Monapriya Naidu Kerinasamy Naidu, Iling Aema Wonnie Ma, Sachin Sharma Ashok Kumar, Vengadaesvaran Balakrishnan, Ramesh Subramaniam and Ramesh Kasi
The purpose of this study is to develop a protective coating system on mild steel panel incorporating epoxidized natural rubber with acrylic polyol resin.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a protective coating system on mild steel panel incorporating epoxidized natural rubber with acrylic polyol resin.
Design/methodology/approach
In this work, a novel attempt is made to develop binder coatings using epoxidized natural rubber-based material and an organic resin (acrylic resin) for corrosion protection on metal substrate. Seven different samples of multifunctional coatings are developed by varying the compositions of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and acrylic resin. The properties of the developed coatings have been characterized using analytical methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). EIS has been carried out for 30 days to evaluate the corrosion resistance after immersing into 3.5 wt.% of sodium chloride. Cross hatch cut tester (CHT) has been used to study the adhesive properties. UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis) was also used to assess changes in the coating-film transparency of the natural rubber-based coating systems in this study.
Findings
The developed coatings have formed uniform layer on the substrate. CHT results show excellent adhesion of the coatings. Higher concentrations of ENR have higher transparency level, which reduces when the acrylic concentration increases. FTIR analysis confirms the crosslinking that occurred between the components of the coatings. Based on the impedance data from EIS, the incorporation of natural rubber can be an additive for the corrosion protection, which has the coating resistance values well above 108Ω even after 30 days of immersion.
Practical implications
The blending method provides a simple and practical solution to improve the strength and adhesion properties of acrylic polyol resin with epoxidized natural rubber. There is still improvement needed for long-term applications.
Originality/value
The work has been conducted in our laboratory. The combination of natural rubber-based materials and organic resins is a new approach in coating research.
Details
Keywords
Iling Aema Wonnie Ma, Gerard Ong, Ammar Shafaamri, Julie Nabilah Jamalludin, Nina Nazirah Ishun, Ramesh Kasi and Ramesh Subramaniam
This study aims to fabricate the acrylic-based polymeric composite coating with a hydrophobic surface associated with natural oil polyol (NOP) and polydimethylsiloxane with the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to fabricate the acrylic-based polymeric composite coating with a hydrophobic surface associated with natural oil polyol (NOP) and polydimethylsiloxane with the incorporation of 3 Wt.% SiO2 nanoparticle (SiO2np) against the corrosive NaCl media.
Design/methodology/approach
The structural properties of the formulated polymeric composite coatings were investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, water contact angle (WCA) and cross-hatch (X-Hatch) tests. The WCA measurement was used to study the surface wettability of the formulated polymeric composite coatings. The corrosion protection performance of the nanocomposite coated on the mild steel substrate was studied by immersing the samples in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution for 30 days using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Findings
The enhanced polymeric composite coating system performed with an excellent increase in the WCA up to 111.1° which is good hydrophobic nature and very high coating resistance in the range of 1010 Ω attributed to the superiority of SiO2np.
Originality/value
The incorporation of SiO2np into the polymeric coating could enhance the surface roughness and hydrophobic properties that could increase corrosion protection. This approach is a novel attempt of using NOP along with the addition of SiO2np.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to highlight two important strategies (private label strategy and specialty store strategy) of the Japanese wholesale apparel market and then to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to highlight two important strategies (private label strategy and specialty store strategy) of the Japanese wholesale apparel market and then to clarify the characteristics of those apparel wholesalers who own or intend to establish specialty private label stores.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was carried out on 3,008 apparel wholesalers in Japan and probit regression analyses were applied to identify what types of apparel wholesalers already own or whether they intend to establish specialty private label stores.
Findings
The main findings are as follows: large‐scale apparel wholesalers tend to own specialty private label stores but these wholesalers experience a worse financial outcome; apparel wholesalers with brand strength tend to possess their own specialty stores; and apparel wholesalers, who do not currently own specialty stores, plan to strengthen their brands in order to take advantage of apparel distribution channels.
Originality/value
Because of a lack of published data, no empirical studies have investigated the effectiveness of private label or specialty store strategies developed by Japanese apparel wholesalers. The present study has sought to address this problem by conducting questionnaire surveys with all Japanese apparel wholesalers and has, therefore, been able to clarify the situation regarding survival in the apparel market by considering those apparel wholesalers that already own or intend to establish specialty private label stores.
Details
Keywords
Victor U. Karthik, Sivamayam Sivasuthan, Arunasalam Rahunanthan, Ravi S. Thyagarajan, Paramsothy Jayakumar, Lalita Udpa and S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole
Inverting electroheat problems involves synthesizing the electromagnetic arrangement of coils and geometries to realize a desired heat distribution. To this end two finite element…
Abstract
Purpose
Inverting electroheat problems involves synthesizing the electromagnetic arrangement of coils and geometries to realize a desired heat distribution. To this end two finite element problems need to be solved, first for the magnetic fields and the joule heat that the associated eddy currents generate and then, based on these heat sources, the second problem for heat distribution. This two-part problem needs to be iterated on to obtain the desired thermal distribution by optimization. Being a time consuming process, the purpose of this paper is to parallelize the process using the graphics processing unit (GPU) and the real-coded genetic algorithm, each for both speed and accuracy.
Design/methodology/approach
This coupled problem represents a heavy computational load with long wait-times for results. The GPU has recently been demonstrated to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the finite element computations and cut down solution times. It has also been used to speedup the naturally parallel genetic algorithm. The authors use the GPU to perform coupled electroheat finite element optimization by the genetic algorithm to achieve computational efficiencies far better than those reported for a single finite element problem. In the genetic algorithm, coding objective functions in real numbers rather than binary arithmetic gives added speed and accuracy.
Findings
The feasibility of the method proposed to reduce computational time and increase accuracy is established through the simple problem of shaping a current carrying conductor so as to yield a constant temperature along a line. The authors obtained a speedup (CPU time to GPU time ratio) saturating to about 28 at a population size of 500 because of increasing communications between threads. But this far better than what is possible on a workstation.
Research limitations/implications
By using the intrinsically parallel genetic algorithm on a GPU, large complex coupled problems may be solved very quickly. The method demonstrated here without accounting for radiation and convection, may be trivially extended to more completely modeled electroheat systems. Since the primary purpose here is to establish methodology and feasibility, the thermal problem is simplified by neglecting convection and radiation. While that introduces some error, the computational procedure is still validated.
Practical implications
The methodology established has direct applications in electrical machine design, metallurgical mixing processes, and hyperthermia treatment in oncology. In these three practical application areas, the authors need to compute the exciting coil (or antenna) arrangement (current magnitude and phase) and device geometry that would accomplish a desired heat distribution to achieve mixing, reduce machine heat or burn cancerous tissue. This process presented does it more accurately and speedily.
Social implications
Particularly the above-mentioned application in oncology will alleviate human suffering through use in hyperthermia treatment planning in cancer treatment. The method presented provides scope for new commercial software development and employment.
Originality/value
Previous finite element shape optimization of coupled electroheat problems by this group used gradient methods whose difficulties are explained. Others have used analytical and circuit models in place of finite elements. This paper applies the massive parallelization possible with GPUs to the inherently parallel genetic algorithm, and extends it from single field system problems to coupled problems, and thereby realizes practicable solution times for such a computationally complex problem. Further, by using GPU computations rather than CPU, accuracy is enhanced. And then by using real number rather than binary coding for object functions, further accuracy and speed gains are realized.
Details
Keywords
Nobukaza Azuma and John Fernie
The aim of this paper is to develop an understanding of the retail marketing, merchandising, and logistical practices in the Japanese grocery supermarket sector. Most of the…
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to develop an understanding of the retail marketing, merchandising, and logistical practices in the Japanese grocery supermarket sector. Most of the literature in English has focused on the structure of the sector with little detailed research on the Japanese consumer and the corporate response to retail change. This paper highlights the case of Summit Inc., which has established a niche position in the Japanese grocery market through its operational excellence.
Details
Keywords
Harri Lorentz, Chee Yew Wong and Olli‐Pekka Hilmola
The purpose of the research is to shed light on the evolution of distribution structures and its consequent implications for supply chain management (SCM) in the context of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the research is to shed light on the evolution of distribution structures and its consequent implications for supply chain management (SCM) in the context of the emerging markets of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE).
Design/methodology/approach
A structured literature review followed by two case studies, which combine qualitative and quantitative analysis. Mainly in‐depth interviews were used, with company sales data analysis in terms of variation and forecast accuracy.
Findings
It was found that CEE distribution structures are overlapping, and along complex traditional structures there exists a possibility for a more direct approach. This modern key‐account approach improves supply chain performance, mainly due to echelon elimination and information sharing. The case studies also illustrate that supply chain demand distortion originating practices create uncertainty in demand, even in the case of modern key accounts. The findings therefore suggest that general SCM approaches of the “West” are evident and appropriate also in the “East”.
Research limitations/implications
Owing to the limited number of case studies, this research is considered exploratory. The presented two case studies are essentially illustrative examples of the distribution operations of two international companies in CEE markets.
Practical implications
For practitioners, the two case studies provide important insight on the nature of alternative distribution structures in CEE, and what the level of forecast accuracy and the demand fluctuation may be expected. It is proposed that the emerging opportunities for supply chain partnership development should be carefully reviewed.
Originality/value
The paper draws upon real‐life data from emerging CEE markets with an approach that is not commonly used in distribution and SCM studies on CEE.
Details
Keywords
The aim of this study is to investigate the usability of horsetail, sunflower stalk, wheat stalk and corn stalk ashes as additives in paints and their performance against…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to investigate the usability of horsetail, sunflower stalk, wheat stalk and corn stalk ashes as additives in paints and their performance against corrosion resistance when used.
Design/methodology/approach
The ashes of horsetail, sunflower stalk, wheat stalk and corn stalk were investigated in this study in single, binary and ternary combinations with three different percentages as additives in paints. Samples of concrete with any combinations of ashes resisted against the corrosion of steel reinforcements, but horsetail ash proved to be the most effective.
Findings
It can be said that these research results show that the paint containing horsetail ash is an excellent coating material that can be used in paints for the corrosion resistance of steel in reinforced concrete. The corrosion rate decreased with the increase in the amount of reactive SiO2. There was less mass loss with the formation of resistance against corrosion in the horsetail ash added concretes. That is why horsetail ash is one of the most effective options for the aforementioned purpose.
Originality/value
Being cheap and easily obtainable, the materials used for coating in this study are perfect candidates for industrial use.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of social intelligence (SQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) on cultural intelligence (CQ) and to further examine the mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of social intelligence (SQ) and emotional intelligence (EQ) on cultural intelligence (CQ) and to further examine the mediating role played by cross-cultural adjustment (CCA) in the relationship between CQ and job performance. Furthermore, the role played by experience and perceived social support between CQ and CCA has also been assessed.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 342 managers working in nationalized banks in J&K (India). Exploratory factor analysis was used for scale purification. Data were validated using confirmatory factor analysis and hypotheses have been tested through structural equation modeling.
Findings
The study reveals that EQ and SQ significantly affect CQ. In addition, CCA mediates the relationship between CQ and job performance. Finally, perceived social support and experience moderates the relationship between CQ and CCA. The implications and limitations of the study have also been discussed.
Research limitations/implications
The study is cross-sectional in nature. The study has been carried out in the Indian cultural context, which can be extended to other Asian countries.
Practical implications
The study enhances the knowledge about CQ as an effective intercultural competency. Organization can use the CQ scale as a selection tool.
Originality/value
This study empirically examined the relationship between the predictors and the outcomes of CQ. Further, the study examines the moderated mediation effect of the interaction of CQ and experience and CQ and perceived social support through CCA on job performance.
Details
Keywords
R. Sikora, T. Chady, S. Gratkowski and M. Komorowski
The eddy current method of non‐destructive testing uses an alternating current excitation to induce secondary currents in a specimen under test. Flaws within the specimen affect…
Abstract
The eddy current method of non‐destructive testing uses an alternating current excitation to induce secondary currents in a specimen under test. Flaws within the specimen affect the induced currents, causing changes in the impedance of a test coil. In this paper we present a method for obtaining a solution of inverse problems, in which the parameters of defects are unknown and the excitation function and the eddy current system response are given. The method is based on the use of artificial neural networks, which are trained using measurements. Illustrative examples are given.
Details
Keywords
Anagha Vaidya and Sarika Sharma
Course evaluations are formative and are used to evaluate learnings of the students for a course. Anomalies in the evaluation process can lead to a faulty educational outcome…
Abstract
Purpose
Course evaluations are formative and are used to evaluate learnings of the students for a course. Anomalies in the evaluation process can lead to a faulty educational outcome. Learning analytics and educational data mining provide a set of techniques that can be conveniently applied to extensive data collected as part of the evaluation process to ensure remedial actions. This study aims to conduct an experimental research to detect anomalies in the evaluation methods.
Design/methodology/approach
Experimental research is conducted with scientific approach and design. The researchers categorized anomaly into three categories, namely, an anomaly in criteria assessment, subject anomaly and anomaly in subject marks allocation. The different anomaly detection algorithms are used to educate data through the software R, and the results are summarized in the tables.
Findings
The data points occurring in all algorithms are finally detected as an anomaly. The anomaly identifies the data points that deviate from the data set’s normal behavior. The subject which is consistently identified as anomalous by the different techniques is marked as an anomaly in evaluation. After identification, one can drill down to more details into the title of anomalies in the evaluation criteria.
Originality/value
This paper proposes an analytical model for the course evaluation process and demonstrates the use of actionable analytics to detect anomalies in the evaluation process.