Nagla Elshemy, Mona Ali and Reem Nofal
The purpose of this study is to successfully apply ultrasonic waves for the quick extraction of flax seed gum from flaxseed hull or whole seed and compare it to the standard…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to successfully apply ultrasonic waves for the quick extraction of flax seed gum from flaxseed hull or whole seed and compare it to the standard technique of extraction.
Design/methodology/approach
The effect of the heating source, extracted time, temperature and pH of extracted solution on the extraction was studied. The obtained gum is subsequently used for silk screen printing on cotton, linen and viscous fabrics. Rheological properties and viscosity of the printing paste were scrutinized in the current study to get a better insight into this important polysaccharide. The output of this effort aimed to specify the parameters of the processes for printing textiles to serve in women’s fashion clothes by applying innovated handmade combinations of Islamic art motives using a quick and affordable method. Seven designs are executed, and inspiring from them, seven fashion designs of ladies’ clothes were designed virtually by Clo 3D software.
Findings
The result recorded that the new gum has excellent printing properties. In addition, they have better rheological properties, viscosity, chromatic strength and fastness qualities, all of which could help them in commercial production.
Research limitations/implications
Flaxseed and three different fabric types (Cotton, Linen and Viscous) were used.
Practical implications
Synthesis of a new biodegradable thickener from a natural resource, namely, flaxseed, by applying new technology to save time, water and energy.
Originality/value
Synthesis of eco-friendly biodegradable thickener and used in textile printing alternative to the synthetic thickener.
Details
Keywords
Mohammed Soliman Aly Khedr, Mona Foad Ali, Ahmed Nabil Emam, Abdullah Mahmoud Kamel and Manal Abdel-Monem Ghanam
This study aims to provide an efficient nanocomposite that might be used to protect deteriorated archaeological stucco.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide an efficient nanocomposite that might be used to protect deteriorated archaeological stucco.
Design/methodology/approach
The current experimental study evaluates the effectiveness of the hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA NPs) added to graphite carbon nitride (g-C3N4) and mixed with Paraloid (B-72) (B-44) in acetone in consolidating samples. The physicochemical properties of the as-prepared nanopowders have been investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). This study involves monitoring the transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform changes in consolidated samples after exposure to various conditions by using the digital microscope and scanning electron microscopy to identify the appearance of the consolidated stucco samples after applying the selected nanocomposites and after their artificial aging procedures. Color change is measured using a colorimeter, and comparisons are made between samples before and after aging. Physical and mechanical properties are determined, and the contact angle is measured to measure hydrophobicity rate.
Findings
The obtained results indicate that HA/g-C3N4 hybrid nanocomposites with a composition of HA 0.5%/g-C3N4 1%/B-72 3% and HA 0.5%/g-C3N4 1%/B-44 3% achieved the best consolidating results among the proposed mixtures for stucco samples, where the percentage of weight loss was 0.77 with B-72, 0.53 with B-44. Surface identification and characterization of hydroxyapatite HA NPs/g-C3N4 hybrid nanocomposites embedded in B72/B44matrix were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM–EDX).
Originality/value
This study provides important findings from the analytical procedures used to evaluate the consolidation materials used in this study. The findings are beneficial for the preservation of archaeological stucco. The investigation findings revealed that the most favorable outcomes were obtained from HA/g-C3N4 hybrid nanocomposites containing HA 0.5%, g-C3N4 1% and B-72 3%, as well as HA 0.5%, g-C3N4 1% and B-44 3%. Consequently, it is advised to use this nanocomposite to consolidate archaeological stucco, thus establishing a promising initial stride toward conserving archaeological stucco for future research endeavors. This study introduces a new nanocomposite material (HA NPs/G-C3N4) that can be used to protect and improve archaeological plaster. This is very important for preserving cultural heritage. The incorporation of nanotechnology improves the material’s physical and mechanical qualities. The research uses various characterization techniques (including TEM, XRD and FT-IR) to meticulously analyze the physicochemical properties of the nanocomposite material and assess its efficacy in practical applications through artificial aging experiments, offering novel insights and methodologies for future cultural relic preservation studies.
Details
Keywords
Mohamed M. Elsotouhy, Abdelkader M.A. Mobarak, Mona I. Dakrory, Mohamed A. Ghonim and Mohamed A. Khashan
Because the success of m-payment services depends on the enablers and barriers that affect user satisfaction, the present research explores the effects of perceived value and…
Abstract
Purpose
Because the success of m-payment services depends on the enablers and barriers that affect user satisfaction, the present research explores the effects of perceived value and sacrifices on users' satisfaction with m-payment services. The predicted relationships among perceived value, perceived sacrifices, users' satisfaction, continuance intention, word-of-mouth (WOM), shopping effectiveness, quality of life (QOL) and stickiness were established based on the mobile technology acceptance model (MTAM) and the value-based adoption model (VAM).
Design/methodology/approach
A representative data sample of 430 Egyptian banking clients was analyzed to test the hypotheses using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The findings revealed that all perceived value constructs significantly positively affect users' satisfaction. Moreover, all perceived sacrifice constructs significantly negatively affect users' satisfaction. Users' satisfaction, in turn, has a significant positive effect on continuance intention, WOM, shopping effectiveness, QOL and stickiness with m-payment services.
Originality/value
This is the first study to examine several levels of m-payment outcomes, including m-payment, consumer and bank outcomes, based on the integration of MTAM and VAM models.
Details
Keywords
Mona Saied, Abeer Reffaee, Shimaa Hamieda, Salwa L. Abd- El- Messieh and Emad S. Shafik
This study aims to get rid of non-degradable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste as well as sunflower seed cake (SSC) waste by preparing eco-friendly composites from both in different…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to get rid of non-degradable polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste as well as sunflower seed cake (SSC) waste by preparing eco-friendly composites from both in different proportions to reach good mechanical and insulating properties for antimicrobial and antistatic applications.
Design/methodology/approach
Eco-friendly composite films based on waste polyvinylchloride (WPVC) and SSC of concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30 and 40 Wt.%) were prepared using solution casting method. Further, the effect of sunflower seed oil (SSO) on the biophysical properties of the prepared composites is also investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope, mechanical, thermal, dielectric properties were assessed. Besides, the antimicrobial and biodegradation tests were also studied.
Findings
The crystallinity increases by rising SSC concentration as revealed by XRD results. Additionally, the permittivity (ε′) increases by increasing SSC filler and SSO as well. A remarkable increase in dc conductivity was attained after the addition of SSO. While raw WPVC has very low bacterial activity. The composite films are found to be very effective against staphylococcus epidermidis, staphylococcus aureus bacteria and against candida albicans as well. On the other hand, the weight loss of WPVC increases by adding of SSC and SSO, as disclosed by biodegradation studies.
Originality/value
The study aims to reach the optimum method for safe and beneficial disposal of PVC waste as well as SSC for antistatic and antimicrobial application.
Details
Keywords
Arash Khalili Nasr, Mona Rashidirad, Hamze Asgari Hatamabadi, Mobin Ghasempour Nejati and Nick Hajli
This paper investigates the impact of various leadership styles on the professionalization and subsequent performance of family businesses.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigates the impact of various leadership styles on the professionalization and subsequent performance of family businesses.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a survey method and employing a partial least squares approach to structural equation modeling, we tested our model and analyzed the collected data based on the responses of 216 managers in Iran.
Findings
Our research demonstrates that professionalization mediates the relationship between leadership style and performance. Moreover, our findings show that the participative leadership style is the most effective option for family businesses seeking to achieve professionalization and improve performance.
Research limitations/implications
First, the sample used in this study was drawn from a single country, namely Iran. Second, although we adhered to established practices for measuring financial performance, future research could explore alternative dimensions of performance, including non-financial goals. Third, we did not investigate the impact of different leadership styles on each dimension of professionalization.
Practical implications
These findings provide valuable insights for family business managers seeking to adopt a suitable leadership style to achieve professional management and realize favorable outcomes.
Originality/value
Our study suggests that examining the potential impact of leadership styles on professionalization can provide clarity amidst mixed findings regarding the influence of professionalization on firm performance. Additionally, we challenge the oversimplified categorization of professionalization and argue for a multifaceted view, contending that professionalization comprises various dimensions acting concurrently and potentially mediates the effect of leadership styles on family business performance.
Details
Keywords
Esraa Essam, Mohamed Kamal Abdien, Mona Omar Barakat and Mostafa Abdelaziz Elsaqqa
This study is based on the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) and attempts to shed light on what influences restaurant consumers’ intentions to eat locally sourced meals.
Abstract
Purpose
This study is based on the extended theory of planned behavior (TPB) and attempts to shed light on what influences restaurant consumers’ intentions to eat locally sourced meals.
Design/methodology/approach
Data from 698 respondents were gathered through a web-based survey employing a quantitative methodology.
Findings
The findings indicated that several motivating factors, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control positively influence respondents’ attitudes toward dining at restaurants serving meals that are obtained locally. Also, attitudes significantly predicted intentions and mediated the relationship between the motivating factors and intention to consume local meals. Furthermore, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control moderated the relationship between attitude and intention.
Research limitations/implications
The study offers implications for both theory and practice. In the context of Egypt in particular, this study advocates for sustainable food production and consumption in restaurants. The study focused only on consumers; it suggests that subsequent research should examine the restaurant operators’ perspective.
Practical implications
To draw in and please more locavores, restaurant management can use buzzwords like “safe food,” “fresh food” and “environmental labels.” They should also provide their consumers with the backstory of menu items, including where food comes from, how it’s made and how it gets transported.
Originality/value
This study tests an adapted model built on TPB and advocates for sustainable production and consumption in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals.
Details
Keywords
Mohamed Zaki Balboula and Mona Ahmed Shemes
This study examines how financial distress affects the capital structure of Egyptian firms following the 2016 currency flotation, examining the moderating roles of board…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines how financial distress affects the capital structure of Egyptian firms following the 2016 currency flotation, examining the moderating roles of board characteristics and ownership structure.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing data from non-financial companies listed on the Egyptian Stock Exchange from 2017 to 2022, we apply two-stage least squares (2SLS) and propensity score matching (PSM) to address endogeneity and selection bias.
Findings
Our findings indicate that financially distressed firms tend to increase their debt burden, but robust governance mechanisms, such as higher board independence, larger boards and strong blockholder and institutional ownership, significantly mitigate this effect. Managerial ownership shows a stabilizing influence during distress, while chief executive officer duality does not significantly impact leverage decisions. These findings underscore how robust corporate governance promotes more conservative capital structure decisions during economic volatility.
Research limitations/implications
Our study focus, country and period could limit the generalizability of our findings to other regions or sectors.
Practical implications
Investors and policymakers are advised to focus on firms with effective governance structures to mitigate distress-induced leverage increases. Governance reforms that enhance board effectiveness and ownership structure, e.g. increasing board independence requirements and promoting greater institutional investor participation, can further stabilize capital structure during downturns. Managers, in turn, should diversify financing and adopt prudent debt strategies to reduce overreliance on leverage.
Originality/value
In contrast to most studies, this research reverses the lens by exploring how financial distress shapes capital structure decisions in an emerging market context, specifically post-Egypt’s 2016 currency flotation. Employing both 2SLS and PSM to address endogeneity and selection bias, the study highlights the mitigating role of governance mechanisms, which can buffer firms against heightened debt reliance under economic volatility.
Details
Keywords
Dina H. Gabr and Mona A. ElBannan
This study aims to explore how environmental investments impact the firm financial outcomes in emerging markets using a sample of 4,081 firms across 25 emerging countries from…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how environmental investments impact the firm financial outcomes in emerging markets using a sample of 4,081 firms across 25 emerging countries from different regions from 2010–2022.
Design/methodology/approach
Fixed effect regressions with robust standard errors for unbalanced panel data are used to investigate the impact of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) disclosure scores and carbon emissions intensity on firm profitability. The authors used simultaneous quantile regressions with bootstrapped standard errors to allow for estimating parameters of different quantiles of superior and inferior financial performers. Non-linear regressions are used to test for curvilinear relationships. Two-stage least squares regressions are used to mitigate concerns of endogeneity.
Findings
The results reveal that firms with less emissions of carbon dioxide report high profitability, however, firms with high ESG disclosure scores do not achieve superior performance. The authors detect a positive curvilinear U-shaped relationship and determine threshold level of ESG scores. Furthermore, firms with sustainable investments have more resilient performance during COVID-19 pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
A comprehensive analysis of the complex effect of environmental sustainability on financial performance in emerging markets uncovers the strategic motivations behind ESG disclosures and the thresholds where environmental performance translates into financial gains. Overall, this study emphasises the significance of sustainable investments in enhancing long-term profitability and resilience in emerging markets during turbulent times.
Practical implications
Proactive carbon emission reduction strategies are essential to safeguard firm competitive advantage. Firm ESG investments should be considered when forecasting firm value and stock price. There is a growing need for rigid policies to promote a green economy and mitigate climate change risks.
Originality/value
Offers a unique setting to examine the association between firm environmental and financial performance across emerging countries and regions. It explores the non-linear shape and magnitude of this relation across high-low quantiles of profitability. It sheds new light on the impact of sustainable practices on firm resilience during COVID-19 pandemic.
Details
Keywords
Mona Kardani Malekinezhad, Fariborz Rahimnia, Ghasem Eslami and Mohammad Mahdi Farahi
Human resource analytics (HRA) has recently received attention. However, its literature remains unknown and scattered due to both limited conceptual lenses and limited…
Abstract
Purpose
Human resource analytics (HRA) has recently received attention. However, its literature remains unknown and scattered due to both limited conceptual lenses and limited classification. So, this study is conducted to provide a comprehensive research analysis in this field.
Design/methodology/approach
Accordingly, 107 HRA studies, which were collected according to the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4-SLR) in the last 14 years (2010–2023), were analyzed in the first using the theory-context-characteristics-methods step to examine the evolution of HRA research. The study also develops a conceptual framework based on socio-technical system theory that shows the antecedents and outcomes of HRA adoption. In the second step, fuzzy Delphi and fuzzy step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis techniques were used to validate and refine the antecedents and outcomes obtained from the first step in such a way that experts’ opinions can be used and the existing knowledge body can be expanded.
Findings
In total, 30 antecedents and outcomes were confirmed based on the consensus of experts. Senior management support was identified as the most important antecedent and achieving organizational strategic outcomes as the most important outcomes of HRA adoption.
Originality/value
The study maps the current state of HRA studies, identifies directions for future studies by providing a state-of-the-art review of theories, antecedents, outcomes, contexts and methodologies and proposes a framework for HR managers and professionals to apply.
Details
Keywords
Alexandra Zimbatu, Amanda Beatson, Evonne Miller, Gaby Odekerken-Schröder, Katya Sion and Rebekah Russell–Bennett
The purpose of this research is to examine the role of anticipation as a source of well-being in extended service contexts involving constraints on one’s agency (e.g. aged care)…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to examine the role of anticipation as a source of well-being in extended service contexts involving constraints on one’s agency (e.g. aged care). In these service contexts, consumers have limited ownership over their time usage and foci of anticipation, which affects their well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured interviews (n = 35) were conducted with members of the aged care ecosystem (residents, family and staff). Two separate aged care service models were investigated as they typically reflect different levels of agency/constraint: retirement villages and residential aged care facilities.
Findings
Results indicate that the subjective passage of time is influenced by one’s foci of anticipation. Having regular foci of anticipation both at a micro- and macro-level can generate well-being benefits for recipients. The importance of restabilization and building positive curves to counteract potential negative implications was identified.
Originality/value
This research is the first service study to investigate the concept of anticipation and subjective time perception as key components of one’s well-being in extended service encounters. We propose a novel conceptual model that combines micro- and macro-level foci into an iterative package to mitigate the after-effects of anticipation. We also demonstrate how Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG3) (good health for well-being) can be addressed through service research.