3D Printing of Customized Aspheric Lenses for Imaging

A simple and efficient process for fabricating customized aspheric lenses is reported, in which a stereolithographic 3D printer combined with the meniscus equilibrium post-curing technique is employed. Two kinds of UV-curable resins, DentaClear and HEMA, were used for printing aspheric lenses in our experiments. The printed DentaClear lens featured low surface profile deviation of ~74 μm and showed satisfactory optical imaging resolution of 50.80 lp/mm, i.e., 4.92 μm. The surface roughness of the printed lens with DentaClear was measured to be around 2 nm with AFM. The surface roughness was improved as a result of post-curing, which reduced the ripples on printed lens surfaces. In contrast, the printed HEMA lens exhibited a significant stair-stepping effect with a large surface profile deviation of ~150 μm. The ripples were somewhat apparent even if the printed HEMA lens surface was smoothed by means of post-curing. No sharp image can be obtained with the HEMA lens in the resolution testing. The composition of HEMA resin may be the reason for the relatively poor surface quality and optical properties.

Examining the relationship between patient experience and readmission rates: A profile deviation analysis

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between patient experience and readmissions by exploring whether the deviation from an ideal patient-experience profile is linked to higher readmissions. Using patient experience scores, hospitals were assigned to one of four groups based on their deviation from an ideal profile. The readmission rates for the four groups were analyzed using Profile Deviation, ANOVA, and Least Significant Difference. Patient experience is a central component of hospital performance, specifically, readmission rates. Findings indicate as patient experience scores decrease, profile deviation increases, with a corresponding increase in readmission rate. This study provides empirical support for administrators focusing on patient experience as part of an overall strategy for reducing hospital readmissions. The key feature of this research is the use of a profile deviation methodology to examine the relationship between patient experience and readmission rates.

The effect of industry-specific networking behaviour on the internationalization performance of Czech SMEs

Purpose This paper aims to develop a thorough understanding of industry-specific networking behaviour on the internationalization performance of Czech small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Design/methodology/approach The authors used a profile deviation-ideal profile methodology to explore the ideal networking behaviour profile of different industries. The authors argue that firms adhering to ideal profiles performed well in the international market, while firms deviating from the ideal profile performed poorly. Data were collected through an online questionnaire specifically targeted at Czech SME executives. The authors attempted to explore these issues by using four aspects of networking behaviour to test the ideal networking behaviour profile of five different industries (automotive, telecommunications, construction, audit and finance and transportation). Findings The authors have identified different ideal networking behaviour profile for three industries, which underpinned supported the hypothesis that each dimension of networking behaviour should be fine-tuned for each sector to achieve to attain maximum benefits and performance in the international market. Originality/value Although previous studies supported the role of networking behaviour in improving internationalization performance, multiple studies had also provided conflicting results on how networking affects different industries and it is unclear how and why networking affects these various industries differently. The authors believe that the results research provides empirical evidence in proving that different networking dimensions should be fine-tuned as per industry to achieve the highest performance in the international market. The authors believe that the findings broaden the current understanding of the role of networks in the internationalization. The authors believe that the findings extend the current understanding of the role of networks in the internationalization of SMEs.

A Novel Method of Obtaining Honing Tool Profile for Machining Gears With Profile Modifications

In this study, a mathematical model of the honing process for helical gears with external teeth was developed. The proposed novel method of obtaining the two-parameter envelope of a family of surfaces proved useful in simulated machining by means of a tool with a profile deviation. Based on performed simulations and industrial applications, it was found that this method can be useful in predicting the accuracy of machined gear and therefore can be used in the design process of honing tool for high precision aerospace gears. For the example provided, the average absolute prediction error of machined tooth profile was 0.28 µm.

Numerical Evaluation of the Shaper Cutter with Cylindrical Rake Face

This paper deals with the geometric built-up of a theoretically profile errorless shaper cutter. Its proposed rake face is a cylindrical surface for each tooth. The setting parameters of this are the axis inclination angle and the grinding wheel’s radius. The possible domain of the setting parameters is computed from geometrical restrictive conditions. The proposed numerical evaluation consists in the computing of the orthogonal rake angle variation, together with the deviation of the generating pro-file from the perfect involute. The obtained results allow the formulation of some conclusions regarding the influence of the cylinder radius and the axis inclination: the best rake angle distributions are obtained when using increased radius values, while profile deviation becomes minimal when using smaller radii and axis inclination angles.