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Article
Publication date: 29 November 2019

Morteza Asadi and Jalal Karami

The aim of this study was to determine the number of shelters, specify some optimal paths among building blocks towards shelters, and assign population to shelters.

139

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the number of shelters, specify some optimal paths among building blocks towards shelters, and assign population to shelters.

Design/methodology/approach

Imperialist competition algorithm (ICA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO) were used to optimize the objectives of this study.

Findings

The optimal value for PSO objective function was with the number of function evaluations (NFE) of 5300 and the optimal value of ICA objective function was with NFE of 1062. Repetition test for both algorithms showed that imperialist competition algorithm enjoys better stability and constancy and higher speed of convergence compared to particle swarm algorithm. This has been also shown in larger environments. 92% of the existing populations have access to shelters at a distance of less than600 meters. This means that evacuation from the building blocks to shelters takes less than 8 minutes. The average distance from a block (for example, a residential complex) to an optimal shelter is approximately273meters. The greatest risk of route and shelter has been 239 and 121, respectively.

Research limitations/implications

To address these goals, four following objective functions were considered: a) minimization of the distance for getting all the people to shelters b) the lowest total risk of the discharge path c) minimization of the total time required to transfer people to shelters or hospitals if necessary, and d) the lowest total risk in shelters.

Social implications

Over the recent decades, the frequency of so-called ‘natural’ disasters has increased significantly worldwide and resulted in escalating human and economic losses. Among them, the earthquake is one of the major concerns of the various stakeholders related to urban planning.

Originality/value

In addition, the maximum time of discharge from the helter to the hospital has been 17 minutes, which means the presence of good access to selected shelters.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

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Article
Publication date: 2 April 2024

Mohammad Iranmanesh, Madugoda Gunaratnege Senali, Behzad Foroughi, Morteza Ghobakhloo, Shahla Asadi and Erfan Babaee Tirkolaee

Understanding how to retain users of augmented reality (AR) shopping apps and to motivate them to purchase is vital to the success of AR apps. This study assessed the chain effect…

802

Abstract

Purpose

Understanding how to retain users of augmented reality (AR) shopping apps and to motivate them to purchase is vital to the success of AR apps. This study assessed the chain effect of AR attributes on purchase intention and reuse intention through cognitive and affective factors.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from Thai users of the IKEA Place app using an online survey. A link to the survey was posted on Thai furniture groups on social media platforms. The 439 responses were analysed using the partial least squares (PLS) approach.

Findings

The results revealed that all four AR attributes, namely interactivity, vividness, novelty and spatial presence, significantly influence perceived enjoyment, perceived diagnosticity and perceived value. Brand attitude, as a key driver of purchase intention, is influenced by perceived value. Attitude towards the app significantly affects reuse intention and is affected by affective and cognitive factors.

Practical implications

The findings enable shopping app designers and marketers to successfully promote the brand, retain users and boost sales by effectively incorporating AR.

Originality/value

The study extends the literature on the impacts of AR apps on customer behaviours by including affective factors in addition to cognitive factors to explain why AR attributes influence customer attitudes and behaviours. Furthermore, the study demonstrates the serial causal paths from AR attributes to customer behaviours.

Details

Asia-Pacific Journal of Business Administration, vol. 16 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-4323

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Article
Publication date: 18 May 2020

Morteza Hendijani Fard, Azade Asadi Damavandi, Ali Mahdilouytazehkandi and Meysam Asharin

This paper aims to examine the relationship between four leadership approaches (i.e. transactional leadership, transformational leadership, entrepreneurial leadership and…

636

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between four leadership approaches (i.e. transactional leadership, transformational leadership, entrepreneurial leadership and authentic leadership) and organizational citizenship behaviour from the Islamic perspective (OCBIP) in the central offices of private banks in Tehran, Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

A correlative descriptive research method is used. Partial least squares modelling is applied to analyze the data from 384 employees and managers of the banks.

Findings

The results show that transactional leadership and transformational leadership positively and significantly affect OCBIP. However, entrepreneurial leadership and authentic leadership do not predict followers’ OCBIP. Also, transformational leadership has a greater power to influence on OCBIP than transactional leadership. The empirical findings also indicate that each of leadership behaviours influences certain types of OCBIPs so that transactional leadership predicts altruism, civic virtue and advocating high moral standards; transformational leadership predicts altruism, civic virtue and removal of harm; authentic leadership predicts advocating high moral standards, significantly; and entrepreneurial leadership predicts civic virtue, negatively.

Originality/value

OCBIP is a new construct that has been conceptualized, recently. In the past decades, many studies have examined the relationship between different leadership approaches and organizational citizenship behaviours (OCB) of followers. However, the relationship between leadership approaches and OCBIP has not yet been investigated. Furthermore, only a few studies have compared the influence of different leadership approaches on OCB and OCBIP. This paper contributes to the literature by identifying the distinct impact of the four leadership approaches on the different types of OCBIPs. Furthermore, examining the impact of some leadership approaches (e.g. entrepreneurial leadership) on OCBIP has remained unknown.

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Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

Amir Khalaj Asadi, Morteza Ebrahimi and Mohsen Mohseni

The purpose of this investigation is to develop a facile method to encapsulate a sunlight-curable silicone-based resin into a melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF) shell in the…

207

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this investigation is to develop a facile method to encapsulate a sunlight-curable silicone-based resin into a melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF) shell in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as an emulsifier. These microcapsules can be used in self-healing coating formulations.

Design/methodology/approach

MUF microcapsules containing a sunlight-curable core (methacryloxypropyl-terminated polydimethylsiloxane, MAT-PDMS) have been fabricated by means of in situ polymerisation of an oil-in-water emulsion using PVP as an efficient and environmentally advantageous stabiliser. The effects of agitation rate and PVP concentration on the microencapsulation process have been investigated using optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical structure and thermal stability of the microcapsules have been studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The solvent resistance of the microcapsules has been determined as well.

Findings

It has been revealed that the pH of the reaction mixture remained almost constant during the reaction, which simplified the process. It has also been observed that the microencapsulation yield improved and the microcapsules’ surface morphology became smoother when a high PVP content was used. With an increase in stirring rate from 600 to 1,200 rpm, the surface roughness and the average particle size decreased. The mean diameter of the prepared microcapsules ranged from 32.1 to 327.1 µm depending on the synthesis conditions. It was demonstrated that the microcapsules had a high capacity for MAT-PDMS encapsulation (more than 88 Wt.%). The solvent stability of the microcapsules against different polar, semi-polar and non-polar solvents was also evaluated.

Research limitations/implications

This research is limited to the encapsulation of a hydrophobic and sunlight curable liquid (such as MAT-PDMS) by means of in situ polymerisation of amino resins.

Practical implications

The results can be used by researchers working on the fabrication of microcapsules for applications such as drugs, electrophoretic inks, electrophoretic displays, intumescent fire-retardant coatings and self-healing materials.

Social implications

In self-healing coatings, healing agents which can be cured by UV irradiation or sunlight are envisaged attractive because they are catalyst-free, environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive. PVP is an environmentally friendly emulsifier. The prepared microcapsules can be used in self-healing coatings to help in reducing maintenance costs for buildings and steel structures.

Originality/value

The novel aspect of this work is the development of a sunlight-curable silicone-based resin that was encapsulated in a MUF shell in the presence of PVP. A simple method was used to fabricate MUF microcapsules containing MAT-PDMS without the need to control pH during the reaction. Conventional methods for the preparation of amino resin microcapsules require an intensive and precise pH control to obtain favourable microcapsules. MAT-PDMS can be cured by sunlight and is catalyst-free, environmentally friendly and relatively inexpensive.

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Article
Publication date: 3 July 2017

Amir Khalaj Asadi, Morteza Ebrahimi and Mohsen Mohseni

The purpose of this work was to express a facile method to fabricate microcapsules containing linseed oil with melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) shell in the presence of…

392

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to express a facile method to fabricate microcapsules containing linseed oil with melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) shell in the presence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as an emulsifier. These microcapsules may be used in self-healing coating formulations.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, different types of PVP (i.e., PVP with different molecular weights or K values) were used as emulsifiers and colloid protectors to encapsulate linseed oil in an MUF shell. Moreover, the effect of agitation rate on the morphology of the microcapsules was investigated. Microcapsule morphology and particle size distribution were evaluated using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Thermal studies were performed using a thermo-gravimetric analysis technique and chemical structure of materials was characterized by using Fourier transform infrared analysis.

Findings

In this work, microcapsules with a regular spherical shape and a shell thickness of about 330 nm were fabricated. The results revealed that the use of PVP in the fabrication of MUF could facilitate the synthesis process by eliminating the necessity of pH control during the reaction. In fact, the pH of the reaction media must be precisely controlled in conventional processes. The yield of microencapsulation was found to be 86.5 per cent when a high molecular weight of PVP (PVP K-90) was used. It was also found that the surface morphology of microcapsules became smoother when PVP K-90 was used. The results showed that the surface roughness and the average particle size decreased with an increase in stirring intensity. Mean diameter of the prepared microcapsules ranged from 34 to 346 μmin for various synthesis conditions.

Research limitations/implications

This work is limited to the encapsulation of a hydrophobic liquid (such as linseed oil) by an in situ polymerisation of amino resins.

Practical implications

The presented results can be used by researchers (in academia and industry) who are working in the field of fabrication microcapsules, in various applications such as pharmaceuticals, electrophoretic displays, textiles, carbonless copy papers, cosmetics, printing and self-healing materials.

Social implications

PVP is considered as an environmentally friendly emulsifier. Therefore, this process is less harmful to the environment. In addition, the prepared microcapsules may be used in self-healing coatings, which helps in reducing maintenance costs for buildings and steel structures.

Originality/value

Ethylene maleic anhydride and styrene maleic anhydride are usually used as emulsifiers in conventional methods for the preparation of amino resin microcapsules. These methods require an intensive and precise pH control to obtain favourable microcapsules, while in the present research, a facile method was used to fabricate MUF microcapsules containing linseed oil without needing any pH control during the reaction.

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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2021

Srikant Gupta, Sachin Chaudhary, Prasenjit Chatterjee and Morteza Yazdani

Logistics is the part of the supply chain (SC) that plans, executes and handles forward and reverse movement and storage of products, services and related information, in order to…

497

Abstract

Purpose

Logistics is the part of the supply chain (SC) that plans, executes and handles forward and reverse movement and storage of products, services and related information, in order to respond to customers' needs effectively and efficiently. The main concern for logistics is to ensure that the correct product is placed at the right time. This paper introduces a linear model of shipping focused on decision-making, which includes configuration of shipping network, choosing of transport means and transfer of individual customer shipments through a particular transport system.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, authors try to address the problem of supply chain network (SCN) where the primary goal is to determine the appropriate order allocation of products from different sources to different destinations. They also seek to minimize total transportation cost and inventory cost by simultaneously determining optimal locations, flows and shipment composition. The formulated problem of getting optimal allocation turns out to be a problem of multi-objective programming, and it is solved by using the max-addition fuzzy goal programming approach, for obtaining optimal order allocation of products. Furthermore, the problem demand and supply parameters have been considered random in nature, and the maximum likelihood estimation approach has been used to assess the unknown probabilistic distribution parameters with a specified probability level (SPL).

Findings

A case study has also been applied for examining the effectiveness and applicability of the developed multi-objective model and the proposed solution methods. Results of this study are very relevant for the manufacturing sector in particular, for those facing logistics issues in SCN. It enables researchers and managers to cope with various types of uncertainty and logistics risks associated with SCN.

Research limitations/implications

The principal contribution of the proposed model is the improved modelling of transportation and inventory, which are affected by different characteristics of SCN. To demonstrate computational information of the suggested methods and proposed model, a case illustration of SCN is provided. Also, environmentalism is increasingly becoming a significant global concern. Hence, the concept proposed could be extended to include environmental aspects as an objective function or constraint.

Originality/value

Efficient integration of logistical cost components, such as transportation costs, inventory costs, with mathematical programming models is an important open issue in logistics optimization. This study expands conventional facility location models to incorporate a range of logistic system elements such as transportation cost and different types of inventory cost, in a multi-product, multi-site network. The research is original and is focused on case studies of real life.

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Article
Publication date: 25 January 2021

Faezeh Nejati Barzoki, Ghanbar Ali Sheikhzadeh, Morteza Khoshvaght Aliabadi and Ali Akbar Abbasian Arani

The purpose of this paper is to investigate thermohydraulic characteristics of turbulent flow of water (4,000 = Re = 10,000) in a rectangular channel equipped with perforated…

190

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate thermohydraulic characteristics of turbulent flow of water (4,000 = Re = 10,000) in a rectangular channel equipped with perforated chevron plat-fin (PCPF) with different vortex generators (VGs) shapes.

Design/methodology/approach

First, three general shapes of VGs including rectangular, triangular and half circle, are compared to each other. Then, the various shapes of rectangular VGs, (horizontal, vertical and square) and triangular VGs, (forward, backward and symmetric) are evaluated. To comprehensively evaluate the thermohydraulic performance of the PCPF with various VG shapes, the relationship between the Colburn factor and the friction factor (j/f) is presented, then a performance index (η) is applied using these factors.

Findings

Results show that the enhanced models of the PCPF, which are equipped with VGs, have higher values of j/f ratio and η as compared with the reference model (R). Further, the half-circle VG with the lowest pressure drop values (about 2.4% and 4.9%, averagely as compared with the S and ST vortex generators), shows the highest thermohydraulic performance among the proposed shapes. The maximum of performance index of 1.14 is found for the HC vortex generator at Re = 4,000. It is also found that the square and forward triangular VGs, have the best thermohydraulic performance among the rectangular and triangular VGs respectively and the highest performance index of 1.13 and 1.11 are reported for these VGs.

Originality/value

The thermohydraulic performance of the PCPF with different vortex generators VGs shapes have been investigated.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 27 May 2022

Mohammad Iranmanesh, Kok Hong Lim, Behzad Foroughi, Meen Chee Hong and Morteza Ghobakhloo

Present research aims to study the determinants of big data analytics (BDA) adoption intention and outsourcing in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

1558

Abstract

Purpose

Present research aims to study the determinants of big data analytics (BDA) adoption intention and outsourcing in the context of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Design/methodology/approach

The partial least squares approach was employed to analyse data collected from 187 SMEs.

Findings

The findings indicate that relative advantage, competitive pressure and environmental uncertainty significantly influence SMEs' BDA adoption intention. Top management support moderates the association between the regulatory environment and BDA adoption intention. Furthermore, organisational readiness moderates negatively the association between BDA adoption intention and propensity to outsource BDA.

Practical implications

The findings benefit SMEs' managers/owners in making well-informed decisions in the BDA adoption process.

Originality/value

The majority of the previous research on BDA adoption intention is limited to large corporations. To address the gap on determinant factors of BDA adoption intention among SMEs, the drivers of BDA adoption intention and propensity to outsource were investigated using the technology-organisation-environment model.

Details

Management Decision, vol. 61 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 23 February 2022

Parisa Maroufkhani, Mohammad Iranmanesh and Morteza Ghobakhloo

The study challenges the assumption of independence among Technological, Organizational and Environmental (TOE) factors and investigates the influence of TOE factors on Big Data…

4672

Abstract

Purpose

The study challenges the assumption of independence among Technological, Organizational and Environmental (TOE) factors and investigates the influence of TOE factors on Big Data Analytics (BDA) adoption among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). Top management support was proposed as a mediator between technological and organizational factors and BDA adoption. Furthermore, the moderating effect of environmental factors on the association between relative advantage, compatibility, competitiveness, organizational readiness and BDA adoption was evaluated.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 171 SME manufacturing firms and analyzed using the partial least squares technique.

Findings

The findings confirmed the interrelationships among the TOE factors. The effects of compatibility, competitiveness and organizational readiness on BDA adoption were mediated by top management support. Furthermore, environmental factors moderate the influences of compatibility and organizational readiness on top management support.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the TOE model by challenging the assumption of independence among TOE factors, and future studies should use this model with more caution and consider the potential relationships between TOE factors.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 123 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

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Article
Publication date: 11 April 2023

Behzad Foroughi, Mohammad Iranmanesh, Mahaletchimi Kuppusamy, Yuvaraj Ganesan, Morteza Ghobakhloo and Madugoda Gunaratnege Senali

Gamification applications (apps) are gaining great attention in many contexts and have grown increasingly. Despite their significant role in many settings, prior research mainly…

928

Abstract

Purpose

Gamification applications (apps) are gaining great attention in many contexts and have grown increasingly. Despite their significant role in many settings, prior research mainly focused on initial adoption, and there are limited studies on the post-adoption stage. This study aims to explore the factors influencing individuals’ continuance intention to use gamified task manager apps, drawing on the technology continuance theory (TCT) by integrating enjoyment, habit and social influence.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were obtained from 318 Malaysian who had prior experience with task management gamified apps and analysed with the partial least squares approach.

Findings

According to the results, confirmation, perceived usefulness (PU) and enjoyment positively influence satisfaction. PU, enjoyment, satisfaction and social influence affect attitude, while the result failed to confirm the association between perceived ease of use and attitude. Furthermore, PU, attitude and habit are strong determinants of users’ continuance intention. Moreover, continuance intention was not predicted by users’ satisfaction and social influence.

Practical implications

The findings provide directions for developers and marketers of gamified task manager apps. Besides the technological and functional benefits of applications, they should also consider social, hedonic and individual factors in the designing and marketing stages.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature by assessing the determinants of continuous intention to use gamified task manager apps; and extending the TCT in the context of gamification by incorporating three contextual factors, namely, perceived enjoyment, social influence and habit.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 41 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

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