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The impact of engaging in international activities on the innovation performance of emerging market smaller firms
Get PDFThe role of internationalisation in improving innovation has been investigated for the past
few decades; however, extant literature has primarily focused on outward international
activities (e.g., exports and FDI) from the perspective of multinational corporations in
developed countries. Adopting the explanatory sequential mixed methods design, this
thesis aims to investigate the influence of internationalisation on the innovation
performance, as well as the mechanism that underpins this relationship, from a fresh
perspective of emerging market smaller firms. Using the data on 10,000 surveyed firms
of 7 upcoming Asian emerging countries from World Bank Enterprise Surveys and 2,500
SMEs from Viet Nam SME survey for the years 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015, the
quantitative phase indicates that from the perspective of emerging marketing SMEs, local
firms can significantly increase their innovation performance simply by remaining in their
home country and engaging in inward activities like imports, in-licensing, and acting as
suppliers for foreign customers. Specifically, imports appear to be the most important
inward activity for the innovation performance of SMEs in emerging markets when
enhancing all four types of innovations: product, process, organisational and marketing
innovations. Furthermore, the quantitative phase demonstrates the critical role of
absorptive capacity in the relationship between internationalisation and innovation
performance of emerging market smaller firms. In addition to that, this thesis also
contributes methodologically to research on internationalisation and innovation when
overcoming the problem of self-selection bias (i.e., international firms had higher
innovative capabilities before entering overseas markets), the typical problem
encountered by cross-sectional studies in this field, which can lead to unreliable
estimation of the impact of exports on innovation.
In the light of these findings of the quantitative phase, the qualitative phase was carried
out. Using primary data comprising in-depth interviews with founders and CEOs of tech
start-ups in Vietnam, the multi-case study developed a conceptual model that depicts the
learning processes of absorptive capacity, showing how firms obtain new knowledge
from internationalisation and translate it into innovations. The model also reveals several
contingent human factors that influence the effective transformation of international
activities into innovation value and performance: trust-based relationship, particularly
with partners from inward activities, prior international business and start-up experience,
culture for innovation, leading through enthusiasm and vision (transformational style),
and reward and recognition mechanisms.Heriot Watt University scholarshi
User strategies for selecting stochastic topic modelling solutions
Get PDFTopic modelling algorithms utilise stochastic initialisation and search techniques,
that can result in multiple plausible solutions being generated from the same data.
However, users are often presented with only one solution, which is assumed to be
unique and optimal, leading to a perception of stability that undermines the usability
and validity of the topic model. To address this issue, we propose an approach that
allows users to compare multiple topic models using the concept of total difference,
which employs interactive, visual explanations of simple arithmetic operations to
communicate the total difference between a candidate solution and other solutions.
We conducted two qualitative studies using a Latent Dirichlet Allocation algorithm
to investigate this method. The first study used a top-down multi-level explanation
with four solutions, and the results showed that participants’ confidence was reduced
when presented with multiple solutions. However, most participants selected the
solution with the least total difference, and their confidence improved after making
this selection.
The second study employed bottom-up explanation, increased the number of
solutions, and refined the study to reduce task complexity. The majority of participants initially used all the explanation levels but accepted the approach after
understanding the difference measure. Their confidence improved, and the majority
utilised the total difference. However, they used a “positive selection strategy”¹
to
reduce their search space before selecting their final solution from a set of solutions.
¹As opposed to to the “elimination strategy”.James Watt Scholarshi
Investigating the mechanical properties of indigenous softwood timber used in construction in Scotland
Get PDFScotland has a rich and diverse heritage in terms of buildings (ranging from single-storey
houses to castles) that needs to be preserved as it represents a unique tradition in design
and construction practice. Different types of softwood, such as Scott Pine, have been
traditionally used as a construction material in Scotland’s built heritage. However, over
time, it can deteriorate causing its properties to change which can in turn, compromise
structural integrity. Before performing any repairs or other conservation activities on an
existing timber building, the current state of the structure must be assessed to identify the
form and the condition of the structural system employed for transferring the imposed
loads to the foundations as well as the type and properties of the construction materials
used. Through this process, decay zones within the structure and their underlying causes
are identified. Subsequently, the level of damage sustained and its impact on material
properties and structural performance is assessed. Depending on the level of deterioration
identified appropriate methods of intervention are employed that can range from typical
conservation to full restoration/strengthening.
Present work focuses on assessing the material properties of timber using non-destructive
testing (NDT) for realistically determining its mechanical properties as well as the extent
of the damage sustained. The measurements obtained from these tests are calibrated
against data obtained from destructive tests. The experimental study carried out focuses
on determining the properties of three types of softwood (Scot Pine, Douglas Fir and to a
lesser extent Spruce) which are indigenous to Scotland and are used in the construction
industry. A series of samples were either retrieved from existing structures undergoing
refurbishment or have been obtained from newly cut logs. Specimens were subjected to
a combination of non-destructive tests (NDTs) and destructive tests (DTs) to investigate
the behaviour of the different types of timber considered under different loading
conditions while at the same time calibrating the results obtained from the NDTs against the those achieved from the destructive tests. The latter study will allow NDTs to be more
effectively used for assessing heritage timber buildings
Robust high dynamic range transducers for surface form and finish
No full textAbstract and full text unavailable. Restricted access until 01.04.2025. Please refer to PDF
Optimising inertial focusing for high concentration processing : application to microalgal dewatering
Get PDFThis project focuses on addressing some of the key challenges currently found within the
field of inertial focusing microfluidics. A specific goal was to determine the potential of
inertial focusing for use as an alternative to existing harvesting technology for the
dewatering of microalgal cultures. This application was investigated to address the
challenges faced by existing dewatering technology, due to the dilute nature of the
cultures and the challenges faced specifically in the separation of the small diameter cells.
Inertial focusing microfluidics has shown success relating to the high efficiency
concentration of small diameter particles but requires further improvement in its
application to cell suspensions in place of rigid particles and over higher concentration
samples, where performance is seen to degrade. These factors would act to inhibit
potential application to microalgal harvest and it is these challenges that are the focus of
this project.
The work within the project has achieved successful separation, >95% recovery
efficiency, of small microalgal cells (<10 µm) for standard, dilute, culture concentrations
using a spiral inertial focusing microfluidic device. This result shows that inertial
focusing technology can be used for the low concentration separation of small cell
diameter microalgal cultures, where existing harvesting technologies incur challenges,
while maintaining the high efficiencies seen when using uniform and rigid particles.
A new method for operation of the inertial focusing microfluidic devices was developed,
enabling application of the devices to the concentration of microalgal culture from dilute
to high concentrations (0.5% to >48.8% v/v). This work achieved concentration factors
and power consumption values similar to existing harvesting methods, 130 and 1.1
kWh/m3
respectively. It was also determined that any processing in the inertial focusing
microfluidic devices tested resulted in reduced cell propagation, indicating cell damage,
with the resulting cell damage being amplified by recirculation within the devices. This
shows that further investigation into the effect of processing using these inertial focusing
microfluidic devices on cell health is required to investigate the potential scope for
application within microalgal processing.
In addition to these results, current limitations in the manufacturing methods for inertial
focusing devices were identified and an improved method for the in-house, low-cost rapid
prototyping of spiral inertial focusing microfluidic device developed and tested within
this project. This method was shown to produce spiral inertial focusing devices able to
survive the required operational back pressures of >25 bar. Subsequent testing of these
manufactured devices showed successful separation of microalgal cultures, achieving
>95% recovery efficiency. This result showed successful application of the developed
method. However, it was also shown that this method requires further development for
successful application to small, <10 µm, microalgae through reduction of channel height
Assessing the quality of Wikidata referencing
Get PDFWikidata is a versatile and broad-based Knowledge Graph (KG) that leverages the
power of collaborative contributions via an open wiki, augmented by bot accounts,
to curate the content. Wikidata represents over 102 million interlinked data entities,
accompanied by over 1.4 billion statements about the items, accessible to the public
via a SPARQL endpoint and diverse dump formats. The Wikidata data model enables assigning references to every single statement. While the quality of Wikidata
statements has been assessed, the quality of references in this knowledge graph is
not well covered in the literature. To cover the gap, we develop and implement
a comprehensive referencing quality assessment framework based on Linked Data
quality dimensions and criteria. We implement the objective metrics of the assessment framework as the Referencing Quality Scoring System - RQSS. RQSS provides
quantified scores by which the referencing quality can be analyzed and compared.
Due to the scale of Wikidata, we developed a subsetting approach to creating
a comparison platform that systematically samples Wikidata. We have used both
well-defined subsets and random samples to evaluate the quality of references in
Wikidata using RQSS. Based on RQSS, the overall referencing quality in Wikidata
subsets is 0.58 out of 1. Random subsets (representative of Wikidata) have higher
overall scores than topical subsets by 0.05, with Gene Wiki having the highest scores
amongst topical subsets. Regarding referencing quality dimensions, all subsets have
high scores in accuracy, availability, security, and understandability, but have weaker
scores in completeness, verifiability, objectivity, and versatility. RQSS scripts can
be reused to monitor the referencing quality over time. The evaluation shows that
RQSS is practical and provides valuable information, which can be used by Wikidata contributors and WikiProject owners to identify the referencing quality gaps.
Although RQSS is developed based on the Wikidata RDF model, its referencing
quality assessment framework can be generalized to any RDF KG.James Watt Scholarship fundin
Contourite cyclicity and deposition
Get PDFCyclic depositional features are commonly developed in deepwater sedimentary facies.
Stacked sequences in varied forms is the most obvious characteristic, which is related to
complex variation in depositional conditions. This study introduces several geostatistical
approaches to analyse the cyclical bi-gradational sequences of contourite deposits from IODP
Expedition 339 in the Contourite Depositional System (CDS) in the Gulf of Cadiz. It analysed
both the vertical sequences and their cyclicity and their lateral correlation, both qualitatively
and quantitatively. Additionally, similar geostatistical approaches were applied to colour
sequences in turbidite and hemipelagite deposits from the Benguela Current Upwelling System,
SW African continental margin. This allowed comparison of sequences and cyclicity between
the different deepwater facies types. It also demonstrated the general applicability of this
method to deepwater sedimentary facies.
This study systematically examined contourite bi-gradational sequences deposited at IODP
Sites U1386 and U1387 between mid-Pleistocene to Recent. Transition probability analysis
based on the lithological logs confirmed the statistical validity of typical bi-gradational
sequences composed of coarsening-upward to fining-upward contourite divisions. These
typically ranged in thickness from 0.5-5m. Variations caused by minor erosion and non-deposition resulted in incomplete sequences and complex sequences with multiple gradational
divisions. The cyclic patterns of contourite bi-gradational sequences varied to some extent
between each studied hole. The 3-layer-sequence (C1-C2-C4-C5) dominates in this study area,
and a few sequences with more than 4 divisions include the C3 (sandy) division.
Autocorrelation of sequence duration in all studied holes indicates the existence of long-term
cyclicity of around 350 ky. The succession can be subdivided into 4 stages (0-350 ka, 350-700
ka, 750-1000 ka and >1000 ka) with alternating occurrence of more frequent and coarser
sequences and less frequent finer-grained sequences. Cross-correlation of this long-term
sequence frequency as well as of individual sequences shows moderately good but not perfect
correlation between holes and sites. This study suggests contourite deposition at the study sites
is controlled by both bottom current strength (speed) and sediment supply, both of which can
most probably be related to a complex variation in paleoclimate evolution and orbital cycles In hemipelagite and turbidite-hemipelagite hybrid deposits beneath the Benguela Upwelling
System off SW Africa, two colour sequence models (Hemipelagite Dominant Sequence and
Turbidite Hemipelagite Hybrid Sequence) were developed based on light-dark variation related
to organic matter content. Autocorrelation of sequence duration pointed out long-term cyclicity
through the past 4 My (0-1 Ma, 1-2.5 Ma, 2.5- 4 Ma and >4 Ma), which can be correlated to
stages in tthe long-term evolution of the Benguela Current Upwelling System. Lateral
correlation between studied sites indicated differences of sequence frequency in time and space,
which further contributed to reconstruction of the upwelling system.
The geostatistical study of cyclicity in contourite bi-gradational sequences and its comparison
cyclic characteristics of other deepwater facies (turbidites and hemipelagites), demonstrates
that such geostatistical approaches can be an important technique to evaluate the basic
sedimentary character of different systems and their numerical expression. It allows for
comparison between facies types and for better correlation with other time series records, such
as orbital climate patterns. Cyclic signatures can be correlated between different sites and help
better understand the sedimentary processes involved in their deposition
Planning problems as types, plans as programs : a dependent types infrastructure for verification and reasoning about automated plans in Agda
Get PDFHistorically, the Artificial Intelligence and programming language fields have had
a mutually beneficial relationship. Typically, theoretical results in the programming
language field have practical utility in the Artificial Intelligence field. One example
of this that has roots in both declarative languages and theorem proving is AI planning. In recent years, new programming languages have been developed that are
founded on dependent type theory. These languages are not only more expressive
than traditional programming languages but also have the ability to represent and
prove mathematical properties within the language. This thesis will explore how dependently typed languages can benefit the AI planning field. On one side this thesis
will show how AI planning languages can be enriched with more expressivity and
stronger verification guarantees. On the other, it will show that AI planning is an
ideal field to illustrate the practical utility of largely theoretical aspects of programming language theory. This thesis will accomplish this by implementing multiple
inference systems for plan validation in the dependently-typed programming language Agda. Importantly, these inference systems will be automated, and embody
the Curry-Howard correspondence where plans will not only be proof-terms but
also executable functions. This thesis will then show how the dependently-typed
implementations of the inference systems can be further utilised to add enriched
constraints over plan validation
A study of unskilled migrant construction workers in developing countries
Get PDFOver the past twenty years, migrants have become essential to the construction industry’s
workforce in developing countries. This thesis is a labour migration study and
investigates the involvement of migrant workers and their issues in the wider labour
market with a particular focus on the construction sector. Although there is research on
the living and working conditions of migrant workers and growing acknowledgement of
the construction industry being hazardous for low skilled workers in particular, there has
been little research on employment conditions given the new requirements that have put
considerable pressure on the industry.
This study takes a qualitative approach, with in-depth interviews with both employers and
employees in the construction industry. In-depth telephone interviews were conducted
with 12 managers from the UAE (n=5), and the KSA (n=7). In addition, data was
collected from the fieldwork in Thailand, which includes face-to face in-depth interviews
with managers (n=10) and with migrant workers (n=22). The experiences of the 44
participants in this study provide the basis for understanding the situation of migrant
construction workers. The aim is to find ways for improving the conditions of migrant
construction workers in developing countries.
Based on the experiences of the participants, this study positions migrant workers within
the construction industry by examining the factors that have the greatest impact on the
lived reality of work. It considers how they could enjoy positive migration and work
experiences in the sector that would allow them to both contribute to and benefit from the
new developments within the construction industry. The conceptual models were
designed based on the fundamentals of system thinking for a system of several elements
under the key catalysers migration and employment. It is vital that knowledge be gathered
about factors acting as force to changes within the construction industry to ensure that
policies and practices relating to migration, employment, Occupational Health and
Safety, and wellbeing are well evidenced. This thesis contributes to existing knowledge
by shaping the linkages that reveal the opinions, requirements, and experiences of migrant
construction workers. The study outlines recommendations for improving conditions for
migrant workers in construction sector
Non-standard numerical methods for time-dependent PDE in unbounded domains
Get PDFWe describe a series of numerical methods for the solution of acoustic exterior scattering problems based on the time-domain boundary integral representation of the
solution. As the spatial discretization of the resulting time-domain boundary integral equation we use either the method of fundamental solutions (MFS) or the
Galerkin boundary element method (BEM). In time we apply either a standard
convolution quadrature (CQ) based on an A-stable linear multistep method or a
modified CQ scheme. It is well-known that the standard low-order CQ schemes for
hyperbolic problems suffer from strong dissipation and dispersion properties. The
modified scheme is designed to avoid these properties. We give a careful description of the modified scheme and its implementation with differences due to different
spatial discretizations highlighted. Numerous numerical experiments illustrate the
effectiveness of the modified scheme and dramatic improvement with errors up to
two orders of magnitude smaller in comparison with the standard scheme.
Further, we combine the convolution spline method in time and MFS in space,
revealing a higher convergence rate. However, this approach presents instability if
the MFS source point radius is not sufficiently close to the boundary, highlighting
the stability of the modified CQ due to the use of FFT in the implementation of the
scheme. This observation leads us into an investigation of the underlying cause of
this stability, which is highlighted in this thesis.
In the final chapter, we address the challenges of high-frequency scattering by
employing the physical optics approximation to reformulate the problem, resulting
in an unknown function that oscillates slowly in space. This reformulation has been
shown to be robust against frequency variations and is specifically applied within
the methodological constraints of convex domains. Through this study, we gain a
better understanding of the problem of acoustic scattering and lay the foundation
for future research
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