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Article
Publication date: 20 August 2024

Imran Shabir Chuhan, Jing Li, Muhammad Shafiq Ahmed, Muhammad Ashfaq Jamil and Ahsan Ejaz

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the heat transfer phenomena in a dynamically bulging enclosure filled with Cu-water nanofluid. This study examines the convective heat…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this study is to analyze the heat transfer phenomena in a dynamically bulging enclosure filled with Cu-water nanofluid. This study examines the convective heat transfer process induced by a bulging area considered a heat source, with the enclosure's side walls having a low temperature and top and bottom walls being treated as adiabatic. Various factors, such as the Rayleigh number (Ra), nanoparticle volume fraction, Darcy effects, Hartmann number (Ha) and effects of magnetic inclination, are analyzed for their impact on the flow behavior and temperature distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The finite element method (FEM) is employed for simulating variations in flow and temperature after validating the results. Solving the non-linear partial differential equations while incorporating the modified Darcy number (10−3Da ≤ 10−1), Ra (103Ra ≤ 105) and Ha (0 ≤ Ha ≤ 100) as the dimensionless operational parameters.

Findings

This study demonstrates that in enclosures with dynamically positioned bulges filled with Cu-water nanofluid, heat transfer is significantly influenced by the bulge location and nanoparticle volume fraction, which alter flow and heat patterns. The varying impact of magnetic fields on heat transfer depends on the Rayleigh and Has.

Practical implications

The geometry configurations employed in this research have broad applications in various engineering disciplines, including heat exchangers, energy storage, biomedical systems and food processing.

Originality/value

This research provides insights into how different shapes of the heated bulging area impact the hydromagnetic convection of Cu-water nanofluid flow in a dynamically bulging-shaped porous system, encompassing curved surfaces and various multi-physical conditions.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 July 2023

R.M. Ammar Zahid, Muhammad Kaleem Khan and Muhammad Shafiq Kaleem

Executive decisions regarding capital financing are an important management aspect, especially during financing constraints and growth opportunities. The current study examines…

Abstract

Purpose

Executive decisions regarding capital financing are an important management aspect, especially during financing constraints and growth opportunities. The current study examines the impact of managerial skills of a company on capital financing decisions. Furthermore, it analyzed this nexus in financing constraints and growth opportunity situations.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the GMM (generalized method of moments) estimation approach on a dataset of 20,651 firm-year observations of Chinese A-share companies from 2010 to 2019.

Findings

The authors’ findings are compatible with management signaling and reputation enhancement theories, since they show that managerial skill is connected with more substantial debt financing. Managers with high management skills are likely to have more debt financing as they can foresee the economic future of their companies and tactfully convey private information, lowering information inequality and enhancing their reputation. Furthermore, the authors also show that firms with restricted financial resources and growth opportunities make this relationship stronger. Capital structure and managerial skill findings are unaffected by alternative specifications, omitted factors, industry group bias and endogeneity.

Originality/value

This study sheds fresh light on the essential manager personality trait of managing ability and how it influences complicated corporate decision-making, particularly in the tough environment due to financing constraints and competitive growth. The authors argue that high-ability managers are compelled to use debt financing not only to lessen information asymmetry but also to guarantee that the market finds their superior ability. This work contributes significantly to the managerial ability literature and the capital structure literature supporting signaling theory.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 December 2023

Fatima Shaukat, Muhammad Shafiq and Atif Hussain

As a little research has been conducted to understand the factors influencing users’ intentions to adopt blockchain-based telemedicine (BBT), it is important to investigate BBT…

Abstract

Purpose

As a little research has been conducted to understand the factors influencing users’ intentions to adopt blockchain-based telemedicine (BBT), it is important to investigate BBT acceptance as incorporation of blockchain technology can solve telemedicine-related issues. Accordingly, this study aims to investigate the factors influencing behavioral intentions (BI) to adopt BBT.

Design/methodology/approach

An integrated model comprising the constructs taken from technology–organization–environment framework, technology acceptance model, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology and theory of planned behavior based on their relevance to the context and the objectives of the study has been used for this research. A quantitative approach has been used to test the hypotheses, for which the data was collected from 324 respondents through a self-administered questionnaire. Partial least squares structural equation modeling has been used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results of the study show that relative advantage, perceived usefulness, trust and perceived ease of use have a significant impact on BI to adopt BBT, whereas regulatory support, subjective norms and facilitating conditions do not have any significant impact on the same.

Research limitations/implications

As the concept of BCT in Pakistan is at its nascent stage and literature regarding this technology’s adoption is also limited, researchers and scholars can apply it to several other fields in Pakistan. For example, this study can be extended to explore the factors influencing blockchain adoption in areas such as education, logistics, transportation, finances and management. This research only considers the direct effects of constructs on BI to adopt BBT and does not consider any mediation and moderations constructs. Future researchers can also study the influence of mediation and moderation constructs on BI to adopt BCT.

Originality/value

Although studies on the acceptance of telemedicine exist, there is a gap concerning the acceptance of BBT, which the current study helps to bridge. From a practical standpoint, the current study makes a highly valuable contribution toward understanding acceptance factors for BBT projects, leading to help policymakers devise policies to promote telemedicine.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2024

Mohammad Mominul Islam and Mostofa Mahmud Hasan

While the Noble Quran dictates the prohibition of interest, conventional banks promote Islamic banking by opening Islamic banking windows. Against this backdrop, this study aims…

Abstract

Purpose

While the Noble Quran dictates the prohibition of interest, conventional banks promote Islamic banking by opening Islamic banking windows. Against this backdrop, this study aims to investigate the perceived gaps between managers and clients in Islamic marketing and banking, focusing on conventional banks’ Islamic banking windows.

Design/methodology/approach

Guided by a qualitative approach, semi-structured personal interviews and observations served as the data collection methods, involving 25 banks and 50 respondents in 3 different districts, namely, Shirajganj, Rajshahi and Chapainawabganj of Bangladesh from January to October 2023. The data were analysed using ATLAS.ti 2023 to explore codes and quotations derived from 14 interview questions. Further, ATLAS.ti 2023 facilitated synthesizing content, concepts, code occurrence, network analysis and thematic analysis.

Findings

Islamic and non-Islamic banks use Quranic verses, hadiths (prophetic traditions), images of mosques, the Kaaba and Arabic texts as Islamic marketing tools. These spiritual, divine and prescriptive tools are associated with Islamic banking. However, conventional banks receive criticism for having separate Islamic banking windows to serve religiously conscious clients, which generates tension among clients and bank managers.

Practical implications

The findings can theoretically assist academics in examining conventional banks’ Islamic marketing and banking practices, opening Islamic banking windows. Importantly, Shariah boards can play policy roles in safeguarding the function of Islamic marketing and banking. Managers can use the findings to anticipate client perceptions and enhance Islamic marketing and banking strategies. Likewise, the social implications include the explicit stance of Shariah to mitigate the mixture of halal and haram banking.

Originality/value

This pioneering study explores the perspectives of Islamic banking windows by non-Islamic banks. The combination of Islamic marketing and banking is a noteworthy novelty in this study and deserves recognition for its unique contribution to halal marketing and finance.

Details

Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0817

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2023

Muhammad Safdar, Shafiq Ur Rehman, Ammara Yousaf and Murtaza Ashiq

This paper is a systematic review that aims to collect and review studies on library users’ smartphone use to access library services and resources. Another objective of the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is a systematic review that aims to collect and review studies on library users’ smartphone use to access library services and resources. Another objective of the systematic review is to identify the challenges and benefits (reported in the reviewed literature) regarding using smartphones to access library resources and services.

Design/methodology/approach

The researchers searched the relevant literature from four databases: Scopus, Library and Information Science Technology Abstracts, Web of Science and Google Scholar. A total of 20 studies were selected, out of the 2,416 retrieved titles, for review in light of the PRISMA guidelines. This systematic review also used the quality assessment guidelines of Boynton and Greenhalgh (2004), to analyze the quality of the publications reviewed in the study.

Findings

The results highlighted that library users used smartphones to access a wide range of library services, including directions help, fresh arrivals, library news notifications, room and course reservations, library account management, circulation and the Online Public Access Catalogue (OPAC). The libraries offered their users multiple mobile-supported services related to searching for resources and account management. The challenges, as well as the benefits associated with the use of smartphones for accessing and using library services, have also been reported. Most reviewed studies scored high (9–13 out of 13) in the quality assessment.

Research limitations/implications

This research has some limitations. First, only the English-language research studies were included in the review. Therefore, it is possible that a significant study conducted in a language other than English was missed. Second, researchers performed a comprehensive search to collect the maximum number of relevant studies; there is a chance that an important study was missed during the search and retrieval process.

Practical implications

This research fills the research gap by advancing the literature on mobile device use for accessing library services and resources. The findings might help library professionals understand the current trends in accessing library services through smartphones. This also helps them plan the latest mobile-supported library services to meet the ever-changing demands of library users. Policymakers could also benefit from this research, as it could help them understand current trends in library services and facilitate them in making appropriate policies, funding allocations and implementing mobile services in libraries.

Social implications

The researchers found that the use of mobile phones to access library services and resources impacts society in a discernible way. It provides a rich environment as users access a wide range of library services, including directions help, fresh arrivals, library news notifications, room and course reservations, library account management, circulation and the OPAC without any hindrances or hurdles.

Originality/value

This is the first review, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, that has systematically collected and reviewed the literature on the topic under study. This study also shares the theoretical and practical implications of the research and future research directions for researchers.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 April 2023

Sadia Shafiq, Saiqa Saddiqa Qureshi and Muhammad Akbar

This paper aims to examine whether the volatility of returns in commodity (gold, oil), bond and forex markets is related over time to the volatility of returns in equity markets…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine whether the volatility of returns in commodity (gold, oil), bond and forex markets is related over time to the volatility of returns in equity markets of Bangladesh, Indonesia, Pakistan, Philippines, Turkey and Vietnam. In addition, the authors analyze the integration of the commodity, bond, forex and equity markets across these markets.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic conditional correlation GARCH (DCC-GARCH) model is used to capture the time-varying conditional correlation among markets. The authors use daily data of stock prices, oil prices, gold prices, exchange rates and 10 years' bond yields of the six countries from Datastream and investing.com from January 2001 to April 2021.

Findings

Findings reveal that the parameters of dynamic correlation are statistically significant which indicates the importance of time-varying co-movements. Estimation of the DCC-GARCH model suggests that the stock market is significantly correlated with bond, forex, gold and oil markets in all six countries.

Practical implications

This study has practical implications for policymakers and investment professionals. A better understanding of dynamic linkages among the markets would help in constructing effective hedging and portfolio diversification strategies. Policy makers can get insight to build proper strategies in order to insulate the economy from factors that cause volatility.

Originality/value

Several studies have investigated the linkage between commodity and stock markets and the volatility spillover effect, but very little attention is given to study the interrelationship between groups of market segments of different economies. No study has comparatively examined the dynamic relationship of multiple markets of a group of emerging countries simultaneously.

Details

Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2054-6238

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 July 2023

Ankitha Vijayakumar, Muhammad Nateque Mahmood, Argaw Gurmu, Imriyas Kamardeen and Shafiq Alam

Freeways in Australia play a significant role in connecting distant communities, shifting freight and strengthening the country’s economy. To meet the growing needs of present and…

Abstract

Purpose

Freeways in Australia play a significant role in connecting distant communities, shifting freight and strengthening the country’s economy. To meet the growing needs of present and future generations, delivering a socially sustainable road infrastructure that creates generational benefits is essential. However, the existing literature reveals the lack of comprehensive indicators to assess the social sustainability performance of freeway projects. Therefore, this paper aims to identify a critical set of system-specific indicators to evaluate the life cycle social footprint of Australian freeways.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted 31 interview questionnaire surveys with actively engaged stakeholders involved in various freeway projects around Australia. The data collected was analysed using fuzzy set theory and other statistical approaches.

Findings

The study identified 42 critical indicators for assessing the social sustainability performance throughout the life cycle of freeways in the Australian context. For example, stakeholder involvement, reduction of casualty rate due to road accidents, fair remuneration to project workforce and improved accessibility to required services.

Practical implications

The context-specific opinions extracted from the industry experts and the comprehensive set of critical indicators identified would ensure that all the vital aspects of social sustainability are considered throughout the life cycle of Australian freeways in the future, assisting the decision-makers in enhancing the project’s social sustainability performance.

Originality/value

The linguistic explanations associated with the ratings given by the industry experts provide greater insight into the context of the life cycle social sustainability assessment of Australian freeways exclusively.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Workeneh Geleta Negassa, Demissie J. Gelmecha, Ram Sewak Singh and Davinder Singh Rathee

Unlike many existing methods that are primarily focused on two-dimensional localization, this research paper extended the scope to three-dimensional localization. This enhancement…

Abstract

Purpose

Unlike many existing methods that are primarily focused on two-dimensional localization, this research paper extended the scope to three-dimensional localization. This enhancement is particularly significant for unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) applications that demand precise altitude information, such as infrastructure inspection and aerial surveillance, thereby broadening the applicability of UAV-assisted wireless networks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper introduced a novel method that employs recurrent neural networks (RNNs) for node localization in three-dimensional space within UAV-assisted wireless networks. It presented an optimization perspective to the node localization problem, aiming to balance localization accuracy with computational efficiency. By formulating the localization task as an optimization challenge, the study proposed strategies to minimize errors while ensuring manageable computational overhead, which are crucial for real-time deployment in dynamic UAV environments.

Findings

Simulation results demonstrated significant improvements, including a channel capacity of 99.95%, energy savings of 89.42%, reduced latency by 99.88% and notable data rates for UAV-based communication with an average localization error of 0.8462. Hence, the proposed model can be used to enhance the capacity of UAVs to work effectively in diverse environmental conditions, offering a reliable solution for maintaining connectivity during critical scenarios such as terrestrial environmental crises when traditional infrastructure is unavailable.

Originality/value

Conventional localization methods in wireless sensor networks (WSNs), such as received signal strength (RSS), often entail manual configuration and are beset by limitations in terms of capacity, scalability and efficiency. It is not considered for 3-D localization. In this paper, machine learning such as multi-layer perceptrons (MLP) and RNN are employed to facilitate the capture of intricate spatial relationships and patterns (3-D), resulting in enhanced localization precision and also improved in channel capacity, energy savings and reduced latency of UAVs for wireless communication.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Unmanned Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-6427

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2023

Nabil Hasan Saleh Al-Kumaim, Marya Samer, Siti Hasnah Hassan, Muhammad Salman Shabbir, Fathey Mohammed and Samer Al-Shami

The purpose of this study is to understand the situation of hotels and tourism industry in Malaysia during and in post Covid-19 and to mitigate indirect damage caused by COVID-19…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to understand the situation of hotels and tourism industry in Malaysia during and in post Covid-19 and to mitigate indirect damage caused by COVID-19 to the hotel business and tourism industry by examining the factors that have an influence on hotel’s customer satisfaction rating and revisit intention through an integration of service quality (SERVQUAL) framework and expectation-confirmation theory (ECT).

Design/methodology/approach

The SERVQUAL and ECT were considered the underpinning theoretical models but are integrated and extended by including a few additional variables. Data were collected from 458 respondents of travelers and hotel customers in Malaysia and analysed by applying partial least squares structural equation model technique.

Findings

The empirical results established that significant positive relationships exist between the three newly emerged independent variables (IVs), namely, hygienic practice, greenness of service and digitalization and hotel customer satisfaction towards hotel revisit intention, and only two variables from SERVQUAL, namely, reliability and assurance, have a significant relationship with hotel customer satisfaction towards hotel revisit intention. The results reveal that customer satisfaction has significant direct effect between above-mentioned IVs and customers revisit intention.

Research limitations/implications

The use of purposeful sampling method in only one country might limit the generalizability of the results. Future research should be planned to duplicate the current study using a sizable sample of participants from multiple countries and include other related factors related to the pandemic phenomena such as safety, hotel location and health value offered.

Practical implications

Theoretical findings imply that service quality is a dynamic theory that should be examined continuously to achieve sustainable and resilient performance in today’s competitive business environment, as some modifications inevitably occur over time and new factors could be emerged. Regarding practical implications, study findings proved the great significance of assurance, reliability, digitalization, greenness and hygienic practices on customer satisfaction towards intention to revisit to hotel. Therefore, it is critical for hotel management to retain hotel business industry in a way that fits and matches customer’s health protection, meets customer’s newly prompted expectations and needs and ensures resilience during unsettled times.

Originality/value

This study is unique as the newly emerged variables are included in the research framework, and thus it helps to close the literature gap by introducing an integrated SERVQUAL and ECT theoretical model, which rarely performs in this context and can be replicated or extended with validated scales. This study contributes to enhancing hotel and tourism sustainable service quality performance to achieve myriad economic and health values.

Details

foresight, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 June 2024

Abdul Rauf, Norhilmi Muhammad, Hamid Mahmood and Muhammad Aftab

The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive literature review focused on the concept of service quality within the healthcare sector. This research aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

The primary objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive literature review focused on the concept of service quality within the healthcare sector. This research aims to categorize and analyze the various dimensions associated with service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

The systematic literature review methodology was employed to accomplish current study goals, and specific criteria were utilized to select relevant research articles spanning the years from 2000 to 2023. Ultimately, 57 articles met the criteria and were included in the study.

Findings

Through a meticulous review of selected articles, our research identified and categorized 29 distinct measures for evaluating service quality in the healthcare sector. These measures were further grouped into five overarching categories, namely: overall service quality, personal characteristics, healthcare facility administration, patient attributes and the servicescape. Our investigation highlighted that the dimensions commonly utilized to assess service quality in healthcare primarily draw from the SERVQUAL framework. Additionally, there is significant emphasis on measurements related to the physical environment's quality, overall patient satisfaction and behavioral intention.

Originality/value

This review offers original value by synthesizing diverse literature on healthcare service quality, highlighting SEVQUAL dimensions and critical variables used for assessment. It provides insight into the subjective nature of service quality and varied sampling methods and contributes to enhancing service quality and patient satisfaction in healthcare settings.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

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