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1 – 10 of 22The main purpose of this study is to explore the existing information and communication technologies (ICTs) scenario in public and private university libraries in Bangladesh. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study is to explore the existing information and communication technologies (ICTs) scenario in public and private university libraries in Bangladesh. The aim of the study was to determine the use and extent of ICT implementation for collection development practices of the said institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is based on a structured questionnaire for university library users. Students' opinions have been encapsulated, and the data findings were analyzed and presented in light of the responses.
Findings
For students who responded to the questionnaire, their ICT-based knowledge usage experience is not up to the mark. In general, it was found that students had limited knowledge about ICT-based resources and services. Besides this, the study also showed how to improve the entire condition and services of these libraries by adopting modern technology. This investigation reveals the situation they encountered in applying information technology and puts forward necessary recommendations that may help improve their services in the information storing and dissemination process.
Originality/value
This study focuses on the user perceptions of ICT-based library services in university libraries in Bangladesh. It will prompt further research on user perceptions of ICT-based library services in academic libraries globally.
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Misbah Jabeen, Muhammad Tasawar Faraz and Munazza Jabeen
The purpose of this paper is to assess the digital transformation of students' reading preferences and behaviors, considering the significant impact of digital resources…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the digital transformation of students' reading preferences and behaviors, considering the significant impact of digital resources accessible through the internet among allied health students.
Design/methodology/approach
The researchers used a structured questionnaire to collect data. The study focused on undergraduate allied health students from medical universities in Pakistan. The researchers used a convenient sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using statistical software packages R and SPSS.
Findings
The results indicate that allied health students frequently use databases, e-books and e-journals to fulfil their academics and research needs, aiding in the acquisition of up-to-date information and supporting various academic research pursuits. The study emphasizes the positive effects on the reading habits of allied health students, attributing these improvements to factors such as enhanced online databases, a broader array of materials and the integration of digital tools. However, challenges arise from the limited availability of relevant e-resources and the dispersion of information across various library sources.
Originality/value
This study provides valuable insights into the availability and utilization of e-resources among allied health students in Pakistan. It highlights the crucial role that digital resources play in shaping reading behaviors within the educational landscape. This study holds significance as it contributes to educational enhancement, proves beneficial for the improvement of university library resources and services and aids in the development of policies in health-care education.
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Gopalakrishnan Palaniappan, Anita Rachel D., Sentilkumar C.B., Selvaraj Senthil Kumar, Senthil Kumar B. and Devaki E.
Eri is a short-stapled fibre that possesses an excellent soft feel and warmness to the wearer. Investigation of thermal comfort and moisture properties of Eri silk fabric provides…
Abstract
Purpose
Eri is a short-stapled fibre that possesses an excellent soft feel and warmness to the wearer. Investigation of thermal comfort and moisture properties of Eri silk fabric provides the enhanced commercial scope for Eri silk-based clothing.
Design/methodology/approach
To examine the impact of process factors on thermal and moisture properties, three different single knit Eri silk structures were made, each with a different loop length and yarn count. Three different linear densities of Eri silk spun yarn (15, 20 and 25 tex) were selected. Three distinct knitted constructions, including plain jersey, popcorn and cellular blister, were created, along with two different loop lengths.
Findings
The novel cellular blister structure has shown appreciable thermal comfort properties than the other two structures. Yarn fineness and loop length were significant with most of the thermal comfort properties.
Research limitations/implications
In recent times the Eri silk production is completely domesticated, so the new demand can easily be met by the producers. This research will create a new scope for Eri silk fibres in sportswear and leisure wear.
Originality/value
This study was conducted to explore the influence of knit structure, loop length and yarn count on the thermal comfort properties of the clothing.
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Rabinarayan Patnaik and Sukanta Kumar Baral
Banking sector is an important subset of any economy and plays a very crucial and significant part in its growth and development. The expansion and credibility of banking sector…
Abstract
Banking sector is an important subset of any economy and plays a very crucial and significant part in its growth and development. The expansion and credibility of banking sector is attributed to the fact that it caters to the financial needs and accordingly provides customised solutions for the people at large. The new millennium has witnessed metamorphosis in the banking sector. The pace and trend of transformation is all set to accelerate in the coming decade. The process of Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation Model (LPG Model) banking practices which being unleashed a few decades back will reach to greater heights as we step into the next decade. The innovative technology has brought about a paradigm shift in all aspects of banking like routine operations, transactions, products and processes, delivery of services in terms of various e-channels, credit administration and credit management, audit and compliance and Fin-Techs partnership. Digital transformations in the banking sector have received much needed thrust because of ‘The Digital India Moment’. The current study attempts to highlight the role of technology in banking and how technology-led innovations and initiatives will determine the business of banking as a whole. The significance of these technology-driven innovations and transformations is that they put both banker and customer in a win-win situation as drawn from existing literature related to financial institutions. The focus is on investigating the digital innovations adopted by the different banks both public and private to understand the economic structural changes resulted out of it.
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Ming Zhang, Hantao Zhang, WeiYe Tao, Yan Yang and Yingjun Sang
This study aims to solve the problem that both the speed and the required driving power of electric vehicles (EVs) will change during the dynamic wireless charging (DWC) process…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to solve the problem that both the speed and the required driving power of electric vehicles (EVs) will change during the dynamic wireless charging (DWC) process, making it difficult to charge EVs with a constant power considering the overall efficiency of DWC system, the numbers of EVs and the power supply capacity. Therefore, this paper proposes the power control and efficiency optimization strategies for multiple EVs.
Design/methodology/approach
The wireless power charging system for multiple loads with a structure of double-sided LCC compensation topology is established. The expressions of optimal transmission efficiency and optimal equivalent impedance are derived. Taking the Tesla Model 3 as an example, a method to determine the number of EVs allowed by one transmitter coil and the overall charging power is proposed considering EV speed, power supply capacity, safe braking distance and overall efficiency. Then, the power control strategy, which can adapt to the changes of EV speed and the efficiency optimization strategy under different numbers of EVs are proposed.
Findings
In this paper, a method to determine the numbers of EVs allowed by one transmitter coil and the overall charging power is proposed considering EVs speed, power supply capacity, safe braking distance and overall efficiency. The accuracy of the charging power is good enough and the overall efficiency reaches a maximum of 91.79% when the load resistance changes from 5Ω to 20Ω.
Originality/value
In this paper, the power control and efficiency optimization strategy of DWC system for multiple EVs are proposed. Specifically, a method of designing the number of EVs and charging power allowed by one transmitter coil considering the factors of EV speed, power supply capacity, safe braking distance and overall efficiency is designed. The overall efficiency of the experiment reaches a maximum of 91.79% after adopting the optimization strategy.
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Fouad Al Bayaty, Mazen M. Jamil Al-Obaidi, Anissa Lokman, Suhaila Yazid and Omar Emad Ibrahim
This study examines the osteoconductive and healing capabilities of locally implanted synthetic hydroxyapatite (sHAp) derived from eggshells in the central incisor sockets of rats.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the osteoconductive and healing capabilities of locally implanted synthetic hydroxyapatite (sHAp) derived from eggshells in the central incisor sockets of rats.
Design/methodology/approach
Toxicity experiments were conducted in vitro and in vivo, to testify the safety dosage of sHAp. Around 24 mature male Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats had their upper central incisors extracted. The rats were placed into three groups of eight rats each: Group 1: the sockets of extracted central incisors were left unfilled (control), Group 2: filled up with commercially available hydroxyapatite (HAp) and Group 3: implanted with sHAp locally retrieved from eggshells. After extraction, four rats from each group were sacrificed at 2nd and 4th weeks. Maxillary tissue sections were obtained and stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson’s trichome (MT) staining. Anti-osteocalcin (OCN) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were used primary antibodies for immunohistochemistry (IHC) special labeling.
Findings
The results showed that the locally implanted sHAp was non-toxic and safe in cell lines (human osteoblast and fibroblast) and animals. Histological analysis of H&E, MT and IHC showed that the sockets treated with locally implanted sHAp from eggshells were filled with new bone tissue of comparable thickness to other groups.
Originality/value
This unique technique uses locally implanted eggshell-derived sHAp with osteoconductive characteristics. In an in vivo model, sHAps increased OCN and PCNA expression to improve bone repair.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of global value chains (GVC) in industrial development of emerging economies, with particular focus on participating African…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of global value chains (GVC) in industrial development of emerging economies, with particular focus on participating African countries. The findings of this study are expected to provide insight on the need for more developing countries to participate in GVC.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is built upon the neoclassical and endogenous growth theories, which postulate that savings, physical capital and human capital are the fundamental drivers of development in productive sectors of the economy. The investigation, covering the period 1980–2021, is carried out by using the unrestricted error correction model and dynamic ordinary least squares model.
Findings
The results of this study reveal that GVC stands as the dominant factor driving industrial development, compared to savings, physical capital and human capital. The findings, therefore, seem to contradict the postulation of conventional theories. The policy implications of the findings are not far-fetched. First, industrial development in the participating African countries has benefited largely from GVC; hence, it is necessary to encourage more participation. Second, industrial development also benefited from the control variables (savings, physical capital and human capital), hence the need to sustain their complementary role. Thirdly, only three African countries are actively participating in GVC, which suggests that more countries need to join, to facilitate industrial development.
Originality/value
Previous studies have not given adequate attention to African countries that participate in GVC, thus creating a void that needs to be filled. This study, therefore, produced results that are relevant to policy-making on industrial development in African countries.
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Saima Habib, Zulfiqar Ali Raza, Farzana Kishwar and Sharjeel Abid
Present study aimed to nanosilver-treat some commercially dyed denim fabric using an eco-friendly cross-linker of citric acid for possible application in the fabrication of…
Abstract
Purpose
Present study aimed to nanosilver-treat some commercially dyed denim fabric using an eco-friendly cross-linker of citric acid for possible application in the fabrication of sustainable antibacterial and nontoxic surgical gowns.
Design/methodology/approach
The conventional untreated surgical gowns are prone to bacterial attack making them unprotective and infection carriers. Thereby, nanosilver finishing of the surgical-grade dyed denim fabric was achieved via citrate cross-linking under the pad-dry-cure method. The hence treated denim fabrics were characterized for surface chemical, crystalline, textile, color and antibacterial attributes using both conventional and advanced analytical approaches.
Findings
The results expressed that the prepared denim specimens contained surface roughness at the nanoscale besides some alterations in their textile and color parameters. Both textile and comfort properties of the finished fabric remained in the acceptable range with effective antibacterial activity.
Practical implications
The silver nano-finished dyed denim expressed broad-spectrum antibacterial activity and qualified as a potential substrate in the fabrication of surgical gowns. Such sustainable application of nanosilver finishing could be perused for industrial implications.
Originality/value
This study presents citric acid as a crosslinking agent to impregnate the commercially dyed denim fabric for potential application in the fabrication of surgical gowns. The application of nanosilver on prior citrated dyed-grown fabrics could be a novel approach. This study used approximately all the reagents and auxiliaries as bio-based to ensure the nontoxicity and sustainability of the resultant fabric.
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Muskan Sachdeva and Ritu Lehal
Stock markets are considered as the largest and most important units for the development and growth of the economy. The present study attempts to provide a comprehensive view of…
Abstract
Purpose
Stock markets are considered as the largest and most important units for the development and growth of the economy. The present study attempts to provide a comprehensive view of factors influencing investment decision making process of stock market investors. A multi group analysis of gender is also carried out on the proposed model.
Design/methodology/approach
The data of 402 valid responses are collected through structured questionnaires from individual investors of North India. SPSS 23 is used to do the descriptive analysis and AMOS 22 is used to establish the validity of the constructs and for hypotheses testing. For performing multi group analysis, several invariance tests have also been conducted to check the robustness of the model.
Findings
The results reveal that all the factors such as firm image, accounting information, neutral information, advocate recommendation and personal financial needs significantly influence investment decision making concluding image of the firm being the most influential factor and advocate recommendation being the least influential factor for investment decisions. No significant differences between males and females were found.
Research limitations/implications
The current study suffers from the limitation of restricted geographical area of North India. Moreover, there is also a scope to incorporate more demographic factors for predicting investment decisions.
Originality/value
This study incorporates a range of factors which covers all the aspects of investment decision making. This study also highlights the notion of signaling theory, thus contributing to the limited literature in Indian context.
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Nagla Elshemy, Hamada Mashaly and Shimaa Elhadad
This study aims to observe the coloring efficacy of graphite (G) and nano bentonite clay (BCNPs) on the adsorption of Basic Blue 5 dye from residual dye bath solution.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to observe the coloring efficacy of graphite (G) and nano bentonite clay (BCNPs) on the adsorption of Basic Blue 5 dye from residual dye bath solution.
Design/methodology/approach
Some factors that affected the adsorption processes were examined and found to have significant impacts on the adsorption capacity such as the initial concentration of G and/or BCNPs (Co: 40–2,320 mg/L), adsorbent bath pH (4–9), shaking time (30–150 min.) and initial dye concentration (40–200 mg/L). The adsorption mechanism of dye by using G and/or BCNPs was studied using two different models (first-pseudo order and second-pseudo order diffusion models). The equilibrium adsorption data for the dye understudy was analyzed by using four different models (Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin modle and Dubinin–Radushkevich) models.
Findings
It has been found that the adsorption kinetics follow rather a pseudo-first-order kinetic model with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.99117 for G and 0.98665 for BCNPs. The results indicate that the Freundlich model provides the best correlation for G with capacities q_max = 2.33116535 mg/g and R2 = 0.99588, while the Langmuir model provides the best correlation for BCNPs with R2 = 0.99074. The adsorbent elaborated from BCNPs was found to be efficient and suitable for removing basic dyes rather than G from aqueous solutions due to its availability, good adsorption capability, as well as low-cost preparation.
Research limitations/implications
There is no research limitation for this work. Basic Blue 5 dye graphite (G) and nano bentonite clay (BCNPs) were used.
Practical implications
This work has practical applications for the textile industry. It is concluded that using graphite and nano bentonite clay can be a possible alternative to adsorb residual dye from dye bath solution and can make the process greener.
Social implications
Socially, it has a good impact on the ecosystem and global community because the residual dye does not contain any carcinogenic materials.
Originality/value
The work is original and contains value-added products for the textile industry and other confederate fields.
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