Nour Amin Elsahoryi, Refat Alkurd, Leena Ahmad, Amin N. Olaimat, Fwzieh Hammad and Richard Holley
People with food allergies rely to a great extent on restaurant staff to have a safe meal. The purpose of this paper is to acquire novel data to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and…
Abstract
Purpose
People with food allergies rely to a great extent on restaurant staff to have a safe meal. The purpose of this paper is to acquire novel data to evaluate knowledge, attitudes and practices of food allergy among the restaurant's staff and factors that could be associated with these domains.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study involving 306 restaurant staff in Amman City, Jordan was conducted using a validated self-reported questionnaire. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors independently associated with knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP).
Findings
The results showed that most restaurant staff had moderate to excellent knowledge, positive attitudes, low to moderate risk practices regarding food allergy. Knowledge level was significantly associated with the staff's age, position, education level and restaurant class. Further, attitude level was significantly associated with staff age, experience, gender, education level, restaurant class and whether the restaurant held food safety certificates. Similarly, staff behavioral practices were significantly associated with staff position, restaurant class and the presence of valid food safety certificates.
Practical implications
This study suggests that more training for the staff in restaurants would be associated with a lower risk of providing unsafe meals.
Originality/value
This study demonstrated the need for the pre-employment theoretical and practical tests for restaurants’ staff to determine their knowledge level and provide them mandatory developing training programs to support and facilitate food allergy risk management and to develop food allergy policies.
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Danielle Verlene Christal Watson, Sara N. Amin and Amanda L. Robinson
Discussions about progressive gender reform across Melanesia highlight the need for more gender-inclusive policies and improved conditions for women and girls throughout all…
Abstract
Purpose
Discussions about progressive gender reform across Melanesia highlight the need for more gender-inclusive policies and improved conditions for women and girls throughout all sectors. However, for many of these countries, attempts to address the problems are marred by insufficient resources and low prioritization of the issue and traditional, cultural and religious perspectives about gender and gendered roles. This article discusses how police responses are coordinated to address domestic and family violence (DFV) and provides a critical reflection on both internal responses and the complexities of multi-partner operations beyond urban spaces.
Design/methodology/approach
This article draws on the findings from a stakeholder engagement focus group with 20 participants from four Melanesian countries – Fiji, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu – to provide insight into policing innovations in rural contexts.
Findings
There is a need for improved multisector partnerships, increased police presence and greater reliance on indigenous strategies to improve responses to DFV in resource-constrained contexts.
Originality/value
The article provides insight into an under-researched area and makes recommendations for improving responses to DFV in rural areas in small-island developing states.
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Y.Y. Lok, I. Pop, D.B. Ingham and N. Amin
The purpose of this paper is to study theoretically the steady two‐dimensional mixed convection flow of a micropolar fluid impinging obliquely on a stretching vertical sheet. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study theoretically the steady two‐dimensional mixed convection flow of a micropolar fluid impinging obliquely on a stretching vertical sheet. The flow consists of a stagnation‐point flow and a uniform shear flow parallel to the surface of the sheet. The sheet is stretching with a velocity proportional to the distance from the stagnation point while the surface temperature is assumed to vary linearly. The paper attempts also to show that a similarity solution of this problem can be obtained.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a similarity transformation, the basic partial differential equations are first reduced to ordinary differential equations which are then solved numerically using the Keller box method for some values of the governing parameters. Both assisting and opposing flows are considered. The results are also obtained for both strong and weak concentration cases.
Findings
These results provide information about the effect of a/c (ratio of the stagnation point velocity and the stretching velocity), σ (shear flow parameter) and K (material parameter) on the flow and heat transfer characteristics in mixed convection flow near a non‐orthogonal stagnation‐point on a vertical stretching surface. The results show that the shear stress increases as K increases, while the heat flux from the surface of the sheet decreases with an increase in K.
Research limitations/implications
The results in this paper are valid only in the small region around the stagnation‐point on the vertical sheet. It is found that for smaller Prandtl number, there are difficulties in the numerical computation due to the occurrence of reversed flow for opposing flow. An extension of this work could be performed for the unsteady case.
Originality/value
The present results are original and new for the micropolar fluids. They are important in many practical applications in manufacturing processes in industry.
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Y.Y. Lok, N. Amin, D. Campean and I. Pop
To study the steady mixed convection boundary‐layer flow of a micropolar fluid near the region of the stagnation point on a double‐infinite vertical flat plate is studied. The…
Abstract
Purpose
To study the steady mixed convection boundary‐layer flow of a micropolar fluid near the region of the stagnation point on a double‐infinite vertical flat plate is studied. The results of this paper are important for the researchers in the area of micropolar fluids.
Design/methodology/approach
For the case considered the problem reduces to a system of ordinary differential equations, which is solved numerically using the Keller‐box method. This method is very efficient for solving boundary‐layer problems and it can easily be applied to other general situations than that presented in this paper. Any PhD student can learn and apply it very easily.
Findings
Representative results for the velocity, microrotation and temperature profiles, as well as for the reduced skin friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number have been obtained for the case of strong concentration, Prandtl number of 0.7, some values of the material parameter K and the mixed convection parameter λ(≥0). Both assisting and opposing flow cases are considered. Results for the reduced skin friction coefficient and reduced local Nusselt number as well as for the reduced velocity, temperature and microrotation profiles are given in tables and figures. The obtained results are compared with ones from the open literature and it is found that they are in excellent agreement. The important conclusion is, we have been able to show that for opposing flow solutions are possible are possible only for a limited range of values of the mixed convection parameter λ.
Research limitations/implications
The results of this paper are valid only in the small region around the stagnation point on a vertical surface and they are not applicable outside this region.
Practical implications
The theory of micropolar fluids and also the results of the present paper can be used to explain the characteristics in certain fluids such as exotic lubricants, colloidal suspensions or polymeric fluids, liquid crystals, and animal blood.
Originality/value
The paper is very well prepared, presented and readable. We believe that the results are original and important from both theoretical and application point of views.
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Wei Zhang, Jiali Weng, Shang Hao, Yuan Xie and Yonggui Li
Fabrics with photothermal conversion functions were developed based on the introduction of shape stable composite phase change materials (CPCMs).
Abstract
Purpose
Fabrics with photothermal conversion functions were developed based on the introduction of shape stable composite phase change materials (CPCMs).
Design/methodology/approach
Acidified single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were selected as support material to prepare CPCMs with n-octadecane to improve the thermal conductivity and shape stability. The CPCMs were finished onto the surface of cotton fabric through the coating and screen-printing method. The chemical properties of CPCMs were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, XRD and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The shape stability and thermal conductivity were also evaluated. In addition, the photothermal conversion and temperature-regulating performance of the finished fabrics were analyzed.
Findings
When the addition amount of acidified SWCNTs are 14% to the mass of n-octadecane, the best shape stability of CPCMs is obtained. DSC analysis shows that the latent heat energy storage of CPCMs is as high as 183.1 J/g. The thermal conductivity is increased by 84.4% compared with that of n-octadecane. The temperature-regulating fabrics coated with CPCMs have good photothermal conversion properties.
Research limitations/implications
CPCMs with high latent heat properties are applied to the fabric surface through screen printing technology, which not only gives the fabric the photothermal conversion performance but also reflects the design of personalized patterns.
Practical implications
CPCMs and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are mixed to make printing paste and printed cotton fabric with temperature-regulating functional is developed.
Originality/value
SWCNTs and n-octadecane are composited to prepare CPCMs with excellent thermal properties, which can be mixed with PDMS to make printing paste without adding other pastes. The fabric is screen-printed to obtain a personalized pattern and can be given a thermoregulatory function.
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This paper explores the role of Zakah in social cause marketing. Academic literature on Islamic economics, finance and management mostly deals with the links that exists between…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the role of Zakah in social cause marketing. Academic literature on Islamic economics, finance and management mostly deals with the links that exists between Zakah and consumption, neglecting important and strategic links with social cause marketing. This paper emanated from need to outline social cause and the charitable role of Zakah in promoting Halal businesses, poverty alleviation and sustainable development. Most works in the field of Zakah did not foresee the role of marketing. This is a misjudgement, as this work showed that Zakah yields large and measurable social gains to help the society and a firm.
Design/methodology/approach
Secondary sources were used in writing this paper. Available literature in the form of journals, books, manuals and reports was referred to. As a conceptual work, the paper does not test hypothesis or pretends to provide empirical evidences. It uses mathematical economics in arriving at some of the conclusions. Findings were derived through deductions and critical discourses, not through crunching of primary data.
Findings
The paper shows how Zakah, Halal consumption and corporate social responsibility are connected and highlights the role of Zakah as a social marketing tool. It shows how Zakah affects consumption through marginal propensity of Zakah recipients who spend Zakah money on basic needs.
Research limitations/implications
The paper looks at the broad aspects of Zakah and social marketing. How to make Zakah a pillar of Islamic firms’ social cause programs shall be the focus of future academic works in this area.
Originality/value
The paper is unique in drawing attention of Islamic firms to the effectiveness of Zakah in building a corporate image. It draws the attention of firms, activists, academics and governments to functions of Zakah that have not been studied in depth.
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The study aims to summarize the 20 years of literature published in takaful between 2000 and 2019 and propose some key areas as the directions for future research.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to summarize the 20 years of literature published in takaful between 2000 and 2019 and propose some key areas as the directions for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study utilizes the systematic method of reviewing the literature. The SCOPUS database has been accessed, and 96 articles have been accounted for the analysis. The articles are grouped in their exclusive themes, such as consumer behavior, financial and nonfinancial performance, takaful models, human resources and governance.
Findings
Takaful research has widely covered marketing, finance, human resource, governance and stresses on its legal issues. Both qualitative and quantitative methodologies have been employed. The research gaps have been classified based on the respective areas. Large share of current body of takaful literature consists of the studies related to the application of behavioural theories to examine the behavioural intention to take up takaful services.
Originality/value
The study enriches the literature of takaful by reviewing articles according to their respective themes, thereby contributing to the significant findings missing from existing literature surveys.
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Abdul Rahman Al Natour, Hamzah Al-Mawali, Hala Zaidan and Yasmeen Hany Zaky Said
This paper aims to investigate the role of forensic accounting skills in enhancing auditor’s self-efficacy towards fraud detection in Egypt. Additionally, it explores the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the role of forensic accounting skills in enhancing auditor’s self-efficacy towards fraud detection in Egypt. Additionally, it explores the moderating effect of computer-assisted audit techniques and tools (CAATTs) application on the relationship between accounting and auditing skills and auditor’s self-efficacy, as well as its role in enhancing fraud detection.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was developed and distributed to 117 external auditors working in Egypt. Partial least square structural equation modelling is used to examine the study hypotheses.
Findings
The results show a significant direct relationship between effective communication skills, psycho-social skills, accounting and auditing skills and an auditor’s self-efficacy. Additionally, the results show a significant direct relationship between auditor’s self-efficacy and fraud detection. It is revealed that CAATTs application moderate the relationship between auditor’s self-efficacy and fraud detection. In contrast, the results do not show a significant relationship between technical and analytical skills and auditor’s self-efficacy.
Originality/value
The originality of this research paper lies in its exploration of the role of forensic accounting skills in enhancing auditor’s self-efficacy towards fraud detection in Egypt. It sheds light on the role of improved auditor’s self-efficacy in detecting fraud. Additionally, this study further enhances the understanding of the potential benefits of using technological advancements in the audit process. It provides insights for accounting professionals and regulatory bodies in Egypt, highlighting the importance of leveraging forensic accounting skills and using CAATTs to enhance fraud detection efforts.
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Purpose – This chapter examines how informal and formal entrepreneurial institutions are influenced by economic crises. These institutions act as the foundation for many, if not…
Abstract
Purpose – This chapter examines how informal and formal entrepreneurial institutions are influenced by economic crises. These institutions act as the foundation for many, if not all, entrepreneurial activities, but they are highly vulnerable to change during times of crisis.
Design/methodology/approach – This chapter uses a case study of software entrepreneurs in Ottawa, Canada, to better understand the influence of the 2001 and 2008 recessions on the social and economic aspects of entrepreneurship. This case is examined through a set of 39 semi-structured interviews with entrepreneurs, investors, and economic development officers.
Findings – While informal entrepreneurial institutions have adapted to a changing economic environment, formal institutions and government programs have so far failed to do this. This results in less effective entrepreneurship support programs.
Research limitations/implications – As with other qualitative case studies, these findings are not generalizable to other regions. This chapter calls for further research is needed to better understand the social forces behind institutional change.
Practical implications – This chapter argues that entrepreneurship support programs must be customized to the informal social institutions that underlie all entrepreneurial behavior and practices. This alignment potentially increases the usefulness of such programs to entrepreneurs.
Originality/value of the paper– While entrepreneurship in Ottawa has been carefully studied, there has been very little work examining how technology entrepreneurship in Ottawa has fared after the decline of the telecommunications market. This chapter is useful to both entrepreneurship scholars as well as practitioners and policy makers interested in how entrepreneurial institutions react to crises.