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Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Xiaoxiao Qiu, Shuaitong Liang, Shujia Wang, Shen Qian, Hongjuan Zhang, Xue Mei Ding and Jiping Wang

This paper explores what factors influence household textile washing behaviour and how these factors relate to greenhouse gas emissions during the textile use stage.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores what factors influence household textile washing behaviour and how these factors relate to greenhouse gas emissions during the textile use stage.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire survey related to textile summer washing and care behavior was conducted among households in 16 administrative districts of Shanghai. This study used the modified Consumer Lifestyle Approach framework of the washing and care ecosystem. The research hypotheses were established by selecting related factors from four aspects: household demographic characteristics, economy and consumption characteristics, washing machines and detergents characteristics.

Findings

First, we have demonstrated how some course factors do not significantly affect greenhouse emissions. None of the demographics, detergent-related activities, economy and consumption constructs significantly affect greenhouse emissions. Second, we have identified that washing machine and related activities has a direct positive effect on GHG emissions. The washing machine is not only the de facto carrier of all washing activities but also the core of washing activities. Washing machine is crucial in reducing greenhouse emissions and adjusting consumer behaviors.

Originality/value

This paper conducts a study related to the washing and care behavior of households in Shanghai. The paper examines the factors influencing household washing behavior and the relationship between these factors and greenhouse gas emissions during the textile use phase.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 August 2023

S. Balasubrahmanyam and Deepa Sethi

Gillette’s historically successful “razor and blade” business model (RBM) has been a promising benchmark for multiple businesses across diverse industries worldwide in the past…

Abstract

Purpose

Gillette’s historically successful “razor and blade” business model (RBM) has been a promising benchmark for multiple businesses across diverse industries worldwide in the past several decades. The extant literature deals with very few nuances of this business model notwithstanding the fact that there are several variants of this business model being put to practical use by firms in diverse industries in grossly metaphorically equivalent situations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the 2 × 2 truth table framework from the domains of mathematical logic and combinatorics in fleshing out all possible (four logical possibilities) variants of the razor and blade business model for further analysis. This application presents four mutually exclusive yet collectively exhaustive possibilities on any chosen dimension. Two major dimensions (viz., provision of subsidy and intra- or extra-firm involvement in the making of razors or blades or both) form part of the discussion in this paper. In addition, this study synthesizes and streamlines entrepreneurial wisdom from multiple intra-industry and inter-industry benchmarks in terms of real-time firms explicitly or implicitly adopting several variants of the RBM that suit their unique context and idiosyncratic trajectory of evolution in situations that are grossly reflective of the metaphorically equivalent scenario of razor and recurrent blades. Inductive method of research is carried out with real-time cases from diverse industries with a pivotally common pattern of razor and blade model in some form or the other.

Findings

Several new variants of the razor and blade model (much beyond what the extant literature explicitly projects) have been discovered from the multiple metaphorically equivalent cases of RBM across industries. All of these expand the portfolio of options that relevant entrepreneurial firms can explore and exploit the best possible option chosen from them, given their unique context and idiosyncratic trajectory of growth.

Research limitations/implications

This study has enriched the literature by presenting and analyzing a more inclusive or perhaps comprehensive palette of explicit choices in the form of several variants of the RBM for the relevant entrepreneurial firms to choose from. Future research can undertake the task of comparing these variants of RBM with those of upcoming servitization business models such as guaranteed availability, subscription and performance-based contracting and exploring the prospects of diverse combinations.

Practical implications

Smart entrepreneurial firms identify and adopt inspiring benchmarks (like razor and blade model whenever appropriate) duly tweaked and blended into a gestalt benchmark for optimal profits and attractive market shares. They target diverse market segments for tied-goods with different variants or combinations of the relevant benchmarks in the form of variegated customer value propositions (CVPs) that have unique and enticing appeal to the respective market segments.

Social implications

Value-sensitive customers on the rise globally choose the option that best suits them from among multiple alternatives offered by competing firms in the market. As long as the ratio of utility to price of such an offer is among the highest, even a no-frills CVP may be most appealing to one market segment while a plush CVP may be tempting to yet another market segment simultaneously. While professional business firms embrace resource leverage practices consciously, amateur customers do so subconsciously. Each party subliminally desires to have the maximum bang-to-buck ratio as the optimal return on investment, given their priorities ceteris paribus.

Originality/value

Prior studies on the RBM have explicitly captured only a few variants of the razor and blade model. This study is perhaps the first of its kind that ferrets out many other variants (more than ten) of the razor and blade model with due simplification and exemplification, justification and demystification.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 September 2024

Nour Amin Elsahoryi, Amin Olaimat, Hanan Abu Shaikha, Batool Tabib and Richard Holley

This study examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding food safety and hygiene among street food vendors (SFVs) in Jordan, along with associated factors.

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding food safety and hygiene among street food vendors (SFVs) in Jordan, along with associated factors.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a cross-sectional design and targeted a sample of 405 SFVs in Jordan's two most densely populated cities. Data were collected through in-person interviews using a validated and reliable structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis and linear regression were conducted using SPSS v.25 software to examine associations and predict outcomes.

Findings

The findings reveal that SFVs possess a moderate level of knowledge but exhibit negative attitudes and inadequate practices regarding food safety. Significant associations were identified between age, education level, work experience, marital status, gender and the vendors' KAP. Older SFVs tend to exhibit lower knowledge and attitudes, whereas those with more experience and higher education levels demonstrate better KAP. Marital status and gender also influence knowledge and attitudes.

Originality/value

This study fills a critical gap in the research landscape by comprehensively examining the knowledge, attitudes and practices of street food vendors regarding food safety, with a focus on Jordan. Its findings shed light on the challenges facing the street food vending industry and offer actionable recommendations for enhancing food safety practices. As such, the study's originality and significance lie in its potential to drive positive change within this vital culinary tradition, safeguarding public health and economic livelihoods.

Highlights

 

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    The study's novelty lies in its exploration of street food vendors' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to food safety, a facet critical to understanding and addressing the challenges facing this industry. It offers an in-depth examination of factors such as education, experience, age, and marital status that influence vendors' adherence to food safety measures. By focusing on the two most populous cities in Jordan, the study not only provides a comprehensive picture of the situation but also sets the groundwork for policy recommendations and interventions.

  • -

    The research highlights a series of concerning findings. Street food vendors exhibit a moderate level of knowledge regarding food safety, with substantial gaps in understanding specific pathogens and transmission routes. Negative attitudes towards food safety are prevalent, translating into suboptimal hygiene practices. The study's results underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions to address these challenges and improve overall food safety practices within the street food vending sector.

  • -

    The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, public health authorities, and local governments. They suggest targeted educational initiatives to enhance vendors' understanding of food safety principles and their significance in preventing foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure, access to clean water, and proper sanitation facilities to support vendors in implementing safer practices. By highlighting the associations between socio-demographic factors and food safety KAP, the study offers a blueprint for crafting interventions that address the unique needs of different subgroups of street food vendors.

The study's novelty lies in its exploration of street food vendors' knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) related to food safety, a facet critical to understanding and addressing the challenges facing this industry. It offers an in-depth examination of factors such as education, experience, age, and marital status that influence vendors' adherence to food safety measures. By focusing on the two most populous cities in Jordan, the study not only provides a comprehensive picture of the situation but also sets the groundwork for policy recommendations and interventions.

The research highlights a series of concerning findings. Street food vendors exhibit a moderate level of knowledge regarding food safety, with substantial gaps in understanding specific pathogens and transmission routes. Negative attitudes towards food safety are prevalent, translating into suboptimal hygiene practices. The study's results underscore the urgent need for tailored interventions to address these challenges and improve overall food safety practices within the street food vending sector.

The findings offer actionable insights for policymakers, public health authorities, and local governments. They suggest targeted educational initiatives to enhance vendors' understanding of food safety principles and their significance in preventing foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, the study emphasizes the need for improved infrastructure, access to clean water, and proper sanitation facilities to support vendors in implementing safer practices. By highlighting the associations between socio-demographic factors and food safety KAP, the study offers a blueprint for crafting interventions that address the unique needs of different subgroups of street food vendors.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2024

Seth Ketron, Kelly Naletelich and Atefeh Yazdanparast

The purpose of this paper is to (1) characterize representational and nonrepresentational images; (2) review the literature on representational and nonrepresentational images; (3…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to (1) characterize representational and nonrepresentational images; (2) review the literature on representational and nonrepresentational images; (3) introduce the theory of consumption values (TCV) framework vis-à-vis representational and nonrepresentational images; and (4) generate propositions and questions for future research based on that intersection.

Design/methodology/approach

Conceptual/literature review with propositions and future research directions.

Findings

The authors offer nine propositions and several associated example research questions to explore and document the important ways in which representational and nonrepresentational images can affect the five dimensions of value as outlined in the TCV.

Research limitations/implications

It is the hope that this work serves as a theoretical starting point – surely, there are other theories and frameworks beyond the TCV that may share ties with types of images, which scholars should be encouraged to explore, but if the authors had attempted to document every possible theory, the result would be a limitless document. As such, the authors have honed the efforts on a broad-reaching framework, the TCV, in the attempt to balance theoretical insights with parsimony. Through exploration of these and other avenues, the authors hope that scholars and practitioners alike will benefit from elucidation of theories and effects around representational and nonrepresentational images.

Practical implications

Several practical implications flow from the dimensions and propositions within this work.

Originality/value

Representational and nonrepresentational images have featured prominently throughout visual content and communications for centuries, yet the current body of literature remains scant and underdeveloped in its relationship to marketing. The present work addresses this gap by using the TCV as an overarching framework to generate propositions and future research questions.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2024

Biranchi Narayan Adhikari, Ajay Kumar Behera, Rabindra Mahapatra, Harish Das and Sasmita Mohapatra

This paper aims to explore the outcomes of an analysis on day by day task – journey planning conduct of senior citizens by using a modern dynamic model and a family unit travel…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the outcomes of an analysis on day by day task – journey planning conduct of senior citizens by using a modern dynamic model and a family unit travel overview, gathered in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, of India in 2018. The task-journey planning display assumes an unique time–space-constrained planning development.

Design/methodology/approach

The main commitment of this paper is to reveal day by day task – journey planning conduct through a comprehensive dynamic framework. Numerous behavioural subtleties are revealed by the subsequent empirical model. These incorporate the role that income plays in directing outside time consumption decisions of senior citizens. Senior citizens in the most elevated and least salary classes will in general have minor varieties in time consumption decisions than those in middle pay classifications. Generally speaking, the time consumption decisions become progressively steady with expanding age, demonstrating that more task durations and lower task recurrence become progressively predominant with increasing age.

Findings

Day by day task-type and area decisions reveal a reasonable irregular utility-amplifying level headed conduct of senior residents. Unmistakably expanding spatial availability to different task areas is an urgent factor in characterizing every day outside task interest of senior residents. It is likewise evident that the assorted variety of outside task-type decisions decreases with rise in age and senior citizens are major touchy to auto journey hour than to travel or non-mechanized journey hour.

Originality/value

The fundamental constraint to the dynamic structure is that the mode decision model was viewed as exogenic to the demonstrating framework. The essential purpose behind this supposition that was that senior citizens in the Bhubaneswar are overwhelmingly customers of the local car. Coordination of the mode decision display part inside this structure would deliver a full task-based journey request model that could catch trip age, starting times, outing circulation and mode decision using a solitary demonstrating framework.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 September 2024

Sirisha Deepthi Sornapudi, Meenu Srivastava, Srinivas Manchikatla, Samuel Thavaraj H. and Senthil Kumar B.

Natural extracts produced with Annona squamosa and Moringa oleifera leaves through the methanol-based solvent were coated on 100% cotton and 80%:20% polyester/cotton blends to…

Abstract

Purpose

Natural extracts produced with Annona squamosa and Moringa oleifera leaves through the methanol-based solvent were coated on 100% cotton and 80%:20% polyester/cotton blends to improve the functional properties such as antimicrobial activity, wicking, stiffness and crease recovery of the fabric using an eco-friendly 1,2,3,4-butane tetracarboxylic acid (BTCA) crosslinking agent.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 100% cotton and 80:20% Polyester/Cotton fabrics with surface densities of 113.5 g/m2 and 101 g/m2 were treated BTCA. Eight different samples were produced by padding through the natural extracts. The FTIR investigation was performed on all the fabric samples. These coated fabrics were studied for their antimicrobial activity, wicking, stiffness and crease recovery properties.

Findings

It was found that the BTCA cross-linked fabrics showed higher antimicrobial activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Similarly, the percentage crease recovery angle was higher for the Annona squamosa coated sample than for Moringa Oleifera leaf extract in both cotton and polyester cotton blend samples. Furthermore, no significant variation in stiffness values was discovered between the control samples of cotton and polyester cotton blend and its treatment one. It was interesting to note that treating the fabrics with cross-linker showed improved vertical wicking properties, which were closer to control fabric values. The study confirms that crosslinking the fabrics with BTCA has improved the functional properties of the fabrics. The zone of inhibition values of BTCA cross-linked moringa methanolic leaves extract coated cotton and polyester cotton blend were 6 to 6.5 cm, which was more than 50% higher than non-BTCA cross-linked fabric, and BTCA cross-linker has improved the vertical wicking properties.

Research limitations/implications

The outcome of this study will help to gain a better understanding of BTCA cross-linkers for improving the functional coating on textile substrates.

Originality/value

This study was conducted to improve the natural extract coating on textile material with eco-friendly aspects, enhancing the commercial utility of these finished fabrics

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 August 2024

Lotte Hallez, Bram Spruyt, Filip Boen and Tim Smits

This study investigates the combined impact of two packaging cues (i.e. packaging material, recycled content claim) and a price premium on young consumers’ product perceptions and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the combined impact of two packaging cues (i.e. packaging material, recycled content claim) and a price premium on young consumers’ product perceptions and choices.

Design/methodology/approach

Experimental data were collected online via a questionnaire and a hypothetical choice task completed by 221 young consumers (i.e. 19–25 years). We manipulated two packaging cues for a liquid food product: the packaging material (glass vs plastic) and the presence (vs absence) of a recycled content claim (i.e. 100% recycled). We also manipulated whether a price premium was attached to these packaging variations.

Findings

The packaging material and the claim both had a significant influence on young consumers’ sustainability perceptions, and these perceptions extended to perceptions of various product attributes (e.g. healthiness, quality). When all products cost the same, participants were more likely to choose a glass bottle (i.e. 81%) than a plastic bottle, and a bottle with the recycled content claim (i.e. 79%) than a bottle without this claim. However, these preferences dropped significantly when a price premium was attached to these packaging variations.

Originality/value

While most studies have relied on surveys and qualitative methods to investigate consumers’ reactions to sustainable packaging, our research uses an experimental method to assess how packaging impacts young consumers’ perceptions and choices. Additionally, by manipulating the presence of a price premium, this study uniquely investigates the impact of such a premium on young consumers' willingness to choose sustainable packaging.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2024

Rino Afrino, Almasdi Syahza, Suwondo Suwondo and Meyzi Heriyanto

A partnership model is necessary for palm oil plantations’ sustainability. The developed model does not identify the optimal technique for smallholder palm oil because it faces…

Abstract

Purpose

A partnership model is necessary for palm oil plantations’ sustainability. The developed model does not identify the optimal technique for smallholder palm oil because it faces complex challenges. This study aims to determine a partnership model for sustainable palm oil plantation business in Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative research methods were used, and data analysis was performed using NVivo 12 Plus software, which helps improve the accuracy of qualitative studies and provides implications for evidence-based studies. All respondents, whether through surveys, interviews or focus group discussions, understood their contributions to this research and provided consent.

Findings

The results indicate that the core–plasma partnership pattern implemented by companies needs to be considered a relevant model for partnerships in the Indonesian palm oil industry. Social networks play a role in implementing this partnership pattern, which is influenced by the diversity of the actors involved. However, complexity arises from the dynamics of power and position among these actors, which demands increased interaction and mutual trust. Therefore, various dimensions must be considered, including plantation management, product marketing, cultivation techniques and sustainable development.

Research limitations/implications

The research results have limitations, particularly regarding access to information for company policymakers, because there remains complexity related to the position and dominance of power between actors, which influences the achievement of common goals. A more complex analysis is needed to produce complete research. Further studies are required to provide a more comprehensive explanation of the humanist approach in the context of palm plantations.

Originality/value

This study provides an important theoretical implementation: a more humane approach through a partnership model that adds value and is based on aspects of morality in implementing partnerships in the palm oil plantation sector. It also provides new and substantial insights regarding practical implementation for policymakers and practitioners who want to improve partnership practices in sustainable palm oil businesses by implementing value-added and morality-based partnership models in Indonesia as well as other developing countries.

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 August 2024

Qing Li, Chulin Li, Dongdong Dong, Huimin Han, Guangwu Sun, Xiaona Chen, Hongyan Hu, Wenfeng Hu, Hong Xie and Yanmei Li

This study aims to evaluate how the structure of medical compression stockings, including three compression levels and five cross-sections from the ankle to the thigh part, will…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate how the structure of medical compression stockings, including three compression levels and five cross-sections from the ankle to the thigh part, will be changed after washing in different conditions and further investigate the effect of the washing parameters on the medical compression stockings.

Design/methodology/approach

By washing medical compression stockings in different conditions and measuring the structures (including the density, the girth, the transversal and lengthwise dimension, the weight per unit area and the thickness) of medical compression stockings from the knee to the thigh part.

Findings

It was concluded that the density, the weight per unit and the thickness increase and the girth, the transversal and lengthwise dimension, the weight per unit and the thickness decrease. The change degree of Class one and Class two is greater than Class 3. Moreover, the washing temperature is the most significant factor affecting all the structures of medical compression stockings. Meanwhile, the mechanical actions of the washing machine, like drum speed and washing time, also influence different medical compression stockings structures to different degrees.

Research limitations/implications

The washing parameter not only includes the temperature and washing cycles but also has other factors, such as the drum speed and washing time. In addition, different kinds of factors will be influenced by each other.

Originality/value

This study can provide consumers advices on the washing of medical compression stockings, and attribute to the optimization of materials and structures to maintain its properties for manufacturers.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 July 2024

Osama Habbal, Ahmad Farhat, Reem Khalil and Christopher Pannier

The purpose of this study is to assess a novel method for creating tangible three-dimensional (3D) morphologies (scaled models) of neuronal reconstructions and to evaluate its…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess a novel method for creating tangible three-dimensional (3D) morphologies (scaled models) of neuronal reconstructions and to evaluate its cost-effectiveness, accessibility and applicability through a classroom survey. The study addresses the challenge of accurately representing intricate and diverse dendritic structures of neurons in scaled models for educational purposes.

Design/methodology/approach

The method involves converting neuronal reconstructions from the NeuromorphoVis repository into 3D-printable mold files. An operator prints these molds using a consumer-grade desktop 3D printer with water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol filament. The molds are then filled with casting materials like polyurethane or silicone rubber, before the mold is dissolved. We tested our method on various neuron morphologies, assessing the method’s effectiveness, labor, processing times and costs. Additionally, university biology students compared our 3D-printed neuron models with commercially produced counterparts through a survey, evaluating them based on their direct experience with both models.

Findings

An operator can produce a neuron morphology’s initial 3D replica in about an hour of labor, excluding a one- to three-day curing period, while subsequent copies require around 30 min each. Our method provides an affordable approach to crafting tangible 3D neuron representations, presenting a viable alternative to direct 3D printing with varied material options ensuring both flexibility and durability. The created models accurately replicate the fidelity and intricacy of original computer aided design (CAD) files, making them ideal for tactile use in neuroscience education.

Originality/value

The development of data processing and cost-effective casting method for this application is novel. Compared to a previous study, this method leverages lower-cost fused filament fabrication 3D printing to create accurate physical 3D representations of neurons. By using readily available materials and a consumer-grade 3D printer, the research addresses the high cost associated with alternative direct 3D printing techniques to produce such intricate and robust models. Furthermore, the paper demonstrates the practicality of these 3D neuron models for educational purposes, making a valuable contribution to the field of neuroscience education.

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