J. Cañavate, P. Casas, F. Carrillo, F. Nogués and X. Colom
Disposal of end of life tyres is regulated in many countries. The enormous amount produced every year needs the research of new ways of recycling. A common practice previous to…
Abstract
Disposal of end of life tyres is regulated in many countries. The enormous amount produced every year needs the research of new ways of recycling. A common practice previous to any treatment is the grinding of the tyres by specialized companies producing ground tyre rubber powder. Several attempts to include this powder in polymeric matrixes have been developed, mainly resulting in a lack of compatibility of the components. In this paper we propose a new composite including GTR and EPDM in a HDPE matrix. The use of peroxides to produce crosslinking produces a thermoelastomeric material suitable for industrial applications.
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Queli Regina Fritsch Denes, Rosana de Cassia de Souza Schneider and Liane Mahlmann Kipper
The objective of the present research was to carry out a scientific map about life cycle assessment (LCA) and triple bottom line (TBL) at slaughterhouse areas, looking for Cleaner…
Abstract
Purpose
The objective of the present research was to carry out a scientific map about life cycle assessment (LCA) and triple bottom line (TBL) at slaughterhouse areas, looking for Cleaner Production practices aiming at recognizing strategic themes for maintaining the sustainability of productive systems, according to the development of sustainable practices and production evolution in slaughterhouse areas.
Design/methodology/approach
The literature analysis was based on general approach, with steps adapted of study phases and activities of preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses (PRISMA) recommendation guide to do systematic literature review. Activities were subdivided to discuss the results in two kinds of analysis: quantitative and qualitative.
Findings
The main findings of our study reinforce the LCA importance in slaughterhouses to promote Cleaner Production, so that the main measures suggested and/or adopted by different authors include the substitution of raw materials by feeding, with the adoption of grains, protein supplements with less environmental impact in the composition of the feed and changes in the processes seeking for better energy efficiency and optimization of water consumption in meat processing.
Research limitations/implications
There is another action of sustainability considering LCA and Cleaner Production practices in the industrial meat area that should also be considered. These actions are restricted to documents of business circulation, with limited access since they involve issues regarding innovations in economic and technological aspects of slaughterhouses, as well as industrial confidentiality. Furthermore, in patent bases it is possible to advance the studies looking for how the digital transformation has been carried out in this industrial branch, since the 4.0 transformation industry tends to use clean technologies.
Originality/value
There are LCA models with a systemic approach to measure the level of sustainability of a process, comprising analysis of impacts related to different areas: environmental, social and economic although in terms of the meat production chain, the impact analysis focuses mainly on the environmental area. So, future works should be developed in meat production chain to assess social and economic impacts, i.e. a sustainable LCA addressing the three areas to consolidate models and standardize metrics with a scientific basis.
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Qing Bao, Baojin Wang, Manman Li, Chao Li and Jin Gao
A section of in-service PE gas pipeline in Guocun, Beijing, was found to appear gas leaking at the electrofusion (EF) joint. This study is dedicated to reveal the material cause…
Abstract
Purpose
A section of in-service PE gas pipeline in Guocun, Beijing, was found to appear gas leaking at the electrofusion (EF) joint. This study is dedicated to reveal the material cause of EF joint failure to help with a more accurate prediction of service life of PE gas pipe and further normalize the construction of PE gas pipeline.
Design/methodology/approach
Defect detection was carried out on the leaking EF joint using ultrasonic phased array. The mechanical degradation and structural aging behavior was studied by tension test, FTIR technology, TG test and DSC test. The organic components in the soil surrounding the PE gas pipe failure area were qualitatively identified.
Findings
The results showed that the organic surfactants in the soil environment could accelerate the aging behavior of PE material, leading to a deterioration of mechanical properties and a serious reduction in the ability of the PE pipe and EF joint, especially at the welding defect, to resist external force.
Originality/value
A novel study was conducted to investigate the failure cause of the EF joint of in-service PE gas pipe, incorporating the analysis of environmental factors and structural deterioration.
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Alisha Waquar, Sujood, Saima Kareem, Nusrat Yasmeen and Sarah Hussain
This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review of scholarly literature on the educational impacts of the metaverse, systematically identifying emerging themes, challenges and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to conduct a comprehensive review of scholarly literature on the educational impacts of the metaverse, systematically identifying emerging themes, challenges and implications for metaverse education.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses systematic literature review techniques using the Scopus database to investigate empirical studies and systematic reviews specifically examining the convergence of the metaverse and education.
Findings
The study shows that the metaverse has a substantial influence on education, emphasising immersive learning, real social interactions and the transformation of traditional frameworks. This paper identifies nine themes, illuminating the growing relevance of metaverse tools in academic institutions, influencing learning methods, outcomes and positive student dispositions.
Research limitations/implications
This study provides a foundation for further investigations into the metaverse’s potential to disseminate knowledge and enhance comprehension of metaverse technologies. It explores the metaverse’s potential in relation to progress, upcoming trends and cultural awareness while highlighting obstacles that must be addressed for effective metaverse teaching.
Originality/value
This research paper makes a substantial scholarly contribution by undertaking a systematic analysis of empirical studies and identifying emerging themes in the area of metaverse education. It offers substantial insights into the transformative potential of metaverse education and its implications for pedagogical and instructional approaches in the digitised era through the analysis of fundamental inquiries.
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Leopoldo Trieste, Andrea Bazzani, Alessia Amato, Ugo Faraguna and Giuseppe Turchetti
The purpose of this paper is to explore the associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchasing behaviour in a sample of Italian consumers.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchasing behaviour in a sample of Italian consumers.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants (N = 194) completed an online survey including personal data, two questionnaires on purchase behaviour and food consumption, the General Trust Scale (GTS), a questionnaire assessing individual chronotype and two scales about food literacy: one investigating nutritional knowledge (short food literacy questionnaire, SFLQ) and the other focussing on procedural skills (self-perceived food literacy scale, SPFL). Associations between food literacy, consumer profiling and purchase behaviour were analysed with linear regression models.
Findings
Participants with specific education in nutrition reported higher scores in food literacy. The final score of food literacy was predicted by a greater attention to nutritional content and nutritional properties of products. Women paid more attention to nutritional properties than men, and they obtained higher scores in SFLQ. Evening types obtained lower scores in SFPL compared to intermediate and morning chronotypes. Body mass index (BMI) was negatively correlated to SPFL score, while it was associated with the easy availability of a product, so that obese (BMI ≥ 30) subjects considered the easy availability of a product more important compared to non-obese ones (BMI < 30).
Originality/value
This study investigates the influence of personal and psychometric variables of consumer profiling on food literacy and consequently on purchase behaviour, paving the way for implementing healthier food consumption policies. These findings reinforce the primacy of specific education in building healthy eating habits.
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Yutian Yao, Qiusheng Song, Xiansu Cheng, Yonghai Song and Ben Liu
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of chlorination on the structure and properties of reclaimed rubber and to discuss the feasibility of a novel method to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of chlorination on the structure and properties of reclaimed rubber and to discuss the feasibility of a novel method to chlorinate reclaimed rubber.
Design/methodology/approach
A series of chlorinated reclaimed rubber with different chlorination degrees (CD) was prepared by suspension chlorination in aqueous phase (SCAP). Their structure and performance were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, energy dispersive spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and mechanical property test.
Findings
The chemistry structure, mechanical performance and heat resistance of CRR is affected greatly by its CD.
Research limitations/implications
Although in the present work only chlorination of reclaimed rubber is researched, but this method can be used to modify other recycled rubber.
Practical implications
SCAP is a useful method to produce CRR, and it is feasible for production of chlorinated recycled rubber in large scale. The present work provides a new strategy to fabricate new materials based on recycled rubber.
Social implications
Chlorination of reclaimed rubber by SCAP is useful to convert waste rubber into new materials, and it is useful to decrease environment pollution.
Originality/value
SCAP method provides a new technology to chlorinate waste rubber with many merits, such as chlorination rate of RR is accelerated and the reaction can be controlled or adjusted easily. Moreover, conversion of chlorine is increased remarkably.
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Heba Raslan, Khaled El-Nemr, Magdy Ali and Medhat Hassan
This study aims to investigate the influences of polyester fabric layers on the mechanical properties of SBR and devulcanized waste rubber composite materials, as well as the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influences of polyester fabric layers on the mechanical properties of SBR and devulcanized waste rubber composite materials, as well as the effect of gamma irradiation dose.
Design/methodology/approach
The devulcanized waste rubbers (DWR) were carried out by different methods. First, chemically, by two different reclaiming agents such as tetramethylthiuram disulfide (TMTD) and 2-mercapto benzothiazole disulfide (MBTS). Secondary by a physical method like microwave (MW). The devulcanized rubbers were mixed with virgin styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) in different ratios, as follows: SBR-DWR (TMTD) 50 / 50, SBR-DWR (MBTS) 80 / 20 and SBR-DWR (MW) 80 / 20. A series of sandwich polyester tire cord fabrics were used as reinforcement for making SBR and devulcanized waste rubber composite materials and molded on a hot press into rubber sheet films, then subjected to gamma radiation at different doses ranging from 100 up to 200 kGy.
Findings
The experimental results indicate that increasing the layer number improves the mechanical properties of composites. The tensile strength, tearing, hardness and elastic modulus of the rubber composites increased with the rise of the fiber layers and by increasing the irradiation dose up to 200 kGy. The reclaiming agent TMTD gave the best results for mechanical properties, followed by MW and then MBTS.
Originality/value
This phenomenon can be detailed based on the fact that when the fiber-reinforced composites are subjected to loading, the fibers act as load carriers, depending on the population and orientation of the fibers. Also, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that adhesion was caused by tire cord fabrics and rubber blend matrix.
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Constantinos Vasilios Priporas
Competitive intelligence (CI) is a vital tool for any company to survive and remain competitive in today’s hypercompetitive and uncertain business environment. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
Competitive intelligence (CI) is a vital tool for any company to survive and remain competitive in today’s hypercompetitive and uncertain business environment. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the use of CI in liquor retailing in the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory single longitudinal case study was performed through observation and semi-structured interviews plus examining documents from secondary sources in two phases. Content analysis was used for the data analysis.
Findings
Regardless of the small size of the company, the owner has an active attitude toward monitoring competition by using various sources of information and converting it into intelligence for making sound decisions for both short-term and long-term competitiveness. Also, the central role of the owner in the CI process has been verified.
Originality/value
This study responds to calls for more case studies in the field and is the first one to explore CI in the liquor retailing ecosystem by using a longitudinal case study. In general, studies of CI in retailing are limited. It has clear value to CI practices for retailers in the USA and in general.
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Tuğberk Kaya, Mustafa Sağsan, Tunç Medeni, Tolga Medeni and Mete Yıldız
The manner in which people, businesses and governments perform is changing because of the spread of technology. Digitalization of governments can be considered a necessity as we…
Abstract
Purpose
The manner in which people, businesses and governments perform is changing because of the spread of technology. Digitalization of governments can be considered a necessity as we are now entering the era of the Internet-of-Things. The advantages and disadvantages of electronic governments have been examined in several research studies. This study aims to examine the attitudes of decision-makers towards e-government. The research aims are as follows: to determine the problems related with e-government usage, to establish the factors which decrease the usage of e-government services and to propose recommendations for the effective application of e-government practices.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative research has been used for the study. Participants were chosen by the snowball sampling method, and face-to-face in-depth interviews were conducted with all decision-makers. In-depth interviews are more efficient and enable the acquisition of better qualitative information, in-depth knowledge and statistics, as the distance between the interviewer and interviewee is reduced (Stokes and Bergin, 2006). Questions asked can be categorized under two sections, where the questions in the first section are related to the decision-maker’s management style/managerial proposition, and in the second section, technological questions are asked in terms of the preferred communication method and the decision-makers’ attitudes towards e-government practices.
Findings
Decision-makers perceive electronic government to be important, while the level of importance is observed to be different among the decision-makers. Chronic problems exist in many countries, such as nepotism, where the decision-makers have conflicting arguments about e-government and the resulting effect on nepotism. Furthermore, the study also indicates that decision-makers are aware of the importance of mobile government, although they acknowledge that more time is required, as their country is still developing. Electronic voting is also perceived to be important, although the decision-makers believe that security and privacy issues need to be solved before related projects can be initiated.
Originality/value
This research can be a benchmark study for the decision-makers of small island developing states by means of e-government. The impediments preventing the effective application of e-government practices are also discussed in the study. This study will be useful to highlight the triggers and obstacles for e-government development in the context of a developing country. Internet penetration has increased significantly since the 2000s, and therefore, decision-makers need to consider the shift in citizens’ behaviour, such as the high usage of smartphones and the emergence of the Internet-of-Things (Kaya and Bicen, 2016; Kumar et al., 2017).