A. Macfarlane, S.E. Robertson and J.A. Mccann
The progress of parallel computing in Information Retrieval (IR) is reviewed. In particular we stress the importance of the motivation in using parallel computing for text…
Abstract
The progress of parallel computing in Information Retrieval (IR) is reviewed. In particular we stress the importance of the motivation in using parallel computing for text retrieval. We analyse parallel IR systems using a classification defined by Rasmussen and describe some parallel IR systems. We give a description of the retrieval models used in parallel information processing. We describe areas of research which we believe are needed.
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Carmen Escanciano and María Leticia Santos-Vijande
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the status of the implementation of ISO 22000 in the food industry in Spain. The study identifies the main difficulties faced by firms…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the status of the implementation of ISO 22000 in the food industry in Spain. The study identifies the main difficulties faced by firms during the adoption process, the benefits obtained, and the most influential benefits on firms overall satisfaction with ISO 22000.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire was developed to identify the difficulties and benefits for ISO 22000 implementation. Data were collected among 189 Spanish certified firms. Factor analysis and multiple linear regression were used.
Findings
ISO 22000 is used by firms operating in all links of the food chain (FC). Size of the firm is not a factor that determines its implementation. Exporter firms are more attracted to ISO 22000 certification. All sample firms experienced difficulties throughout the implementation process, being those related with time and money the most relevant. The benefits which most contributed to the firms’ satisfaction were internal in nature, in particular, those related to improved efficiency and food safety.
Practical implications
Despite the many difficulties, both material and organizational, that sample firms experienced in implementing ISO 22000, and the complexity of the standard, the overall satisfaction is high.
Originality/value
The sample analyzed comprised certified firms, including representatives of all links in the FC from farm to table. Prior research specifically aimed at analyzing ISO 22000 implementation and its benefits is very scarce.
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Hanna Leipämaa-Leskinen, Elina Närvänen and Hannu Makkonen
The purpose of this study is to define and analyse the emergence of collaborative engagement platforms (CEPs) as part of a rising platformisation phenomenon. Contrary to previous…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to define and analyse the emergence of collaborative engagement platforms (CEPs) as part of a rising platformisation phenomenon. Contrary to previous literature on engagement platforms (EPs), this study distinguishes between formalised and self-organised EPs and sheds light on collaborative EPs on which heterogeneous actors operate without central control by legislated firm actors.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on institutional work theory, this paper explores the institutional rules, norms and practices involved in the emergence of a new platform. This paper implements a longitudinal case study of a local food network called REKO and explores how engagement practices and institutional work patterns catalysed its emergence during 2013–2020.
Findings
The findings of this study show that actors engaged within the REKO platform participated in institutional work patterns of disruption, creation and maintenance, which drove the development of the platform and ensured its viability.
Research limitations/implications
This paper encourages future research to further explore how different types of EPs emerge and function.
Practical implications
The rise of CEPs pushes the dominant managerial orientation to progress from the management “of” a platform to managing “within” a platform. For managers, this means developing novel practices for engaging and committing a versatile set of actors to nurture open-ended, multi-sided collaboration.
Originality/value
This study contributes by conceptualising different types of platforms with a particular focus on CEPs and explicating the engagement practices and institutional work patterns that catalyse their emergence.
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P. Mamalis, A. Andreopoulos and N. Spyrellis
Some of the basic mechanical characteristics such as tensile, bending, shear, compression, and surface properties of cotton knitted fabrics after a durable flame‐retardant…
Abstract
Some of the basic mechanical characteristics such as tensile, bending, shear, compression, and surface properties of cotton knitted fabrics after a durable flame‐retardant finishing, were studied by the objective‐evaluation method developed by Kawabata and Niva using the KES‐F system. In addition, properties such as bursting strength, drape and sewability were studied in order to further explore the influence of this treatment on the fabrics. All treated fabrics were flame‐retardant but their mechanical properties showed changes as a result of the above finishing. More specifically, a significant reduction in the bending and shear properties was recorded, which suggests that the flame‐retardant finishing primarily affects the above characteristics.
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This paper could be considered as the first step of grounding the ambitions and speculations about hyper urban planning. In other words, it is just a brief approach for the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper could be considered as the first step of grounding the ambitions and speculations about hyper urban planning. In other words, it is just a brief approach for the critical discussion of hyper urban planning field, without too many details or long explanations, so further studying, arguing and additional future research should be done.
Design/methodology/approach
The scientific methodology is based on descriptive and analytical methods, in addition to case study method of data collection. Therefore, the paper has reviewed 16 case studies, which could arguably be lumped under the title of “hyper urban planning.”
Findings
The study focuses on proposing a new way to view urban planning, that is the hyper urban planning, which could be considered as a sort of specialized urban branch of advanced level, characterized by special criteria, which stimulates innovative and creative proposals for the future smart cities.
Research limitations/implications
Hyper urban planning field generally aims to contribute to liberating and releasing the full creative imagination of the urban planners’ minds, outside the box and away from the exaggerated strict constraints.
Practical implications
The study has been based on theoretical aspects in addition to empirical experiments. The practical aspects reflect the potential and promising features of hyper urban planning, especially with regard to using creativity, sustainability and innovative technology solutions.
Social implications
The paper’s analyses show that many hyper urban proposals have a high potential sustainability, environmentally, socially and economically.
Originality/value
As urban problems and built environment challenges have become more complex, the proposed vertical eco-cities under the umbrella of hyper urban planning field may arguably be promising and more sustainable urban solutions for the previously mentioned challenges.
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Angela Gracia B. Cruz, Elizabeth Snuggs and Yelena Tsarenko
While theories of complex service systems have advanced important insights about integrated care, less attention has been paid to social dynamics in systems with finite resources…
Abstract
Purpose
While theories of complex service systems have advanced important insights about integrated care, less attention has been paid to social dynamics in systems with finite resources. This paper aims to uncover a paradoxical social dynamic undermining the objective of integrated care within an HIV care service system.
Design/methodology/approach
Grounded in a hermeneutic analysis of depth interviews with 26 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) and drawing on Bourdieu’s (1984) theory of capital consumption to unpack dynamics of power, struggle and contestation, the authors introduce the concept of the service labyrinth.
Findings
To competently navigate the service labyrinth of HIV care, consumers adopt capital consumption practices. Paradoxically, these practices enhance empowerment at the individual level but contribute to the fragmentation of the HIV care labyrinth at the system level, ultimately undermining integrated care.
Research limitations/implications
This study enhances understanding of integrated care in three ways. First, the metaphor of the service labyrinth can be used to better understand complex care-related service systems. Second, as consumers of care enact capital consumption practices, the authors demonstrate how they do not merely experience but actively shape the care system. Third, fragmentation is expectedly part of the human dynamics in complex service systems. Thus, the authors discuss its implications. Further research should investigate whether a similar paradox undermines integrated care in better resourced systems, acute care systems and systems embedded in other cultural contexts.
Originality/value
Contrasted to provider-centric views of service systems, this study explicates a customer-centric view from the perspective of heterosexual PLWHA.
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This study aims to evaluate the failure behavior of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy (GFRE) laminate subjected to cyclic loading conditions. It involves experimental investigation and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the failure behavior of glass fiber-reinforced epoxy (GFRE) laminate subjected to cyclic loading conditions. It involves experimental investigation and statistical analysis using Weibull distribution to characterize the failure behavior of the GFRE composite laminate.
Design/methodology/approach
Fatigue tests were conducted using a tension–tension loading scheme at a frequency of 2 Hz and a loading ratio (R) of 0.1. The tests were performed at five different stress levels, corresponding to 50%–90% of the ultimate tensile strength (UTS). Failure behavior was assessed through cyclic stress-strain hysteresis plots, dynamic modulus behavior and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of fracture surfaces.
Findings
The study identified common modes of failure, including fiber pullouts, fiber breakage and matrix cracking. At low stress levels, fiber breakage, matrix cracking and fiber pullouts occurred due to high shear stresses at the fiber–matrix interface. Conversely, at high stress levels, fiber breakage and matrix cracking predominated. Higher stress levels led to larger stress-strain hysteresis loops, indicating increased energy dissipation during cyclic loading. High stress levels were associated with a more significant decrease in stiffness over time, implying a shorter fatigue life, while lower stress levels resulted in a gradual decline in stiffness, leading to extended fatigue life.
Originality/value
This study makes a valuable contribution to understanding fatigue behavior under tension–tension loading conditions, coupled with an in-depth analysis of the failure mechanism in GFRE composite laminate at different stress levels. The fatigue behavior is scrutinized through stress-strain hysteresis plots and dynamic modulus versus normalized cycles plots. Furthermore, the characterization of the failure mechanism is enhanced by using SEM imaging of fractured specimens. The Weibull distribution approach is used to obtain a reliable estimate of fatigue life.
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Doha Saleh Almutawaa, Peter Nuttall, Elizabeth Mamali, Fajer Saleh Al-Mutawa and Doha Husain Makki AlJuma
The purpose of this study is to develop understanding of the extended self-theory by focusing on the influence of other people in identity constructions as experienced in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop understanding of the extended self-theory by focusing on the influence of other people in identity constructions as experienced in collectivist Eastern contexts. It specifically addresses the impact of being treated as an extended self on Arab-Muslim women’s identity constructions.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a qualitative research approach consisting of 23 in-depth semi-structured interviews. Nonprobability, purposive sampling is followed as the study targets Kuwaiti women who identify as former hijab/veil wearers. Sample diversity is attained in terms of Kuwaiti women’s demographical characteristics, including their age range, marital status and social class.
Findings
The findings of this study reveal paradoxes of experiencing the collective extended self through familial pressure to (un)veil and the strategies used by women to reject engaging with the collective extended self, including contextualizing, substituting and sexualizing the veil.
Originality/value
Existing studies related to the notion of the extended self are primarily conducted in Western contexts, and as such, are oriented toward personal accountability related to identity constructions. To complement this perspective and address the call for research on the extended self in collectivist societies, this study highlights the importance of recognizing the role of other people in influencing identity constructions in Eastern contexts.
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Elizabeth Mamali and Peter Nuttall
Focusing on a community organisation, the purpose of this paper is to unravel the process through which infringing contested practices that threaten or compromise the community’s…
Abstract
Purpose
Focusing on a community organisation, the purpose of this paper is to unravel the process through which infringing contested practices that threaten or compromise the community’s sense of distinction are transformed into acceptable symbolic markers.
Design/methodology/approach
An ethnographic study comprising participant observation, in-depth interviews and secondary data was conducted in the context of a non-profit community cinema.
Findings
Taking a longitudinal approach and drawing from practice theory, this paper outlines how member-driven, customer-driven and necessity-imposed infringing practices settle in new contexts. Further, this paper demonstrates that such practices are filtered in terms of their ideological “fit” with the organisation and are, as a result, rejected, recontextualised or replaced with do-it-yourself alternatives. In this process, authority shifts from the contested practice to community members and eventually to the space as a whole, ensuring the singularisation of the cinema-going experience.
Practical implications
This paper addresses how the integration of hegemonic practices to an off-the-mainstream experience can provide a differentiation tool, aiding resisting organisations to compensate for their lack of resources.
Originality/value
While the appropriation practices that communities use to ensure distinction are well documented, there is little understanding of the journey that negatively contested practices undergo in their purification to more community-friendly forms. This paper theorises this journey by outlining how the objects, meanings and doings that comprise hegemonic practices are transformed by and transforming of resisting organisations.
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This paper gives a review of the finite element techniques (FE) applied in the area of material processing. The latest trends in metal forming, non‐metal forming, powder…
Abstract
This paper gives a review of the finite element techniques (FE) applied in the area of material processing. The latest trends in metal forming, non‐metal forming, powder metallurgy and composite material processing are briefly discussed. The range of applications of finite elements on these subjects is extremely wide and cannot be presented in a single paper; therefore the aim of the paper is to give FE researchers/users only an encyclopaedic view of the different possibilities that exist today in the various fields mentioned above. An appendix included at the end of the paper presents a bibliography on finite element applications in material processing for 1994‐1996, where 1,370 references are listed. This bibliography is an updating of the paper written by Brannberg and Mackerle which has been published in Engineering Computations, Vol. 11 No. 5, 1994, pp. 413‐55.