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The purpose of this paper is to evaluate some important parameters in plate buckling of fused interlining worsted fabric with different weight and laying‐up direction. The article compares the formability of fused fabric composite by two different methods (Lindberg's hypothesis and fabric assurance by simple testing method).

Plate buckling compression behavior of fused fabric composite is investigated using a special designed clamp according to Dahlberg's test method.

The result shows that fusible interlining lay‐up angle significantly influences on buckling parameters. It is indicated that the buckling behavior of fused fabric composite against lay‐up interlining direction is in accordance with interlining buckling behavior. The result of research suggests that the formability behavior of fused fabric composite with interlining lay‐up direction is predictable according to Lindberg's method.

Experimental design is limited at low speed. Further research works are needed to perform buckling behavior of fused fabric composites at higher speeds as well as under cyclic loading conditions.

Compression plate buckling behavior of fused interlining fabrics is predictable against interlining laying‐up direction. The result of this research could be used in the area of garment quality serviceability.

The paper aims to study changes in physical and mechanical properties of wind stoppers after fusing process.

Effect of fusing process on physical, mechanical properties of windproof fabrics for two types of windproof fabrics and four interlinings were studied. Properties including air permeability, drape, flexural rigidity, water vapor permeability, thickness, crease recovery and water repellency have been investigated.

It was found that fusing process and using interlining, improves flexural rigidity, crease recovery, drape and increases air permeability and water vapor permeability of the final assembly where as it has no effect on water repellency property of windproof fabric.

Wind stoppers are kinds of windproof and in some cases waterproof fabrics that have breathability property. They stop air penetrating fabric while letting water vapor pass through. One of the problems associated with garments made of these kinds of fabrics is lack of attractive appearance when worn. One solution to this problem is to fuse windproof fabrics with interlinings to increase flexural rigidity, drape, formability and serviceability or functionality. This study investigates effect of fusing process on main physical and mechanical properties of windproof fabric which may influence their performance besides aesthetic aspect.

The purpose of this paper is to analyse some mechanical properties and parameters of drapability using different methods from two different points of research area: knowledge bases and numerical modelling using the finite element method.

The approach consists of analysing some mechanical properties and parameters of drapability using different methods from two different points of research area: knowledge bases and numerical modelling using the finite element method. The knowledge bases, named FP_B‐1 and FPO_B‐2, were used to analyse the bending rigidity of fused panels. The numerical model of fused panel NMFP is used to analyse parameters of drapability.

Based on the analyses of bending rigidity and draping of fused panels the conclusions indicate the significance of interaction between mechanical properties and parameters of drapability of the fused panel to garment appearance. Furthermore, the methods used present a computer approach to the study of the fused panel properties important for the computer‐based engineering and the presentation of real behaviour of all aspects of clothes.

This numerical model of a fused panel enables a 3D observation of this aspect of clothes' which is a behaviour, very important contribution to the computer planning of the behaviour of produced clothes.

A better understanding of how to construct fused panels in clothing.

Garments are now becoming high class and automated. Using key face fabrics and interlining structure properties to predict the quality grade of fused composites has become an important subject in the pursuit of quick reaction of fabrics. The establishment of the ideal composite parameters for interlining and face fabrics allows us to know the ideal interlining for face fabrics sooner. Hence, this paper, through discriminate analysis and the scatter plot, successfully found the ideal composite condition range for interlining and face fabrics. Artificial neural network training was used for the structural prediction of a fused composites quality model. Model tests showed the presence of good prediction ability.

The purpose of this paper is to address the problems of interaction of tensile stress-waves with polyurea/fused-silica and fused-silica/polyurea interfaces, and the potential for the accompanying interfacial decohesion.

The problems are investigated using all-atom non-equilibrium molecular-dynamics methods and tools. Before these methods/tools are employed, previously determined material constitutive relations for polyurea and fused-silica are used, within an acoustic-impedance-matching procedure, to predict the outcome of the interactions of stress-waves with the material-interfaces in question. These predictions pertain solely to the stress-wave/interface interaction aspects resulting in the formation of transmitted and reflected stress- or release-waves, but do not contain any information regarding potential interfacial decohesion. Direct molecular-level simulations confirmed some of these predictions, but also provided direct evidence of the nature and the extent of interfacial decohesion. To properly model the initial state of interfacial cohesion and its degradation during stress-wave-loading, reactive forcefield potentials are utilized.

Direct molecular-level simulations of the polyurea/fused-silica interfacial regions prior to loading revealed local changes in the bonding structure, suggesting the formation of an interphase. This interphase was subsequently found to greatly affect the polyurea/fused-silica decohesion strength.

To the authors’ knowledge, the present work is the first public-domain report of the use of the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics and reactive force-field potentials to study the problem of interfacial decohesion caused by the interaction of tensile waves with material interfaces.

The paper aims to substantiate optimization directions of resettable fuses parameters to protect solar arrays from overcurrent.

The method of modeling the electrophysical characteristics of resettable fuses is used.

Resettable fuses currently produced are of little use for protecting photovoltaic cells (PVC) in solar arrays from overcurrent. The volume fraction of the conductive filler should be about 0.15, near the percolation threshold. Thus, reducing the resistance by increasing the amount of filler is not possible. The matrix of the composite should consist of a material with a significant proportion of the crystalline phase to ensure a sharp increase in the composite's volume near the melting point. Using a polymer with a lower melting point instead of polyethylene can reduce the power required to switch a resettable fuses.

The possibility of using resettable fuses based on polymer composite materials with a positive temperature coefficient of resistance to protect photovoltaic solar cells from current overloads is considered. Modeling of the electrophysical characteristics of modern industrial fuses of this type based on polyethylene-nanocarbon composites has been carried out. The limits of their applicability for the protection of photovoltaic solar cells are analyzed. On the basis of the obtained results, the optimization directions of the resettable fuses parameters for use in the protection circuits of PVC of solar array are determined.

The case is meant as a way for students to develop ideas related to the challenges facing environmental eco-friendly social enterprises that sell their products in a country like Egypt where consumers are way behind considering the value of their products. In response to these challenges, students learn to evaluate the company status quo by analyzing its weaknesses, strengths and opportunities to grow and expand geographically to a new market. Students also learn about the growth expansion strategies and internationalization modes, options and associated barriers. Accordingly, they can plan the marketing strategies associated with entering this new market for up-cycled products. Objective 1: Analyze the international geographical growth alternative for an enterprise that improves its scalability applying weaknesses, strengths, threats and opportunities analysis. Objective 2: Propose a strategic plan for growth and scalability. Objective 3: Discuss the various modes of doing business in foreign countries. Recommend an internationalization mode for a social enterprise to explore in a new market. Objective 4: Assess the possible barriers associated with internationalization modes and how to overcome them. Objective 5: Propose marketing strategies for an eco-friendly enterprise to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness in the international host market. Other topics that might be discussed in this case include consumer behavior toward environmentally friendly products. Pricing challenges faced by ecologically friendly firms in developing countries.

Rania and Yara were inspired by Germany’s approach to waste reduction, particularly plastic bags. In 2017, after winning several competitions and awards, Up-Fuse was officially established as a social enterprise. The entrepreneurs faced great challenges selling sustainable products made of plastic waste to Egyptian consumers. Egyptian consumers were not fully aware of the value of eco-friendly products which presented a great challenge for Up-Fuse to grow and sell their products in Egypt. After shifting its pricing strategy and expanding beyond the local recycled product markets, Up-Fuse further faced fierce competition from well-established local and international brands with larger market shares. Thus, most of Up-Fuse’s sales were generated from expats and foreigners. In response to local obstacles and limitations, Rania began to consider targeting international markets. Rania thought it was the opportune time to drive growth through geographic expansion. After all, in 2020, Up-Fuse had some minor success when the co-founders experimented with exporting their products to the US market. Rania’s co-founder Yara, on the other hand, felt that the enterprise was not yet ready to enter a new market and it would be wiser to emphasize growth in the local Egyptian market. The co-founders were torn between two growth strategies. On one hand, they faced intense local competition for their products. On the other, expanding by entering a new market came with many challenges. Which growth strategy should Up-Fuse adopt? How could Up-Fuse determine which market to penetrate? What were the possible scalability challenges they faced by entering a new market? How could Up-Fuse reach and increase their international customer base abroad? What was the best marketing strategy for their products?

This case would be appropriate for graduate students enrolled in marketing, consumer behavior, international marketing, international business and social entrepreneurship courses. This case is written at a graduate level and would also be appropriate for use in customized or short programs.

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

CCS 5: International Business.

Empirical investigation into the e-learning innovation, FUSE Studios, is both timely and relevant because FUSE is rapidly expanding domestically and abroad and there is continued interest in the interdisciplinary fields of information and learning sciences in the constructs of choice and interest as they relate to the provision and design of learning experiences. In particular, this paper aims to contribute to scholarly and design-based conversations on how e-learning innovations – especially those situated within the digital youth and constructionism strands of research – can be designed in ways that support robust opportunities for learning for young people (Reynolds et al., 2019).

Drawing upon a large corpus of mixed-methods data including computer-generated activity log data, youth survey data and studio facilitator interview data, this paper examines patterns of use and interest-related experience among young people in a range of FUSE Studios settings across the USA.

The results suggest that student choice within FUSE’s curricular and Studio model tends to support a broad exploration of interests across a wide range of youth, rather than a deep dive into particular Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) content areas.

Alongside the broad exploration that was found to characterize the patterns of student choice in FUSE Studios, a striking number of students from those surveyed reported that FUSE supported their interest development: they liked the FUSE challenges, were always able to find something of interest to do in the FUSE Studios and saw the FUSE challenges are supportive of their current and future interests. (See similar findings in Stevens et al., 2016). We understand these student self-reported experiences as evidence that the FUSE Studios model did well to encourage meaningful, interest-driven learning experiences for youth.

Committed to making research usable for practice, this paper offers implications for future e-learning designs that seek to make choice and interest central to the organization of activity and environment.

The purpose of this paper is to minimize and prevent current overloads (including the elimination of abnormal and fire hazardous situations) in photovoltaic solar arrays by using low-cost functional electronic elements, in particular, the new PolySwitch PPTC fuses.

The modeling method has been used to investigate the circuit solution of the use of PolySwitch type fuses to prevent and minimize current overloads in photovoltaic solar arrays.

It is shown that the limitation of the short-circuit current with parallel connection of photovoltaic components (photovoltaic cells or their modules) can be implemented when the following conditions are met: the resistance of the fuse in the conducting state is much lesser than the parallel connection of the series resistances of the photovoltaic components; and the tripping current of the fuse must be greater than the maximum current of the separate photovoltaic components and lesser than the current of a parallel connection of several photovoltaic components.

The influence of the magnitude of the resistance in the conducting state and the response current of the fuses to the current–voltage and volt–watt characteristics of parallel connections of the photovoltaic components (photovoltaic cells or their modules) is analyzed. The modeling results are confirmed by experimental data on the transformation research of light current–voltage and volt–watt characteristics of parallel connections of industrial photovoltaic modules using resettable fuses of the PolySwitch type.

Bond strength is an indicator of the quality of the fusing process. The study's primary purpose is to predict the bond strength using easily measurable variables. This study focuses on shirting fabrics fused with woven interlinings and changes in bond strength before and after washing.

This study attempts to model and predict bond strength of fused shirt composites using an initial screening design followed by full factorial design of experiments. After screening out, those found significantly affecting the bond strength are fabric fiber content, interlining areal weight and fusing temperature. This study proposes the regression models explaining the effect of the three variables on bond strength before and after washing the fused composites.

This study found that heavy interlinings (250 g/sq.m) require higher fusing temperatures than the lighter interlining (225 g/sq.m). After washing, the bond strength of samples fused at high temperatures reduced in some instances. Maintaining a high temperature without considering interlining weight can lower the bond strength after washing the fused composites.

A combination of screening and full factorial DOE is used to analyze and predict bond strength of composites comprising medium-weight shirting fabrics and heavier weight interlinings used in shirts.