Saeed Aghakhani, Behzad Ghasemi, Ahmad Hajatzadeh Pordanjani, Somchai Wongwises and Masoud Afrand
The purpose of this study is to conduct a numerical analysis of flow and heat transfer of water–aluminum oxide nanofluid in a channel with extended surfaces in the presence of a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to conduct a numerical analysis of flow and heat transfer of water–aluminum oxide nanofluid in a channel with extended surfaces in the presence of a constant magnetic field. The channel consists of two parallel plates and five obstacles of constant temperature on the lower wall of the channel. The upper wall and the inlet and outlet lengths of the lower wall are insulated. A uniform magnetic field of the magnitude B0 is located beneath the obstacles. The nanofluid enters the channel with a uniform velocity and temperature, and a fully developed flow leaves the channel.
Design/methodology/approach
The control volume-based finite difference and the SIMPLE algorithm were used for numerical solution. In addition to examining the effect of the Reynolds number, the effects of Hartman number, the volume fraction of nanoparticles, the height of obstacles, the length of obstacles and the distance between the obstacles were investigated.
Findings
According to the results, the heat transfer rate increases with an increasing Reynolds number. As the Hartmann number increases, the heat transfer rate increases. The heat transfer rate also increases with an increase in the volume fraction of nanoparticles. The mean Nusselt number is reduced by an increasing height of obstacles. An increase in the distance between the obstacles in the presence of a magnetic field does not have a significant impact on the heat transfer rate. However, the heat transfer rate increases in the absence of a magnetic field, as the distance between the obstacles increases.
Originality/value
This paper is original and unpublished and is not being considered for publication elsewhere.
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Mohammad Zamani, Zahra Sohrabi, Ladan Aghakhani, Kimia Leilami, Saeed Nosratabadi, Zahra Namkhah, Cain Clark, Neda Haghighat, Omid Asbaghi and Fatemeh Fathi
Previous research indicates that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation may benefit overall health, but current evidence regarding its effects on lipid profile remains unclear…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous research indicates that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation may benefit overall health, but current evidence regarding its effects on lipid profile remains unclear. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to examine the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on lipid profile (total cholesterol [TC], low-density lipoprotein [LDL], triglyceride [TG] and high-density lipoprotein [HDL]) in adults.
Design/methodology/approach
In this systematic review and meta-analysis, relevant studies were obtained by searching the PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases (from inception to January 2022). Weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals were estimated via a random-effects model. Heterogeneity, sensitivity analysis and publication bias were reported using standard methods.
Findings
Pooled analysis of six randomized controlled trials (RCTs) revealed that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation yielded significant reductions in TG (p = 0.631). A pooled analysis of five trials indicated a significant association between omega-3 and vitamin D treatment and reductions in TC (p = 0.001) and LDL (p = 0.001). Although, pooled analyses of omega-3 and vitamin D did not significantly affect HDL.
Originality/value
The findings suggest that vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation lowers TG, TC and LDL in adults. Future, large-scale, RCTs on various populations are needed to elucidate further beneficial effects of vitamin D and omega-3 co-supplementation on lipid profile and establish guidelines for clinical practice.
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Samaneh Khavidaki, Saeed Rezaei Sharifabadi and Amir Ghaebi
This paper aims to explore the realm of literature about personalization of digital library services. This paper focuses on users’ unique needs and will identify different types…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the realm of literature about personalization of digital library services. This paper focuses on users’ unique needs and will identify different types of personalized services. Therefore, this study has identified different types of services personalization in the context of digital academic libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, the systematic review method has been used to obtain the relevant indicators of different types of personalization in the context of libraries. To explain basic indicators, a Delphi method has been used. The Delphi panel’s members consisted of 15 experts (faculty members, researchers, professional users and software designers). A purposeful sampling and the Delphi fulfillment process were performed in three rounds. After collecting data, descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), inferential statistics (binomial distribution test) and the Kendall coordination coefficient were used to determine the consensus rate among experts.
Findings
A total of 103 indicators were extracted for different types of personalization through a systematic literature review. Of these, 90 indicators were considered significant in the experts’ view. Generally, content personalization, interactive personalization, collaborative personalization and information retrieval personalization are the main components of personalization types, each of which has its own indicators.
Originality/value
This study has dealt with the issue of what is personalized in the context of digital academic library. The findings should be helpful and effective in the development of a holistic view on personalization of services in digital libraries.
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Aamir Rashid, Rizwana Rasheed and Abdul Hafaz Ngah
Green practices are essential for sustainability. However, it is challenging due to the socioeconomic and environmental concerns. Similarly, after the induced SDG-12 and SDG-13 by…
Abstract
Purpose
Green practices are essential for sustainability. However, it is challenging due to the socioeconomic and environmental concerns. Similarly, after the induced SDG-12 and SDG-13 by United Nations, the pressure groups forced manufacturers to consider sustainability. Therefore, this research aims to examine the sustainability through multifaceted green functions in manufacturing is examined.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 293 supply chain professionals of manufacturers from a developing economy. Hypotheses were tested through a quantitative method using partial least squares-structural equation modeling with the help of SmartPLS version 4 to validate the measurement model.
Findings
The findings revealed that all six direct hypotheses were supported. However, out of four hypotheses of mediation, one was not supported. Besides, a sequential mediation of green supply chain environmental cooperation and green human resource management was supported. The findings illustrated that green supply chain practices positively influence all used variables.
Research limitations/implications
This research provides practical insight to practitioners to implement green practices in their supply chain networks for social, economic and environmental sustainability and compliance with SDG-12 and SDG-13. The sustainability was validated in a higher-order construct (HOC) (formative), including sequential mediation in the model with the support of resource dependency theory. Therefore, this study adds substantial literature to the existing body of knowledge.
Originality/value
This research provides an interdisciplinary framework by adding knowledge to the Resource Dependency Theory to address Sustainable Development Goals-12 (SDGs) and SDG-13. Likewise, this research provides an extension towards the body of knowledge on the issue, which can be used in future research and critical examinations for cleaner and sustainable production. So far, in Pakistan, no research has looked at the function of these integrated variables in the manufacturing industry with a diligent focus on sustainability as it was validated in a higher-order construct (formative) with one sequential mediation, which makes this research unique.
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Hong Zhao, Yi Huang and Zongshui Wang
This paper aims to systematically find the main research differences and similarities between social media and social networks in marketing research using the bibliometric…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to systematically find the main research differences and similarities between social media and social networks in marketing research using the bibliometric perspective and provides suggestions for firms to improve their marketing strategies effectively.
Design/methodology/approach
The methods of co-word analysis and network analysis have been used to analyze the two research fields of social media and social networks. Specifically, this study selects 2,424 articles from 27 marketing academic journals present in the database Web of Science, ranging from January 1, 1996 to August 8, 2020.
Findings
The results show that social networks and social media are both research hotspots within the discipline of marketing research. The different intimacy nodes of social networks are more complex than social media. Additionally, the research scope of social networks is broader than social media in marketing research as shown by the keyword co-occurrence analysis. The overlap between social media and social networks in marketing research is reflected in the strong focus on their mixed mutual effects.
Originality/value
This paper explores the differences and similarities between social networks and social media in marketing research from the bibliometric perspective and provides a developing trend of their research hotspots in social media and social networks marketing research by keyword co-occurrence analysis and cluster analysis. Additionally, this paper provides some suggestions for firms looking to improve the efficiency of their marketing strategies from social and economic perspectives.
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Ahmad Abualigah and Kamal Badar
Anchored in the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this research aims to examine the effect of spiritual leadership on green creativity via the mediating role of green work…
Abstract
Purpose
Anchored in the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this research aims to examine the effect of spiritual leadership on green creativity via the mediating role of green work engagement (GWEN).
Design/methodology/approach
The data were collected from 254 frontline hotel employees in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and the hypothesized relationships were assessed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS SEM).
Findings
The findings suggest that spiritual leadership boosts GWEN and green creativity, and GWEN positively affects green creativity and mediates the nexus between spiritual leadership and green creativity.
Practical implications
Top management in the hospitality industry should focus on building spirituality and spiritual practices among their managers to accomplish organizational green goals. The hospitality industry is a highly competitive service sector that contains several unique challenges for workers, such as growing customer demands and asking for employee creativity while concurrently producing and delivering high-quality, differentiated services. In such tense and demanding professional settings, employees require intrinsic motivation to achieve something “out of the box.” Organizations should understand that intrinsic motivation implanted by spiritual leaders can encourage individuals to engage in green tasks and ultimately go beyond the script to achieve green creativity.
Originality/value
This study advances the extant literature by highlighting the role of spiritual leadership, as an emerging leadership style, in fostering GWEN and green creativity. It also adds to the existing research by examining the underlying mechanism through which spiritual leadership nurtures green creativity.
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Gheorghe-Ilie Fârte, Daniel Rareș Obadă, Alexandra-Niculina Gherguț-Babii and Dan-Cristian Dabija
This research explores the impact of trust in online information, parasocial interaction, online flow experience, sharing fake news and corporate credibility on companies’…
Abstract
Purpose
This research explores the impact of trust in online information, parasocial interaction, online flow experience, sharing fake news and corporate credibility on companies’ resilience to negative information.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual research model was developed, employing the flow theory to fill gaps in the literature. A cross-sectional national online survey was conducted among 1,550 respondents aged 16–74 in an emerging market, utilizing a quantitative-based approach; the data were then analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Findings
Trust in online information and parasocial interactions was found to impact the online flow experience, with parasocial interaction positively affecting it optimally. The sharing of fake news is affected by parasocial interaction and the online flow experience, which in turn affects corporate credibility.
Originality/value
Corporate credibility is shown to be an antecedent of resilience to negative information and word-of-mouth communication in companies, the former having a direct influence on the latter. The study hence has significant theoretical and managerial implications for communication and marketing.
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A learning-focused culture promotes creativity, innovativeness and the acquisition of novel insights and competencies. The study aims to explore the relationship between human…
Abstract
Purpose
A learning-focused culture promotes creativity, innovativeness and the acquisition of novel insights and competencies. The study aims to explore the relationship between human resource development (HRD) practice and employee competencies using organizational learning culture as a mediating variable.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 828 employees of 37 health care institutions comprising 24 (internationally-owned) and 13 (indigenously-owned). Construct reliability and validity was established through a confirmatory factor analysis. The proposed model and hypotheses were evaluated using structural equation modeling.
Findings
Data supported the hypothesized relationships. The results show that training and development and employee competencies were significantly related. Career development and employee competencies were significantly related. Organizational learning culture mediates the relationship between training and development and employee competencies. However, organizational learning culture did not mediate the relationship between career development and employee competencies.
Research limitations/implications
The generalizability of the findings will be constrained due to the research’s health care focus and cross-sectional data.
Practical implications
The study’s findings will serve as valuable pointers to policy makers and stakeholders of health care institutions in developing system-level capacities that promote continuous learning and adaptive learning cultures to ensure sustainability and competitive advantage.
Originality/value
By evidencing empirically that organizational learning culture mediates the relationship between HRD practices and employee competencies the study extends the literature.
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Chuanmin Mi, Lin Xiao, Sifeng Liu and Xiaoyan Ruan
With respect to the multiple-attribute decision-making problem with subjective preference for a certain attribute whose weight-value range have been given over other attributes…
Abstract
Purpose
With respect to the multiple-attribute decision-making problem with subjective preference for a certain attribute whose weight-value range have been given over other attributes whose weight values are unknown, a method based on the mean value of the grey number is proposed to analyse the decision-making problem. This method is used to choose a supply-chain partner under the condition that the decision makers have a preference for a certain attribute of various alternatives. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the middle value of the preferred attribute’s weight-value range is supposed to be its weight value according to the content of the mean value of the grey number. Second, to reflect the decision maker’s subjective preference information, an improved optimisation model that requests the minimum deviation between the actual and expected numerical value of each attribute is constructed to assess the attributes’ weights. Third, the correlated degree and the correlation matrix, which are determined by the weight values of all attributes, are used to rank all the alternatives.
Findings
This paper provides a method for making a decision when decision makers have a preference for a certain attribute from an array of various alternatives, and the range of the certain attribute’s weight value is given but the weight value of the other attributes is unknown. When applied to supply-chain partner selection, this method proves feasible and effective.
Practical implications
This method is feasible and effective when applied to supply-chain partner selection, and can be applied to other kinds of decision-making problems. This means it has significant theoretical importance and extensive practical value.
Originality/value
Based on the mean value of the grey number, an optimisation model is built to determine the importance degree of each attribute, then the correlated degree of each alternative is combined to rank all the alternatives. This method can suit the decision makers’ subjective preference for a certain attribute well.