1993 research outputs found
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Algebraic Reconstruction Methods for Complex Geometry Components
Get PDFIndustrial CT has seen widespread adoption as an inspection technique due to its
ability to resolve small defects and perform high-resolution measurements on complex
structures in Non Destructive Testing (NDT). The majority of the commercial cabinet
systems are capable of acquisition and reconstruction of Cone Beam CT (CBCT) data
utilising reconstruction algorithms such as the FDK, which are mathematically based
on traditional FBP. While these algorithms are computationally efficient, limitations
in the acquisition make inspection of large complex geometry components challenging.
More recently iterative reconstruction algorithms have seen a resurgence of research
interest as computing power has increased. Iterative reconstruction algorithms
use an alernative reconstruction approach based on linear algebra to calculate the
reconstructed image, offering a more precise model for CT reconstruction but at the
cost of computational complexity and reconstruction time.
This work presents a novel acquisition and reconstruction strategy for arbitrary
scanning strategies that extend beyond the circular or helical acquisition for FBP
based techniques. The flexibility exposed by arbitrary trajectories allows component
specific trajectories to optimise the reconstruction quality through increased accuracy
or minimisation of common CT reconstruction artefacts, including mathematically
exact reconstruction by satisfying well known CT data-sufficiency conditions. The
ability to perform volume reconstruction from arbitrary trajectories is beneficial
within NDT for automated robotic inspection.
For full 3D reconstruction, voxel weighting schemes currently in use offer only
approximations leading to numerical inaccuracies. The AIM for 2D reconstruction
is mathematically exact but considers the divergent nature of a fan beam for 2D
only. For a full 3D volumetric reconstruction, the x-ray cone beam is divergent in all
directions and therefore the AIM technique cannot be applied in its current form. A
mathematically exact fractional volume weighting approach, referred to as the VIM, is
presented for 3D volumetric image reconstruction with data acquired with a divergent
cone beam.
While arbitrary scanning trajectories have clear benefits for acquisition with no
restriction on access to the component, this is not always feasible for in-situ
inspection. This work goes on to further develop the concept of arbitrary scanning
by allowing modification of the source to detector distance throughout the scan.
This is demonstrated with a minimum bounding ellipsoid trajectory that shows
an improvement in the localised image quality for limited angular, non circular
trajectories. This approach has potential for targeted in-situ inspection with limited
access to the component
Exploring the learning and teaching of multiplicative reasoning through measures: a design-based research project
Get PDFThis study explores the learning and teaching of multiplicative reasoning through measurement contexts with Year 2 learners, aged 6 and 7, in a primary school in South Wales, through the design and evaluation of learning tasks. Typically, in the UK, the multiplicative relationship is introduced as an extension of counting, in which counting in composite units (units with a value greater than one) is developed using visual and concrete resources with discrete quantities. A contrasting approach, developed in the 1960s in Russia, by Davydov and Elkonin, involves the introduction of the concept of number, and later the multiplicative relationship, through contexts involving measures with continuous quantities. It is not common for a measures approach to be used to introduce the multiplicative relationship when counting, and number operations as an extension of counting, is the predominant approach within a curriculum. This study explores the teaching and learning of the multiplicative relationship through measures contexts, in a situation where learners have typically been introduced to number through discrete quantities.
A design-based research (design research) approach was adopted. Using research informed design principles, and applying a socio-constructivist theoretical framework, tasks were designed, implemented, evaluated and developed through two cycles of research, with Year 2 learners. Observation and interviews, with learners (n=21) and practitioners (n=5), were used to inform task development and evaluation. The tasks with the learners, led by the researcher, were audio recorded, transcribed and coded. Through analysis of the data from both cycles, themes were constructed. Data collected support the assertion that measures tasks offer rich opportunities for multiplicative reasoning. A key theme from analysis is the construction of the equality relationship, and this study offers new insight into how this might be perceived in measures contexts
Welsh Harmonious SMEs: a Blueprint for Addressing Inequality through Entrepreneurship
No full textApplicability to the Conference Theme
As the title indicates, the paper deals directly with the conference topic of global inequality and how entrepreneurship research, policy, and practice may help to create a more equitable world. It contends that, despite the introduction of social enterprise, entrepreneurship has contributed to, if not created, the present problem. Indeed, Isenberg (2014) has claimed that entrepreneurship always leads to inequality. This is something that the paper intends to challenge by proposing an alternative solution that helps to alleviate or eradicate inequality.
The paper will demonstrate how conventional entrepreneurship driven by profit maximisation has not just perpetuated income inequality but systemic inequalities such as gender, race, disability, and access to education, food, healthcare, and other dimensions. While it is recognised that to be sustainable enterprises need to be profitable the paper calls for a review of Friedman’s (1970) shareholder value doctrine and contends that profit should not be at the expense of either people or the planet. Accordingly, it proposes an innovative holistic solution, harmonious entrepreneurship, as a pioneering paradigm based on systems theory that fuses activist orientations with ethical, sustainable business practices to tackle inequality holistically.
There is a lack of material specifically showcasing how SMEs can address inequality through their entrepreneurial activities and business models. Mainstream entrepreneurship education and cases have traditionally focused on conventional profit-driven business models and metrics like growth, innovation, competitiveness, etc., while societal impact beyond economic value creation has received less emphasis. Even social entrepreneurship cases often highlight larger organisations, or the corporate social responsibility initiatives of the multinationals rather than spotlighting SME grassroots approaches, many of which have not been sustainable commercially.
Hence the research identifies and analyses several Welsh SMEs through case studies that exemplify the "harmonious concept" and address the inequality issue. These ventures span, among others, ethical fashion, survivor support, and cultural integration. Their localised efforts synergistically create economic value while advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act by enabling sustainable livelihoods and empowering marginalised groups. These inspiring cases demonstrate how activist entrepreneurial models can cultivate more equitable ecosystems.
Aim
This paper aims to:
1) Demonstrate the need for a new entrepreneurship paradigm in order to address the inequality issues created by the existing paradigm.
2) Position harmonious entrepreneurship as a vital new model balancing profit with societal equity, human rights, and environmental regeneration.
3) Showcase how a selection of Welsh SME harmonious enterprises tackle inequality while achieving economic and social impact, with a focus on those aligning with SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions).
4) Emphasise the need to empower the next generation with localised, ethical entrepreneurial curricula and role models inspiring societal change.
5) Advocate incorporating harmonious entrepreneurship principles into entrepreneurship education to cultivate socially conscious innovative enterprises in which profit, planet, and people are in harmony.
At its core, the paper seeks to position the "harmonious entrepreneurship" model as a transformative solution for tackling systemic inequality—an issue often perpetuated by conventional entrepreneurship's singular obsession with profit maximisation, frequently at the expense of societal wellbeing in SMEs. The paper critically observes that inequality extends far beyond income disparities, permeating across intersecting dimensions like gender, race, disability, and more. It argues that rather than alleviating these inequalities, entrepreneurial activities have tended to reinforce and enable unjust systems through exploitative business practices that prioritise shareholder returns over equitable impact on local communities.
In contrast, the harmonious entrepreneurship paradigm proposes fusing activist orientations with ethical, sustainable operations to address inequality holistically at the grassroots level. The paper ultimately positions harmonious entrepreneurship among SMEs as a compelling new pathway for collaborative entrepreneurship research to reveal bottom-up, indigenous solutions towards creating more equitable and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems, especially in underserved communities.
Methodology
The paper is based on an inductive programme of research that adopts a grounded theory-type approach using qualitative cases/vignettes. The case data has been collected through desk research utilising secondary sources such as news articles, interviews, company websites and other contemporary media materials. While such media sources have acknowledged limitations in academic contexts (Lupton, 2014), they offer valuable benefits by providing access to current viewpoints, real-world examples, and insights into emerging entrepreneurial innovations. T
The cases were chosen based on:
1) demonstrated impact in tackling inequalities in Wales (inclusive of SDGs 10 and 16);
2) embodiment of harmonising profit motives with social/environmental missions; and
3) representation of diverse sectors and contexts showcasing harmonious entrepreneurship's widespread applications in Wales.
The paper contributes by challenging the existing entrepreneurship paradigm and proposing a novel, more holistic concept, Harmonious Entrepreneurship (Kirby & El-Kaffas, 2021). This has been formulated specifically to address the sustainability challenge, including the issues of inequality. It is based on systems theory and the principle of harmony integrating the economic, environmental, humane, and social approaches to entrepreneurship in order to produce ventures that achieve a balanced triple bottom line where profit, people, and planet are aligned.
Additionally, the paper provides much-needed rich case material that demonstrates how activist entrepreneurial models can complement policy measures intended to cultivate more equitable, sustainable ecosystems, as exemplified in the recent compilation of Welsh ventures addressing SDG 16—Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (Healey-Benson & Kirby, 2024). This further aligns with the Welsh Government's Well-being of Future Generations Act, working to improve the environment, economy, society, and culture as Wales strives for a prosperous, resilient, healthier, and more equal nation with cohesive communities. The SME cases presented resonate deeply with supporting diverse, underrepresented entrepreneurs who embed values of peace, justice, and sustainability into their ventures. They serve as inspirational models for current and future Welsh entrepreneurs, especially SMEs.
Implications for policy/practice
The findings have key implications for entrepreneurship research in reframing entrepreneurial "success" through a societal equality lens.
• For students, the findings provide inspiring examples to envision and pursue entrepreneurship as a vehicle for positive societal change and demonstrate how ethical business models can synergistically create economic value while advancing SDGs and promoting a more equitable society.
• For educators, they present as opportunities to introduce, to their curricula and programmes, case material with vignettes infused with activist entrepreneurship principles and a values-based pedagogy that empowers learners to tackle real-world challenges through entrepreneurial action, thereby helping to cultivate the next generation of socially conscious innovators and change-makers.
• For policymakers, the research highlights the need for holistic enablers empowering such activist-entrepreneur collaboratives.
• For practitioners, it provides a values-based roadmap for integrating the United Nations' SDGs Goals into core business strategy and operations.
Overall, this harmonious entrepreneurship collection offers a compelling illustration of how entrepreneurship research engaging diverse stakeholders can reveal powerful grassroots solutions for creating a more just, inclusive world. The proposed model needs further testing in different contexts and there needs to be further research into how entrepreneurship can best address the issue of inequality thereby nullifying the claim by Isenberg (2014, para. 1) that “successful entrepreneurship always exacerbates local inequality”
Like-simile and metaphor in cooperation: from expressing similarities to expressing contrasts
Get PDFCognitive-oriented work on simile has developed out of attempts to pinpoint features distinguishing simile and metaphor. This development has had such consequences as 1) focusing on simile as an analogy based process and 2) giving very little attention to the way simile and metaphor work together, treating them as independent rather than cooperating phenomena. Addressing these shortcomings, this study examines the ability of non-ironic like-simile to imply contrasts between the asserted source-target similarity and a thought or belief evoked by this similarity, giving rise to context-bound attitudinal and illocutionary implications. In cases of like-simile scaffolded by metaphors, the contrast-based process arises from the cooperation of the two phenomena in the sense that the scenario created by the like-simile rests on manipulating the conceptual metaphor(s) supporting the comparison. The analysis of these cases is placed in the Extended Conceptual Metaphor Theory (ECMT) – a contextual, multilevel theory of figurative language conceptualisation. The contrast-based process, drawn from the model of irony developed within the Lexical Constructional Model (LCM), is added to this theory as a mental-space level activity. Raykowski’s sensory schema (a generalized notion of accumulation intuitions) is also added above the image schema level metaphors, presenting the manipulation of the scaffolding metaphors as based on the expression of this schema
The Determinants of Sovereign Credit Default Swaps (CDS) Spread
Get PDFThe paper examines the determinants of sovereign CDS spreads
for 19 different primary sovereigns from January 2009 to December
2018, using several macroeconomic variables. We apply a
panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) model using a system-generalized
method of moment (System-GMM) methodology, to analyse
the relationship between the CDS spreads and its macroeconomic
determinants. Our model combines both local factors, such
as GDP growth rate, import, export, inflation rate, the balance
of payment, and government external debt with global factors
such as S&P 500 Index (SP500) returns, CBOE Market Volatility
Index (VIX), and 10-year U.S. Treasury. We find that both local
(such as inflation and government external debt), and global
(e.g., VIX) determinants of sovereign CDS spreads are statistically
significant through various periods for most maturities
An exploratory study focusing on the influencing factors of effective succession in family owned businesses within the context of London United Kingdom
Get PDFHealing and Reconciliation: Applying Trauma Theory, Social Identity Theory, and Dialogical Approaches to Interfaith Dialogue among Nigerian Christians and Muslims in Nigeria and the UK
Get PDFThis thesis explores the intersection of trauma theory, social identity theory and dialogical
approaches in the context of interfaith dialogue among Nigerian Christian and Muslim groups
in Nigeria and the UK. Through ethnographic case studies focusing particularly on the
Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) and the Nasrul-lahi-li-Fathi Society of Nigeria
(NASFAT), this thesis critically examines how historical conflicts and social identities
influence interfaith dialogue among the Nigerian Christian and Muslim groups in Nigeria and
the Nigerian UK diaspora.
The study reveals that the memories of violent conflicts persist and actively shape
contemporary interfaith dynamics. This approach provides deeper understanding and facilitates
reconciliation by using the dialogical model, which emphasises individual narratives and lived
experiences. Unlike traditional dialogues that often emphasise procedural methods and
theoretical frameworks, this model acknowledges the profound psychological impact of past
trauma and fosters mutual respect and empathy among conflicting parties. This integration of
personal narratives with structured dialogue not only enhances interfaith interactions but also
contributes significantly to the healing and reconciliation efforts.
This thesis contributes to the broader discourse on interfaith dialogue by highlighting the need
to integrate personal experiences and trauma-informed approaches into dialogue processes. It
argues for a methodological shift recognising the complex interplay between individual trauma
and social identities. It proposes practical and theoretical ways to improve interfaith dialogue
and promote sustainable peace in migrant communities
Towards Developing a Management Framework for Managing Inbound Open Innovation Based High-Tech SMEs in Hong Kong
Get PDFInnovation capability is a key factor in defining where a company resides in the competitive landscape regardless of its size. Hence, it is vital to put innovation, execution excellence and entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of an organisation so it remains competitive. The aim of this research is to investigate how individual characteristics and orientations of top management interact with external environments and the management of inbound open innovation adoption.
In taking a multi-dimensional approach, this research was conducted by expanding the model from Russell and Russell based on suggestions provided by the 3H framework. In addition to incorporating core management elements such as transformational leadership, execution ability, and strategic orientation, this study also tried to improve the breadth of existing models by including characteristics of entrepreneurs as individuals and the level of inbound open innovation adoption as indicators of organisational performance.
One hundred and ten valid responses were collected from entrepreneurs tenanted in Hong Kong Science Park at the time of study. This represented a sampling rate of more than twenty percent based on the total number of SMEs operating in Hong Kong Science Park during the same period. By embedding the 3H management framework into the model developed by Russell and Russell, this study was able to develop a revised model to include additional aspects as dimensions of assessment. In the analysis, the reliability in forecasting organisational performance also improved when attitudes of the entrepreneurs towards new technology adoption were included. The results of this study contributed to the understanding of inbound open innovation by empirically confirming entrepreneurial innovativeness alone is not sufficient to attain outstanding organisational performance. Instead, the best performance outcome was achieved when entrepreneurial innovativeness, the three core management elements, and the level of inbound open innovation acceptance were present and positively correlated. In addition, the final model suggested strategy had to work through leadership and execution to achieve desirable organisational performance.
This research study is the first inbound open innovation related research conducted on high tech SMEs in Hong Kong. By combining entrepreneurship, knowledge development, and leadership, this study has shown it is possible to create sustainable competitive advantages. Additionally, Technology Readiness Index can be used as a longitudinal measurement instrument to aid the prediction of organisational performance. The findings of this research also provided entrepreneurs with a new framework to continuously audit the status of innovation adoption in order to improve the long term organisational performance under an inbound open innovation environment
An Integrated Business Readiness Framework of E-Marketplace Retailers in Malaysia: Extended Theory of Planned Behaviour
Get PDFThe global pandemic happening in year 2020 has cause enormous changes to the world. Unemployment soared and many opt to start a small business via e-marketplaces, owing to the low barrier to entry. This phenomenon can be seen in Malaysia with an enormous surge of sellers onboarding Shopee and Lazada, the two leading e-marketplaces in Malaysia. Business of e-marketplace retailers grow exponentially during the pandemic; however, this growing trend did not last. With the loosening of movement control order, sales of e-marketplace retailers declined and many businesses, mainly micro and small businesses, were left with no choice but to exit the business. These businesses are not ready to face the volatility of market changes. The non-sustainability of e-marketplace retailers can cause the growth instability of e-marketplaces in Malaysia, thus hamper the digital entrepreneurial initiatives of the country. The study aims to develop an integrated business readiness framework for MSME e-marketplace retailers to assist them in preparing for future uncertainties. The researcher investigated from the behavioural perspective, the relationship between three behavioural intentions on organisational commitment and business readiness of e-marketplace retailers in Malaysia. The three intentions are intention to enhance digital marketing competence, intention to seek knowledge and intention to take risk. Factor analyses were conducted via PLS-SEM technique to investigate reliability and validity of each latent construct, thereafter, path coefficient evaluated relationship between intentions, and organisational commitment and business readiness. The antecedents of behavioural intentions, represented by (1) attitude, (2) subjective norm, and (3) perceived behavioural control postulated in the Theory of Planned Behaviour were selected as a measure of intentions. Current findings have validated the positive significant impact of behavioural intentions on organisational commitment and business readiness. Intention to enhance digital marketing competence shows direct positive significant impact on business readiness.
Intention to seek knowledge and intention to take risk shows significant impact on business
readiness with organisational commitment acts as a moderator. Current study is the first attempt to investigate business readiness of MSME e-marketplace retailers in Malaysia from the perspective of behavioural intentions, contributed to the literature on organisational commitment and business readiness. Results of this study has provided insights into how e-marketplace retailers, despite with limited resources, can improve business readiness. This research opens opportunities for researchers to consider behavioural belief when assessing a business's level of readiness. It also reveals theoretical gaps in pursuing and identifying more antecedents inspired from the theory of planned behaviour that can be used to measure the intentions that influence business readiness. Business readiness framework from this study will benefit MSME e-marketplace retailers to better prepare for future uncertainties. It will act as a guideline for e-marketplaces when formulating sellers’ growth strategies, thus becoming an impactful area of study in Malaysia’s e-marketplace industry. On a country level, it can aid the policy makers in formulating strategies to help micro and small businesses achieve sustainable growth, thus propelling Malaysia to produce a more equitable society
Enhanced Magnetic Flux Leakage Analysis of the Distribution of Flux and The Effects of Velocity of Mild Steel Plates
Get PDFThis thesis focuses on an investigation into the velocity effects of a permanent magnet based magnetic flux leakage system. Both experimental and finite element analysis methods have been utilised to undertake a parametric study of the velocity effects on the induced flux and its distribution in plate thicknesses of 6mm through to 20mm thick 1020 grade steel. When there is a velocity difference between the plate and the excitation system, eddy currents are induced opposing the applied magnetic field distorting its profile. This has an adverse effect on MFL inspection by altering signal responses thus limiting achievable inspection velocities. An investigation of velocities ranging from 0.5 to 3m/s is undertaken on both defect free plates and plates containing spherical defects cut with a 22mm ball end cutter and varying percentage wall loss defects simulated for both near/top and far/bottom surfaces. From the results, it is indicated that the flux density distribution through the plate decreases as a functio
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