• Title/Summary/Keyword: Qualitative investigation

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Performance-based evaluation of strap-braced cold-formed steel frames using incremental dynamic analysis

  • Davani, M.R.;Hatami, S.;Zare, A.
    • Steel and Composite Structures
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    • v.21 no.6
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    • pp.1369-1388
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    • 2016
  • This study is an effort to clearly recognize the seismic damages occurred in strap-braced cold formed steel frames. In order to serve this purpose, a detailed investigation was conducted on 9 full scale strap-braced CFS walls and the required data were derived from the results of the experiments. As a consequence, quantitative and qualitative damage indices have been proposed in three seismic performance levels. Moreover, in order to assess seismic performance of the strap-braced CFS frames, a total of 8 models categorized into three types are utilized. Based on the experimental results, structural characteristics are calculated and all frames have been modeled as single degree of freedom systems. Incremental dynamic analysis using OPENSEES software is utilized to calculate seismic demand of the strap-braced CFS walls. Finally, fragility curves are calculated based on three damage limit states proposed by this paper. The results showed that the use of cladding and other elements, which contribute positively to the lateral stiffness and strength, increase the efficiency of strap-braced CFS walls in seismic events.

A Journey of Digital Transformation of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Vietnam: Insights from Multiple Cases

  • BUI, Minh Le
    • The Journal of Asian Finance, Economics and Business
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    • v.8 no.10
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    • pp.77-85
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    • 2021
  • This study aims to investigate the status quo and identify the challenges and benefits of the digital transformation in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Vietnam. The six participating SMEs were purposely contacted, and they were either nominated for, or received the Vietnam Digital Awards in 2018, 2019 and 2020, which were held by the Vietnam Digital Communication Association (http://en.vdca.org.vn/). A qualitative research method is adopted, using a semi-structured interview method and a theoretical triangulation of legitimacy, stakeholder and stewardship theories to facilitate the investigation. This research tries to identify the current challenges and benefits for digital transformation of SMEs in Vietnam, based on perception and experience from business leaders and managers from six SMEs in Vietnam. The findings of this study reveal that besides the recent challenges for digital transformation, participants also experienced and shared their perspectives regarding the benefits received from the digital transformation journey of their organization, which varied from (i) improve operational as well as business functions; (ii) liberate staffs and managers from daily work and allows them to focus on decision-making tasks; (iii) enable solutions to deal with consequences from the COVID-19 pandemic; (iv) enhance value creation process; and (v) help firms to align with the global business standards.

Numerical and Experimental Study on Spring Back in Automatic Multi-Stage Precision Cold Forging Process of a Steering Yoke (조향장치용 요크 자동다단 정밀냉간단조 공정에서 발생하는 스프링백의 수치적 및 실험적 검증)

  • Kim, K.M.;Kim, M.C.;Hwang, T.M.;Chung, S.H.;Chung, W.J.;Joun, M.S.
    • Transactions of Materials Processing
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    • v.28 no.3
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    • pp.115-122
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    • 2019
  • In this paper, finite element analysis of an automatic five-stage precision cold forging process of a yoke, a steering part of a passenger's car, is conducted with emphasis on spring back analysis at the yoke-forming stage and its experimental verification is subsequently made. An elastoplastic finite element method with MINI-element technique employed for the analysis of the entire process is explained. There is emphasis that the thin film of material formed between the punch and die in the stage may result to some errors especially in elastoplastic finite element analysis of spring back due to frequent remeshing. The numerical robustness of the spring back analysis in regards to remeshing is hence shown first through investigation into its effect on the predicted spring back. Experimental measurement of displacement due to spring back is carried out for comparison with the predicted results, and they are in a qualitative agreement with each other.

Young Men's Choice of Fashion as a Career Path: "Seekers" and "Settlers"

  • Karpova, Elena;Lee, Juyoung;Garrin, Ashley
    • Fashion, Industry and Education
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    • v.16 no.2
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    • pp.1-16
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    • 2018
  • This study explored men's choice of fashion as a college major and, subsequently, a non-traditional career path. Such investigation is important to gain a better understanding of the motives and processes of selecting a non-traditional college major and subsequent career path. This research consulted several theoretical frameworks to guide the development of research questions and help interpret the findings of the study. Specifically, our study builds upon Holland's trait theory (1982), Gottfredson's (1981) circumscription theory, Farmer's (1985) model of career motivation, and Simpson's (2005) typology of men's non-traditional career entry. A qualitative method was used to explore men's experiences of selecting fashion as an academic major in college and deciding to pursue a career in the traditionally female-dominated field. Following the analysis of 22 individual interviews with male upperclassmen majoring in fashion, three topical areas emerged and we proposed a model of male students' path to a non-traditional college major. The model explains male students' dynamics of entering a non-traditional college major, the role of personal and social factors in the decision process as well as the role of future career orientation when choosing to study fashion as an academic major.

Microbiological Investigation of the Frozen-Raw Sliced Fishes for Sushi Manufacturing (생선초밥용 냉동횟감의 미생물학적 조사)

  • Jeon, Eun Bi;Kim, Ji Yoon;Son, Min Gyu;Park, Shin Young
    • Korean Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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    • v.54 no.2
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    • pp.224-230
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    • 2021
  • This study assessed the contamination levels of total aerobic bacteria, fungi, coliforms, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus, and qualitative analysis of Bacillus cereus, Salmonella spp., Listeria spp., and Vibrio spp. in four frozen-raw sliced fishes (cuttlefish, flatfish, salmon, and shrimp) for sushi production. The total aerobic bacteria, fungi, and coliforms were 2.95-3.38, 1.96-2.88, and 0.92-1.29 log CFU/g, respectively. In particular, shrimp was highly contaminated with total aerobic bacteria (3.38 log CFU/g) and fungi (2.88 log CFU/g). Over 3 log CFU/g of total aerobic bacteria was also detected in cuttlefish, flatfish, and salmon. Less than 1-2 log CFU/g of E. coli was detected in all frozen samples. S. aureus was detected at 2.25-3.13 log CFU/g in most samples. B. cereus was qualitatively detected at 25% in most samples, except for salmon (0%). Salmonella spp., L. monocytogenes, and Vibrio spp. were qualitatively detected at 25-50% of all four samples. The microbial contamination levels determined in the current study may be potentially used as basic data to perform microbial risk assessments of frozen-raw sliced fishes.

Experimental and numerical investigation of a surface-fixed horizontal porous wave barrier

  • Poguluri, Sunny Kumar;Kim, Jeongrok;George, Arun;Cho, I.H.
    • Ocean Systems Engineering
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    • v.11 no.1
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    • pp.1-16
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    • 2021
  • Experimental and numerical investigations were conducted to study the performance of a surface-fixed horizontal porous wave barrier in regular waves. The characteristics of the reflection and transmission coefficients, energy dissipation, and vertical wave force were examined versus different porosities of the barrier. Numerical simulations based on 3D Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes equations with standard low-Re k-ε turbulent closure and volume of fluid approach were accomplished and compared with the experimental results conducted in a 2D wave tank. Experimental measurements and numerical simulations were shown to be in satisfactory agreement. The qualitative wave behavior propagating over a horizontal porous barrier such as wave run-up, wave breaking, air entrapment, jet flow, and vortex generation was reproduced by CFD computation. Through the discrete harmonic decomposition of the vertical wave force on a wave barrier, the nonlinear characteristics were revealed quantitatively. It was concluded that the surface-fixed horizontal barrier is more effective in dissipating wave energy in the short wave period region and more energy conversion was observed from the first harmonic to higher harmonics with the increase of porosity. The present numerical approach will provide a predictive tool for an accurate and efficient design of the surface-fixed horizontal porous wave barrier.

Numerical Investigation of the Combustion Instability inside a Partially Premixed Combustor according to Fuel Composition (연료 조성에 따른 부분예혼합 연소기 내부 연소불안정 해석)

  • Nam, Jaehyun;Yoh, Jai-ick
    • Journal of the Korean Society of Propulsion Engineers
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    • v.25 no.2
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    • pp.24-33
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    • 2021
  • Numerical study is conducted to analyze combustion instability in the partially premixed combustor. The simulations are performed according to fuel conditions, and Large Eddy Simulation(LES) model and PaSR combustion model are implemented in the solver. Comparison with the experimental result is conducted to confirm the validity of simulation, and quantitative and qualitative agreement is confirmed. The flame characteristics in the combustor are subsequently investigated, and the association with the occurrence of combustion instability is clarified. According to the simulation results, the flame length varies greatly depending on the fuel conditions. When the flame length becomes sufficiently long, flame-vortex interactions occurred around the wall sections, which works as the main cause of combustion instability.

The Necessity of Startup Cultures Enhancement in a Competitive Business Environment

  • CHUN, Sung-Gil;LEE, Cheol-Gyu
    • The Journal of Industrial Distribution & Business
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    • v.12 no.9
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    • pp.19-29
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    • 2021
  • Purpose: To thrive a competitive advantage in the highly competitive global market, a company must establish a strong startup culture, which creates a workplace environment that values innovation and creativity in solving business-related problems. This study investigates the importance of enhancing startup culture in a competitive environment to improve organizational performance, production and hence produce higher returns. Research design, data and methodology: We conducted the qualitative content analysis and its steps seek to ensure that the researcher adheres to a systematic analysis of the data. The method is used for subjective examination of content in any text data and the five steps minimize cases of errors or repetition in used content. Results: Our investigation based on previous literature resources indicates that leading strategies and creating a pleasant working environment are vital behaviors that companies should consider adopting and implementing to achieve a beneficial startup culture full of productivity and massive returns. Conclusion: This research aimed to discuss the necessity of startup culture's enhancement for for-profit companies and found that the adoption of a startup culture in a company is critical to its success. It is vital to building a solid startup culture to grow and gain a competitive advantage in the highly competitive business world.

Distribution of Environmental Awareness Applying an Ecological Theory of Ted Hughes

  • CHO, Jongwhee
    • Journal of Distribution Science
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    • v.19 no.9
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    • pp.53-64
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    • 2021
  • Purpose: The current study aims and reviews the current state of research in green awareness' distribution structure using the ecological theory of Ted Hughes who was regarded as one of the best English poets of the 20 century. Ted poetry has innovated ecological distribution. It has inspired so many young people to have a positive energy impact on the environment. Research design, data and methodology: Action research design is an approach used extensively in qualitative content analysis. This design starts by adopting an exploratory claim that develops the research objectives, hence instigating the action process, which involves several strategies. This type of design involves a cyclic process of stance then action. Results: According to the investigation, there are nine solutions that can deal with the green distribution based on previous literature review, applying an ecological approach of Ted Hughes to green awareness distribution. The solutions figured out that Ted's novels had an innovative impact on the environment as it is clear that information is given to society. Conclusions: It is observed that having a highly professional environment is good enough for a structure to go green. But, on the other hand, polluting our environment can endanger species by causing health diseases and environmental problems.

A Retail Strategy for the Prosperity of the Art Market within Online Distribution Channel

  • Soomin, HAN
    • Journal of Distribution Science
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    • v.21 no.3
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    • pp.113-121
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    • 2023
  • Purpose: Online distribution channel alludes to the many different digital channels utilized in marketing and distributing goods and services to end users. The present research aims to explore and provide various retail strategy for the success of the art market within online distribution channel. Research design, data and methodology: The current author has conducted and investigate the qualitative textual methodology to take a look at carefully the current and prior literature dataset to achieve the purpose of the present research so that the present author could obtain total 27 relevant prior studies. Results: According to the comprehensive literature investigation, this research has found that there are six kinds of retail strategy for the prosperity of the art market within online distribution channel as follows: (1) Blockchain Technology, (2) Artificial Intelligence (AI), (3) Virtual Reality (VR), (4) Online Market Places, (5) Social Media, and (6) Regulations. Conclusions: The results of this analysis of the relevant literature show that the art market industry needs to adjust to keep up with the quickly shifting landscape of the digital world. In addition, although these technologies can be helpful in addressing difficulties linked to authenticity and transparency, they cannot eliminate the hazards of fraud and misrepresentation.