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Article
Publication date: 5 August 2021

Erina Baynojir Joyee, Jida Huang, Ketki Mahadeo Lichade and Yayue Pan

The purpose of this study is to develop a novel approach to designing locally programmed multi-material distribution in a three-dimensional (3D) model, with the goal of producing…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a novel approach to designing locally programmed multi-material distribution in a three-dimensional (3D) model, with the goal of producing a biomimetic robot that could mimic the locomotion of living organisms.

Design/methodology/approach

A voxelized representation is used to design the multi-material digital model and the material distribution in the model is optimized with the aims of mimicking the deflection dynamics of a real-life biological structure (i.e. inchworms) during its locomotion and achieving smooth deflection between adjacent regions. The design is validated post-fabrication by comparing the bending profiles of the printed robot with the deflection reference images of the real-life organism.

Findings

The proposed design framework in this study provides a foundation for multi-material multi-functional design for biomimicry and a wide range of applications in the manufacturing field and many other fields such as robotics and biomedical fields. The final optimized material design was 3D printed using a novel multi-material additive manufacturing method, magnetic field-assisted projection stereolithography. From the experimental tests, it was observed that the deflection curve and the deflection gradient of the printed robot within the adjacent regions of the body agreed well with the profiles taken from the real-life inchworm.

Originality/value

This paper presents a voxelized digital representation of the material distribution in printed parts, allowing spatially varied programming of material properties. The incorporation of reference images from living organisms into the design approach is a novel approach to transform image domain knowledge into the domain of engineering mechanical and material properties. Furthermore, the novel multi-material distribution design approach was validated through designing, 3D printing and prototyping an inchworm-inspired soft robot, which showed superior locomotion capability by mimicking the observed locomotion of the real inchworm.

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Article
Publication date: 16 January 2017

Yayue Pan and Chintan Dagli

In a typical additive manufacturing (AM) system, it is critical to make a trade-off between the resolution and the build area for applications in which varied dimensions, feature…

362

Abstract

Purpose

In a typical additive manufacturing (AM) system, it is critical to make a trade-off between the resolution and the build area for applications in which varied dimensions, feature sizes and accuracies are desired. Conventional solutions to this challenge are based on curing of multiple areas with a single high resolution and stitching them to form a large layer. However, because of the lack of the capability in adjusting resolution dynamically, such stitching approaches will elongate the build time greatly in some cases. To address the challenge without sacrificing the build speed, this paper aims to design and develop a novel AM system with dynamic resolution control capability.

Design/methodology/approach

A laser projector is adopted in a vat photopolymerization system. The laser projection system has unique properties, including focus-free operation and capability to produce dynamic mask image irrespective of any surface (flat or curved). By translating the projector along the building direction, the pixel size can be adjusted dynamically within a certain range. Consequently, the build area and resolution could be tuned dynamically in the hardware testbed. Besides, a layered depth image (LDI) algorithm is used to construct mask images with varied resolutions. The curing characteristics under various resolution settings are quantified, and accordingly, a process planning approach for fabricating models with dynamically controlled resolutions is developed.

Findings

A laser projection-based stereolithography (SL) system could tune resolution dynamically during the building process. Such a dynamic resolution control approach completely addresses the build size-resolution dilemma in vat photopolymerization AM processes without sacrificing the build speed. Through fabricating layers with changing resolutions instead of a single resolution, various build areas and feature sizes could be produced precisely, with optimized build speed.

Originality/value

A focus-free laser projector is investigated and adopted in a SL system for the first time. The material curing characteristics with changing focal length and therefore changing light intensities are explored. The related digital mask image planning and process control methods are developed. In digital mask image planning, it is the first attempt to adopt the LDI algorithm, to identify proper resolution settings for fabricating a sliced layer precisely and quickly. In the process of characterizing material curing properties, parametric dependence of curing properties on focal length has been unveiled. This research contributes to the advancement of AM by addressing the historical dilemma of the resolution and build size, and optimizing the build speed meanwhile.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 23 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Book part
Publication date: 23 November 2017

Jonas F. Puck, Markus Hödl, Igor Filatotchev and Thomas Lindner

We build on the resource-based view and extend entry mode research by focusing on firms’ intention to transfer different resources from the parent firm to its overseas subsidiary…

Abstract

We build on the resource-based view and extend entry mode research by focusing on firms’ intention to transfer different resources from the parent firm to its overseas subsidiary. In line with our hypotheses, we find that parent firms that plan to transfer high levels of intangible resources to their foreign subsidiaries tend to choose wholly owned subsidiaries, while firms that intend to transfer high levels of tangible resources tend to choose international joint ventures. Moreover, we find that these relationships are moderated by institutional distance. We test our hypotheses using unique primary data from a sample of 128 foreign subsidiaries in the People’s Republic of China. Our results have important theoretical implications for international business strategy research as they develop further existing entry-mode theories.

Details

Distance in International Business: Concept, Cost and Value
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-718-0

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Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 14 February 2017

Laura Vanoli Parietti

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Abstract

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Internationalization of Firms: The Role of Institutional Distance on Location and Entry mode
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78714-134-6

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Book part
Publication date: 1 August 2004

Harry P. Bowen and Margarethe F. Wiersema

Research on strategic choices available to the firm are often modeled as a limited number of possible decision outcomes and leads to a discrete limited dependent variable. A…

Abstract

Research on strategic choices available to the firm are often modeled as a limited number of possible decision outcomes and leads to a discrete limited dependent variable. A limited dependent variable can also arise when values of a continuous dependent variable are partially or wholly unobserved. This chapter discusses the methodological issues associated with such phenomena and the appropriate statistical methods developed to allow for consistent and efficient estimation of models that involve a limited dependent variable. The chapter also provides a road map for selecting the appropriate statistical technique and it offers guidelines for consistent interpretation and reporting of the statistical results.

Details

Research Methodology in Strategy and Management
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-235-1

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Book part
Publication date: 11 September 2012

Yue-Juan Pan and Xia Li

The kindergarten curriculum in mainland China has evolved through four periods and the current reform began in the end of 1980s. The reform aimed to transform kindergarten…

Abstract

The kindergarten curriculum in mainland China has evolved through four periods and the current reform began in the end of 1980s. The reform aimed to transform kindergarten practice by shaping ideologies including respect for individual child, active learning, and play-based integrated curriculum. This review of research literatures shows that compared with the practice before the reform, many kindergarten teachers organize classrooms in learning centers, provide more play materials, pay time, and freedom for free play, and pay more attention to individuals. But indoor space organized in rice-seedling-bed model, teacher-led group instruction and teacher-controlled interactions are still often observed after three decades of reform efforts; there still exist great variations among kindergartens of different sponsoring bodies and in different regions. The problems resulted from the innate deficiencies of the top-down and value-priority reform, the conflicts between the advocated value and the traditional Chinese culture with emphasis on Ming-Fen, testing, and the value of children for the whole family and nation, and the unequal distribution of public resources decided by the educational institutions. Therefore, the curriculum reform is not a separate endeavor from other social changes, but a comprehensive and systematic change. To guarantee the success of the curriculum reform, the Chinese society needs cultural transformation and institutional reconstruction.

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Early Education in a Global Context
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-074-1

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Article
Publication date: 1 April 2001

Dawna L. Rhoades and Paula L. Rechner

Shareholders are demanding that firms change their ownership and corporate governance structures to improve accountability and corporate performance. This study examined the…

450

Abstract

Shareholders are demanding that firms change their ownership and corporate governance structures to improve accountability and corporate performance. This study examined the influence of ownership and governance on entry mode selection, considered a key decision for international firms and one with important financial implications. Results indicate that owner control is related to the selection of higher risk and higher control forms of entry. Partial support was found for the effects of other governance mechanisms.

Details

The International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1055-3185

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Book part
Publication date: 23 November 2017

Douglas Dow

In this chapter I argue that the distance research in international business studies is at a turning point, not in terms of its popularity, nor the quantity of articles published…

Abstract

In this chapter I argue that the distance research in international business studies is at a turning point, not in terms of its popularity, nor the quantity of articles published, but rather, in terms of the types of issues that are explored. Past distance research has largely been conducted at the level of the firm and/or the market – that is, linking national-level measures of distance with specific firm behaviors and outcomes. However, the seminal paper by Shenkar (2001) represents a shift in focus that is only just beginning to gain traction. This shift involves stepping back and beginning to unpack the black box we call ‘distance’ by exploring the micro-level mechanisms involved. In essence, it is about digging deeper in multiple aspects, to understand when, why and how distance matters in the international business (IB) context. These are issues that until now have typically been neglected. A metaphor borrowed from the social psychology literature, known as Coleman’s Boat, is used as a vehicle to explain the key issues involved in this shift and the opportunities for future research.

Details

Distance in International Business: Concept, Cost and Value
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-718-0

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Book part
Publication date: 20 January 2014

Mia Hsiao-Wen Ho and Pervez N. Ghauri

Learning through international strategic alliances is usually influenced by dispersed locations and cultural difference between the countries of the two firms. This research…

Abstract

Learning through international strategic alliances is usually influenced by dispersed locations and cultural difference between the countries of the two firms. This research highlights the importance of contextual factors on learning through international strategic alliances. Based on an empirical study of 271 alliances, our findings reveal that successful alliance learning not only depends on the partner’s openness to share knowledge but also relies on the firm’s capacity to identify and absorb such knowledge. Institutional differences between the countries from where partner firms originate are considered to hinder the alliance learning by decreasing the firm’s absorptive capacity and by enhancing knowledge ambiguity. However, our research suggests that frequent direct communication and high levels of mutual trust and reciprocal commitment between partner firms positively moderate the noxious effects of institutional differences on the alliance learning process.

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Book part
Publication date: 17 January 2023

Giang Phung, Ha Truong and Hai Hong Trinh

The development of financial markets as well as a country’s overall financial system plays a crucial role in the evolution of the world’s real economy. In developed countries like…

Abstract

The development of financial markets as well as a country’s overall financial system plays a crucial role in the evolution of the world’s real economy. In developed countries like the USA, UK, Japan, and European nations, the world’s financial centers are located for exchanging huge capital flows with well-established functioning. However, laying the foundation for a financial center can be a big challenge to developing markets whose financial systems are still in the early stages, since the formation of financial centers is determined by multiple factors. Motivated by that reason, this book chapter provides a comprehensive review of critical determinants in the formation of international financial centers, including (i) economic growth; (ii) governance and business environment; (iii) financial development; (iv) labor force; (v) infrastructure accessibility; and (vi) the country’s reputation and stability. In line with the reviewed literature, the study particularly highlights the recent political and technological developments in the world and their impacts on the future of different financial centers worldwide.

Details

Fintech, Pandemic, and the Financial System: Challenges and Opportunities
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-947-7

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