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1 – 10 of 206
Article
Publication date: 6 September 2023

Md Maruf Hossan Chowdhury, A.K.M. Shakil Mahmud, Shanta Banik, Fazlul K. Rabbanee, Mohammed Quaddus and Mohammed Alamgir

Drawing on the dynamic capability view (DCV), this research determines the suitable configurations of resilience strategies for sustainable tourism supply chain performance amidst…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on the dynamic capability view (DCV), this research determines the suitable configurations of resilience strategies for sustainable tourism supply chain performance amidst “extreme” disruptive events affecting the entire supply chain.

Design/methodology/approach

This research applies a multi-study and multi-method approach. Study 1 utilizes in-depth interviews to identify a list of tourism supply chain sustainability risks and resilience strategies. Study 2, using quality function deployment (QFD) technique, determines the most important resilience strategies corresponding to highly significant risks. Study 3, on the other hand, adopts a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to determine the best recipe of resilience strategies and risks to make the tourism supply chain performance sustainable.

Findings

The findings reveal that sustainable tourism performance during an extreme disruptive event (e.g. COVID-19 health crisis) depends on the combined effect of tourism resilience strategies and risks instead of their individual effect.

Practical implications

The research findings offer significant managerial implications. Managers may experiment with multiple causal conditions of risks and resilience strategies to engender the expected outcome.

Originality/value

This research extends current knowledge on tourism supply chain and offers insights for managers to mitigate the risks and ensures sustainable performance in the context of extreme disruptive events.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 March 2024

Saloni Purandare and Chunhui Xiang

Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the only barrier between the firefighter and hazardous environment. Gloves are a crucial component of the multi-component PPE…

Abstract

Purpose

Firefighter Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is the only barrier between the firefighter and hazardous environment. Gloves are a crucial component of the multi-component PPE. Over time the gloves have reduced the intensity of hand injuries, yet further improvement in terms of material selection and glove design is required to strike the balance between protection and comfort. Focusing on the material aspect, the purpose of this study is to present literature analysis on material selection and testing for firefighter gloves.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a literature analysis on material selection and characterization of firefighter PPE. The review summarizes and evaluates past work addressing the characterization of firefighter gloves in accordance with NFPA 1971 requirements and points out found research gaps to aid with foundation of future research.

Findings

The study summarizes several research works to inform readers about the material selection and characterization of firefighter gloves. Based on the analyzed literature, the study resulted in material specification sheets for firefighter gloves. The developed material specification sheets provide information in terms of crucial material properties to be incorporated for accurate functioning of firefighter gloves, testing methods to validate those material properties and materials from analyzed literature exhibiting desired properties.

Originality/value

With large research addressing firefighter PPE, only limited studies focus specifically on gloves. Thus, this study provides a literature analysis covering material selection and testing for gloves. A consolidated firefighter gloves material specification document, which does not appear to be available in the literature, will provide a foundation for the development and characterization of firefighter gloves to better serve the functions along with ensuring user comfort.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Frank Ato Ghansah, Weisheng Lu and Benjamin Kwaku Ababio

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the construction industry, yet still, it is unclear from existing studies about the critical challenges imposed on quality assurance (QA)…

Abstract

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the construction industry, yet still, it is unclear from existing studies about the critical challenges imposed on quality assurance (QA), particularly Cross-border Construction Logistics and Supply Chain (Cb-CLSC). Thus, this study aims to identify and examine the critical challenges of QA of Cb-CLSC during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The aim is achieved via an embedded mixed-method approach pragmatically involving a desk literature review and engaging 150 experts across the globe using expert surveys, and results confirmed by semi-structured interviews. The approach is based on Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) as its foundation.

Findings

The study revealed ten critical challenges of QA, with the top four including “the shortage of raw construction material (C7)”, “design changes (C6)”, “collaboration and communication difficulties (C1)” and “changes in work practices (C10)”. However, examining the interrelationships among the critical challenges using ISM confirmed C7 and C10 as the most critical challenges. The study again revealed that the critical challenges are sensitive and capable of affecting themselves due to the nature of their interrelationship based on MICMAC analysis. Hence, being consistent with why all the challenges were considered critical amid the pandemic. Sentiment analysis revealed that the critical challenges have not been entirely negative but also positive by creating three areas of opportunities for improvement: technology adoption, worker management, and work process management. However, four areas of challenges in the QA include cost, raw material, time, and work process, including inspection, testing, auditing, communication, etc.

Practical implications

The finding provides a convenient point of reference to researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and decision-makers on formulating policies to enhance the effectiveness of construction QA during the pandemic through to the post-pandemic era.

Originality/value

The study enriches the extant literature on QA, Cb-CLSC, and the COVID-19 pandemic in the construction industry by identifying the critical challenges and examining the interrelationships among them. This provides a better understanding of how the construction QA has been affected by the pandemic and the opportunities created.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 February 2024

Boyi Li, Miao Tian, Xiaohan Liu, Jun Li, Yun Su and Jiaming Ni

The purpose of this study is to predict the thermal protective performance (TPP) of flame-retardant fabric more economically using machine learning and analyze the factors…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to predict the thermal protective performance (TPP) of flame-retardant fabric more economically using machine learning and analyze the factors affecting the TPP using model visualization.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 13 machine learning models were trained by collecting 414 datasets of typical flame-retardant fabric from current literature. The optimal performance model was used for feature importance ranking and correlation variable analysis through model visualization.

Findings

Five models with better performance were screened, all of which showed R2 greater than 0.96 and root mean squared error less than 3.0. Heat map results revealed that the TPP of fabrics differed significantly under different types of thermal exposure. The effect of fabric weight was more apparent in the flame or low thermal radiation environment. The increase in fabric weight, fabric thickness, air gap width and relative humidity of the air gap improved the TPP of the fabric.

Practical implications

The findings suggested that the visual analysis method of machine learning can intuitively understand the change trend and range of second-degree burn time under the influence of multiple variables. The established models can be used to predict the TPP of fabrics, providing a reference for researchers to carry out relevant research.

Originality/value

The findings of this study contribute directional insights for optimizing the structure of thermal protective clothing, and introduce innovative perspectives and methodologies for advancing heat transfer modeling in thermal protective clothing.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Mohammad Dehghan Afifi, Bahram Jalili, Amirmohammad Mirzaei, Payam Jalili and Davood Ganji

This study aims to analyze the two-dimensional ferrofluid flow in porous media. The effects of changes in parameters such as permeability parameter, buoyancy parameter, Reynolds…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the two-dimensional ferrofluid flow in porous media. The effects of changes in parameters such as permeability parameter, buoyancy parameter, Reynolds and Prandtl numbers, radiation parameter, velocity slip parameter, energy dissipation parameter and viscosity parameter on the velocity and temperature profile are displayed numerically and graphically.

Design/methodology/approach

By using simplification, nonlinear differential equations are converted into ordinary nonlinear equations. Modeling is done in the Cartesian coordinate system. The finite element method (FEM) and the Akbari-Ganji method (AGM) are used to solve the present problem. The finite element model determines each parameter’s effect on the fluid’s velocity and temperature.

Findings

The results show that if the viscosity parameter increases, the temperature of the fluid increases, but the velocity of the fluid decreases. As can be seen in the figures, by increasing the permeability parameter, a reduction in velocity and an enhancement in fluid temperature are observed. When the Reynolds number increases, an increase in fluid velocity and temperature is observed. If the speed slip parameter increases, the speed decreases, and as the energy dissipation parameter increases, the temperature also increases.

Originality/value

When considering factors like thermal conductivity and variable viscosity in this context, they can significantly impact velocity slippage conditions. The primary objective of the present study is to assess the influence of thermal conductivity parameters and variable viscosity within a porous medium on ferrofluid behavior. This particular flow configuration is chosen due to the essential role of ferrofluids and their extensive use in engineering, industry and medicine.

Article
Publication date: 4 January 2022

Indrajit Pal, Subhajit Ghosh, Itesh Dash and Anirban Mukhopadhyay

This paper aims to provide a general overview of the international Tsunami warning system mandated by the United Nations, particularly on cataloging past studies and a strategic…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a general overview of the international Tsunami warning system mandated by the United Nations, particularly on cataloging past studies and a strategic focus in the Indian Ocean, particularly on the Bay of Bengal region.

Design/methodology/approach

Present research assimilates the secondary non-classified data on the Tsunami warning system installed in the Indian Ocean. Qualitative review and exploratory research methodology have been followed to provide a holistic profile of the Tsunami rarly warning system (TEWS) and its role in coastal resilience.

Findings

The study finds the need for strategic focus to expand and interlink regional early warning cooperation mechanisms and partnerships to enhance capacities through cooperation and international assistance and mobilize resources necessary to maintain the TEWS in the Indian Ocean region. The enhanced capacity of the TEWS certainly improves the resilience of Indian Ocean coastal communities and infrastructures.

Originality/value

The study is original research and useful for policy planning and regional cooperation on data interlinkages for effective TEWS in the Indian Ocean region.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 14 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 4 April 2024

Ramin Rostamkhani and Thurasamy Ramayah

This chapter of the book aims to introduce multiobjective linear programming (MLP) as an optimum tool to find the best quality engineering techniques (QET) in the main domains of…

Abstract

This chapter of the book aims to introduce multiobjective linear programming (MLP) as an optimum tool to find the best quality engineering techniques (QET) in the main domains of supply chain management (SCM). The importance of finding the best quality techniques in SCM elements in the shortest possible time and at the least cost allows all organizations to increase the power of experts’ analysis in supply chain network (SCN) data under cost-effective conditions. In other words, this chapter aims to introduce an operations research model by presenting MLP for obtaining the best QET in the main domains of SCM. MLP is one of the most determinative tools in this chapter that can provide a competitive advantage. Under goal and system constraints, the most challenging task for decision-makers (DMs) is to decide which components to fund and at what levels. The definition of a comprehensive target value among the required goals and determining system constraints is the strength of this chapter. Therefore, this chapter can guide the readers to extract the best statistical and non-statistical techniques with the application of an operations research model through MLP in supply chain elements and shows a new innovation of the effective application of operations research approach in this field. The analytic hierarchy process (AHP) is a supplemental tool in this chapter to facilitate the relevant decision-making process.

Details

The Integrated Application of Effective Approaches in Supply Chain Networks
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83549-631-2

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 December 2023

Aniket Halder, Arabdha Bhattacharya, Nirmalendu Biswas, Nirmal K. Manna and Dipak Kumar Mandal

The purpose of this study is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD), nanofluidic flow dynamics and heat transfer as well as thermodynamic…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to carry out a comprehensive analysis of magneto-hydrodynamics (MHD), nanofluidic flow dynamics and heat transfer as well as thermodynamic irreversibility, within a novel butterfly-shaped cavity. Gaining a thorough understanding of these phenomena will help to facilitate the design and optimization of thermal systems with complex geometries under magnetic fields in diverse applications.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the objective, the finite element method is used to solve the governing equations of the problem. The effects of various controlling parameters such as butterfly-shaped triangle vertex angle (T), Rayleigh number (Ra), Hartmann number (Ha) and magnetic field inclination angle (γ ) on the hydrothermal performance are analyzed meticulously. By investigating the effects of these parameters, the authors contribute to the existing knowledge by shedding light on their influence on heat and fluid transport within butterfly-shaped cavities.

Findings

The major findings of this study reveal that the geometrical shape significantly alters fluid motion, heat transfer and irreversibility production. Maximum heat transfer, as well as entropy generation, occurs when the Rayleigh number reaches its maximum, the Hartmann number is minimized and the angle of the magnetic field is set to 30° or 150°, while the butterfly wings angle or vertex angle is kept at a maximum of 120°. The intensity of the magnetic field significantly controls the heat flow dynamics, with higher magnetic field strength causing a reduction in the flow strength as well as heat transfer. This configuration optimizes the heat transfer characteristics in the system.

Research limitations/implications

Further research can be expanded on this study by examining thermal performance under different curvature effects, orientations, boundary conditions and additional factors. This can be accomplished through numerical simulations or experimental investigations under various multiphysical scenarios.

Practical implications

The geometric configurations explored in this research have practical applications in various engineering fields, including heat exchangers, crystallization processes, microelectronic devices, energy storage systems, mixing processes, food processing, air-conditioning, filtration and more.

Originality/value

This study brings value by exploring a novel geometric configuration comprising the nanofluidic flow, and MHD effect, providing insights and potential innovations in the field of thermal fluid dynamics. The findings contribute a lot toward maximizing thermal performance in diverse fields of applications. The comparison of different hydrothermal behavior and thermodynamic entropy production under the varying geometric configuration adds novelty to this study.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Prosun Mandal, Srinjoy Chatterjee and Shankar Chakraborty

In many of today’s manufacturing industries, such as automobile, aerospace, defence, die and mould making, medical and electrical discharge machining (EDM) has emerged as an…

Abstract

Purpose

In many of today’s manufacturing industries, such as automobile, aerospace, defence, die and mould making, medical and electrical discharge machining (EDM) has emerged as an effective material removal process. In this process, a series of discontinuous electric discharges is used for removing material from the workpiece in the form of craters generating a replica of the tool into the workpiece in a dielectric environment. Appropriate selection of the tool electrode material and combination of input parameters is an important requirement for performance enhancement of an EDM process. This paper aims to optimize an EDM process using single-valued neutrosophic grey relational analysis using Cu-multi-walled carbon nanotube (Cu-MWCNT) composite tool electrode.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper proposes the application of grey relational analysis (GRA) in a single-valued neutrosophic fuzzy environment to identify the optimal parametric intermix of an EDM process while considering Cu-MWCNT composite as the tool electrode material. Based on Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array, nine experiments are conducted at varying combinations of four EDM parameters, i.e. pulse-on time, duty factor, discharge current and gap voltage, with subsequent measurement of two responses, i.e. material removal rate (MRR) and tool wear rate (TWR). The electrodeposition process is used to fabricate the Cu-MWCNT composite tool.

Findings

It is noticed that both the responses would be simultaneously optimized at higher levels of pulse-on time (38 µs) and duty factor (8), moderate level of discharge current (5 A) and lower level of gap voltage (30 V). During bi-objective optimization (maximization of MRR and minimization of TWR) of the said EDM process, the achieved values of MRR and TWR are 243.74 mm3/min and 0.001034 g/min, respectively.

Originality/value

Keeping in mind the type of response under consideration, their measured values for each of the EDM experiments are expressed in terms of linguistic variables which are subsequently converted into single-valued neutrosophic numbers. Integration of GRA with single-valued neutrosophic sets would help in optimizing the said EDM process with the Cu-MWCNT composite tool while simultaneously considering truth-membership, indeterminacy membership and falsity-membership degrees in a human-centric uncertain decision-making environment.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2023

Gernot M. Stadtfeld and Tim Gruchmann

The research on supply chain resilience (SCRES) has gained momentum after organizations have experienced more frequent and severe disruptions, especially with COVID-19 and the…

Abstract

Purpose

The research on supply chain resilience (SCRES) has gained momentum after organizations have experienced more frequent and severe disruptions, especially with COVID-19 and the Russia/Ukraine conflict. Due to its potential for new practices and capability building, SCRES requires dynamic capabilities (DC) to enable an organization to prepare for, counter, and recuperate from disruptions leading to performance improvements and competitive advantage.

Design/methodology/approach

The present literature study seeks to enrich the theoretical debate on DC in SCRES, contributing to an advanced understanding of SCRES. Therefore, a meta-review of 83 peer-reviewed literature reviews has been conducted. Based on qualitative content analysis and abductive reasoning, relevant constructs are synthesized to facilitate theory-building for SCRES DC into a comprehensive framework.

Findings

The analysis reveals that SCRES has developed into an independent research area. Thus, resilience capabilities must be considered bundles of practices, evolving from different areas beyond supply chain risk management (SCRM). Most recent literature reviews on SCRES address more than one practice bundle applying SCRES DC as antecedents of new DC when organizational structures become more mature, leading to path dependencies when building business capabilities.

Originality/value

Aggregating extant literature on SCRES into a theoretical framework, the study contributes to a better understanding of the relationships between DC and SCRES practices while offering potential avenues for future research. It enriches DC theory by extending its microfoundations towards a holding/buffering dimension, which particularly accounts for the stability-based view of SCRES.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

1 – 10 of 206