Alagarsamy S.V. and Ravichandran M.
Aluminium and its alloys are the most preferred material in aerospace and automotive industries because of their high strength-to-weight ratio. However, these alloys are found to…
Abstract
Purpose
Aluminium and its alloys are the most preferred material in aerospace and automotive industries because of their high strength-to-weight ratio. However, these alloys are found to be low wear resistance. Hence, the incorporation of ceramic particles with the aluminium alloy may be enhanced the mechanical and tribological properties. The purpose of this study is to optimize the specific wear rate and friction coefficient of titanium dioxide (TiO2) reinforced AA7075 matrix composites. The four wear control factors are considered, i.e. reinforcement (Wt.%), applied load (N), sliding velocity (m/s) and sliding distance (m).
Design/methodology/approach
The composites were fabricated through stir casting route with varying weight percentages (0, 5, 10 and 15 Wt.%) of TiO2 particulates. The mechanical properties of the composites were studied. The specific wear rate and friction coefficient of the newly prepared composites was determined by using a pin-on-disc apparatus under dry sliding conditions. Experiments were planned as per Taguchi’s L16 orthogonal design. Signal-to-noise ratio analysis was used to find the optimal combination of parameters.
Findings
The mechanical properties such as yield strength, tensile strength and hardness of the composites significantly improved with the addition of TiO2 particles. The analysis of variance result shows that the applied load and reinforcement Wt.% are the most influencing parameters on specific wear rate and friction coefficient during dry sliding conditions. The scanning electron microscope morphology of the worn surface shows that TiO2 particles protect the matrix from more removal of material at all conditions.
Originality/value
This paper provides a solution for optimal parameters on specific wear rate and friction coefficient of aluminium matrix composites (AMCs) using Taguchi methodology. The obtained results are useful in improving the wear resistance of the AA7075-TiO2 composites.
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Narayanage Jayantha Dewasiri, Karunarathnage Sajith Senaka Nuwansiri Karunarathna, Mananage Shanika Hansini Rathnasiri, D. G. Dharmarathne and Kiran Sood
Purpose: This chapter aims to unveil the challenges of adopting and using banking chatbots in India and identify the challenges of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer…
Abstract
Purpose: This chapter aims to unveil the challenges of adopting and using banking chatbots in India and identify the challenges of Chat Generative Pre-trained Transformer (ChatGPT) for future banking.
Need for the study: Unveiling the challenges of chatbots and ChatGPT in the banking industry in India is crucial to understand the limitations and areas of improvement to enhance customer experience, ensure data security, and maintain regulatory compliance.
Methodology: The researchers conducted a narrative review systematically summarising and analysing existing literature on chatbots and ChatGPT, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced in the industry.
Findings: The authors identify perceived risk, platform quality, connectivity and infrastructure, data privacy and security, user education and acceptance, existing legacy systems, and regulatory guidelines as the challenges of adopting chatbots. Additionally, the findings reveal that the challenges posed by ChatGPT in future banking include the potential reduction of traditional banking jobs, linguistic diversity, data privacy and security, ethical considerations and bias mitigation, explainability and accountability, integration with existing banking systems, and user trust and acceptance. However, implementing these new technologies also presents opportunities for individuals with unique human skills, such as critical thinking, empathy, and creativity, which are difficult to replace with technology.
Practical implications: By minimising the challenges of ChatGPT and chatbots, the banking industry could achieve improved customer service, cost efficiency, automation of routine tasks, and 24/7 availability, leading to enhanced customer satisfaction and operational efficiency in the banking industry. Additionally, these artificial intelligence (AI) tools enable data-driven insights, personalised experiences, scalability, and efficient handling of large customer volumes, contributing to better decision-making and enhanced customer engagement.
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Lixin Hai, Feng Gao, Yan Li, Bo Yang and Yanyan Zhu
The nonlinear friction disturbance of the moving joint surface of the feed system can lead to the residual vibration of the system, prolong the stability time of the system and…
Abstract
Purpose
The nonlinear friction disturbance of the moving joint surface of the feed system can lead to the residual vibration of the system, prolong the stability time of the system and reduce the motion precision and machining precision of the machine tool. This paper aims to concern the vibration between joint surfaces caused by nonlinear friction.
Design/methodology/approach
The model is established from the micro and macro scale based on the LuGre model. The friction characteristics of the moving joint surface are explored. The friction experiment of GCr15 pin and 45 steel disk is designed and the influence of lubrication condition, speed, acceleration and normal load on friction characteristics are studied.
Findings
Among the drive speed, damping and stiffness, the negative gradient effect of friction, which is characterized by the difference of static and dynamic friction coefficient Δµ, is the main cause of friction vibration between moving joint surfaces. Sufficient lubrication, a proper increase of speed and acceleration, a reasonable reduction of normal load can reduce the negative gradient effect, which can weaken the vibration caused by the nonlinear friction and improve the friction characteristics of the moving joint surface.
Originality/value
In the past studies, more attention has been paid to revealing the relationship between the relative speed and friction, while the acceleration is often ignored. The negative gradient effect of friction is improved in this paper by changing the contact conditions. Research findings of this paper effectively improve the friction characteristics of the moving interface and provide the basis for restraining the nonlinear vibration between the moving interfaces.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2019-0476/
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Mcxin Tee, Lee-Yen Chaw and Sadia Mehfooz Khan
Sustainable tourism will be an appropriate strategy to be promoted during the post COVID-19 pandemic, as this is a turning point for the tourism industry to grab the unique chance…
Abstract
Sustainable tourism will be an appropriate strategy to be promoted during the post COVID-19 pandemic, as this is a turning point for the tourism industry to grab the unique chance to have a true reset by focussing on achieving long-term sustainability and a shift from a ‘me to we’ economy. To support sustainable tourism and foster future success in the tourism industry, the process of integrating green knowledge and knowledge management can begin with entrepreneurial education in higher education institutions (HEIs). However, empirical research on university students' green entrepreneurial intention in sustainable tourism has not been exhaustively studied. Additionally, there is a need to further explore knowledge management process and entrepreneurial learning in HEIs. Hence, the aim of this study is to analyze knowledge management as a technique to explore the green entrepreneurial intention of students in HEIs in sustaining Malaysia's tourism post COVID-19 pandemic. Exploratory research with quantitative analysis was conducted through partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that there is a positive and significant relationship between green entrepreneurial knowledge and green entrepreneurial intention in sustainable tourism among university business students. Additionally, knowledge revision and conceptual change positively and significantly influence green entrepreneurial knowledge and green entrepreneurial intention in sustainable tourism. However, knowledge application has no impact on green entrepreneurial knowledge and green entrepreneurial intention. The results of this study also reveal that green entrepreneurial knowledge does not have a mediation effect on green entrepreneurial intention. The present work contributes by going beyond the study of entrepreneurial intention, as the research focusses on interconnection among these three major areas: knowledge management, sustainable tourism, and entrepreneurship education post COVID-19 pandemic. Hence, the combination of these diverse aspects in this study provides insights to educators and policy makers to investigate the importance of green entrepreneurial knowledge and benefits of knowledge management that can be integrated into entrepreneurship education for current and future sustainable tourism development.
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Jitendra Kumar and Sushant Negi
This study aims to deal with developing composite filaments and investigating the tribological behavior of additively manufactured syntactic foam composites. The primary objective…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to deal with developing composite filaments and investigating the tribological behavior of additively manufactured syntactic foam composites. The primary objective is to examine the suitability of the cenosphere (CS; 0–30 Wt.%) to develop a high-quality lightweight composite structure with improved abrasion strength.
Design/methodology/approach
CS/polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) composite feedstock filaments under optimized extrusion conditions were developed, and a fused filament fabrication process was used to prepare CS-filled PETG composite structures under optimal printing conditions. Significant parameters such as CS (0–30 Wt.%), sliding speed (200–800 rpm) and typical load (10–40 N) were used to minimize the dry sliding wear rate and coefficient of friction for developed composites.
Findings
The friction coefficient and specific wear rate (SWR) are most affected by the CS weight percentage and applied load, respectively. However, nozzle temperature has the least effect on the friction coefficient and SWR. A mathematical model predicts the composite material’s SWR and coefficient of friction with 87.5% and 95.2% accuracy, respectively.
Practical implications
Because of their tailorable physical and mechanical properties, CS/PETG lightweight composite structures can be used in low-density and damage-tolerance applications.
Social implications
CS, an industrial waste material, is used to develop lightweight syntactic foam composites for advanced engineering applications.
Originality/value
CS-reinforced PETG composite filaments were developed to fabricate ultra-light composite structures through a 3D printing routine.
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Mandeep Singh, Deepak Bhandari and Khushdeep Goyal
The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanical characteristics and optimization of wear parameters of hybrid (TiO2 + Y2O3) nanoparticles with Al matrix using squeeze…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the mechanical characteristics and optimization of wear parameters of hybrid (TiO2 + Y2O3) nanoparticles with Al matrix using squeeze casting technique.
Design/methodology/approach
The hybrid aluminium matrix nanocomposites (HAMNCs) were fabricated with varying concentrations of titanium oxide (TiO2) and yttrium oxide (Y2O3), from 2.5 to 10 Wt.% in 2.5 Wt.% increments. Dry sliding wear test variables were optimized using the Taguchi method.
Findings
The introduction of hybrid nanoparticles in the aluminium (Al) matrix was evenly distributed in contrast to the base matrix. HAMNC6 (5 Wt.% TiO2 + 5 Wt.% Y2O3) reported the maximum enhancement in mechanical properties (tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength and density) and decrease in porosity% and elongation% among other HAMNCs. The results showed that the optimal combination of parameters to achieve the lowest wear rate was A3B3C1, or 15 N load, 1.5 m/s sliding velocity and 200 m sliding distance. The sliding distance showed the greatest effect on the dry sliding wear rate of HAMNC6 followed by applied load and sliding velocity. The fractured surfaces of the tensile sample showed traces of cracking as well as substantial craters with fine dimples and the wear worn surfaces were caused by abrasion, cracks and delamination of HAMNC6.
Originality/value
Squeeze-cast Al-reinforced hybrid (TiO2+Y2O3) nanoparticles have been investigated for their impact on mechanical properties and optimization of wear parameters.
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Barney G. Pacheco and Marvin H. Pacheco
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been well documented, but there is still limited insight into the complex interaction of factors that determine its longer-term…
Abstract
Purpose
The global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been well documented, but there is still limited insight into the complex interaction of factors that determine its longer-term effects on the most vulnerable sectors of society. The current study therefore develops an integrated conceptual framework to investigate how consumers' fear of mortality and the perceived risk of severe illness associated with COVID-19 act as critical determinants of consumer food choices and perceived well-being.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was utilized to collect data from a sample of 407 adult, low-income consumers across Trinidad and Tobago. The PROCESS macro was used to empirically test the hypothesized relationships in a moderated mediation model.
Findings
The results confirm that an increase in the perceived risk of severe illness has a significant negative effect on the consumption of healthy foods and perceived well-being. Moreover, consumers' choice of healthy foods mediates the negative relationship between consumers' perceived risk of severe COVID-19 illness and subjective well-being. Finally, the negative relationship between perceived risk of illness and healthy food choice weakens as an individual's fear of pandemic-related mortality increases.
Originality/value
This research integrates multiple related theoretical constructs to provide a more nuanced understanding of the lingering impact that risk perceptions and fear have on consumer food choices and associated well-being among a vulnerable Caribbean population. The changes identified have important implications for researchers interested in consumer food preferences as well as policymakers seeking to promote a healthy lifestyle among individuals coping with psychologically stressful circumstances.
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A significant body of literature suggests that shipping companies operate in an extremely volatile and risky environment, relying on the effective use of information to remain…
Abstract
Purpose
A significant body of literature suggests that shipping companies operate in an extremely volatile and risky environment, relying on the effective use of information to remain competitive. However, decision-making in this market is demanding because of the high uncertainty, market competition and significant capital investments. Moreover, the rapid spread of COVID-19 renders information uncertainty a daunting challenge for companies engaged in global trade. Hence, this study aims to explore the information behavior of managers in a time of crisis seems compelling.
Design/methodology/approach
This study provides novel insights into the information behavior of senior managers by adopting a qualitative approach. Forty-nine semi-structured face-to-face interviews with individuals from Hellenic shipping companies were conducted. Moreover, this study explores the extant theory qualitatively, using the grounded theory methodology and shows that an unprecedented event (pandemic crisis) can redefine the information behavior of managers.
Findings
This study highlights the importance of information in decision-making. Moreover, the results show that, during a pandemic, managers resort to alternative information sources, adopt collaborative information behaviors and take advantage of digital technology.
Originality/value
There is limited research in exploring the information behavior of managers in times of pandemics. This research underscores the fact that during a crisis, managers seek information from digital information resources and decision-making assumes a more decentralized form. This study concludes with a discussion of the theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
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Puneett Bhatnagr, Anupama Rajesh and Richa Misra
This study builds on a conceptual model by integrating AI features – Perceived intelligence (PIN) and anthropomorphism (PAN) – while extending expectation confirmation theory…
Abstract
Purpose
This study builds on a conceptual model by integrating AI features – Perceived intelligence (PIN) and anthropomorphism (PAN) – while extending expectation confirmation theory (ECT) factors – interaction quality (IQU), confirmation (CON), and customer experience (CSE) – to evaluate the continued intention to use (CIU) of AI-enabled digital banking services.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through an online questionnaire administered to 390 digital banking customers in India. The data were further analysed, and the presented hypotheses were evaluated using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The research indicates that perceived intelligence and anthropomorphism predict interaction quality. Interaction quality significantly impacts expectation confirmation, consumer experience, and the continuous intention to use digital banking services powered by AI technology. AI design will become a fundamental factor; thus, all interactions should be user-friendly, efficient, and reliable, and the successful implementation of AI in digital banking will largely depend on AI features.
Originality/value
This study is the first to demonstrate the effectiveness of an AI-ECT model for AI-enabled Indian digital banks. The user continuance intention to use digital banking in the context of AI has not yet been studied. These findings further enrich the literature on AI, digital banking, and information systems by focusing on the AI's Intelligence and Anthropomorphism variables in digital banks.
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The Metaverse is an immersive virtual world where individuals interact with each other using an avatar. The Metaverse is promised to offer several potentials for different…
Abstract
Purpose
The Metaverse is an immersive virtual world where individuals interact with each other using an avatar. The Metaverse is promised to offer several potentials for different sectors. While the Metaverse promotes innovative interaction between individuals (e.g. learners), there is a scarcity of knowledge on what influences its acceptance and use in higher educational institutions (HEIs), particularly in developing countries. Thus, this paper aims to identify the factors that affect the users' intentions toward Metaverse technology for educational purposes in the HEIs in Jordan.
Design/methodology/approach
A study model was created by incorporating variables from the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) (performance expectancy, PE; effort expectancy, EE; social influence, SI; and facilitating conditions, FC) and information system success (ISS) model (user satisfaction, SAT; system quality, SQ; service quality, SVQ and information quality, IQ) with perceived curiosity (PC) and hedonic gratification (HG) constructs. Both PC and HG were added as context-related factors that could contribute to improving the applicability of UTAUT and ISS to a wide range of technology use contexts. Data were gathered from 441 Jordanian university students using an online questionnaire.
Findings
The analysis of the structural model revealed that users' behavioural intentions toward using Metaverse were significantly affected by user satisfaction (SAT), performance expectancy (PE), facilitating conditions (FC) and hedonic gratification (HG). Also, information quality (IQ) and services quality (SVQ) were revealed to have a significant influence on user satisfaction. Likewise, the results illustrated a significant impact of systems quality (SQ), information quality (IQ) and service quality (SVQ) on PE. Lastly, a significant effect of PC on the EE factor was found.
Practical implications
This study will shed light on a number of practical implications for developers, designers, service providers and decision-makers supporting the acceptance and adoption of the Metaverse technology in the educational context. Also, it will contribute to developing the right strategies, and Metaverse content which will draw the attention of learners.
Originality/value
As per the surveyed literature and the researcher's prior knowledge, this is one of the first studies that integrate the UTAUT model, ISS model and two contextual factors (PC and HG) besides testing the proposed model in a developing country (Jordan). This paper is one of the few in which the individuals' acceptance behaviour of Metaverse technology was examined in the HEIs context.