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Aniket Halder, Arabdha Bhattacharya, Mikhail A. Sheremet, Nirmalendu Biswas, Nirmal K. Manna, Dipak Kumar Mandal and Ali J. Chamkha
This study aims to examine magnetohydrodynamic mixed convective phenomena and entropy generation within a semicircular porous channel, incorporating impinging jet cooling and the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine magnetohydrodynamic mixed convective phenomena and entropy generation within a semicircular porous channel, incorporating impinging jet cooling and the effects of thermal radiation. The present study analyzes the complex flow dynamics and heat transfer characteristics of a highly diluted 0.1% (volume) concentration Cu–Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid, based on findings from previous studies. The investigation is intended to support the development of effective thermal management systems across diverse industries, such as cooling of electronic devices and enhanced energy system applications.
Design/methodology/approach
This study incorporates a heated curved bottom wall and a cooling jet of Cu–Al2O3/water hybrid nanofluid impinging from the central top inlet, with two horizontal exit ports along the rectangular duct. Finite element-based simulations are conducted using COMSOL Multiphysics, using a single-phase homogeneous model justified by earlier works. This method uses experimental data of effective thermal conductivity and viscosity, emphasizing the evaluation of thermal performance in scenarios involving intricate geometries and multiphysical conditions. The study analyzes nondimensional variables such as Reynolds number (Re), modified Rayleigh number (Ram), Hartmann number (Ha), Darcy number (Da) and radiation parameter while maintaining a constant nanofluid volume fraction. A grid independence study and code validation were performed to ensure numerical accuracy.
Findings
The analysis indicates that elevated Re contribute to a lessening in the thermal boundary layer thickness, prompting flow separation and significantly amplifying the average Nusselt number. The mixed convective heat transfer enhancement, coupled with an overall reduction in total entropy generation, diminishes with a rising Ha. However, optimized combinations of higher values for modified Ram and Da yield improved heat transfer performance, particularly pronounced with increasing Ha. Radiative heat transfer exerts a detrimental impact on both heat transfer and entropy production.
Practical implications
While the single-phase model captures key macroscopic effects differentiating nanofluids from base fluids, it does not provide insights at the nanoparticle level. Future studies could incorporate two-phase models to capture particle-level dispersion effects. In addition, experimental validation of the findings would strengthen the study’s conclusions.
Originality/value
This work represents innovative perspectives on the development of efficient hydrothermal systems, accounting for the influences of thermal radiation, porous media and hybrid nanofluids within a complex geometry. The results offer critical insights for enhancing heat transfer efficiency in real-world applications, especially in sectors demanding advanced cooling solutions.
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Tunahan Gunay, Duygu Erdem and Ahmet Ziyaettin Sahin
High surface area-to-volume ratios make nanoparticles ideal for cancer heat therapy and targeted medication delivery. Moreover, ternary nanofluids (TNFs) may possess superior…
Abstract
Purpose
High surface area-to-volume ratios make nanoparticles ideal for cancer heat therapy and targeted medication delivery. Moreover, ternary nanofluids (TNFs) may possess superior thermophysical properties compared to mono- and hybrid nanofluids due to their synergistic effects. In light of this information, the objective of this article is to examine the blood-based TNF flow within convergent/divergent channels under velocity slip and temperature jump.
Design/methodology/approach
Leading partial differential equations corresponding to the problem are transformed into a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations by using similarity variables. The bvp4c code that uses the finite difference method is used to obtain a numerical solution.
Findings
The effect of nanoparticles may change depending on the characteristics of flow near the wall. The properties and proportions of the used nanoparticles become important to control the flow. When TNF was used, an increase in the Nusselt number between 4.75% and 6.10% was observed at low Reynolds numbers. At high Reynolds numbers, nanoparticles reduce the Nusselt number and skin friction coefficient values under some special flow conditions. Importantly, the effects of second-order slip on engineering parameters were also investigated. Furthermore, the Nusselt number increases with increasing shape factor.
Research limitations/implications
Obtained results of the study can be beneficial in both nature and engineering, especially blood flow in veins.
Originality/value
The main innovations of this study are the usage of blood-based TNF and the examination of the effect of shape factor in convergent/divergent channels with second-order velocity slip.
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Leila Ismail and Huned Materwala
Machine Learning is an intelligent methodology used for prediction and has shown promising results in predictive classifications. One of the critical areas in which machine…
Abstract
Purpose
Machine Learning is an intelligent methodology used for prediction and has shown promising results in predictive classifications. One of the critical areas in which machine learning can save lives is diabetes prediction. Diabetes is a chronic disease and one of the 10 causes of death worldwide. It is expected that the total number of diabetes will be 700 million in 2045; a 51.18% increase compared to 2019. These are alarming figures, and therefore, it becomes an emergency to provide an accurate diabetes prediction.
Design/methodology/approach
Health professionals and stakeholders are striving for classification models to support prognosis of diabetes and formulate strategies for prevention. The authors conduct literature review of machine models and propose an intelligent framework for diabetes prediction.
Findings
The authors provide critical analysis of machine learning models, propose and evaluate an intelligent machine learning-based architecture for diabetes prediction. The authors implement and evaluate the decision tree (DT)-based random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM) learning models for diabetes prediction as the mostly used approaches in the literature using our framework.
Originality/value
This paper provides novel intelligent diabetes mellitus prediction framework (IDMPF) using machine learning. The framework is the result of a critical examination of prediction models in the literature and their application to diabetes. The authors identify the training methodologies, models evaluation strategies, the challenges in diabetes prediction and propose solutions within the framework. The research results can be used by health professionals, stakeholders, students and researchers working in the diabetes prediction area.
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Vania Vigolo, Giorgio Mion and Patrícia Moura e Sá
Responsible management of water resources is critical owing to its effects on the environment and society. This study aims to address customer perceptions of a water utility…
Abstract
Purpose
Responsible management of water resources is critical owing to its effects on the environment and society. This study aims to address customer perceptions of a water utility during a severe environmental crisis that affected northern Italy and aims to deepen the understanding of the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR), perceived crisis response and corporate reputation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws on legitimacy theory and attribution theory, adopting a quantitative design. In detail, a moderated mediation model is used to investigate the direct effect of CSR on reputation, the mediating effect of perceived crisis response on the relationship between CSR and reputation and the moderating effect of blame attribution on the relationship between CSR and perceived crisis response. In addition, the evolution of the crisis event and its management is traced through the analysis of the water utilities’ sustainability reports published since the beginning of the crisis.
Findings
The findings show that CSR affects corporate reputation directly and via perceived crisis response. In addition, CSR improves perceived crisis response, especially when an organization is held responsible for a crisis. The analysis of the CSR report allows for understanding the evolution of CSR policies of water utilities, shifting attention from a merely informative role of sustainability disclosure to a more comprehensive approach to perfluoroalkyl substances risks in the struggle of contributing to sustainable development. Theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed.
Practical implications
The findings suggest some managerial implications about the usefulness of adopting CSR for crisis management and, furthermore, the importance of communicating CSR policies to all stakeholders overall – the customers of public utilities.
Originality/value
This paper focuses on the relationship between CSR, reputation and blame attribution. Literature on this topic is still scarce overall in the field of public utilities. Furthermore, this study is relevant because it faces one of the major European environmental crises that affected the water sector and provides helpful insights for all public utility sectors and, more generally, for environmental crisis management.
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Riya Ghai, Puneeta Goel, Niti Nandini Chatnani and Rupali Misra
The economic significance of self-help groups (SHGs), a critical community-based initiative based on social capital, is well encapsulated in generating employment opportunities…
Abstract
Purpose
The economic significance of self-help groups (SHGs), a critical community-based initiative based on social capital, is well encapsulated in generating employment opportunities, financial inclusion, empowerment of marginalized communities and economic development. However, these SHGs face multiple operating obstacles and sustainability challenges that have drawn the attention of policymakers and academicians alike. The landscape of SHGs has undergone a significant unfavorable transformation after the post-COVID-19 pandemic, which poses an existential crisis for SHGs. This study aims to explore the sustainability challenges in the post-pandemic landscape of SHGs and identify the factors that drive or deter individuals from joining SHGs.
Design/methodology/approach
Initially, six National Cooperative Union of India representatives, the apex body of cooperative societies in India, were approached to understand the current policy framework and probable concerns of SHGs. Based on the interaction, the research agenda was modified to examine the sustainability of SHGs during and after the pandemic. An in-depth semistructured interview of 13 SHG leaders/coordinators and 52 individual members from different regions of India is conducted.
Findings
Lack of digital inclusion, restrictions in mobility, impact on health and well-being and infrastructural ecosystem are identified as fundamental (and novel) operational challenges that hinder SHG sustainability post-pandemic. At the member level, entrepreneurial aspirations, a sense of belongingness, social networks and corporate and nongovernment organization (NGO) initiatives are the critical drivers for SHG participation. In contrast, the key deterrents are mistrust, lack of coordination and customer perception.
Originality/value
Although many studies present mixed findings on women’s empowerment through SHGs, much of the research primarily emphasizes individual factors and the challenges faced by women. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the first to expand the discussion beyond individual experiences to address broader operational challenges, particularly in the post-pandemic context. In doing so, this research aims to assist SHGs in overcoming these challenges and to guide government and nongovernment organizations (NGOs) in supporting the sustainable growth of SHGs.
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Ahmed M. Galal, Muhammad Zeemam, Muhammad Imran, Muhammad Abdul Basit, Madeeha Tahir, Saima Akram and Jihad Younis
Nanofluids are used in technology, engineering processes and thermal exchanges. In thermal transfer processing, these are used for the smooth transportation of heat and mass…
Abstract
Purpose
Nanofluids are used in technology, engineering processes and thermal exchanges. In thermal transfer processing, these are used for the smooth transportation of heat and mass through various mechanisms. In the current investigation, we have examined multiple effects like activation energy thermal radiation, magnetic field, external heat source and especially slippery effects on a bioconvective Casson nanofluid flow through a stretching cylinder.
Design/methodology/approach
Several studies used non-Newtonian fluid models to study blood flow in the cardiovascular system. In our research, Lewis numbers for bioconvection and the influence of important parameters, such as Brownian diffusion and thermophoresis effects, are also considered. This system is developed as a partial differential equation for the mathematical treatment. Well-defined similarity transformations convert partial differential equation systems into ordinary differential equations. The resultant system is then numerically solved using the bvp4c built-in function of MATLAB.
Findings
After utilizing the numerical approach to the system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs), the results are generated in the form of graphs and tables. These generated results show a suitable accuracy rate compared to the previous results. The consequence of various parameters under the assumed boundary conditions on the temperature, motile microorganisms, concentration and velocity profiles are discussed in detail. The velocity profile decreases as the Magnetic and Reynolds number increases. The temperature profile exhibits increasing behavior for the Brownian motion and thermal radiation count augmentation. The concentration profile decreased on greater inputs of the Schmidt number and magnetic effect. The density of motile microorganisms decreases for the increased value of the bio-convective Lewis number.
Originality/value
The numerical analysis of the flow problem is addressed using graphical results and tabular data; our reported results are refined and novel based on available literature. This method is useful for addressing such fluidic flow efficiently.
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Mahdieh Khattati, Ehsan Abarghooei, Ardeshir Hemasian Etefagh, Mohsen Khajehzadeh and Mohammad Reza Razfar
Three-dimensional bioprinting (3D bioprinting) is used for repairing and regenerating living tissues due to its ease of use, cost-effectiveness and high precision in fabricating…
Abstract
Purpose
Three-dimensional bioprinting (3D bioprinting) is used for repairing and regenerating living tissues due to its ease of use, cost-effectiveness and high precision in fabricating. Owing to their high biocompatibility, natural hydrogels are widely used as scaffold materials in bioprinting. However, the mechanical properties and low printability of hydrogels present a challenge. This study aims to introduce a composite hydrogel that exhibits excellent mechanical, biological and printability properties simultaneously.
Design/methodology/approach
Alginate (Alg), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) as suitable materials for 3D printing were used. Effect of material content and pre-crosslinking on various properties of these materials were investigated. Both quantitative and qualitative experiments were conducted to validate the biomaterial ink’s printability, its rheological characteristics, as well as its biological and mechanical properties.
Findings
Based on the analysis of the obtained experimental results from all mentioned tests, a hydrogel with a composition of 4% Alg, 2% CMC and 2% nHA with the pre-crosslinking process was selected as the preferred option. The results demonstrated that the selected material has good cell adhesion, wettability, degradation rate and 93% cell viability. Furthermore, compared to the composition of 4% Alg–2% CMC, the chosen material exhibited a 52% improvement in printability and a 55% improvement in compressive modulus.
Originality/value
A significant challenge in the field of 3D bioprinting is the development of scaffolds that possesses optimal mechanical, biological and printability characteristics simultaneously, essential for attaining tissue-like properties. Hence, this paper explores a novel nanocomposite hydrogel that demonstrates promising outcomes across all these aspects simultaneously.
Graphical abstarct
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Antonia D'Amico, Annalisa De Boni, Giovanni Ottomano Palmisano, Enrica Morea, Claudio Acciani and Rocco Roma
The agricultural sector is facing pressure due to concerns about its impact on the environment. Farmers must adapt to ensure high-quality, sustainable production. This requires…
Abstract
Purpose
The agricultural sector is facing pressure due to concerns about its impact on the environment. Farmers must adapt to ensure high-quality, sustainable production. This requires efficient techniques such as soilless farming. The development of agricultural innovations depends on social acceptance; thus, it is crucial to identify the factors that influence consumers' purchasing decisions. The aim of this paper is to analyse consumers' perceptions of hydroponic cultivation techniques and their willingness to pay (WTP) a premium price for hydroponic tomatoes certified as “nickel-free” and “zero-residue”.
Design/methodology/approach
The survey was conducted in Italy using tomatoes as a case study. Data were collected through an online questionnaire from a convenience sample of 292 respondents and were analysed using statistical analysis and a multiple linear regression model.
Findings
The results showed that WTP was influenced by frequency of purchase, familiarity with soilless technology, environmental sustainability, income and education. Consumers place a high value on the sustainability of the hydroponic production process and their perception of increased safety positively influences WTP. It is therefore recommended that marketing strategies focus on the environmental sustainability and safety of hydroponic products. In addition, it may be beneficial to implement a certification system specific to hydroponic cultivation, in addition to the existing “nickel-free” and “zero-residue” certifications.
Originality/value
This study introduces several novel elements: it is the first to assess the Italian consumers’ perceptions and WTP for a hydroponic product. Secondly, it assesses WTP in relation to several aspects of increasing relevance related to health claims, namely “nickel-free” and “zero-residue”.
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