Abd El-Thalouth I., Rekaby M., Abdel-Rahman A.H. and El-khabery Sh. A.
Galactomannan gum isolated from the seeds of sesbania is subjected to chemical modification via phosphorylation. This is conducted via heating moistened blends of the gum with a…
Abstract
Galactomannan gum isolated from the seeds of sesbania is subjected to chemical modification via phosphorylation. This is conducted via heating moistened blends of the gum with a mixture of orthophosphate salt. Three different phosphate ester derivatives are prepared by changing the reaction time. The %P increases from 0.07 to 0.12 to 0.61 by increasing the reaction time from 30 to 60 to 90 minutes.
Modification of sesbania gum via phosphorylation increases the stability of their pastes to storing. Investigation of the rhelogical properties of these pastes indicate that they are characterised by non-Newtonian pseudoplastic behaviour. As the extent of the reaction increases, i.e. %P, the apparent viscosity of the pastes at a constant rate of shear decreases, while storing does not change the rheological characteristics of the pastes.
Utilization of these derivatives as thickening agents in printing wool fabrics by using acid dyes indicate that phosphate derivatives of sesbania seeds could be used as a thickening agent in printing wool fabrics with acid dyes, where the K/S slightly decreases less than the commercial thickening agent named (Meypro gum) while the overall fastness properties are nearly identical.
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Awes Asghar, Ruba Asif, Naeem Akhtar and Tahir Islam
Hotel servicescapes have been extensively examined in the literature; however, there has been less attention on green servicescapes that attract consumers to visit green hotels…
Abstract
Purpose
Hotel servicescapes have been extensively examined in the literature; however, there has been less attention on green servicescapes that attract consumers to visit green hotels. This model explores the relationship among green servicescapes – green items, green surfaces, natural environment, green consumerism and their outcomes, including intentions to return and green evangelism with a moderating role of green perceived quality.
Design/methodology/approach
The multi-wave method was utilized to gather data from China's major cities, Beijing and Shanghai. A total of 462 responses were received over three waves. Subsequently, the data were analyzed employing structural equation modeling (SEM) in Smart PLS 4.
Findings
The findings indicated that green servicescape – green items, green surfaces and natural environment – have a positive impact on green consumerism. The authors have discovered that green consumerism leads to positive intentions among consumers to return and engage in green evangelism. Green perceived quality significantly moderated the relationship between green servicescape and green consumerism.
Research limitations/implications
The study offers insightful contributions to academia and managerial fields, encompassing consumer psychology, consumer behaviour, the stimulus-organism-response (SOR) framework and servicescapes. Additionally, it assists hotel managers in addressing challenges stemming from the competitive environment and creating a more environmentally friendly atmosphere.
Originality/value
The research focused on the innovative reflective model of green consumerism model and adopted a pioneering approach to examine green servicescapes within the hotel industry. This study enhances understanding of consumer intentions to return and the influence of green consumerism on green evangelism, while also quantifying the significance of green perceived quality.
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Abd-Elrahman Hassanein Abd-Elrahman, Sally Ali Hassan, Azza Abd-Elkader El-Borsaly and Eglal Abd-Elmoneim Hafez
The purpose of this paper is to review the service quality (SQ) models established in various empirical studies conducted across the world specifically applied to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the service quality (SQ) models established in various empirical studies conducted across the world specifically applied to telecommunications services.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper examines different SQ models reported in the literature applicable to the telecommunications sector. The selected 29 studies were limited to empirical English studies based on survey data and statistical methods of analysis and having the SQ construct defined from the customers’ perspective.
Findings
The review of various SQ models in telecommunications revealed that the meaning of SQ may have some universal aspects, as demonstrated by the similarities in the underlying dimensions as proposed in different studies. This paper lends support to the contention that the dimensions of the telecommunications SQ construct and their importance vary with the cultural and country context. A proposed model for measuring telecommunications SQ was presented as a trial to extract the best of previous models.
Research limitations/implications
This paper reviews only empirical studies based on survey data and statistical methods of analysis from 2001 to 2019.
Practical implications
The paper indicates that a generic instrument for measurement of SQ or even one specifically developed for telecommunications may not be applicable in its original form for all cultural contexts. The development of a customized scale, such as a modified SERVQUAL for measuring the SQ for a particular cultural or country context at that particular time, is warranted.
Originality/value
The reported study describes and contrasts a large number of SQ measurement constructs and highlights the usage of dimensions.
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Mohamed O. Elkhosht, Mahmoud Mahmoud, Ahmed Zayed, Mo’taz S. Abdallah, Mohamed S. A. Kharbush and Dalal Mahmoud
This study aims to investigate the relationship between the spread of extremist thoughts and the weak economic and social factors surrounding it. There are higher chances of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between the spread of extremist thoughts and the weak economic and social factors surrounding it. There are higher chances of better understanding of this relationship on Egypt’s borders more than its center. Achieving development and stability leads to creating a preventive environment to extremist thoughts existence and spread, in addition to preventing its transformation into terrorism.
Design/methodology/approach
The study depends on an analytical methodology to examine the validity of the research hypothesis through two basic steps. The first step depends on describing the geographical, demographical, economic, social, political and security aspects of North Sinai. The second step is a prospective approach to build a strategy that helps in achieving development and accordingly a comprehensive confront for the opportunities of extremist thought spreading in North Sinai.
Findings
The study concludes that Egypt is well aware of the dimensions of encountering extremist thoughts and has adopted a comprehensive approach in achieving this. It has already started the paces of this confrontation in general, with some specificity in North Sinai Governorate that observed lately increased activities by extremists and terrorist groups. The proposed strategy is a set of policies that can help the country achieve its goals against extremism and terrorism.
Research limitations/implications
The study covers a time frame that starts from 2014, which is considered the beginning of a new phase for the Egyptian state. The study relies on the field of strategic studies and it focuses on North Sinai Governorate.
Originality/value
The study has a scientific importance because it presents a proposal for a comprehensive strategy to encounter extremist thoughts, which adds value to the literature of the study of extremism. The current study makes its contributions in some directions, such as reviewing the contents of this extremist thought or the juristic comment on it, the impacts of the spread of extremist thoughts, the role of the official media in disseminating extremist thoughts or standing up to it. In terms of application, the study presents a proposal with many policies in various fields to counter extremist ideology. These proposals are implementable in North Sinai Governorate as well as other frontier governorates.
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Suyash Khaneja and Shahzeb Hussain
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of physical environment design (PED) and its antecedents on consumers’ emotional well-being (EWB). Drawing on place identity…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of physical environment design (PED) and its antecedents on consumers’ emotional well-being (EWB). Drawing on place identity and emotional theories, the study aims to provide a new perspective to retail store experiences.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 800 respondents was conducted in London, out of which 764 responses were constructively used. The data was collected from international retail outlets, and structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data.
Findings
The empirical results show that PED has a positive effect on consumers’ EWB. Among the antecedents, visual identity does not have any significant effect on PED and EWB. In contrast, communication had a significant effect on PED but did not have any effect on EWB, and further, cultural heritage had a positive effect on both PED and EWB. Further, moderator analysis identifies the boundary conditions under which specific theories hold.
Practical implications
The value of this paper lies in its potential to be used for creating the perfect design planning in retail stores. Significant implications for managers and researchers are highlighted.
Originality/value
This paper presents an innovative approach to develop the principles of retail store’s PED to support the EWB of consumers.
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Joohye Hwang, Tracie Tung and Hira Cho
The study aims to examine fast fashion consumers' negative in-store experiences focusing on the effect of the two store environment factors, product overload and store ambiance…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to examine fast fashion consumers' negative in-store experiences focusing on the effect of the two store environment factors, product overload and store ambiance, on their confusion and consequent shopping avoidance behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
A research model of fast fashion consumers' confusion and store avoidance behavior is proposed using the Stimulus–Organism–Response framework. A pretest and the main online survey with 281 samples are analyzed, and the structural equation modeling (SEM) is conducted to test the proposed model.
Findings
The SEM results support the proposed paths statistically. Consumers' confusion, measured with the two dimensions, inefficiency and helplessness, is significantly influenced by their perceived product overload and negative perception of store ambiance in the fast fashion shopping environment. Subsequently, fast fashion consumers' confusion results in less time spent in the store.
Originality/value
The study sheds light on utilitarian shopping value in the fast fashion shopping environment by focusing on the fast fashion consumers' confusion in association with overloaded information caused by too many products and store ambiance.
Research limitations/implications
The study implies that improving fast fashion stores' inherent issues with too many products and store ambiance might help consumers mitigate their confusion and prevent customer attrition. However, the study includes only two factors. Future studies may include other various fast fashion store factors. Additionally, one of the dimensions of confusion, irritation, did not emerge in this study. More work is needed to investigate fast fashion consumers' confusion, such as using a multigroup analysis by age.
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Rakesh Belwal, Shweta Belwal, Zoe Morgan and Latifa Hamood Al Badi
Consumer shopping motivations are evolving in tandem with shifts in products, services and the retail landscape. This paper primarily aims to explore what drives shopping behavior…
Abstract
Purpose
Consumer shopping motivations are evolving in tandem with shifts in products, services and the retail landscape. This paper primarily aims to explore what drives shopping behavior among consumers in Oman. Additionally, the paper aims to profile consumers based on their shopping motivations.
Design/methodology/approach
Based upon the review of literature, we developed a list of 63 items of shopping motivations. Exploratory factor analysis later led to a 12-factor solution involving 50 items, which were refined further into an 11-factor solution involving 44 items using CFA. A combination of hierarchical and k-means cluster analysis was performed for profiling consumers.
Findings
Five distinct segments of consumers that emerged in the Omani food and grocery retail market were derived as Practical Value Seekers, Discerning Shoppers, Selective Online Shoppers, Social Brand Seekers and Instant Gratifiers. Theoretical and managerial implications were discussed.
Practical implications
In theory, this study examines market heterogeneity by considering customer shopping motivations and applies profiling (clustering) techniques to categorize them into distinct market clusters. In practical terms, it provides valuable insights to food and grocery store managers.
Originality/value
This study is novel and the first of its kind, suggesting a typology of food and grocery shoppers in Oman. Research on consumer shopping motivations has primarily focused on consumers in Western countries, particularly in the United States.
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Haitao Xiong, Wei Jiao and Yuanyuan Cai
The occurrence and dissemination of hate videos in social media platform could pose serious harm to both society and individuals. However, the characteristics of the hate videos…
Abstract
Purpose
The occurrence and dissemination of hate videos in social media platform could pose serious harm to both society and individuals. However, the characteristics of the hate videos increase the difficulty of detection task. Hate content is usually presented in a relatively covert manner in videos, and textual content in videos plays an important role in hate video detection. In this work, we propose a textual context enhanced dynamic bimodal fusion (TCE-DBF) method for hate video detection.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed method TCE-DBF introduces dynamic modality gate (DMG) and bimodal fusion transformer network to dynamically integrate multimodalities. Moreover, in order to enhance textual modality in videos, two types of textual context from the video are taken as the input of TCE-DBF. One is extracted from video frames in visual modality. The other is extracted from audio in acoustic modality. Specially, TCE-DBF splits the original audio and learns the sequence representation to capture acoustic temporal information.
Findings
Hate video detection has been one of the hotspots in recent works. However, it still faces two serious challenges. The first challenge is the hate content in videos presented in multimodalities. The second challenge is how to evaluate the importance of different modalities for multimodal fusion modeling. TCE-DBF aims to tackle these challenges. Experimental results on hate video dataset HateMM demonstrate that TCE-DBF outperforms the state-of-the-art methods, and the visualization results show that textual modality plays a more important role in hate video detection. Therefore, it is vital to consider the text in videos.
Originality/value
TCE-DBF can be utilized to effectively detect hate videos on social media. Besides transcript, TCE-DBF considers text in video frames, which makes detection more accurate. Meanwhile, to better achieve multimodal fusion, TCE-DBF uses DMG and bimodal fusion transformer network to dynamically assign different weights to three modalities and integrate them. The proposed TCE-DBF is novel in terms of capturing multimodal features, enhancing the textual modality and achieving high detection performance for hate video detection.
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Hatem Samaali, Fehmi Najar, Bouraoui Ouni and Slim Choura
– This paper aims to propose a novel design of an ohmic contact single-pole double-throw (SPDT) microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microswitch for radio frequency applications.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a novel design of an ohmic contact single-pole double-throw (SPDT) microelectromechanical system (MEMS) microswitch for radio frequency applications.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed microswitch (SPDT design) shares antenna between transmitter and receiver in a wireless sensor. An electrical voltage is used to create an electrostatic force that controls the ON/OFF states of the microswitch. First, the authors develop a mathematical model of the proposed microswitch and propose a reduced-order model of the design, based on the differential quadrature method, which fully incorporates the electrostatic force nonlinearities. The authors solve the static, transient and dynamic behavior and compare the results with finite element solutions. Then, the authors examine the dynamic solution of the switch under different actuation waveforms.
Findings
The obtained results showed a significant reduction in actuation voltage, pull-in bandwidth and switching time.
Originality/value
In this paper, a new design of SPDT MEMS switch is proposed, the SPDT switch needs low voltage to be actuated and it can be easily integrated with integrated circuits.