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1 – 10 of 311James Tarver, Kieran Nar and Candice Majewski
The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the extent to which the mechanisms of polymer melt viscous flow and finish layer powder particle adhesion influence the top surface…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the extent to which the mechanisms of polymer melt viscous flow and finish layer powder particle adhesion influence the top surface topographies of laser sintered polyamide (PA12) components.
Design/methodology/approach
Laser sintered specimens were manufactured at varying laser parameters in accordance with a full factorial design of experiments. Focus variation microscopy was used to ascertain insight into their top surface heights and peak/valley distributions. Subsequently, regression expressions were generated to model the former with respect to applied laser parameters. Auxiliary experimental analysis was also performed to validate the proposed mechanisms and statistical models.
Findings
Within the parameter range tested, this work found the root mean square (Sq) and skewness (Ssk) roughness responses of laser sintered PA12 top surfaces to be inversely related to one another, and both also principally influenced by beam spacing. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that using optimised laser parameters (to promote polymer melt dispersion) and building without finish layers (to avert subsequent powder particle adhesion) reduced the mean Sq roughness of resultant topographies by 30.8% and 47.9% relative to standard laser sintered PA12 top surfaces, respectively.
Practical implications
The scope to which laser sintered PA12 top surfaces can be modified was highlighted.
Originality/value
This research demonstrated the impact the mechanisms of polymer melt viscous flow and finish layer powder particle adhesion have on laser sintered PA12 top surfaces.
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Pilar Rodríguez-Arancón, María Bobadilla-Pérez and Alberto Fernández-Costales
This study aims to delve into the interplay between didactic audiovisual translation (DAT) and computer-assisted language learning (CALL), exploring their combined impact on the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to delve into the interplay between didactic audiovisual translation (DAT) and computer-assisted language learning (CALL), exploring their combined impact on the development of intercultural competence (IC) among learners of English as a foreign language (EFL).
Design/methodology/approach
Using a quasi-experimental approach with a quantitative research design, the study analyses the outcomes of a questionnaire answered by 147 students across 15 language centres in Spanish Universities. These participants actively engaged in completing the lesson plans of the Traducción audiovisual como recurso didáctico en el aprendizaje de lenguas extranjeras project, a Spanish-Government funded research initiative aimed at assessing the effects of DAT on language learning.
Findings
The current study confirms the reliability of the instrument developed to measure students’ perceived improvement. Beyond validating the research tool, the findings of the current study confirm the significant improvement in intercultural learning achieved through DAT, effectively enhancing students’ motivation to engage in language learning.
Research limitations/implications
The current research solely examines students enrolled in higher education language centres. This paper closes with a CALL for additional research, including participants from other educational stages, such as primary or secondary education. In the broader context of CALL research, this study serves as a valuable contribution by exploring the potential of DAT in fostering IC in EFL settings.
Originality/value
This research confirms the potential of DAT and CALL to promote students’ learning process, as the combination of these approaches not only yields linguistic benefits but also intercultural learning.
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Rui Guo, Jingxian Wang, Min Zhou, Zixia Cao, Lan Tao, Yang Luo, Wei Zhang and Jiajia Chen
The study aims to examine how different types of green brand ritual (GBR) influence customer engagement behavior and the mediation mechanisms and boundary conditions of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to examine how different types of green brand ritual (GBR) influence customer engagement behavior and the mediation mechanisms and boundary conditions of the positive and negative pathways.
Design/methodology/approach
The study conducts two online experiments to collect data from a total of 940 consumers in China. Hypotheses are tested by independent samples t-test, two-way ANOVA and Hayes' PROCESS model.
Findings
Different kinds of GBR have different effects on customer engagement behavior. Internal GBR is more likely to play a positive role by inciting connectedness to nature. External GBR is more likely to play a negative role by inciting psychological resistance. This dual effect is especially pronounced for warm brands rather than competent brands.
Originality/value
The study pioneers the brand ritual into the field of interactive marketing and enriches its dual effect research. Additionally, the study figures out whether the category of brand ritual can trigger negative effect.
Practical implications
Inappropriate brand rituals are worse than no rituals at all. The results provide guidance for green companies to design effective brand rituals to strengthen the connection with consumers. Green brands should describe brand rituals in vivid detail and consciously lead consumers to immerse themselves in them.
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Tingwei Wang, Hui Zhang and Ya Wang
The purpose of this paper is to have a deeper understanding of the nonlinear relationship between the impact of climate change on tourism development. Current studies on the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to have a deeper understanding of the nonlinear relationship between the impact of climate change on tourism development. Current studies on the effects of climate change on tourism development primarily rely on linear correlation assumptions.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the New Institutional Economics theory, the institutional setting inherently motivates and ensures the growth of the tourism industry. For a precise evaluation of the nonlinear consequences of climate change on tourism, this paper concentrates on Chinese cities between 2011 and 2021, methodically analyzing the influence of climate change on tourism.
Findings
The study findings suggest that there is an “inverse U”-shaped nonlinear relationship between climate change and tourism development, initially strengthening and subsequently weakening. Based on these findings, the research further delves into how institutional contexts shape the nonlinear association between climate change and tourism growth. It was found that in a higher institutional backdrop, the “inverse U” curve tends to flatten and surpass the curve adjusted for a lesser institutional context. Upon deeper mechanism analysis, it was observed that cities with more advanced marketization, improved industrial restructuring and enhanced educational growth exhibit a more evident “inverse U”-shaped nonlinear connection between climate change and tourism evolution.
Originality/value
First, previous studies on climate change and tourism development largely rely on questionnaire data (Hu et al., 2022). In contrast to these studies, this paper uses dynamic panel data, which to some extent overcomes the subjectivity and difficulty of causality identification in questionnaire data, making our research conclusions more accurate and reliable. Second, this study breaks through the linear relationship hypothesis of previous literature regarding climate change and tourism development. By evaluating the nonlinear relationship of climate change to tourism development from the institutional pressure perspective, it more intricately delineates their interplay mechanism, expanding and supplementing the research literature on the relationship mechanism between climate change and tourism development. Thirdly, the conclusions of this study are beneficial for policymakers to better understand and assess the scope of climate change impacts. It also aids relevant departments in clarifying the direction of institutional environment optimization to elevate the level of tourism development when faced with adverse impacts brought about by climate change.
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Noemi Manara, Lorenzo Rosset, Francesco Zambelli, Andrea Zanola and America Califano
In the field of heritage science, especially applied to buildings and artefacts made by organic hygroscopic materials, analyzing the microclimate has always been of extreme…
Abstract
Purpose
In the field of heritage science, especially applied to buildings and artefacts made by organic hygroscopic materials, analyzing the microclimate has always been of extreme importance. In particular, in many cases, the knowledge of the outdoor/indoor microclimate may support the decision process in conservation and preservation matters of historic buildings. This knowledge is often gained by implementing long and time-consuming monitoring campaigns that allow collecting atmospheric and climatic data.
Design/methodology/approach
Sometimes the collected time series may be corrupted, incomplete and/or subjected to the sensors' errors because of the remoteness of the historic building location, the natural aging of the sensor or the lack of a continuous check of the data downloading process. For this reason, in this work, an innovative approach about reconstructing the indoor microclimate into heritage buildings, just knowing the outdoor one, is proposed. This methodology is based on using machine learning tools known as variational auto encoders (VAEs), that are able to reconstruct time series and/or to fill data gaps.
Findings
The proposed approach is implemented using data collected in Ringebu Stave Church, a Norwegian medieval wooden heritage building. Reconstructing a realistic time series, for the vast majority of the year period, of the natural internal climate of the Church has been successfully implemented.
Originality/value
The novelty of this work is discussed in the framework of the existing literature. The work explores the potentials of machine learning tools compared to traditional ones, providing a method that is able to reliably fill missing data in time series.
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Wendy McKay and Donna Pendergast
This chapter is written from the perspective of an experienced middle leader reflecting on what would have been a powerful approach to solving curriculum challenges at the launch…
Abstract
This chapter is written from the perspective of an experienced middle leader reflecting on what would have been a powerful approach to solving curriculum challenges at the launch of their middle leadership journey. The approach is learning and leading through collaborative inquiry; a process that provides the pathway and direction for a curriculum middle leader (CML) to engage in inquiry to solve a challenge of practice. A CML invests a great deal of time and effort in unpacking and understanding the ‘why’ of a curriculum challenge. This is achieved through unpacking and understanding the ‘how’ which led to the challenge, and thus, strong strategic skills are required. Additionally, effective CMLs do not undertake this work in isolation, rather, they build and facilitate a professional learning community (PLC) (Stoll et al., 2006) of curriculum enthusiasts to undertake this journey with them, which requires substantial relational trust.
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Qiang Sun, Quantong Jiang, Siwei Wu, Chang Liu, Heng Tang, L. Song, Hao Shi, Jizhou Duan and BaoRong Hou
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of ZnO on the structure and properties of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on rare earth magnesium alloy under large…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the effect of ZnO on the structure and properties of micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on rare earth magnesium alloy under large concentration gradient.
Design/methodology/approach
The macroscopic and microscopic morphology, thickness, surface roughness, chemical composition and structure of the coating were characterized by different characterization methods. The corrosion resistance of the film was studied by electrochemical and scanning Kelvin probe force microscopy. The results show that the addition of ZnO can significantly improve the compactness and corrosion resistance of the MAO coating, but the high concentration of ZnO will cause microcracks, which will reduce the corrosion resistance to a certain extent.
Findings
When the concentration of zinc oxide is 8 g/L, the compactness and corrosion resistance of the coating are the best, and the thickness of the coating is positively correlated with the concentration of ZnO.
Research limitations/implications
Too high concentration of ZnO reduces the performance of MAO coating.
Practical implications
The MAO coating prepared by adding ZnO has good corrosion resistance. Combined with organic coatings, it can be applied in corrosive marine environments, such as ship parts and hulls. To a certain extent, it can reduce the economic loss caused by corrosion.
Originality/value
The effect of ZnO on the corrosion resistance of MAO coating in electrolyte solution was studied systematically, and the conclusion was new to the common knowledge.
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Richard John Boulton, Lia Louise Boulton and Michael John Boulton
High levels of interior water vapour lead to condensation and black mould that in turn represent significant risks to residential properties and their occupants. Beliefs about…
Abstract
Purpose
High levels of interior water vapour lead to condensation and black mould that in turn represent significant risks to residential properties and their occupants. Beliefs about window opening are good predictors of the degree to which householders will actually open windows to purge their homes of water vapour, including water vapour that they themselves generate. The present study tested if a short information-giving intervention could enhance householders’ beliefs that foster window opening as purge ventilation and, in turn, lead to greater window opening.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 242 UK householders with robust psychometrically sound measures embedded in an online self-report survey that also presented the intervention information.
Findings
The intervention led participants, and males in particular, to have significantly greater concerns about condensation and mould and significantly less concerns about heat loss costs arising from opening windows, and these altered beliefs in turn predicted a greater intention to open windows in the future.
Practical implications
By sharing simple information, surveyors and other building professionals can help householders take the simple step of opening their windows and so reduce the threats that condensation and mould present to themselves and their homes.
Originality/value
This is the first study to test (1) a time-based model that predicted the intervention would have a positive effect on specific window opening attitudes and that those new attitudes would in turn affect window opening intentions, and (2) if the intervention had different effects on men and women.
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Rafiu King Raji, Jian Lin Han, Zixing Li and Lihua Gong
At the moment, in terms of both research and commercial products, smart shoe technology and applications seem not to attract the same magnitude of attention compared to smart…
Abstract
Purpose
At the moment, in terms of both research and commercial products, smart shoe technology and applications seem not to attract the same magnitude of attention compared to smart garments and other smart wearables such as wrist watches and wrist bands. The purpose of this study is to fill this knowledge gap by discussing issues regarding smart shoe sensing technologies, smart shoe sensor placements, factors that affect sensor placements and finally the areas of smart shoe applications.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a review of relevant literature, this study first and foremost attempts to explain what constitutes a smart shoe and subsequently discusses the current trends in smart shoe applications. Discussed in this study are relevant sensing technologies, sensor placement and areas of smart shoe applications.
Findings
This study outlined 13 important areas of smart shoe applications. It also uncovered that majority of smart shoe functionality are physical activity tracking, health rehabilitation and ambulation assistance for the blind. Also highlighted in this review are some of the bottlenecks of smart shoe development.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first comprehensive review paper focused on smart shoe applications, and therefore serves as an apt reference for researchers within the field of smart footwear.
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Oktay Çiçek, A. Filiz Baytaş and A. Cihat Baytaş
This study aims to numerically scrutinize the entropy generation minimization and mixed convective heat transfer of multi-walled carbon nanotubes–Fe3O4/water hybrid nanofluid flow…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to numerically scrutinize the entropy generation minimization and mixed convective heat transfer of multi-walled carbon nanotubes–Fe3O4/water hybrid nanofluid flow in a lid-driven square enclosure with heat generation in the presence of a porous layer on inner surfaces, considering local thermal non-equilibrium (LTNE) approach and the non-Darcy flow model.
Design/methodology/approach
The dimensionless governing equations for hybrid nanofluid and solid phases are solved by applying the finite volume method and semi-implicit method for pressure-linked equations algorithm.
Findings
The roles of the internal heat generation in the porous layer, LTNE model and nanoparticles volume fraction on mixed convection phenomenon and entropy generation are introduced for lid-driven cavity hybrid nanofluid flow. Based on the investigation of entropy generation and heat transfer, the minimum total entropy generation and average Nusselt numbers are found at 1 ≤ Ri ≤ 10 where the effect of the forced and free convection flow directions being opposite each other is very significant. When considering various nanoparticle volume fractions, it becomes evident that the minimum entropy generation occurs in the case of φ = 0.1%. The outcomes of LTNE number reveal the operating parameters in which thermal equilibrium occurs between hybrid nanofluid and solid phases.
Originality/value
The analysis of entropy generation under various shear and buoyancy forces plays a significant role in the suitable thermal design and optimization of mixed convective heat transfer applications. This research significantly contributes to the optimization of design and the advancement of innovative solutions across diverse engineering disciplines, such as packed-bed thermal energy storage and thermal insulation.
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