Suhail Ahmed Manroo, Noor Zaman Khan, Babar Ahmad and Vinayak Malik
Altering the microstructure and developing the surface metal matrix composites (MMCs) in a solid-state by friction stir processing (FSP) has been on trend for the past decade. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Altering the microstructure and developing the surface metal matrix composites (MMCs) in a solid-state by friction stir processing (FSP) has been on trend for the past decade. The microstructural modification increases the material properties, which are structure sensitive. The microstructural evolution is highly influenced by the selection of process parameters in FSP. In this study, the effect of process parameters on the microstructure evolution and microhardness of the fabrication of surface MMCs of newly commercialized Mg-ZE41 alloy by the incorporation of different reinforcement particles such as ZrO2, CeO2 and Al2O3 is investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
By making use of Taguchi’s design of experimentation, which recognizes the crucial factors and ascertain their effect on the properties of the material, the optimization of process parameters for this study was done using MATLAB-14 software. The parameters were adopted along with the levels throughout the FSP for the fabrication of different surface MMCs. For each reinforcement particle, two factors at three levels each had L9 factorial design were used to analyse the effect of these factors on the processing result (microstructure, grain refinement and hardness). The two different factors used in this study are tool rotational speed (TRS) and tool traverse speed (TTS) as a part of the full factorial design matrix for different surface MMCs.
Findings
Among all combinations, TRS of 1500 rpm and TTS of 20 mm/min. for ZE41-ZrO2 MMCs and ZE41-CeO2 MMCs were observed as optimum to produce defect-free processed zone along with the high level of grain refinement and hardness, whereas for ZE41-Al2O3 the same was obtained at 1500 rpm TRS and 10 mm/min TTS.
Originality/value
In this paper, the role of process parameters in the development of surface MMCs on newly commercialized Mg-ZE41 alloy by FSP is investigated. The effect of TRS and TTS on microstructure evolution, grain refinement and microhardness is analysed. Hence, in this study, the optimum parameters for the fabrication of surface MMCs of Mg-ZE41 alloy have thus been established.
Details
Keywords
Omar Hussain, Shahid Saleem Sheikh and Babar Ahmad
This study aims to fabricate and investigate the tribological performance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composite materials reinforced with 0.5, 1 and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to fabricate and investigate the tribological performance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)-based composite materials reinforced with 0.5, 1 and 2 weight percentage of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) while keeping the weight percentage of vitamin C constant at 2% for each composite.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the composites were fabricated using hot pressing, and the dispersion of GNP/vitamin C/UHMWPE hybrid composite was investigated by X-ray diffraction. Experimental trials were performed according to ASTM F732 on a reciprocating sliding tribometer (pin-on-disc) at human body temperature of 37 ± 1 °C, for a load of 52 N, to assess the role of these fillers on the tribological properties of UHMWPE against Ti6Al4V counter body material under dry and lubricating (human serum) environment.
Findings
In this study, it has been observed that friction and wear behavior of the developed composites improve with increase in weight percentage of GNP, and human serum adheres to the surface of the composite pins upon sliding, resulting in the formation of a film, which results in better wear resistance of the composite pins under human serum lubrication than dry sliding. Scanning electron microscope was used to investigate the worn surface morphological examination of the composite materials. Specific wear rate of 0.76 × 10−7 mm3/Nm was attained for 2 Wt.% GNP-filled composite under human serum lubrication.
Practical implications
The results indicate the compatibility of the composite material used in this study and suggested the in vitro implant application.
Originality/value
The presented work includes novel study of synergistic effect of GNP (which acts as a solid lubricant) and vitamin C (added as an antioxidant) on the tribological performance of UHMWPE under dry and human serum lubrication.
Details
Keywords
Nadia Hanif, Jianfeng Wu and Ahmad Bilal Babar
The primary purpose of this study is to explore the impact of acquired ownership in Chinese target firm on the innovation performance of developed economies (DE) acquiring firms…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary purpose of this study is to explore the impact of acquired ownership in Chinese target firm on the innovation performance of developed economies (DE) acquiring firms. Furthermore, the study aims to empirically investigate the moderating influence of institutional distance between two parties’ home countries.
Design/methodology/approach
For the empirical investigation of the hypotheses, the authors identified cross-border technological acquisitions from the Securities Data Company between 1995 and 2015. A hierarchical negative binomial regression technique was used to analyze 177 technological acquisitions completed by DE acquiring firms in China.
Findings
Analysis of technological acquisition deals confirmed that acquired ownership undertaken in the Chinese target firms increases the DE acquiring firms’ post-acquisition innovation performance. The authors found that DE acquiring firms underperform in innovation in institutionally distant host countries.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the international business literature by explaining the importance of acquired ownership undertaken in the Chinese target firms for the DE acquiring firm’s innovation performance. Second, institutional theory defines how institutional uncertainty in terms of distance modifies the positive impact of acquired ownership on acquiring firm’s innovation performance.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Rehan, Jahanzaib Alvi and Umair Lakhani
The primary purpose of this research is to identify and compare the multifractal behavior of different sectors during these crises and analyze their implications on market…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary purpose of this research is to identify and compare the multifractal behavior of different sectors during these crises and analyze their implications on market efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
We used multifractal detrended fluctuation analysis (MF-DFA) to analyze stock returns from various sectors of the Moscow Stock Exchange (MOEX) in between two significant periods. The COVID-19 pandemic (January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021) and the Russia–Ukraine conflict (RUC) (January 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023). This method witnesses multifractality in financial time series data and tests the persistency and efficiency levels of each sector to provide meaningful insights.
Findings
Results showcased persistent multifractal behavior across all sectors in between the COVID-19 pandemic and the RUC, spotting heightened arbitrage opportunities in the MOEX. The pandemic reported a greater speculative behavior, with the telecommunication and oil and gas sectors exhibiting reduced efficiency, recommending abnormal return potential. In contrast, financials and metals and mining sectors displayed increased efficiency, witnessing strong economic performance. Findings may enhance understanding of market dynamics during crises and provide strategic insights for the MOEX’s investors.
Practical implications
Understanding the multifractal properties and efficiency of different sectors during crisis periods is of paramount importance for investors and policymakers. The identified arbitrage opportunities and efficiency variations can aid investors in optimizing their investment strategies during such critical market conditions. Policymakers can also leverage these insights to implement measures that bolster economic stability and development during crisis periods.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing a comprehensive analysis of multifractal properties and efficiency in the context of the MOEX during two major crises. The application of MF-DFA to sectoral stock returns during these events adds originality to the study. The findings offer valuable implications for practitioners, researchers and policymakers seeking to navigate financial markets during turbulent times and enhance overall market resilience.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to create a conceptual model that connects learning organizations, service innovation and technology acceptance.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to create a conceptual model that connects learning organizations, service innovation and technology acceptance.
Design/methodology/approach
The importance of the interaction of variables benefiting both individuals and organizations has been comprehensively explained by combining two well-known theories – learning organizational theory and service innovation theory – with the technology acceptance model. In the first part of the study, conceptual model has been constructed and then applied to the hospitality industry of which results have been presented in the second part of this paper.
Findings
It is hypothesized that learning organization, service innovation and technology acceptance have significant relationships. It is also suggested that the learning organization plays an intermediary role in the relationship between technology acceptance and service innovation. Empirical results in this regard have been presented in the second part of the paper.
Research limitations/implications
The relations have been established and tested in the hospitality industry in Antalya. However, the model can be applied and established relations tested in other industries.
Originality/value
This research contributes to our knowledge of the intricate linkages that exist between learning organizations, technology acceptance and service innovation. Originality of the paper is related to the novel multilayered model illustrating three-way interactions between the three dimensions of learning organization, technology acceptance and service innovation.
Details
Keywords
Prince Kumar Maurya, Rohit Bansal and Anand Kumar Mishra
This paper aims to investigate the dynamic volatility connectedness among 13 G20 countries by using the volatility indices.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the dynamic volatility connectedness among 13 G20 countries by using the volatility indices.
Design/methodology/approach
The connectedness approach based on the time-varying parameter vector autoregression model has been used to investigate the linkage. The period of study is from 1 January 2014 to 20 April 2023.
Findings
This analysis revealed that volatility connectedness among the countries during COVID-19 and Russia–Ukraine conflict had increased significantly. Furthermore, analysis has indicated that investors had not anticipated the World Health Organization announcement of COVID-19 as a global pandemic. Contrarily, investors had anticipated the Russian invasion of Ukraine, evident in a significant rise in volatility before and after the invasion. In addition, the transmission of volatility is from developed to developing countries. Developed countries are NET volatility transmitters, whereas developing countries are NET volatility receivers. Finally, the ordinary least square regression result suggests that the volatility connectedness index is informative of stock market dynamics.
Originality/value
The connectedness approach has been widely used to estimate the dynamic connectedness among market indices, cryptocurrencies, sectoral indices, enegy commodities and metals. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, none of the previous studies have directly used the volatility indices to measure the volatility connectedness. Hence, this study is the first of its kind that has used volatility indices to measure the volatility connectedness among the countries.
Details
Keywords
Kalyan Sagar Kadali, Moorthy Veeraswamy, Marimuthu Ponnusamy and Viswanatha Rao Jawalkar
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the cost-effective and environmentally sustainable operation of thermal power systems to allocate optimum active power generation…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the cost-effective and environmentally sustainable operation of thermal power systems to allocate optimum active power generation resultant for a feasible solution in diverse load patterns using the grey wolf optimization (GWO) algorithm.
Design/methodology/approach
The economic dispatch problem is formulated as a bi-objective optimization subjected to several operational and practical constraints. A normalized price penalty factor approach is used to convert these objectives into a single one. The GWO algorithm is adopted as an optimization tool in which the exploration and exploitation process in search space is carried through encircling, hunting and attacking.
Findings
A linear interpolated price penalty model is developed based on simple analytical geometry equations that perfectly blend two non-commensurable objectives. The desired GWO algorithm reports a new optimum thermal generation schedule for a feasible solution for different operational strategies. These are better than the earlier reports regarding solution quality.
Practical implications
The proposed method seems to be a promising optimization tool for the utilities, thereby modifying their operating strategies to generate electricity at minimum energy cost and pollution levels. Thus, a strategic balance is derived among economic development, energy cost and environmental sustainability.
Originality/value
A single optimization tool is used in both quadratic and non-convex cost characteristics thermal modal. The GWO algorithm has discovered the best, cost-effective and environmentally sustainable generation dispatch.
Details
Keywords
Maria Babar, Habib Ahmad and Imran Yousaf
This study examines the information transmission (return and volatility spillovers) among energy commodities (crude oil, natural gas, Brent oil, heating oil, gasoil, gasoline) and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the information transmission (return and volatility spillovers) among energy commodities (crude oil, natural gas, Brent oil, heating oil, gasoil, gasoline) and Asian stock markets which are net importers of energy (China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Korea, Pakistan, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand).
Design/methodology/approach
The information transmission is investigated by employing the spillover index of Diebold and Yilmaz, using daily data for the period January 2000 to May 2021.
Findings
A Strong connectedness is documented between the two classes of asset, especially during crisis periods. Our findings reveal that most of the energy markets, except gasoil and natural gas, are net transmitters of information, whereas all the stock markets, excluding Indonesia and Korea, are net recipients.
Practical implications
The findings are helpful for portfolio managers and institutional investors allocating funds to various asset classes in times of crisis.
Originality/value
All data is original.
Details
Keywords
Muhammad Babar Ramzan, Abher Rasheed, Zulfiqar Ali, Sheraz Ahmad, Muhammad Salman Naeem and Ali Afzal
In the field of knitwear, dimensional stability is assumed as a critical problem that affects the quality and salability of a product. Although much work has been done in this…
Abstract
Purpose
In the field of knitwear, dimensional stability is assumed as a critical problem that affects the quality and salability of a product. Although much work has been done in this area with a focus on the factors affecting fabric shrinkage, however, there is a lack of work on knitwears with respect to their dimensional stability. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of stitching parameters and wash types on the dimensional properties of knitwear.
Design/methodology/approach
The crew-neck t-shirts were prepared by using pique knitted fabrics. Different sewing and finishing parameters were used that include stitch density, stitch type, stitching thread and wash type. The critical measurements of the selected garment are taken as output variables which are body width, sleeve length, body length and across shoulder. After laundering process, shrinkage percentage was calculated by using before-wash and after-wash measurements.
Findings
This study shows that the stitching parameters affect significantly on knitwear’s shrinkage. Thus, when patterns are being developed for the cutting of fabric, expected shrinkage, known as residual shrinkage, must be considered to avoid unexpected changes in garment shape.
Originality/value
This research will be useful for knitwear manufacturing industry.
Details
Keywords
Viet An Tran, Que Nhi Tran, Ha My Doan, Gia Long La, Tien Duc Vu and Thi Huyen Pham
This article aims to assess the impact of factors affecting the senses (via Sensory Marketing theory) on customer perceived quality and satisfaction when using health services in…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to assess the impact of factors affecting the senses (via Sensory Marketing theory) on customer perceived quality and satisfaction when using health services in public hospitals. Based on the results, the research proposes solutions for public hospitals to improve the service experience to increase customer satisfaction in Vietnam generally and in developing countries particularly.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used 619 respondents’ non-convenient probability sampling method, focusing on objects experienced with public hospital services in Vietnam. A preliminary quantitative study (n = 113) and qualitative research (n = 20) have been conducted to finalise the designed questionnaire before conducting a formal quantitative survey. Cronbach Alpha, CFA and SEM have been used to explore the meanings of the data collected.
Findings
The result showed that through Sensory Marketing, sensorial stimulus (tactile, sight, smell and taste) significantly impacts customer satisfaction with medical services at the public hospital. Research findings are the premise to conclude that the application of the Sensory Marketing model creates a great sensory experience, and minimises negative psychological feelings in the medical, especially in a prioritised personalisation society.
Practical implications
The authors open up a new health service quality and satisfaction assessment tool based on the original human senses that were previously applied in researching other services, it has been proven to be successfully applied to specific service areas such as healthcare. This research is believed to provide valuable implications for medical service stakeholders and policymakers to improve service quality and enhance the customer experience and satisfaction level through sensorial approaches, strategies and tactics.
Originality/value
While most studies on customer satisfaction in the medical field use SERVQUAL, SERVPERF or KQCAH model, this study breaks the research gap by not only affirming and strengthening the research perspective on Sensory Marketing but also contributing to creating a solid theoretical framework on perceived service quality and satisfaction.