S.K. Mhetre, P.K. Patra, Y.K. Kim and S.B. Warner
Uniform dispersion, orientation and adhesion between carbon nanotubes and polymer matrix are essential for the improved mechanical properties in the nanocomposite. We prepared…
Abstract
Uniform dispersion, orientation and adhesion between carbon nanotubes and polymer matrix are essential for the improved mechanical properties in the nanocomposite. We prepared multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWNT)-nylon 6 nanocomposites using an in-situ polymerization technique, assisted with a few minutes (3-4 minutes) of ultrasonication. Fibers were then extruded from prepared nanocomposite using a single screw extruder and stretched for draw ratio 3 and 4 respectively. Uniform dispersion was achieved due to the effect of ultrasonication and quick polymerization. DSC studies indicated the presence of interactions between nylon 6 polymer and MWNTs. SEM studies showed the nearly oriented carbon nanotubes inside the nanocomposite fibers. Improved mechanical properties were observed as a result of proper dispersion, orientation and interfacial interactions. However at higher MWNT loadings (> 0.5 %), molecular weight of the synthesized nylon 6 reduced significantly, resulting in decreased mechanical properties.
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Shefali Singh, Kanchan Awasthi, Pradipta Patra, Jaya Srivastava and Shrawan Kumar Trivedi
Sustainable human resource management (SuHRM), which aims to achieve positive environmental, social and economic outcomes at the same time, has gained prominence across…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainable human resource management (SuHRM), which aims to achieve positive environmental, social and economic outcomes at the same time, has gained prominence across industries. However, the challenges of implementing SuHRM across industries are largely under-studied. The purpose of this study is to identify the grey areas in the field of SuHRM by using an unsupervised learning algorithm on the abstracts of 607 papers published in prominent journals from 1995 to 2023. Most of the articles have been published post-2018.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis of the data (abstracts of the selected articles) has been done using topic modelling via latent Dirichlet algorithm (LDA).
Findings
The output from topic modelling-LDA reveals nine primary focus areas of SuHRM research – the link between SuHRM and employee well-being; job satisfaction; challenges of implementing SuHRM; exploring new horizons in SuHRM; reaping the benefits of using SuHRM as a strategic tool; green HRM practices; link between SuHRM and organisational performance; link between corporate social responsible and HRM.
Research limitations/implications
The insights gained from this study along with the discussions on each topic will be extremely beneficial for researchers, academicians, journal editors and practitioners to channelise their research focus. No other study has used a smart algorithm to identify the research clusters of SuHRM.
Originality/value
By utilizing topic modeling techniques, the study offers a novel approach to analyzing and understanding trends and patterns in HRM research related to sustainability. The significance of the paper would be in its potential to shed light on emerging areas of interest and provide valuable implications for future research and practice in Sustainable HRM.
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Examines the seventeenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects…
Abstract
Examines the seventeenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.
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This paper aims to present the design of a compact vertically polarized four-element UWB antenna suitable for MIMO communications.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the design of a compact vertically polarized four-element UWB antenna suitable for MIMO communications.
Design/methodology/approach
The unit cell antenna is constructed using a square ring radiator excited through a stepped impedance feed. The proposed antenna covers the Ultra-wideband (UWB) spectrum ranging from 2.2 to 12.3 GHz. The isolation between the unit cell antennas in the array is enhanced using a simple microstrip line resonator. The decoupling element is connected to the ground through a via.
Findings
The proposed scheme offers at least 16 dB improvement in the port-to-port coupling. Furthermore, the four-element antenna array is constructed using a specific interlocking scheme. The proposed antenna array’s Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) performance metrics are analyzed.
Originality/value
By suitably selecting the excitation port, directional radiation patterns can be realized. The combined radiation pattern covers 360 degrees. A prototype antenna array is fabricated, and the simulation results are verified using real-time experiments. The proposed antenna is a suitable candidate for shark fin housing in automotive communications.
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Hasanuzzaman Hasanuzzaman and Chandan Bhar
Environmental pollution and corresponding adverse health impacts have now become a significant concern for the entire planet. In this regard, analysts and experts are continually…
Abstract
Purpose
Environmental pollution and corresponding adverse health impacts have now become a significant concern for the entire planet. In this regard, analysts and experts are continually formulating policies to reduce environmental pollution and improve natural ecological conditions. To aid in coping with the ecological predicament, a framework has been developed in the present study to inspect the adverse environmental impacts and related health issues of coal mining.
Design/methodology/approach
The parameters for this study have been identified through a review of the literature and finalized 23 critical parameters of air, water, land and soil, and noise related to coal mining by consultation with experts from industry and academia. Finally, the parameters have been categorized in accordance with the level of threat they pose to the environment by assigning weight using the Bradley–Terry model considering attitudinal data acquired by a questionnaire survey.
Findings
It is found that coal mining has a relatively higher impact on four attributes of “air pollution” (suspended particulate matter [SPM], respiratory particulate matter [RPM], sulfur dioxide [SO2] and oxides of nitrogen [NOx]), followed by “land and soil pollution” (deforestation and surface structure diversion), “noise pollution” (vehicle movement) and “water pollution” (water hardness, total solids (TSS/TDS) and iron content). It is also found that raising the air concentration of SPM and RPM results in increased respiratory and cardiopulmonary mortality. Therefore, reducing dust concentrations into the air generated during coal mining is recommended to reduce air pollution caused by coal mining, which will reduce contamination of water and land and soil.
Research limitations/implications
The model built in this study is a hypothesized model that relied on the experts' opinions considering the parameters of coal production only. However, the parameters related to the usage of coal and its consequences have been excluded. Further, only industrial and academic experts were considered for this study; however, they excluded local people, coal mining personnel, policy authorities, etc. Therefore, the study findings might differ in real circumstances. The research can further be reproduced by considering the parameters related to the use of coal and its consequences, considering the opinions of the local people, coal mining personnel and policy authorities.
Practical implications
Categorizing the parameters according to the threat they pose to the environment due to coal mining can help the decision-maker develop an effective policy to reduce environmental pollution due to coal mining by considering the parameters on a priority basis. In addition, the results further help the decision-makers to assess the environmental impact of coal mining and take necessary action.
Originality/value
The study has developed a framework using the Bradley–Terry model to categorize the environmental parameters of coal mining to develop effective environmental policies, which are original and unique in nature.
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Hadi Kashefi, Ahmad Sadegheih, Ali Mostafaeipour and Mohammad Mohammadpour Omran
To design, control and evaluate photovoltaic (PV) systems, an accurate model is required. Accuracy of PV models depends on model parameters. This study aims to use a new algorithm…
Abstract
Purpose
To design, control and evaluate photovoltaic (PV) systems, an accurate model is required. Accuracy of PV models depends on model parameters. This study aims to use a new algorithm called improved social spider algorithm (ISSA) to detect model parameters.
Design/methodology/approach
To improve performance of social spider algorithm (SSA), an elimination period is added. In addition, at the beginning of each period, a certain number of the worst solutions are replaced by new solutions in the search space. This allows the particles to find new paths to get the best solution.
Findings
In this paper, ISSA is used to estimate parameters of single-diode and double-diode models. In addition, effect of irradiation and temperature on I–V curves of PV modules is studied. For this purpose, two different modules called multi-crystalline (KC200GT) module and polycrystalline (SW255) are used. It should be noted that to challenge the performance of the proposed algorithm, it has been used to identify the parameters of a type of widely used module of fuel cell called proton exchange membrane fuel cell. Finally, comparing and analyzing of ISSA results with other similar methods shows the superiority of the presented method.
Originality/value
Changes in the spider’s movement process in the SSA toward the desired response have improved the algorithm’s performance. Higher accuracy and convergence rate, skipping local minimums, global search ability and search in a limited space can be mentioned as some advantages of this modified method compared to classic SSA.
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Samera Nazir, Saqib Mehmood, Zarish Nazir and Li Zhaolei
This study aimed to examine how knowledge sharing, knowledge management, supply chain efficiency and integration collectively impacted firm performance. Additionally, it…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to examine how knowledge sharing, knowledge management, supply chain efficiency and integration collectively impacted firm performance. Additionally, it investigated the moderating influence of reverse logistics on these relationships, seeking to enhance understanding of the complex dynamics within organizations.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive method was used in the research design, combining a thorough evaluation of the body of literature with organized questionnaire data collection. Random sampling was used to collect data from Pakistani manufacturing companies, and PLS-SEM was used to analyze the collected data.
Findings
The findings demonstrated the strong positive relationships between knowledge management, integration, supply chain effectiveness, and information sharing and business performance. The study also showed that reverse logistics improved and moderated these correlations, highlighting the significance of managing reverse logistics well for the best possible company performance.
Practical implications
In terms of practical implications, the study offered organizations looking to improve performance useful information. Making informed strategic decisions was made possible by realizing the benefits of knowledge management, integration, supply chain efficiency, and sharing. The relevance of using successful tactics to maximize company outcomes was highlighted by highlighting the moderating effects of reverse logistics.
Originality/value
By thoroughly analyzing the connections between knowledge management, supply chain effectiveness, integration, and firm performance—while taking into account the moderating influence of reverse logistics—this study enhanced the body of existing literature. The discoveries significantly added value to this research topic by enhancing our understanding of how these elements collectively influence business performance, especially in the sometimes disregarded field of reverse logistics.
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Ali B. Mahmoud, V. Kumar, Alexander Berman, Samer Elhajjar and Leonora Fuxman
This study aims to explore blockchain potential for digital marketing (BlkChn-Mk-KAP) by developing and validating a measurement model for assessing the constructs of knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore blockchain potential for digital marketing (BlkChn-Mk-KAP) by developing and validating a measurement model for assessing the constructs of knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) related to blockchain technology in digital marketing.
Design/methodology/approach
A four-study process was used. The first study reviewed the literature to develop a pool of possible measurement items. Using exploratory factor analysis and reliability assessments, Study 2 (n = 162) investigated the dimensionality of the items developed in Study 1. The factorial structure from Study 2 was validated in Study 3 (n = 204), and the measurement model invariance was assessed using covariance-based structural equation modelling (CB-SEM). Finally, in Study 4 (n = 203), the predictive validity of the BlkChn-Mk-KAP was tested using a CB-SEM approach, testing its constructs correlations with the perceived usefulness of blockchain for digital marketing.
Findings
The findings indicate that the BlkChn-Mk-KAP measurement model comprises three-dimensional multi-item scales: knowledge, attitude and practice.
Research limitations/implications
This study introduces a promising BlkChn-Mk-KAP model to examine blockchain’s role in digital marketing. The authors acknowledge the sampling limitation in this research. To enhance the generalisability of the findings, future research should expand to different groups, including generation, gender and age. In addition, further exploration of the explicit links between blockchain knowledge, attitudes and subsequent digital marketing performance is warranted.
Practical implications
Educating employees about blockchain technology’s unique features can shape favourable attitudes and stimulate the utilisation of blockchain-enabled technologies in digital marketing practice. BlkChn-Mk-KAP can offer a reliable and valid instrument to benchmark marketers’ KAP of blockchain-powered digital marketing as they implement blockchain technology to gain a competitive advantage.
Social implications
This study helps to adopt sustainable practices ensuring the wellbeing of the key stakeholders.
Originality/value
This research introduces the first validated conceptualisation and measurement model, BlkChn-Mk-KAP, to evaluate blockchain KAPs among digital marketing professionals.
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Khaled Saleh Al-Omoush and Ahmed Shuhaiber
This study investigates the influence of the wisdom of the crowd (WSC), trust and perceived value on consumer purchase intentions within social commerce (s-commerce) platforms. By…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the influence of the wisdom of the crowd (WSC), trust and perceived value on consumer purchase intentions within social commerce (s-commerce) platforms. By constructing a novel theoretical model, the research aims to delineate the interrelationships among these variables, addressing an emerging area in social interactions and information technology.
Design/methodology/approach
To empirically test and validate the proposed model, the study collected data from 442 Facebook users familiar with online shopping. The analysis employed Structural Equation Modeling – Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) to test the hypotheses and examine the relationships between WSC, trust, perceived value and purchase intentions.
Findings
The findings confirm that WSC significantly influences trust, perceived value and the intention to purchase on s-commerce platforms. Both perceived value and trust are substantial determinants of purchase intentions. Notably, the PLS analysis revealed that WSC accounts for 36.8% of the variance in trust and 33.1% of the variance in perceived value related to purchasing decisions on s-commerce platforms.
Originality/value
This research contributes uniquely to the ongoing discourse on s-commerce adoption by integrating WSC as a pivotal factor in understanding perceived value and consumer adoption intentions. It provides a fresh perspective on how collective intelligence affects consumer behavior in digital marketplaces, enriching the theoretical and practical understanding of s-commerce dynamics.
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Vasileios Georgiadis and Lazaros Sarigiannidis
The purpose of this paper is a selective introduction of specific underlying principles of Epictetan Stoicism in change management, aiming to mitigate resistance to change and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is a selective introduction of specific underlying principles of Epictetan Stoicism in change management, aiming to mitigate resistance to change and achieve positive outcomes through redefining the perception of change by both its agents and recipients.
Design/methodology/approach
The applied methodology included locating, distilling and extracting selected philosophical fragments, coherent in terms of contextualisation with the field of management and paralleling their content with organisational, strategic and wider social and political objectives, to provide an interdisciplinary enriched perspective on managing resistance to change in any area.
Findings
The selective combination of Epictetus’ Stoic philosophy with change management literature, focusing on resistance to change, contributes as a beneficial strategic choice, multiplying the available alternatives, not only in managing resistance to change but also in a more general sense.
Practical implications
Selectively introducing Epictetan Stoic philosophical ideas into the behavioural response of resistance to change could clarify and improve communication to avoid crises and conflicts, as well as extend Epictetan Stoic wisdom to the wider community, beyond organisations and institutions. Although the hyper-competitive, globalised market seems to contradict the tempered Stoic philosophy, from which they radically differ, this research highlights strong points of relational relevance that could facilitate overcoming resistance to change with a much wider impact.
Originality/value
Epictetus’ Stoic philosophy is already widely deployed in management, but in this project, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, it is selectively cross-discussed for the first time with the theory and practice of resistance to change as a pilot intellectual platform, identifying personal perception and distinction as the primary cognitive compass in the organisational and managerial realm, so that the upcoming change projects would mitigate resistance to change.