V. Jankauskaite and R. Barkauskas
Discusses the use of piperylene‐styrene copolymer (PSC) for polychloroprene adhesive modification. States that PSC significantly improves modified adhesive properties ‐ bond…
Abstract
Discusses the use of piperylene‐styrene copolymer (PSC) for polychloroprene adhesive modification. States that PSC significantly improves modified adhesive properties ‐ bond strength, viscosity, high heat resistance, good adhesion to a variety of substrates, compatibility with other adhesive additives. Looks at the advantage of using more environmentally friendly technology for thermoplastic rubber bonding with PSC modified polychloroprene adhesives. Concludes that the new adhesive product can be used for specific combinations of materials and application methods, making it possible to produce cheaper and better products.
Soheir Youssef Tawfik, Magdy Wadid Sabaa and Ramzy Takawy Botros
The purpose of this paper is to prepare cheap and environmentally friendly water soluble polyester coatings through the glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to prepare cheap and environmentally friendly water soluble polyester coatings through the glycolysis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) waste.
Design/methodology/approach
A secondary value-added polyester coatings were prepared from PET waste. The first step was the de-polymerisation of PET waste by 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol with different molar ratios in the presence of different concentrations of zinc acetate as trans-esterification catalyst. The de-polymerised product was characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HNMR), differential scanning calorimetry and hydroxyl values. The polyesters were successfully synthesised by esterification of the glycolysed product with adipic acid, isophthalic acid, 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol and trimellitic anhydride in different ratios. FTIR and 1HNMR were used qualitatively and quantitatively to elucidate the structure of the prepared polyesters. Hydroxyl value and the physical properties of the prepared polyesters were also investigated. Two different curing agents were used to prepare the coatings based on the prepared polyesters.
Findings
Useful coating products were obtained by chemical (glycolysis) of post consumed PET wastes. The 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol was found to be good glycol in the glycolysis of PET. It was noticed that the rate of glycolysis increases with increasing the amount of catalyst, time of glycolysis and amount of 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-propanediol. N,N-Dimethylethanol amine was a good neutralising agent used for the preparation of water soluble coatings based on glycolysed product of PET.
Practical implications
The use of waste products like PET waste in water soluble coating systems will bring down the costs of the coatings and will also open a new market of recycled plastic materials and, hence, may provide a potential solution to the problems of solid waste management. It is an attractive option for environmentally friendly and efficient disposal of plastic waste.
Originality/value
The paper provides a potential way to use undesirable PET waste as industrial raw material. The coatings prepared are eco-friendly, soluble in water that can replace other expensive polyester coatings that are soluble in organic solvents and not environmentally coatings.
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Caroline J. Smith, Christiano A. Machado‐Moreira, Gijs Plant, Simon Hodder, George Havenith and Nigel A.S. Taylor
The purpose of this paper is to provide footwear designers, manikin builders and thermo‐physiological modellers with sweat distribution information for the human foot.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide footwear designers, manikin builders and thermo‐physiological modellers with sweat distribution information for the human foot.
Design/methodology/approach
Independent research from two laboratories, using different techniques, is brought together to describe sweat production of the foot. In total, 32 individuals were studied. One laboratory used running at two intensities in males and females, and measured sweat with absorbents placed inside the shoe. The other used ventilated sweat capsules on a passive, nude foot, with sweating evaluated during passive heating and incremental exercise to fatigue.
Findings
Results from both laboratories are in agreement. Males secreted more than twice the volume of sweat produced by the females (p<0.01) at the same relative work rate. Both genders demonstrated a non‐uniform sweat distribution, though this was less variable in females. Highest local sweat rates were observed from the medial ankles (p<0.01). The dorsal foot sweated substantially more than the plantar (sole) areas (p<0.01). Sweating on the plantar side of the foot was uniform. Wearing shoes limited the increase in sweat production with increasing load, while the sweat rate of uncovered feet kept increasing with work and thermal load.
Practical implications
The observed variation in sweat rate across the foot shows that footwear design should follow the body mapping principle. Fabrics and materials with different properties can be used to improve comfort if applied to different foot surfaces. The data also demonstrate that foot models, whether physical (manikins) or mathematical, need to incorporate the observed variation across the foot to provide realistic simulation/testing of footwear.
Originality/value
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Milda Juciene, Svetlana Radaviciene, Virginija Saceviciene, Rimas Adaškevicius and Stase Petraitiene
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the non-uniformity of the surface where textile fabric systems were joined using embroidery with the help of the system dimensional…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the non-uniformity of the surface where textile fabric systems were joined using embroidery with the help of the system dimensional scanning.
Design/methodology/approach
To ascertain and evaluate surface non-uniformity and puckering of the embroidered elements dimensional 3D laser scanner was used. The dimensional 3D model of the embroidered element was imported into the software package RapidformTM and returned to the beginning of the coordinate system for the puckering analysis and evaluation.
Findings
The obtained results have shown that when embroidering an element it is important to evaluate the direction of stitches with consideration to the fabric because when elements are performed in different fabric direction their quality can be different. The embroidered elements that were performed on more lightweight fabrics have bigger surface non-uniformity. The greatest inadequacy of shape and dimensions in the embroidered element was found for materials with the smallest value of surface density, closeness of texture and the smallest indicator of fabric surface filling.
Originality/value
The proposed approach can be adjusted to investigate surface non-uniformity of embroidered elements.
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Kestutis Zaleckis, Jurga Vitkuviene, Laura Jankauskaite-Jureviciene, Indre Grazuleviciute-Vileniske and Vilma Karvelyte-Balbieriene
Community involvement in heritage preservation requires appropriate approaches. Sanciai (in Lithuanian: Šanciai) historic district in Kaunas (Lithuania) has long-lasting military…
Abstract
Purpose
Community involvement in heritage preservation requires appropriate approaches. Sanciai (in Lithuanian: Šanciai) historic district in Kaunas (Lithuania) has long-lasting military and industrial heritage, valuable urban structure and connections to the natural frame of the city. Sanciai residents’ willingness to participate in heritage preservation and urban planning prompted the aim of this research – to develop, test and present the mapping methodology, that would be applicable in the process of community involvement into heritage identification, preservation, interpretation and creation process.
Design/methodology/approach
The methods of research included analysis of literature and theoretical research, development and testing of the methodology for the community involvement in heritage identification, preservation, interpretation and creation process. The workshop methodology and interactive online map are presented in this research. The memory map methodology developed and presented in this research includes the elements of mental mapping, design thinking and citizen science.
Findings
The methodology was tested in spring of 2021 in two-day online workshops with the students of pro-gymnasium located in Sanciai. Workshop participants together with workshop coordinator and moderators created different layers of the mental map, collected stories from the members of community and gathered the data for online interactive Sanciai memory map. The evaluation of the methodology and workshop results allowed concluding that memory map methodology is a functioning participant, community and research-oriented approach that can be applied in diverse heritage and community related circumstances.
Originality/value
The originality of the research is determined by the synergistic nature of developed memory map methodology which complements traditional mental mapping with creative hands-on techniques, empathy-oriented tasks and interactive online tool. Moreover, the research reveals the importance of local-global connections in urban studies as active local community became the stimulus for memory map methodology. The two-fold aim of the methodology – community cohesion and empowerment as well as research data collection – contributes to the originality of the research as well.
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The study provides explanations and empirical answers to (1) What country-level factors influence the formation of reputation as a strategic asset and (2) how can businesses…
Abstract
The study provides explanations and empirical answers to (1) What country-level factors influence the formation of reputation as a strategic asset and (2) how can businesses better manage their reputations on a global basis? The study examines the effects of a national culture on managing global aspects of corporate reputation and brand image using social media (SM) with the use of Hall’s low versus high-context classification of culture. Using longitudinal time series approach, two surveys were conducted in 2011 and again in 2015. The study involved a total of 326 listed companies in the global stock exchange markets of: the United States – the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), Japan – the Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE), and China – the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE). The study employs non-parametric inferential statistical methods. The results of the study show that the low-context culture group is more responsive and responds more quickly. It was clear that a nation’s culture directly affects SM ownership, reply time, and response styles (attitude). The findings may help multinational companies predict adoption of SM for their brand image and online reputation management and formulate more effective public relations marketing strategies by accommodating cultural influences.
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Omid Mansourihanis, Mohammad Javad Maghsoodi Tilaki, Ayda Zaroujtaghi, Mohammad Tayarani and Shiva Sheikhfarshi
This study aims to investigate the relationship between emergency response times and crash severity in New York City, focusing on spatial disparities and their implications. It…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between emergency response times and crash severity in New York City, focusing on spatial disparities and their implications. It examines how these disparities impact disadvantaged neighborhoods, particularly regarding traffic safety and emergency service accessibility.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses comprehensive spatial analysis techniques, including hotspot mapping, network analysis for travel time modeling, local bivariate correlation analysis and service area calculations. It maps crash data alongside emergency facility locations, considering peak-hour traffic. The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) is integrated to evaluate socioeconomic factors influencing accessibility. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of how emergency response times correlate with crash severity at the census block level, accounting for socioeconomic disparities.
Findings
This study reveals significant disparities in emergency response times across New York City. In high-poverty, predominantly minority areas, response times are 2–3 min longer than average, correlating with a 15% increase in severe injury rates. Over 20% of neighborhoods show correlations between response times and crash severity, with positive linear (5.51%), negative linear (10.72%), concave (2.44%) and convex (2.80%) relationships. Blocks with positive linear relationships have a mean ADI rank of 3.918. During peak hours, 69.7% of Manhattan blocks show negative relationships, the highest among boroughs.
Originality/value
This research highlights spatial justice issues in urban emergency response systems, emphasizing the need for localized, data-driven planning and infrastructure adjustments. By integrating the ADI, the multifaceted approach reveals the complex dynamics of socioeconomic factors and emergency service accessibility that have not yet been investigated in diverse urban communities.
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Vilma Karvelyte-Balbieriene and Indre Grazuleviciute-Vileniske
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the historical, cultural, and social significance and the role in landscapes of Lithuanian villages with churches and to formulate the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the historical, cultural, and social significance and the role in landscapes of Lithuanian villages with churches and to formulate the hypothetical framework for their revitalization and consequent sustainable development of country's rural landscape.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology of the research encompassed the desktop study (analysis of literature, archival data, maps, and statistical data) and the analyses on site (observation, measurements, and recording in photographs of buildings and urban structures).
Findings
The findings of the research include the analysis of the historical development of country's rural settlements with the religious function, formulation of the notion of the contemporary village with church, identification of the contemporary network of country's villages with churches and analysis of their current socioeconomic and sociocultural situation and the role in rural landscape. The results of the analyses were used formulating the hypothetical framework for the revitalization of the villages with churches and the sustainable development of the rural landscape.
Originality/value
The analysis of literature demonstrated that Lithuanian villages with churches and their significance for the sustainable development of country's rural landscape are paradoxically neglected subjects. Meanwhile, the foreign experience has demonstrated that historic rural settlements, including the settlements with the religious function, are important not only as separate cultural assets but also can play an important role in the identity, viability, and the sustainable development of rural landscapes. Thus the findings of the research demonstrating the peculiarities and potential of Lithuanian villages with churches can be used in the fields of heritage preservation, landscape management, and rural development.