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This study aims to deepen the knowledge concerning the metal fused filament fabrication technology through an analysis of the printing parameters of a commercial 316L stainless steel filament and their influence on the porosity and mechanical properties of the printed parts. It also investigates the feasibility of manufacturing complex geometries, including strut-and-node and triply periodic minimal surface lattices.

A three-step experimental campaign was carried out. Firstly, the printing parameters were evaluated by analysing the green parts: porosity and density measurements were used to define the best printing profile. Then, the microstructure and porosity of the sintered parts were investigated using light optical and scanning electron microscopy, while their mechanical properties were obtained through tensile tests. Finally, manufacturability limits were explored with reference samples and cellular structures having different topologies.

The choice of printing parameters drastically influences the porosity of green parts. A printing profile which enables reaching a relative density above 99% has been identified. However, voids characterise the sintered components in parallel planes at the interfaces between layers, which inevitably affect their mechanical properties. Lattice structures and complex geometries can be effectively printed, debinded, and sintered if properly dimensioned to fulfil printing constraints.

This study provides an extensive analysis of the printing parameters for the 316L filament used and an in-depth investigation of the potential of the metal fused filament fabrication technology in printing lightweight structures.

In light of the new way of interpreting work spearheaded by Generation Z, the objectives of this study are to investigate (1) whether young entrepreneurs identify their start-ups with “zebras” – that is, as a concrete response to the evanescence and fantasy of “unicorns” based on the simultaneous pursuit of profit and social value, mutualism and resilience – and (2) whether they adopt a “teal” organizational configuration – that is, one characterized by evolutionary purpose, self-management and wholeness.

Through a qualitative approach with 41 interviews, this study focuses on start-uppers and companies that are particularly innovative and promising in the Italian context, as selected by Forbes magazine in its ranking of the brightest entrepreneurs, leaders and stars under 30.

The results suggest that young entrepreneurs recognize the importance of the common themes of the zebra movement and therefore identify their startups with zebras. More specifically, Generation Z entrepreneurs: (1) pursue a dual (economic and social) purpose, (2) are mutualistic and (3) build their organizations with resilience and capital efficiency. In addition, the interviews show that the organizational approach taken follows the paradigm of teal organizations, particularly in terms of evolutionary purpose, distributed leadership and decision-making power, and employee wholeness and empowerment.

This is the first study to analyze the evolutionary trends of animal entrepreneurial “species” led by Generation Z entrepreneurs and organized on the basis of the teal paradigm.

Adequate nutrition knowledge forms the foundation for optimal physical health and performance. In Lebanon, there are limited studies on the effect of nutrition knowledge on the athletes’ performance. This study aims to evaluate university athletes’ nutrition knowledge status and to identify the factors predicting athletes’ performance.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 384 university student-athletes, using a validated tool with modifications (Furber et al., 2017) to assess nutrition knowledge. The modified questionnaire includes seven subsections (vitamins and minerals, general nutrition, fluid, fat, carbohydrate, protein and sporting performance). Further, anthropometric measurements were taken; body composition was determined by the bioelectrical impedance analysis method. Handgrip strength, as an indirect measure of athlete performance, was assessed with the hand dynamometer. To measure the existence and degree of significance among different variables, Pearson correlation coefficients, χ² and linear regression were used.

The health group had a higher level of nutritional knowledge, compared with the non-health group. The overall mean sports nutrition knowledge score for the student-athletes was 63.54%, which was considered inadequate sports nutrition knowledge (mean < 75%). Further, athletes’ performance was significantly predicted by the resting metabolic rate, lean muscle mass and weight.

The findings may help the university administration to implement a nutrition education program for athletes enrolled in non-health majors. Information gained serve to help dietetics professionals in Lebanon refine education strategies and sports clubs in universities to start to budget for hiring dietitians.