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Article
Publication date: 29 November 2021

Arezoo Rojhani, Joshua Naranjo and Ping Ouyang

The purpose of this study was to examine sensory attributes, physiochemical characteristics and consumer preference of drop sugar cookies prepared using high-amylose maize…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine sensory attributes, physiochemical characteristics and consumer preference of drop sugar cookies prepared using high-amylose maize resistant starch (HAMRS) as a replacement for 10%, 20% and 30% of all-purpose (AP) flour as compared to a control made with 100% AP flour.

Design/methodology/approach

A balanced complete block experimental design was used to evaluate the eating quality of the resistant starch enriched cookies using a consumer panel. Consumer preference for the appearance, flavor, texture, moistness and overall acceptability of cookies was assessed. Diameter, height, spread ratio, hardness, moisture, pH, density, surface color and nutrient composition of cookies were analyzed.

Findings

Compared with the control cookies, the HAMRS cookies had lower diameters, higher, heights, reduced spreads, reduced % moisture losses and lower densities (p < 0.001). TA.XT Plus Texture Analyzer showed the HAMRS cookies had a softer texture than the control cookies (p < 0.0001). Evaluation of surface color showed no significant difference in lightness between the control and the HAMRS cookies. The HAMRS cookies were preferred over the control for appearance, texture and moistness in sensory evaluation with 42.5% of panelists choosing the 20% HAMRS replaced cookies as their overall preference. The 20% and 30% HAMRS replaced cookies qualify to be labeled as a “good source” and “excellent source” of fiber, respectively.

Practical implications

This data demonstrates that replacement of up to 30% of AP flour with HAMRS improves eating quality and dietary fiber content of sugar cookies. Our results show that HAMRS has good potential for developing high fiber cookies with minimal adverse impact on physical characteristics and notable improvements in sensory attributes and nutritional value.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that has reported on the functionality, consumer preference and nutritional value of cookies enriched with a HAMRS that is available to consumers in the form of flour.

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2018

Linhao Ouyang, Zijian Zhang, Xiaoling Huang and Shi Xie

The purpose of this study is to restore the spatial distribution of overseas remittance businesses in Shantou during the 1940s. It explores various socioeconomic factors that…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to restore the spatial distribution of overseas remittance businesses in Shantou during the 1940s. It explores various socioeconomic factors that influenced the concentration of local remittance business investment in real estate. By reconstructing the spatial distribution of remittance business activities in Shantou, this study hopes to lay a foundation for further analysis of the business strategies of Chaoshan merchants.

Design/methodology/approach

This research draws on information from the published Swatow Guide, archival sources and cadastral maps to identify the location of remittance enterprises and the native place and overseas networks of property owners.

Finding

This study reveals that the spatial distribution of the remittance enterprises was determined by the native place origins of local property owners, and that the inflow of overseas Chinese capital contributed to real estate development in Shantou.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the limited access to Chinese official archives, this paper manages to identify several building blocks and neighbors in Shantou for spatial analysis.

Practical implications

This study is the first attempt to use the geographical information system (GIS) method in Chinese urban history research and hopes to establish a larger historical database of Shantou as a sample for comparison.

Originality/value

This investigation advances the spatial study of urban history and overseas Chinese remittances in the maritime society of South China.

Details

Social Transformations in Chinese Societies, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1871-2673

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 26 January 2023

Sofia Gomes and João M. Lopes

The growing uses of digital technologies have been creating several new business opportunities. Recently, a new concept has emerged in the literature, the “digital

Abstract

The growing uses of digital technologies have been creating several new business opportunities. Recently, a new concept has emerged in the literature, the “digital entrepreneurship ecosystem” (DEE). However, it has been empirically understudied. Thus, this study aims to analyze the influence of DEE on entrepreneurial activity. The meta-organization theory was used as a perspective of analysis. A quantitative methodology was applied in a sample that includes data from 28 European countries through the generalized method of moments. It was concluded that the DEE pillars, informal and formal institutions, market conditions, physical infrastructure, human capital and talent and networking and support positively influence entrepreneurial activity. It was also found that the variables knowledge, creation and dissemination and finance have a negative impact on entrepreneurial activity. Several theoretical and empirical contributions are also left for the various stakeholders. The present study is original, as no known studies analyze the influence of DEE on entrepreneurial activity in European countries from the perspective of meta-organization theory.

Details

Bleeding-Edge Entrepreneurship: Digitalization, Blockchains, Space, the Ocean, and Artificial Intelligence
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80262-036-8

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 25 November 2024

Ahmed A.M. Abdelkader, Hend Hassan and Marwa Abdelkader

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is permeating many facets of our daily lives, appearing in household appliances, cell phones and popular online apps. AI has the capacity to…

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is permeating many facets of our daily lives, appearing in household appliances, cell phones and popular online apps. AI has the capacity to revolutionize teaching and learning processes in higher education institutions. The integration of AI technologies in education can lead to personalized learning experiences, improved educational quality and enhanced learning outcomes. However, the adoption of AI in higher education comes with challenges such as ethical considerations and the need to address equity and inclusion issues to ensure that all students benefit from AI advancements. This chapter considers how AI can be utilized in education, while acknowledging the challenges and finding ways to mitigate them. Useful tools include: Bespoke Learning, Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Grading, Collaborative, Learning Assistance, Research Support and Adaptive Learning. The challenges addressed are: ethical considerations, resistance to change and data security and privacy. In navigating the complexities of integrating AI in higher education, institutions must strike a balance between leveraging the transformative potential of AI technologies and addressing the ethical, social and technical challenges that accompany their implementation. By prioritizing ethical considerations, addressing resistance to change and safeguarding data security and privacy, higher education institutions can harness the benefits of AI to enhance teaching and learning practices, foster innovation and prepare students for success in the digital age.

Details

The Evolution of Artificial Intelligence in Higher Education
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-487-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 March 2024

Yu-Ping Chen, Margaret Shaffer, Janice R.W. Joplin and Richard Posthuma

Drawing on the challenge–hindrance stressor framework and the “too-much-of-a-good-thing” principle, this study examined the curvilinear effects of two emic social challenge…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on the challenge–hindrance stressor framework and the “too-much-of-a-good-thing” principle, this study examined the curvilinear effects of two emic social challenge stressors (guanxi beliefs and participative decision-making (PDM)) and the moderating effect of an etic social hindrance stressor (perceived organizational politics) on Hong Kong and United States nurses’ job satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

A quantitative survey method was implemented, with the data provided by 355 Hong Kong nurses and 116 United States nurses. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the degree of measurement equivalence across Hong Kong and US nurses. The proposed model and the research questions were tested using nonlinear structural equation modeling analyses.

Findings

The results show that while guanxi beliefs only showed an inverted U-shaped relation on Hong Kong nurses’ job satisfaction, PDM had an inverted U-shaped relation with both Hong Kong and United States nurses’ job satisfaction. The authors also found that Hong Kong nurses experienced the highest job satisfaction when their guanxi beliefs and perceived organization politics were both high.

Research limitations/implications

The results add to the comprehension of the nuances of the often-held assumption of linearity in organizational sciences and support the speculation of social stressors-outcomes linkages.

Practical implications

Managers need to recognize that while the nurturing and development of effective relationships with employees via social interaction are important, managers also need to be aware that too much guanxi and PDM may lead employees to feel overwhelmed with expectations of reciprocity and reconciliation to such an extent that they suffer adverse outcomes and become dissatisfied with their jobs.

Originality/value

First, the authors found that influences of guanxi beliefs and PDM are not purely linear and that previous research may have neglected the curvilinear nature of their influences on job satisfaction. Second, the authors echo researchers’ call to consider an organization’s political context to fully understand employees’ attitudes and reactions toward social interactions at work. Third, the authors examine boundary conditions of curvilinear relationships to understand the delicate dynamics.

Details

Cross Cultural & Strategic Management, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5794

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 12 January 2012

Ioannis N. Lagoudis

There is significant amount of literature tackling different issues related to the port industry. The present chapter focuses on a single business unit of seaports aiming at the…

Abstract

There is significant amount of literature tackling different issues related to the port industry. The present chapter focuses on a single business unit of seaports aiming at the documentation of works related to container terminals.

An effort to review, collect and present the majority of the works present in the last 30 years, between 1980 and 2010, has been made in order to picture the problems dealt and methods used by the authors in the specific research field. To facilitate the reader, studies have been grouped under five categories of addressed problems (productivity and competitiveness, yard and equipment utilization, equipment scheduling, berth planning, loading/unloading) and four modelling methodologies (mathematics and operations research, management and economics, simulation, stochastic modelling).

The analysis shows that most works focus on productivity and competitiveness issues followed by yard and equipment utilisation and equipment scheduling. In reference to the methodologies used managerial and economic approaches lead, followed by mathematics and operations research.

In reference to future research, two fields have been identified where there is scope of significant contribution by the academic community: container terminal security and container terminal supply chain integration.

The present chapter provides the framework for researchers in the field of port container terminals to picture the so far works in this research area and enables the identification of gaps at both research question and methodology level for further research.

Details

Maritime Logistics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78052-340-8

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2019

Guisheng Gan, Da-quan Xia, Xin Liu, Cong Liu, Hanlin Cheng, Zhongzhen Ming, Haoyang Gao, Dong-hua Yang and Yi-ping Wu

With continuous concerning on the toxic of element Pb, Pb-free solder was gradually used to replace traditional Sn-Pb solder. However, during the transition period from Sn-Pb to…

Abstract

Purpose

With continuous concerning on the toxic of element Pb, Pb-free solder was gradually used to replace traditional Sn-Pb solder. However, during the transition period from Sn-Pb to Pb-free solder, mixing of Sn-Pb and Pb-free is inevitable occurred in certain products, and in China where Sn-Pb solder was still used extensively in certain areas especially. Correspondingly, understanding reliability of Sn-Pb solder joints was very important, and further studies were needed.

Design/methodology/approach

Thermal shock test between −55°C and 125 °C was conducted on Sn-37Pb solder bumps in the BGA package to investigate the microstructure evolution and the growth mechanism of interfacial intermetallic compound (IMC) layer. The effects of thermal shock on the mechanical property and fracture behavior of Sn-37Pb solder bumps were discussed.

Findings

Pb-rich phase was coarsened and voids were increased at first; Pb-rich phase was refined and voids were decreased secondly with the increase of thermal shock cycles; the shear strength of solder bumps was slightly decreased after thermal shock, but was back up to 73.67MPa at 2,000 cycles; interfacial IMCs of solder bumps was from typical scallop-type into smooth, the composition of IMCs was from Cu6Sn5 into Cu6Sn5 and Cu3Sn after thermal shock with 1,500 and 2,000 cycles; 20.0 per cent of solder bumps at 1,500 cycles and 9.5 per cent of solder bumps at 2,000 cycles were failure respectively.

Originality/value

Compared with the board level test method, the impact shear test for the single solder bump is more convenient and economical and is actively pursued by the industries. The shear strength of solder bumps was slightly decreased after thermal shock, but was back up to 73.67 MPa at 2,000 cycles; 20.0 per cent of solder bumps at 1,500 cycles and 9.5 per cent of solder bumps at 2,000 cycles were failure.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 August 2019

Kuo-Ping Lin, Chun-Min Yu and Kuen-Suan Chen

The purpose of this paper is to establish mechanisms for process improvement so that production efficiency and product quality can be expected, and create a sustainable…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to establish mechanisms for process improvement so that production efficiency and product quality can be expected, and create a sustainable development in terms of circular economy.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors obtain a critical value from statistical hypothesis testing, and thereby construct a process capability indices chart, which both lowers the chance of quality level misjudgment caused by sampling error and provides reference for the processes improvement in poor quality levels. The authors used the bottom bracket of bicycles as an example to demonstrate the model and methods proposed in this study.

Findings

This approach enables us to plot multiple quality characteristics, despite varying attributes and specifications, onto the same process capability analysis chart. And it therefore increases accuracy and precision to reduce rework and scrap rates (reduce), increase product availability, reduce maintenance frequency and increase reuse (reuse), increase the recycle rates of components (recycle) and lengthen service life, which will delay recovery time (recovery).

Originality/value

Parts manufacturers in the industry chain can upload their production data to the cloud platform. The quality control center of the bicycle manufacturer can utilized the production data analysis model to identify critical-to-quality characteristics. The platform also offers reference for improvement and adds the improvement achievements and experience to its knowledge management to provide the entire industry chain. Feedback is also given to the R&D department of the bicycle manufacturer as reference for more robust product designs, more reasonable tolerance designs, and selection criteria for better parts suppliers, thereby forming an intelligent manufacturing loop system.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 119 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 June 2021

Jamie Costley, Ashleigh Southam, Daniel Bailey and Shaibou Abbdoulai Haji

Online learning and the use of technology-based learning management systems (LMS) are on the rise in higher education. The purpose of this study is to explore how the frequent use…

Abstract

Purpose

Online learning and the use of technology-based learning management systems (LMS) are on the rise in higher education. The purpose of this study is to explore how the frequent use of these LMS mediates the relationship between three types of learner interactions and student outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

This was an exploratory study using surveys that collected information on students’ use of LMS, their interactions and student outcomes. The participants of this study consisted of 362 undergraduate students from a South Korean University who were taking online classes as part of their degree.

Findings

The findings support existing research that increased learner interactions have positive effects on learning outcomes. However, some of the positive effects were reduced when considering the effect of higher levels of LMS use. In particular, learner-to-learner interactions.

Research limitations/implications

This information will enable educators to identify, measure and evaluate their online courses and consider how to integrate LMS use effectively. Results imply that focus may need to be on how learner to learner interactions can be best supported through the application of LMS.

Practical implications

This information will enable educators to identify, measure and evaluate their online courses and consider how to integrate LMS use effectively.

Social implications

Learner-to-learner interaction through social networking platforms may be more beneficial in socially constructing knowledge than formalizing interaction through LMS.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of online learning by suggesting that the importance of some types of learner interactions may be overestimated in relation to the importance of LMS use.

Details

Interactive Technology and Smart Education, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-5659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2008

Li‐Ping He and Fu‐Zheng Qu

To survey the approaches to design optimization based on possibility theory and evidence theory comparatively, as well as their prominent characteristics mainly for epistemic…

Abstract

Purpose

To survey the approaches to design optimization based on possibility theory and evidence theory comparatively, as well as their prominent characteristics mainly for epistemic uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

Owing to uncertainties encountered in engineering design problems and limitations of the conventional probabilistic approach in handling the impreciseness of data or knowledge, the possibility‐based design optimization (PBDO), evidence‐based design optimization (EBDO) and their integrated approaches are investigated from the viewpoints of computational development and performance improvement. After that, this paper discusses the fusion technologies and an example of integrated approach in reliability to reveal the qualitative value and efficiency.

Findings

It is recognized that more conservative results are obtained with both PBDO and EBDO, which may be appropriate for design against catastrophic failure compared with the probability‐based design. Furthermore, the EBDO design may be less conservative compared with the PBDO design.

Research limitations/implications

How to perfect already‐existing integration approaches in a more generally analytical framework is still an active domain of research.

Practical implications

The paper is a holistic reference for design engineers and industry managers.

Originality/value

The paper is focused on decomposition strategies and fusion technologies, especially addressing epistemic uncertainty for large‐scale and complex systems when statistical data are scarce or incomplete.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 37 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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