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Article
Publication date: 24 February 2020

Waqar Husain and Fayyaz Ahmed Faize

Awareness of psychological problems is essential to address the problems adequately. It also contributes positively in the overall psychosocial well-being of a society. The rates…

149

Abstract

Purpose

Awareness of psychological problems is essential to address the problems adequately. It also contributes positively in the overall psychosocial well-being of a society. The rates of mental health literacy have been investigated in many countries and have been found to be lower than expected. The purpose of this study was to explore public awareness of psychological problems and psychological treatment in Pakistan.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study explored the latest levels of public awareness of psychological problems in the country by involving 3,500 respondents from five major cities. The sample of the study was sufficiently rich to represent Pakistanis based on gender, age, education, profession and income. Data were gathered from 3,500 respondents through interviews and a self-respondent questionnaire.

Findings

The study revealed that the awareness of psychological problems in Pakistan was 36 per cent. Several significant variations were also found based on different demographic factors. The study also revealed that 42.17 per cent of the respondents were aware of psychotherapy as a possible way of treating psychological problems followed by their awareness of social support (17.29 per cent), medicine (16.74 per cent), supernatural practices (6.29 per cent), religious practices (5.60 per cent) and self-help (3.57 per cent).

Practical implications

As a result of the findings of unsatisfactory levels of public awareness of psychological problems, this paper has implications for mental health practitioners and policymakers to play their active part in improving the situation.

Originality/value

The current study is the first large-scale study in the country.

Details

Mental Health Review Journal, vol. 25 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1361-9322

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Article
Publication date: 2 December 2019

Hafiz Ali Hassan

The concept of Takaful has a long history. It is linked with the era of Prophet Muhammad 1,400 years ago. The globalization and development of socio-economic systems have made…

1992

Abstract

Purpose

The concept of Takaful has a long history. It is linked with the era of Prophet Muhammad 1,400 years ago. The globalization and development of socio-economic systems have made business activities more complex in response to emerging human needs and requirements. Similarly, Takaful insurance has fully commercialized and become an important indicator of the international financial market. The purpose of this study is to understand the Takaful mechanism and progression of its procedures to date since its inception.

Design/methodology/approach

This study seeks to examine the origin, evolution and historical developments of Takaful mechanism, operations, models and governing framework with extant literature review from previous studies and current practices.

Findings

The modern Takaful insurance first began in Sudan back in 1979. The Takaful operations must abide by the Sharia laws and work under the supervision of the Sharia Supervisory Board. Since its evolution, Sharia scholars have introduced various Takaful models that are going to be explained in this study. Moreover, several Islamic organizations, including the “Islamic Financial Services Board” and the “Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions,” have provided guidelines and supervision to develop and strengthen the Takaful industry further. The study acknowledges Takaful as a growing insurance industry with huge potential and promising future in both Pakistan and the international market.

Practical implications

During the analysis, various deficiencies and loopholes were identified, which are responsible for the unmatched growth of conventional insurance. They can be eliminated with the joint efforts of industrial players, Sharia scholars and Takaful insurance companies. Hence, Islamic scholars and academic researchers are encouraged to develop and modify the current practices of Takaful mechanism according to current market demands and consumer approach. The research efforts will help Takaful operators to develop more innovative Takaful products adhering Sharia compliance. Consequently, it will help to access more consumer market and further enhances the Takaful growth.

Originality/value

This study is an effort to provide a basic understanding of the mechanism of Takaful models. The study helps to comprehend how Takaful models have evolved and been modified over the course of time. Moreover, it provides a base for further development and improvement in current practices of Takaful models, which will result in increased progress for the Takaful industry.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. 11 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

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Article
Publication date: 8 February 2022

Hamaid Mahmood Khan, Saad Waqar and Ebubekir Koç

The current investigation aims at observing the influence of the cooling channel on the thermal and residual stress behavior of the selective laser melting (SLM)316L uni-layer…

428

Abstract

Purpose

The current investigation aims at observing the influence of the cooling channel on the thermal and residual stress behavior of the selective laser melting (SLM)316L uni-layer thermo-mechanical model.

Design/methodology/approach

On a thermo-mechanical model with a cooling channel, the effect of scanning direction, parallel and perpendicular and scan spacing was simulated. The effect of underlying solid and powder bases was evaluated on residual stress profile and thermal variables at various locations.

Findings

The high heat dissipation of solid base due to high cooling rates and steep thermal gradients can reciprocate with smaller melt pool temperature and melt pool size. Given the same scan spacing, residual stresses were found lower when laser scanning was perpendicular to the cooling channel. Moreover, large scan spacing was found to increase residual stresses.

Originality/value

Cooling channels are increasingly being used in additive manufacturing; however, their effect on the residual stress behavior of the SLM component is not extensively studied. This research can serve as a foundation for further inquiries into the impact of base material design such as cooling channels on manufactured components using SLM.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 28 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 25 March 2021

Abdul Rashid, Ataullah Muneeb and Maria Karim

This paper first examines how changes in the real effective exchange rate and its volatility affect the exporting activities of firms. Next, it investigates whether exchange rate…

483

Abstract

Purpose

This paper first examines how changes in the real effective exchange rate and its volatility affect the exporting activities of firms. Next, it investigates whether exchange rate volatility (EXRV) affects the export behavior of financially constrained and unconstrained firms differently. Finally, it examines the role of financial development in mitigating the effects of EXRV and financial constraints on firms' exports.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis of the paper is based on a wide panel of Pakistani nonfinancial firms listed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange during the period 2001–2016. To mitigate the problem of endogeneity and to take into account the dynamic nature of the empirical model, the authors apply the robust two-step system-GMM estimator developed by Blundell and Bond (1998). To examine the role of credit constraints, firm-year observations are sorted as financially constrained and unconstrained based on the median value of three alternative measures: the liquidity ratio, the dividend payout ratio and the Whited and Wu (WW) index.

Findings

The results reveal that an increase in the real effective exchange rate has a positive and significant impact on firms' exports. However, the results show that the EXRV is significantly and negatively related to exporting decisions, suggesting firms considerably decrease their exports during periods of increased unpredictable variations in exchange rates. The findings also suggest that compared to financially constrained firms, the adverse effect of EXRV on exports is weaker for financially unconstrained firms. This finding implies that firm-level financial constraints unfavorably impact exports by making exporting more sensitive to the EXRV. Finally, the findings indicate that financial development not only positively affects firms' exports but also plays a vital role in declining the adverse effects of EXRV on firm-level exports. Specifically, the results show that financial development decreases the negative impact of EXRV on exports for both financially constrained and unconstrained firms. However, the moderating role of financial sector development is higher for financially unconstrained firms.

Research limitations/implications

Notwithstanding that the authors present robust and strong empirical evidence of the effects of EXRV on exporting and on the role of both firm-level financial constraints and financial sector development in formulating these effects, there are some limitations of the study. The authors use a single proxy for measuring financial sector development. However, one may construct an index for the financial sector developed using principal component analysis (PCA) by considering different measures of financial development. The authors use three different measures of financial constraints. Nonetheless, more sophisticated techniques such as switching regression can be used to endogenously determine whether firms are financially constrained. Moreover, an examination of the asymmetric effects of EXRV on exporting across different industries would also be worthwhile.

Practical implications

From a policy point of view, the results suggest that the development of the financial sector and the strategies to lessen credit constraints faced by firms will help in mitigating the adverse effects of the EXRV on the exporting behavior of firms in Pakistan. The findings also suggest that managers in financially constrained firms should apply appropriate hedging strategies to hedge exchange rate risks. Finally, the findings suggest that investors should take into consideration exchange rate dynamics and firms' financial constraints while investing in exporting firms' stocks.

Social implications

Since the findings suggest that financially constrained firms' exports are more exposed to EXRV, managers of such exporting firms are suggested to apply effective and suitable currency risk-minimizing hedging instruments for enhancing their exports. The government should also implement economic and financial policies in such a way that they should help in reducing volatilities of exchange rates and in turn, encouraging firms to export more. Definitely, any policy, at both government and firm level, favoring exporting and export-oriented growth will not only help in overcoming the problem of a persistent and wide trade deficit but also help society by providing more employment and investment opportunities.

Originality/value

Recently, Pakistan has experienced significant declines in foreign reserves, persistent political unrest and enlarged trade deficits. All these have increased the uncertainty about the exchange rate. Therefore, it is valuable to know the EXRV effects on firms' exporting activities. Second, Pakistani firms face more financial constraints, and thus, the influence of financial constraints in formulating the volatility effects on exporting would be worth exploring. Finally, no research has yet taken place to scrutinize the role of financial development in mitigating the adverse effects of EXRV and financial constraints on exporting activities. This paper provides firsthand empirical evidence on the role of financial constraints and financial sector development in formulating the EXRV impacts on firm-level exports in Pakistan.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 17 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

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Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 18 October 2024

Mustafa Kuntoğlu, Emin Salur, Munish Kumar Gupta, Saad Waqar, Natalia Szczotkarz, Govind Vashishtha, Mehmet Erdi Korkmaz, Grzegorz M. Krolczyk, Abdullah Aslan and Rüstem Binali

Additive manufacturing became the most popular method as it enables the production of light-weight and high-density parts in effective way. Selective laser melting (SLM) is…

133

Abstract

Purpose

Additive manufacturing became the most popular method as it enables the production of light-weight and high-density parts in effective way. Selective laser melting (SLM) is preferred by means of producing a component with good surface quality and near-net shape even if it has complex form. Titanium alloys have been extensively used in engineering covering a variety of sectors such as aeronautical, chemical, automotive and defense industry with its unique material properties. Therefore, the purpose of this review is to study the tribological behavior and surface integrity that reflects the thermal and mechanical performances of the fabricated parts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is focused on the tribological and surface integrity aspects of SLM-produced titanium alloy components. It is aimed to outline the effect of SLM process parameters on tribology and surface integrity first. Then, thermal, thermal heat, thermomechanical and postprocessing surface treatments such as peening, surface modification and coatings are highlighted in the light of literature review.

Findings

This work studied the effects of particle characteristics (e.g. size, shape, distributions, flowability and morphology) on tribological performance according to an extensive literature survey.

Originality/value

This study addresses this blind spot in existing industrial-academic knowledge and goals to determine the impact of SLM process parameters, posttreatments (especially peening operations) and particle characteristics on the SLMed Ti-based alloys, which are increasingly used in biomedical applications as well as other many applications ranging from automobile, aero, aviation, maritime, etc. This review paper is created with the intention of providing deep investigation on the important material characteristics of titanium alloy-based components, which can be useful for the several engineering sectors.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 31 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 22 August 2024

Mustafa Kuntoğlu, Emin Salur, Munish Kumar Gupta, Saad Waqar, Natalia Szczotkarz, Govind Vashishtha, Mehmet Erdi Korkmaz and Grzegorz M. Krolczyk

The nickel-based alloys Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 stand out due to their high strength and corrosion resistance in important industries like aerospace, aviation and automotive…

281

Abstract

Purpose

The nickel-based alloys Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 stand out due to their high strength and corrosion resistance in important industries like aerospace, aviation and automotive. Even though they are widely used, current techniques of producing materials that are difficult to cut pose several problems from a financial, ecological and even health perspective. To handle these problems and acquire improved mechanical and structural qualities, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) has been widely used as one of the most essential additive manufacturing techniques. The purpose of this article is to focus on the state of the art on LPBF parts of Inconel 625 and Inconel 718 for microstructure, mechanical behavior and postprocessing.

Design/methodology/approach

The mechanical behavior of LPBF-fabricated Inconel is described, including hardness, surface morphology and wear, as well as the influence of fabrication orientation on surface quality, biocompatibility and resultant mechanical properties, particularly tensile strength, fatigue performance and tribological behaviors.

Findings

The postprocessing techniques such as thermal treatments, polishing techniques for surface enhancement, mechanical and laser-induced peening and physical operations are summarized.

Originality/value

The highlighted topic presents the critical aspects of the advantages and challenges of the LPBF parts produced by Inconel 718 and 625, which can be a guideline for manufacturers and academia in practical applications.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 29 June 2020

Waqar Ahmed and Muhammad Zaki Rashdi

Lean and agile strategies are two basic supply chain paradigms that strategist decouples based on their internal and external environment. This study aims to identify the…

1808

Abstract

Purpose

Lean and agile strategies are two basic supply chain paradigms that strategist decouples based on their internal and external environment. This study aims to identify the influence of market orientation (MO) and quality management (QM) deployment on the supply chain strategies. Furthermore, this study also seeks empirical evidence of the impact of these core strategies on creating risk management capabilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Quantitative research technique is deployed to explain the phenomenon. The data was gathered through a structured scale questionnaire from supply chain professionals working at different manufacturing firms. Valid data of 134 respondents is then analyzed through partial least squares structural equation modeling for further empirical understanding.

Findings

The outcome of the research indicates that MO capability; as an external drive is a key to make an operational strategy. QM as an internal control is more prone to formulating a lean strategy (LS). Another important finding is that LS does not complement risk management capabilities especially in an uncertain market condition.

Practical implications

The study suggested concrete implications for risk management through the right mix of lean and agile supply chain strategies. There are some good insights for the supply chain policy-makers working in a developing country.

Originality/value

This study will provide empirical evidence for managing supply chain risk through an effective strategy making.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal , vol. 31 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

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Publication date: 17 June 2024

Nassir Ul Haq Wani

Recognising the significance of international trade in economic growth, this research explores the drivers of exports in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries…

Abstract

Recognising the significance of international trade in economic growth, this research explores the drivers of exports in South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation countries from 2008 to 2021. The study employs the export demand model and the augmented exports supply model and utilises pooled time-series data. This study questions whether export supply decisions are based on traditional trade model factors, emerging trading realities or macroeconomic variables. The model based on fixed effects evaluates the connection between exports and their possible drivers. Traditional export supply models suggest determinants like production capacity, variable cost and relative pricing influencing South Asian export supply performance substantially. Changes in trade, for example, have a substantial impact on export supply, demonstrating that the trade liberalisation procedure promotes growth in exports, compression in imports and technological advancement. The worsening state of the energy industry and growing levels of corruption have proved to be significant deterrents to export supply decisions. The results verify foreign direct investment's positive and medium influence on the expansion of exports. Other variables, however, such as GDP and its growth, Official Development Assistance (ODA), development expenditure, indirect taxation, labour supply and the exchange rate of currencies, have a positive impact on the flow of exports. Furthermore, the data corroborate the notion that increased savings have a significant beneficial influence on the flow of exports. The study proposes that concerned governments examine their export policies and adopt new policies adapted in accordance with changing circumstances with the goal of increasing and enhancing the performance of exports.

Details

Policy Solutions for Economic Growth in a Developing Country
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83753-431-9

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Article
Publication date: 7 January 2022

Ramesh Chand, Vishal S. Sharma, Rajeev Trehan and Munish Kumar Gupta

A nut bolt joint is a primary device that connects mechanical components. The vibrations cause bolted joints to self-loosen. Created by motors and engines, leading to machine…

517

Abstract

Purpose

A nut bolt joint is a primary device that connects mechanical components. The vibrations cause bolted joints to self-loosen. Created by motors and engines, leading to machine failure, and there may be severe safety issues. All the safety issues and self-loosen are directly and indirectly the functions of the accuracy and precision of the fabricated nut and bolt. Recent advancements in three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies now allow for the production of intricate components. These may be used technologies such as 3D printed bolts to create fasteners. This paper aims to investigate dimensional precision, surface properties, mechanical properties and scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the component fabricated using a multi-jet 3D printer.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-jet-based 3D printed nut-bolt is evaluated in this paper. More specifically, liquid polymer-based nut-bolt is fabricated in sections 1, 2 and 3 of the base plate. Five nuts and bolts are fabricated in these three sections.

Findings

Dimensional inquiry (bolt dimension, general dimensions’ density and surface roughness) and mechanical testing (shear strength of nut and bolt) were carried out throughout the study. According to the ISO 2768 requirements for the General Tolerances Grade, the nut and bolt’s dimensional examination (variation in bolt dimension, general dimensions) is within the tolerance grades. As a result, the multi-jet 3D printing (MJP)-based 3D printer described above may be used for commercial production. In terms of mechanical qualities, when the component placement moves from Sections 1 to 3, the density of the manufactured part decreases by 0.292% (percent) and the shear strength of the nut and bolt decreases by 30%. According to the SEM examination, the density of the River markings, sharp edges, holes and sharp edges increased from Sections 1 to 3, which supports the findings mentioned above.

Originality/value

Hence, this work enlightens the aspects causing time lag during the 3D printing in MJP. It causes variation in the dimensional deviation, surface properties and mechanical properties of the fabricated part, which needs to be explored.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 28 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 25 January 2023

Ramesh Chand, Vishal S. Sharma, Rajeev Trehan and Munish Kumar Gupta

The purpose of this study is to find the best geometries among the cylindrical, enamel and honeycomb geometries based upon the mechanical properties (tensile test, compression…

266

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to find the best geometries among the cylindrical, enamel and honeycomb geometries based upon the mechanical properties (tensile test, compression test and shear test). Further this obtained geometry could be used to fabricate products like exoskeleton and its supporting members.

Design/methodology/approach

The present research focuses on the mechanical testing of cylindrical, enamel and honeycomb-shaped parts fabricated through multi-jet printing (MJP) process with a wall thickness of 0.26, 0.33, 0.4 and 0.66 mm. The polymer specimens (for tensile, compression and shear tests) were fabricated using a multi-jet fusion process. The experimental results were compared with the numerical modelling. Finally, the optimal geometry was obtained, and the influence of wall thicknesses on various mechanical properties (tensile, compression and shear) was studied.

Findings

In comparison to cylindrical, enamel structures the honeycomb structures required less time to fabricate and had lower tensile, compressive and shear strengths. The most efficient geometry for fully functional parts where tensile, compressive and shear forces are present during application – cylindrical geometry is preferred followed by enamel, and then honeycomb. It was found that as the wall thickness of various geometries was increased, their ability to withstand tensile, compressive and shear loads also enhanced. The enamel shape structure exhibits greater strain energy storage capacity than other shape structures for compressive loads, and the strength to resist the compressive load will be lower. In the case of cylindrical geometries for tensile loading, the resisting area toward the loading will be higher in comparison to honeycomb- and enamel-based structures. At the same time, the ability to store the stain energy is less. The results of the tensile, compression and shear load finite element analysis using ANSYS are in agreement with those of the experiments.

Originality/value

From the insight of literature review, it is found that a wide range of work is done on fused deposition modeling (FDM) process. But in comparison to FDM, the MJP provide the better dimensional accuracy and surface properties (Lee et al., 2020). Therefore, it is observed that past research works not incorporated the effect of wall thickness of the embedded geometries on mechanical properties of the part fabricated on MJP (Gibson, n.d.). Hence, in this work, effect of wall thickness on tensile, compression and shear strength is considered as the main factor for the honeycomb, enamel and cylindrical geometries.

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