A note on the stiffness and flexibility natural approach to the triangular spring cell

2018 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 1130-1139 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. St Doltsinis
Keyword(s):  
Finite Elements ◽  
Lattice Models ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Triangular Element ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Natural Approach ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose An intended numerical analysis of solids and structures by spring cell substitutes in place of finite elements has occasioned considerable research on the subject. This paper aims to expose two alternative concepts evolving out of Argyris’ natural approach to the simplex triangular element. One is based on an approximation of the element flexibility and the other approximates the stiffness with coincidence at the ideal conditions of complete substitution. Design/methodology/approach Characteristic of the natural formalism is the homogeneous definition of strain and stress along the sides of the triangular element. The associated elastic compliance offers itself for the transition to the spring cell. The diagonal entities are interpreted immediately as springs along the element sides, and the off-diagonal terms account for the completeness of the substitution. In addition to the flexibility concept, the spring cell is deduced alternatively from the element’s natural stiffness. The difference in the flexibility result lies in the calculatory cross-sectional areas of the elastic bar members. Findings From the natural point of view, the spring cell evolves out of the continuum element to the desired degree of substitution. The simplest configuration of pin-joined bars discards all geometrical and physical cross effects. The approach is attractive because of its transparent simplicity. Research limitations/implications The difference between the stiffness and the flexibility approach to spring cells is demonstrated for triangular elements that suit the problems lying in plane stress or plane strain. More general states of stress and strain involve spring cell counterparts of the tetrahedral finite element. Practical implications Apart from plane geometries, triangular spring cells are assembled to lattice models of space structures, such as membrane shells and similar. Originality/value The natural formalism of simplex finite elements is used for deducing spring cells in two variants and exploring their properties. This is a novel approach to spring cells and an original employment of the natural concept.

From the natural continuum to the elastic spring cell in three and two dimensions -- a flexibility approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 36 (5) ◽  
pp. 1676-1698 ◽  
Author(s):  
I St Doltsinis
Keyword(s):  
Finite Element ◽  
Finite Elements ◽  
Lattice Models ◽  
Anisotropic Elasticity ◽  
Two Dimensions ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Space Structures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Definition Of

Purpose The employment of spring cell substitutes for the numerical analysis of solids and structures in place of finite elements has occasioned research on the subject with regard to both, the applicability of existing approaches and the advancement of concepts. This paper aims to explore in the context of linear elasticity the substitution of the simplex tetrahedral element in space and the triangle in the plane by corresponding spring cells deduced on a flexibility basis using the natural formalism. Design/methodology/approach The natural formalism is characterized by the homogeneous definition of strain and stress along the lines connecting nodes of the simplex tetrahedron and the triangle. The elastic compliance involves quantities along the prospective spring directions and offers itself for the transition to the spring cell. The diagonal entities are interpreted immediately as spring flexibilities, the off-diagonal terms account for the completeness of the substitution. In addition to the isotropic elastic material, the concept is discussed for anisotropic elasticity in the plane. Findings The natural point of view establishes the spring cell as part of the continuum element. The simplest configuration of pin-joined bars discards all geometrical and physical cross effects. The approach is attracting by its transparent simplicity, revealing deficiencies of the spring cell and identifying directly conditions for the complete substitution of the finite element. Research limitations/implications The spring cell counterparts of the tetrahedral- and the triangular finite elements allow employment in problems in three and two dimensions. However, the deficient nature of the approximation requires attention in the design of the discretization lattice such that the conditions of complete finite element substitution are approached as close as possible. Practical implications Apart from plane geometries, triangular spring cells have been assembled to lattice models of space structures such as membrane shells and similar. Tetrahedral cells have been used, in modelling plates and shell structures exhibiting bending stiffness. Originality/value The natural formalism of simplex finite elements in three and two dimensions is used for defining spring cells on a flexibility basis and exploring their properties. This is a novel approach to spring cells and an original employment of the natural concept in isotropic and anisotropic elasticity.

Post-worldview? A dialogic meta-narrative analysis of North-South, South-South, and Southern theory

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2/3) ◽  
pp. 65-77
Author(s):  
Brian D. Denman
Keyword(s):  
International Education ◽  
Narrative Analysis ◽  
Comparative Education ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Global South ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Discursive Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Subject Material

Purpose Utilising dialogic meta-narrative analysis, a form of inquiry based on examining the difference between voices in meaningful and relevant dialogue (Wegerif, 2006, p. 347), the purpose of this paper is to present an examination of three relevant works on theories of the global South for identifying educational patterns, themes, and biases from the worldview perspectives of the respective authors. Design/methodology/approach In comparative and international education “qualitative” research, the acceptance of differing points of view and reference have often resulted in a fragmented and fractitious affirmation of cultural relativity, whereby the pursuit of truth (Veritas) has been replaced by the pursuit and contestation of a plurality of knowledges and truths. Davies defines this as “discursive practice”, which refers to the way discourse and the production of selves produce and reconstitutes one’s social and psychological realities (Davies, 1999, p. 88). The positional and discursive worldviews relative to “other” are not only dependent on locational, contextual, and time (Zeitgeist) dimensions, but also on disciplinary methodological foundations and subjective interpretations of both experience and choice. Findings The analysis of the three scholarly works identifies issues of comparative education research from a dialogic and dialectic perspective, suggesting that relativistic notions of research are required and necessary in order to expand horizons and “break out of the box” to broaden one’s imagination. Research limitations/implications The questions raised by all three worldviews require further research: Who pays? Who benefits? Should the field contest the positional points-of-reference of comparativists? Should theory and mode of inquiry be made more clear in order to understand and discern the positional authority of the researcher and the researched? Should relevant literature addressing subject material involve greater scrutiny – if not collaboration – between scholars from different worldview perspectives? Practical implications Subjectivity, validation and significance of findings contribute to dissemination and advancement of knowledge, and if not robust or rigorous, are simply another point of view. Originality/value This is a new paradigmatic approach to problematising comparative and international research from three positional worldviews. The value in problematising the three worldviews helps to delve deeper into the issues at hand regarding the global South.

Relational asymmetry, trust, and innovation in supply chain management: a non-linear approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 303-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Michalski ◽  
Jose Luis Montes ◽  
Ram Narasimhan
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Institutional Environment ◽  
Least Squares Method ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relationship Analysis ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Non Linear

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the non-linear aspects of the asymmetry-performance relationship under varying conditions of trust and innovation. Its novel approach is useful for addressing the strategic elements of supply chain management (SCM) relationships based on trust and innovation decisions.Design/methodology/approachResults are based on a study of 90 managers from small- and medium-sized firms in Spain. Instead of a classical linear relationship analysis, the authors performed a non-linear analysis, using polynomial modeling and Warp 3 partial least squares method, which provides a more nuanced view of the data and constitutes an original approach to empirical research in SCM.FindingsThis study adds a new viewpoint on SC relationships by suggesting that not all trust and innovation development leads directly to performance improvement. The principal finding is, in varying trust and innovation contexts, that the influences of asymmetry on performance have uneven characteristics and follow non-linear paths.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on only one particular institutional environment in one country. The data are also cross-sectional, which makes it difficult to empirically test causality.Practical implicationsThe findings provide rational insights to managers on when it is appropriate to reduce (or not) asymmetric relationships with partners.Originality/valueTrust and innovation are important and ones of the key requirements of supply chain relationships in any environment, this study argues that the interactions of key SCM elements that drive members to better performance are more complex and non-linear.

scholarly journals Estimates of Prevalence of Pulmonary Hypertension according to Different International Definitions

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Richa Tyagi ◽  
Surya Kant ◽  
Akshyaya Pradhan ◽  
Anupam Wakhlu ◽  
Darshan Kumar Bajaj ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Hypertension ◽  
Troponin T ◽  
Chronic Respiratory Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Considerable Morbidity ◽  
One Year ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Dreaded Disease

Background. Pulmonary hypertension is a dreaded disease associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The pulmonary hypertension developing due to chronic respiratory disease is a unique subset with symptoms often getting masqueraded by the underlying respiratory condition. The importance of early detection of this complication has been realized worldwide, and recently, the definition of pulmonary hypertension was revised to set the cutoff of mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) at 20 mmHg instead of 25 mmHg at rest. In our study, we have tried to estimate the difference this new definition brings to the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension among interstitial lung disease patients at our centre. Methods. This was a cross-sectional study in which all the patients of ILDs (n = 239) attending the outdoor and indoor Department of Respiratory Medicine, King George’s Medical University, India, for the duration of one year were subjected to transthoracic echocardiography along with measurement of serum pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and troponin T values. The data were analyzed using the different definitions, and the prevalence was compared. Result. Incidence of pulmonary hypertension among ILD patients at mPAP cutoff ≥ 25 was 28.9%, while that at value ≥20 mmHg, incidence of pulmonary hypertension increased to 46.0%. An increment of 15–20% in incidence of pulmonary hypertension was observed among different types of ILD when cutoff of mPAP was changed. Conclusion. The new definition helps in a significant increase in the detection of pulmonary hypertension, which certainly helps in earlier detection and better management of patients.

The prevalence of ethnocentric tendencies in Bangladesh

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tamgid Ahmed Chowdhury
Keyword(s):  
Developed Countries ◽  
Consumer Products ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Potential Threat ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Positive Attitudes ◽  
Rigorous Study ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Developed Countries ◽  
Made In

Purpose – This paper aims to argue that the traditional belief that “consumer ethnocentrism is a phenomenon of the developed countries only” is no longer true. To establish this argument, our study assesses the applicability of the Consumer Ethnocentric Tendencies Scale (CETSCALE) in Bangladesh by judging the unidimensionality feature of the same. Design/methodology/approach – The methodology is based on sample of 788 respondents collected from 27 border and non-border districts of Bangladesh. Findings – Statistically significant results show that for the consumers of border and non-border districts, the original CETSCALE is, to a great extent, applicable as those groups have shown positive attitudes in retaining 12-14 items out of the 17 items of the original scale. However, the groups and the respondents as a whole did not agree with the unidimensionality feature of the CETSCALE. Practical implications – The results of the study show that Bangladeshi consumers prefer to see “Made in Bangladesh” tags when buying consumer products – a significant potential threat that the multinational companies need to address while planning to expand business in Bangladesh. Originality/value – This type of rigorous study on Bangladesh has never been done before. Moreover, the study identifies the difference in ethnocentric behavior of the consumers living in border and non-border areas – a study of ethnocentrism from a different point of view.

Harmonious entrepreneurship – a new approach to the challenge of global sustainability

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
David Anthony Kirby ◽  
Iman El-Kaffass
Keyword(s):  
Business Model ◽  
Traditional Approach ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Wealth Creation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Sustainability ◽  
New Business ◽  
The Status ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Definition Of

PurposeThe article is intended to consider how entrepreneurship needs to adapt if it is to address the global sustainability challenge. The intention is to propose a new business model that recognises the interconnectedness of the global ecosystem.Design/methodology/approachThe article analyses two case studies purposively written to demonstrate the difference between the traditional entrepreneurship approach, dating back to the 19th century and the proposed harmonised one. Both cases are based on secondary data and personal field observation.FindingsWhile the two cases focus on wealth creation, job generation and innovation, the traditional approach is shown to have had a long-term deleterious impact on both society and the environment, whereas the proposed harmonised approach impacts positively. The article recognises the multifaceted nature of the sustainability challenge and that the three elements (economy/commerce, society and environment) are interconnected. If there is a change in the status of one the other, connected facets will change or will need to be changed. Thus any solution needs to address all three facets.Social implicationsThe proposed business model will be of interest to scholars and practitioners of entrepreneurship and sustainability, as well as to policy makers and educators.Originality/valueApart from proposing a new business model that will address the sustainability challenge, the article provides a definition of harmonious entrepreneurship and identifies the conditions required for it to be met, as well as the characteristics of the harmonious entrepreneur.

Blue ocean leadership activities improve firm performance

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 359-375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kok Liang Loh ◽  
Shari Mohd Yusof
Keyword(s):  
Firm Performance ◽  
Lean Manufacturing ◽  
Sampling Procedure ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Level ◽  
Rigorous Research ◽  
The Difference

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediation effect of Blue Ocean Leadership (BOL) activities between lean manufacturing (LM) practices and firm performance. Design/methodology/approach This study applied sequential mixed method with expert opinion in the first stage and cross-sectional survey from automotive vendor companies in the second stage. The samples were drawn using random sampling procedure from automotive vendor companies in Malaysia with the final number of respondents of 64. Four main hypotheses were developed and tested statistically by applying multivariate data analysis using SmartPLS3.0 SEM software. Findings The results provide evidence that LM practices have positive and significant impact on firm performance. Moreover, activities of Genba-Kaizen significantly improve the firm performance by an amazing 30 per cent. Research limitations/implications The data used in the survey represent self-reporting by mainly the top management in operations or production. It is recommended for future study to include middle and lower management level to understand the difference of their activities. Besides, it is proposed to extent the population beyond automotive industry. Practical implications This study contributes to the LM body of knowledge by identifying the relationships between the LM practices, firm performance and BOL activities. Understanding these will help lean practitioners especially the leaders in making better decision in both manufacturing and service organizations. Thus, increasing the staff motivation and engagement eventually contributes to the firm performance. Originality/value Although there are growing numbers of anecdotal and empirical evidences in favour of LM in manufacturing environment, there has been almost no theory-building and methodologically rigorous research examining the link between the leaders’ activities with LM practices and firm performance. This study is addressing such gaps.

scholarly journals Building an integrated enhanced virtual research environment metadata catalogue

2019 ◽  
Vol 37 (6) ◽  
pp. 929-951 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurent Remy ◽  
Dragan Ivanović ◽  
Maria Theodoridou ◽  
Athina Kritsotaki ◽  
Paul Martin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Data Model ◽  
Data Science ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Dublin Core ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Virtual Research Environment ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to boost multidisciplinary research by the building of an integrated catalogue or research assets metadata. Such an integrated catalogue should enable researchers to solve problems or analyse phenomena that require a view across several scientific domains. Design/methodology/approach There are two main approaches for integrating metadata catalogues provided by different e-science research infrastructures (e-RIs): centralised and distributed. The authors decided to implement a central metadata catalogue that describes, provides access to and records actions on the assets of a number of e-RIs participating in the system. The authors chose the CERIF data model for description of assets available via the integrated catalogue. Analysis of popular metadata formats used in e-RIs has been conducted, and mappings between popular formats and the CERIF data model have been defined using an XML-based tool for description and automatic execution of mappings. Findings An integrated catalogue of research assets metadata has been created. Metadata from e-RIs supporting Dublin Core, ISO 19139, DCAT-AP, EPOS-DCAT-AP, OIL-E and CKAN formats can be integrated into the catalogue. Metadata are stored in CERIF RDF in the integrated catalogue. A web portal for searching this catalogue has been implemented. Research limitations/implications Only five formats are supported at this moment. However, description of mappings between other source formats and the target CERIF format can be defined in the future using the 3M tool, an XML-based tool for describing X3ML mappings that can then be automatically executed on XML metadata records. The approach and best practices described in this paper can thus be applied in future mappings between other metadata formats. Practical implications The integrated catalogue is a part of the eVRE prototype, which is a result of the VRE4EIC H2020 project. Social implications The integrated catalogue should boost the performance of multi-disciplinary research; thus it has the potential to enhance the practice of data science and so contribute to an increasingly knowledge-based society. Originality/value A novel approach for creation of the integrated catalogue has been defined and implemented. The approach includes definition of mappings between various formats. Defined mappings are effective and shareable.

scholarly journals Identification of barriers to co-create on-line: the perspectives of customers and companies

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-471 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryna Chepurna ◽  
Josep Rialp Criado
Keyword(s):  
Rank Correlation ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Conceptual Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Spearman’S Rank Correlation ◽  
Internet Users ◽  
On Line ◽  
The Difference

Purpose Value co-creation is an important topic of interest in marketing domain for the past decade. Co-creation via the internet has received a particular attention in the literature (O’Hern and Rindfleisch, 2010). Although there have been substantive number of studies of what motivates customers to participate in value co-creation in the internet-based platforms, there is a lack of research of what the deterrents are that may prevent customers from contributing their ideas online. This research was undertaken to define the deterrents from the customers and companies’ point of view. Furthermore, the difference, if exists, between the users’ and marketing professionals’ ranking of the inhibitors to co-creation online is also studied. Design/methodology/approach This exploratory qualitative research is based on 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews with customers and 20 in-depth semi-structured interviews with marketing specialists from different companies. Spearman’s rank correlation is applied to explore the relationship between the internet users’ and marketers’ responses. Findings There are nine constraining factors. The results show that although there is a repetition of the mentioned constraining factors indicated by the both groups of the interviewees, the ranking of the barriers is distinctive. Research Implications New conceptual information is received on what restrains customers from co-creation from both customers’ and companies’ point of view. Practical Implications This paper explains the potential problems to be confronted when launching a co-creation project in the internet-based platforms and offers managers a preliminary guide to comprehension of the users’ deterrents rating. Originality The paper that defines deterrents to co-creation online.

Customer perceptions of CSR authenticity

2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (4) ◽  
pp. 614-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
Saju Jose ◽  
Nilesh Khare ◽  
F. Robert Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Corporate Social Responsibility ◽  
Social Responsibility ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Perceptions ◽  
Novel Approach ◽  
Big Picture ◽  
Corporate Social ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to look at corporate social responsibility (CSR)-related actions to see whether they relate to clients’ perception of CSR. Design/methodology/approach Ninety-nine bank customers in Brisbane, Australia were surveyed by mail in a cross-sectional field study. Findings Not all CSR-related behaviors of the organizations were influential to perceptions of social responsibility. Big picture actions for the betterment of humanity were found to be influential to the perception of the firm’s CSR. However, respondents did not relate the firms’ profit and revenue initiatives to social responsibility, other than negativity toward false and misleading practices. Research limitations/implications Results are limited to one industry in Australia. Practical implications Actions for human betterment were found to be influential to the perception of the firm’s CSR. Also the uses of dishonest marketing schemes were seen as detrimental to CSR perceptions of the firm. However, respondents did not connect the firm’s business actions affecting profitability with customers, to their perceptions of its CSR. Thus, the authors conclude that altruism from a “big picture” standpoint has value in shaping CSR perception, but the organization may not always find it necessary to deprioritize profit, or to attempt to weave CSR actions into every aspect of their business. Originality/value The inquiry takes a novel approach to CSR, capturing an unexplored aspect of how CSR is perceived and valued by stakeholders.

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