (83.24%). In Group 1, four of the five mutual funds are equity funds with a track record of beating the market, and fund managers have good market timing skills. Moreover, the efficiency of fund grouping using the k-means technique was compared with the existing grouping with close results at 57.23%. This work provides a methodology to obtain a better categorization of mutual funds by using k-means clustering, allowing the investors to know how mutual funds are. This categorization is very useful for improving the formulation of mutual funds, with the goal of further optimizing investment.
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Gladys Kemitare, Frank Kabuye, Anthony Moni Olyanga and Nichodemus Rudaheranwa
The purpose of this paper was to establish the contribution of value chain and productivity to trade performance in the dairy industry using evidence from Uganda.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to establish the contribution of value chain and productivity to trade performance in the dairy industry using evidence from Uganda.
Design/methodology/approach
This study research design is cross-sectional and correlational. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 108 dairy farmers, processors and exporters. Data were analysed through correlation coefficients and linear regression using Statistical Package for Social Sciences.
Findings
Hierarchical regression results indicate that value chain and productivity contribute significantly to variances in trade performance of dairy products. Therefore, appropriate value chain processes and high levels of productivity lead to increased trade performance in the dairy industry.
Research limitations/implications
This study focusses on trade performance of dairy products in Uganda. These research findings are useful for informing the deliberations of academicians, regulators and the business community. The results are applicable to all countries that carry out trade specifically in dairy products.
Practical implications
The results are important for trade policy development in the dairy industry. For example, this study informs farmers, processors and exporters of dairy products how value chain activities in dairy farming can be re-aligned to achieve better quality and productivity for exportation. Similarly, the current study provides policy guidance for the relevant ministries such as ministry of trade and other players to come up with holistic policy actions aimed at improving the trade performance of dairy products in the country.
Originality/value
To the researchers' knowledge, this is the first study that provides an initial empirical evidence on the contribution of value chain and productivity on trade performance of dairy products in Uganda.
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Denise M. Case, Ty Blackburn and Chrysostomos Stylios
This chapter discusses the application of fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) modelling to construction management (CM) challenges and problems. It focuses on the critical issue of managing…
Abstract
This chapter discusses the application of fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) modelling to construction management (CM) challenges and problems. It focuses on the critical issue of managing the complexity and uncertainty inherent in CM by providing a new intelligent layer that enhances classical approaches to construction modelling and management. It investigates how the myriad types of internal and external factors affecting the feasibility and performance of construction projects can be modelled using a fuzzy hybrid method that explores the complex relationships among many contributing factors and assesses and evaluates their impacts on past and future projects. This chapter proposes a hybrid modelling approach in the traditional context of cost, schedule and risk management and describes how augmenting and enhancing existing state-of-the-art tools and processes in CM can assist construction managers. This chapter provides a background on the theory of FCMs, presents foundational and current research, and explains how to apply this approach in the CM domain. This chapter also provides a detailed description of how to develop, modify and employ interactive models to specific CM challenges and problems. It includes a customisable, interactive base model and demonstrates how the model has been applied to specific CM events and issues. Examples are presented that highlight the interplay between project-specific goals and characteristics and the way these impact the interrelated and often opposing triad of cost, schedule and risk. The presented examples and practical applications make this state-of-the-art approach useful to both academic and industry practitioners.
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Dhwani Gambhir and Seema Sharma
This paper aims to study whether exporting enterprises are more productive in export-intensive industries. It also aims to identify the action area and policy direction for…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study whether exporting enterprises are more productive in export-intensive industries. It also aims to identify the action area and policy direction for enhancing productivity in Indian textile manufacturing. Global integration has increased the volume of international trade. It is crucial for countries to have competitive enterprises to capture a larger share of the global economy. Improvement in productivity performance not only enhances competitiveness but also promotes growth in an economy.
Design/methodology/approach
A productivity analysis for the Indian textile manufacturing industry using firm-level panel data is conducted. The data are collected for 160 firms relevant to the period from 2007-2008 to 2012-2013 from Ace Equity database. Using the technique of data envelopment analysis, the output oriented Malmquist productivity index is computed and the sources of productivity change are identified. Also, a comparison between the productivity performance of the exporting and non-exporting firms has been made.
Findings
The results suggest that exporting firms are exhibiting better productivity performance and resource utilisation during the study period. Technology change and scale efficiency seem to be the major sources of productivity gain for exporting firms.
Research limitations/implications
The research is limited to a single industry, reference database and methodology. There is scope for further in-depth, micro-level research to analyze the differences in drivers of productivity for exporting and non-exporting firms.
Originality/value
This paper provides validation to export promotional policies in the Indian textile industry by establishing better productivity performance of exporting firms. It also provides direction for managerial action by identifying efficiency component as the factor pulling down productivity.