Z.W. Zhong and S.K. Nah
This paper reports on a study of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) Moiré method. Tests were carried out by rotating the specimen grating slightly with respect to the electron…
Abstract
This paper reports on a study of the scanning electron microscope (SEM) Moiré method. Tests were carried out by rotating the specimen grating slightly with respect to the electron scanning raster lines, to verify that the Moiré images captured were really due to the interference between specimen and reference gratings. The experimental results coincided well with the calculated theoretical values and with small measurement errors. Then, the shear strains experienced by the solder joints of a flip‐chip ball grid array specimen were investigated using the SEM Moiré method. The results were compared with those obtained using the optical Moiré method.
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Cato Waeterloos, Jonas De Meulenaere, Michel Walrave and Koen Ponnet
Following the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many forms of bottom-up civic action emerged as ways to collectively “flatten the curve” and tackle the crisis. In…
Abstract
Purpose
Following the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), many forms of bottom-up civic action emerged as ways to collectively “flatten the curve” and tackle the crisis. In this paper, the authors examine to what extent local online and offline social integration contributes to civic participation, above and beyond typical predictors such as news consumption and civic talk.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was administered among 7,137 users of the online neighbourhood network (ONN) Hoplr in Flanders (i.e. the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium) from 8 May to 18 May 2020. Regression analyses were used to examine how local social integration, in addition to news consumption, civic talk and political antecedents, predict different types of civic participation.
Findings
The results show consistent positive associations between news consumption, civic talk and civic participation during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the role of political antecedents varied across different forms of civic participation. Further, the results point to the importance of both offline and online local social integration in explaining civic participation.
Originality/value
This study provides much-needed insight in the societal and democratic consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results confirm the importance of local social integration in explaining civic participation, while also advancing theoretical understanding of more established predictors of civic participation, such as news consumption and interpersonal communication.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-08-2020-0379.
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This paper reports on thermal strain analysis of integrated circuit (IC) packages using the optical, atomic force microscope (AFM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) Moir�…
Abstract
This paper reports on thermal strain analysis of integrated circuit (IC) packages using the optical, atomic force microscope (AFM), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) Moiré methods. The advantages and disadvantages of a full field optical Moiré, a micro‐optical Moiré, AFM Moiré, and SEM Moiré methods are compared. The full field Moiré interferometry is used to investigate the deformations and strains induced by thermal loading in various packages at the macrolevel. The micro Moiré interferometry is used to study the strains in the small solder joints. An optical Moiré interferometer with a mini thermal‐cycling chamber can be used for real time measurements of thermal deformations and strains of IC packages under thermal testing. Furthermore, the novel methods, AFM Moiré and SEM Moiré, can be also utilized to measure thermally induced deformations and strains of IC packages conveniently using the equipment that is commonly and primarily used for many other applications.
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Zhiqiang Yu, Qing Shi, Huaping Wang, Ning Yu, Qiang Huang and Toshio Fukuda
The purpose of this paper is to present state-of-the-art approaches for precise operation of a robotic manipulator on a macro- to micro/nanoscale.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present state-of-the-art approaches for precise operation of a robotic manipulator on a macro- to micro/nanoscale.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper first briefly discussed fundamental issues associated with precise operation of a robotic manipulator on a macro- to micro/nanoscale. Second, this paper described and compared the characteristics of basic components (i.e. mechanical parts, actuators, sensors and control algorithm) of the robotic manipulator. Specifically, commonly used mechanisms of the manipulator were classified and analyzed. In addition, intuitive meaning and applications of its actuator explained and compared in details. Moreover, related research studies on general control algorithm and visual control that are used in a robotic manipulator to achieve precise operation have also been discussed.
Findings
Remarkable achievements in dexterous mechanical design, excellent actuators, accurate perception, optimized control algorithms, etc., have been made in precise operations of a robotic manipulator. Precise operation is critical for dealing with objects which need to be manufactured, modified and assembled. The operational accuracy is directly affected by the performance of mechanical design, actuators, sensors and control algorithms. Therefore, this paper provides a categorization showing the fundamental concepts and applications of these characteristics.
Originality/value
This paper presents a categorization of the mechanical design, actuators, sensors and control algorithms of robotic manipulators in the macro- to micro/nanofield for precise operation.
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Laura Witzling and Bret R. Shaw
This work aimed to show how farmers’ markets can act as communication infrastructure, and by doing so, facilitate civic engagement. We used communication infrastructure theory…
Abstract
Purpose
This work aimed to show how farmers’ markets can act as communication infrastructure, and by doing so, facilitate civic engagement. We used communication infrastructure theory (CIT) as a guide.
Design/methodology/approach
We integrated findings from two surveys that took place in the US state of Wisconsin. In a survey of Wisconsin farmers’ market leaders, we considered what features farmers’ markets have that may help them act as communication infrastructure. Using data from a survey of Wisconsin residents, we ran a regression model to demonstrate the relationship between farmers’ market attendance and micro-level storytelling about local food.
Findings
We found that farmers’ markets can act as meso-level storytellers and provide a communication action context supportive of civic engagement. Through the farmers’ market leader survey, we found that over half of the markets noted existing partnerships with media outlets. Furthermore, farmers’ markets may connect residents to important organizations in the community. Many farmers’ markets had features to make them more physically and financially accessible, such as accepting food assistance benefits. With the Wisconsin resident survey, we found that farmers’ market attendance predicted storytelling about local food better than overall local food purchasing, further suggesting that markets can facilitate social interactions.
Originality/value
We document an important benefit that farmers’ markets can offer communities: they have the potential to act as communication infrastructure. As stronger communication infrastructure can facilitate civic engagement, this work provides a mechanism by which to connect civic agriculture activities and increased levels of civic engagement.
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Nicky Chang Bi, Yanqin Lu, Louisa Ha and Peiqin Chen
Social media have become an increasingly important source for people to learn about politics and public affairs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of social…
Abstract
Purpose
Social media have become an increasingly important source for people to learn about politics and public affairs. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of social media news sharing as a reasoning process of the O-S-R-O-R model and the moderation role of social media news performance on the association between news consumption and attitudinal changes.
Design/methodology/approach
A national survey was conducted in the US. The researcher recruited participants in the Qualtrics national panel by following the census adult demographic breakdown.
Findings
This study finds that social media news consumption on the US-China trade conflict is likely to lead Americans to change attitudes toward Chinese, and this relationship is mediated by social media news sharing. In addition, the indirect relationship via news sharing is found particularly strong among individuals who perceive social media news fair and balanced.
Originality/value
This study extends the literature by examining social media news engagement on the ongoing trade conflict between the US and China. It reveals that the impact of social media news consumption on people's attitudinal and behavioral changes depends on people's perceived news quality on these platforms. Theoretical contribution to the O-S-R-O-R model and practical implications to social media news are discussed in terms of the role that social media platforms play in attitude change.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-05-2020-0178
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Mohamad Saifudin Mohamad Saleh, Ali Mehellou, Miao Huang and Rizki Briandana
The use of social media for sustainable information is important since it has the potential to influence people’s intentions and behaviour towards sustainability. As previous…
Abstract
Purpose
The use of social media for sustainable information is important since it has the potential to influence people’s intentions and behaviour towards sustainability. As previous studies on social media and sustainable development have primarily focussed on Western viewpoints, this study presents a comprehensive Asian perspective by investigating the impact of social media on sustainable intention and behaviour amongst Malaysian and Indonesian undergraduate university students.
Design/methodology/approach
A campus-wide online survey was conducted with 953 students from Malaysia and Indonesia. The researchers collected data through an online questionnaire and a two-week quantitative survey of undergraduate students in Malaysia and Indonesia. Quantitative data were analysed by SmartPLS software and comparative studies were conducted.
Findings
The result of the survey indicated that Facebook and Instagram were mainly used by Malaysian students to obtain and communicate about sustainability information, whilst Instagram was mainly used by Indonesian students. The findings also discovered that social media usage and social media effectiveness and usefulness are statistically significant predictors of sustainable intention amongst the students in Malaysia and Indonesia. Sustainable intention is also a statistically significant predictor of sustainable behaviour amongst the students. Additionally, this study also found that Malaysian students appeared to have a high level of the effect of sustainable intention on sustainable behaviour and the effect of the effectiveness and usefulness of social media to sustainable intention compared to Indonesian students. On the contrary, their use of social media related to sustainable behaviour was relatively low compared to Indonesian students.
Originality/value
Overall, the findings can contribute to the presently scant empirical works that focus on social media’s influence on sustainability and sustainable development. Furthermore, the findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge related to sustainability communication and sustainable education, particularly in terms of the use of social media in the learning and teaching process. Future research could focus on studying postgraduate students and university students from other Asian countries. Moreover, using qualitative methods like in-depth interviews or focus group discussion and applying other theories might unveil further results.
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Zhaoping Duan, Zhihua Ding, Yupeng Mou, Xueling Deng and Huiying Zhang
The residential sector is a principal contributor to global energy consumption, underscoring the critical importance of promoting green housing initiatives to mitigate energy use…
Abstract
Purpose
The residential sector is a principal contributor to global energy consumption, underscoring the critical importance of promoting green housing initiatives to mitigate energy use and environmental degradation. The prevalence of uncertainty in the natural environment, exemplified by phenomena like extreme weather events, highlights the urgent need for adaptive strategies and sustainable practices to mitigate the impact on human communities and ecosystems. Against this backdrop, this paper presents a theoretical framework examining the influence of natural environmental uncertainty on consumers' willingness to purchase green housing.
Design/methodology/approach
Through three experiments, this study modeled the mechanism by which the natural environment uncertainty affects consumers' willingness to purchase green housing, and then verified the mediating effect of the threat of ontological security and the moderating effect of the degree of consumers' natural connectedness.
Findings
This paper concludes (1) natural environmental uncertainty exerts a significant positive impact on the willingness to purchase green housing, with the threat to ontological security serving as a pivotal mediating variable; (2) the degree of natural connectedness significantly moderates the effect of ontological security threats on the purchasing intent for green housing.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the marketing literature by offering a novel perspective on the impact of natural environmental uncertainty on consumer behavior, augmenting the body of knowledge concerning the determinants of green housing purchase intentions, and provides new ideas for marketers.
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Bader Al-Aifan, Naveen Kumar Gouroju, Bharath Reddy Gunamgari, Aravindan N., Durga Prasad Balam and Sai Ram Gangarapu
This study aims to develop a copper nano-based emulsified cutting fluid (ECF) with enhanced thermal, antimicrobial and anti-corrosion properties. The study focuses on optimizing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a copper nano-based emulsified cutting fluid (ECF) with enhanced thermal, antimicrobial and anti-corrosion properties. The study focuses on optimizing the water-to-Triton X-100 (W/TX) ratios and incorporating copper nanoparticles to improve the fluid’s overall efficacy in machining applications.
Design/methodology/approach
Various trial combinations were conducted to determine the optimal W/TX ratios. The as-prepared copper nanoparticles were dispersed in the cutting fluid to enhance its thermo-physical properties. The thermal conductivity, thermal stability and surface spreading capability were measured. Microbial studies identified prevalent microorganisms, particularly Mycobacterium immunogenum. To combat microbial contamination and corrosion, natural biocides (ß-Ionine) and sodium dihydrogen phosphate (NaH2PO4) were added. The corrosion inhibitor efficiency and overall performance were evaluated.
Findings
The inclusion of copper nanoparticles significantly improved the cutting fluid thermal properties, achieving a 51.12% enhancement in thermal conductivity and thermal stability. The surface spreading capability was enhanced with a contact angle of 52.48°. Mycobacterium immunogenum was identified as the most frequent contaminant. The addition of natural biocide ß-Ionine effectively addressed microbial contamination, while 1.4 ml of NaH2PO4 improved the corrosion inhibitor efficiency to 66.94%. The Cu-W/TX cutting fluid demonstrated eco-friendly characteristics with notable antimicrobial and anti-corrosion benefits.
Originality/value
The research work improves ECFs by incorporating copper nanoparticles and optimizing surfactant ratios. It highlights Triton X-100’s potential as a cutting fluid base and the benefits of natural biocides, contributing to more sustainable, efficient fluids with significant environmental and industrial implications.
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James W. Gabberty and Jennifer D.E. Thomas
This paper examines the depth, erudition, and rigor of contemporary research on knowledge management as a causal factor that influences the ultimate outcome of multinational…
Abstract
This paper examines the depth, erudition, and rigor of contemporary research on knowledge management as a causal factor that influences the ultimate outcome of multinational corporation (MNC) expansion, bounded by the confines of information and communication technology (ICT) competences identified as behavioral, business, and technological. Through discussion highlighting the dominant knowledge management (KM) research themes within the milieu of the global firm, readers will gain definitive and practical insight into relevant topics that may be used to stimulate development of growth strategies for the firm.