Ronny Mertens, Uwe Pahner, Ronnie Belmans and Kay Hameyer
Short computation times required for the design and numerical optimisation of electromagnetic devices with the finite element method are obtained using an adaptive mesh refinement…
Abstract
Short computation times required for the design and numerical optimisation of electromagnetic devices with the finite element method are obtained using an adaptive mesh refinement algorithm. Less time is spent on the initial mesh generation, while the time needed for refinement is negligible when special data structures are used. But an even more significant reduction in total computation time is achieved with the initialisation of the solution on the generated mesh. Fewer Newton steps are required to solve non‐linear problems compared to a zero initial solution, while the time needed for the projection of the solution is far less than the time needed for a Newton step.
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Gives introductory remarks about chapter 1 of this group of 31 papers, from ISEF 1999 Proceedings, in the methodologies for field analysis, in the electromagnetic community…
Abstract
Gives introductory remarks about chapter 1 of this group of 31 papers, from ISEF 1999 Proceedings, in the methodologies for field analysis, in the electromagnetic community. Observes that computer package implementation theory contributes to clarification. Discusses the areas covered by some of the papers ‐ such as artificial intelligence using fuzzy logic. Includes applications such as permanent magnets and looks at eddy current problems. States the finite element method is currently the most popular method used for field computation. Closes by pointing out the amalgam of topics.
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Mercy Maiwa Mwambi, Judith Oduol, Patience Mshenga and Mwanarusi Saidi
Contract farming (CF) is seen as a tool for creating new market opportunities hence increasing incomes for smallholder farmers. Critics, however, argue that CF is likely to pass…
Abstract
Purpose
Contract farming (CF) is seen as a tool for creating new market opportunities hence increasing incomes for smallholder farmers. Critics, however, argue that CF is likely to pass risks to small scale farmers, thus favouring large scale farmers at the expense of smallholder farmers. The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of CF on smallholder farmers’ income using a case study of avocado farmers in Kandara district in Kenya.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses data collected from 100 smallholder avocado farmers in Kandara district in Kenya and employs an instrumental variable model (Probit-2SLS) to control for endogeneity in participation in the contract and examine the effect of CF on household, farm and avocado income.
Findings
The results indicate that participation in CF is not sufficient to improve household, farm and avocado income. Question remains regarding efficient implementation of CF arrangements to promote spill over effects on other household enterprises.
Research limitations/implications
The research was carried out using farmers in Kandara district in Kenya as a case study, findings might therefore not reflect the status of CF in all countries.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the growing debate on the effect of value chain upgrading strategies such as contracting on smallholder farmers’ welfare. The form of contracting studied in this paper differs from the standard contracts in that the key stakeholders (producers) are loosely enjoined in the contract through officials of their groups.
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Arun Jose and PrasannaVenkatesan Shanmugam
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the significant supply chain issues in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) food industry. The objectives are to identify the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the significant supply chain issues in the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) food industry. The objectives are to identify the major themes and the dynamic evolution of SME food supply chain (FSC) issues, the current research trends, the different modelling approaches used in SME FSC, and the most addressed SME food sector.
Design/methodology/approach
In all, 3,733 published articles from 2002 to 2018 in the Clarivate Analytics Web of Science database were collected, from which 1,091 articles were shortlisted for the review. The authors used bibliographic coupling combined with co-word analysis to identify the historical relations of the research themes that emerged during the periods 2002–2014 and 2002–2018.
Findings
This research identified five major research themes such as production and distribution in alternative food networks, relationship, safety and standards in the FSC, greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impact of the farm food system, traceability and product quality in FSC and asymmetric price transmission in the FSC. Among the identified themes, GHG emission impact of the farm food system and traceability and product quality in the FSC have received increasing attention in recent years. The dairy sector is the most addressed sector (36 per cent), followed by fruits and vegetables (27 per cent), meat and poultry (18 per cent), seafood (10 per cent) and grains and oilseed (8 per cent). It is also identified that the dairy sector has received significant attention in the “GHG Emission impact of farm food system” theme. Similarly, meat and poultry sectors have received much attention in the “Traceability and product quality in the food supply chain” theme. Also, the authors identified that the empirical modelling approaches are the most commonly used solution methodology, followed by the conceptual/qualitative methods in the SME FSC.
Originality/value
This study maps and summarizes the existing knowledge base of supply chain issues in the SME food sector. The results of this review provide the major research areas, most commonly used approaches and food sectors addressed. This study also highlights the research gaps and potential future research direction.
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Fadillawaty Saleh, Muhammad Adhi Gunawan, Tri Ismarani Yolanda, Fanny Monika, Hakas Prayuda, Martyana Dwi Cahyati and Muhammad Mirza Abdillah Pratama
This study aims to investigate the properties of mortar made from a bottom ash substitute as a sustainable construction material. It is believed that the use of cement in concrete…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the properties of mortar made from a bottom ash substitute as a sustainable construction material. It is believed that the use of cement in concrete construction contributes to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which has been a consistent increase in recent years. The utilization of bottom ash waste is expected to reduce pollution associated with cement production.
Design/methodology/approach
Bottom ash is used as replacement materials for cement and fine aggregate in the manufacture of mortar. Bottom ash substituted for cement of 10%, 20% and 30% of the total weight of the binder, whereas bottom ash substituted for the fine aggregate of 30%, 40% and 50% of the total weight of the sand. Binder properties were determined using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray. Meanwhile, the fresh properties (slump flow) and hardened properties were determined (compressive strength and mass density). In the hardened properties test, two types of curing were used: water and sealed curing.
Findings
The compressive strength of mortar decreased as the amount of bottom ash as cement replacement. However, the compressive strength increased when bottom ash was used as aggregate replacement. Additionally, bottom ash was sufficient as a substitute for fine aggregate than as a substitute for cement.
Originality/value
This research presents test results that are more straightforward to apply in the construction site.