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Article
Publication date: 2 March 2012

Hamed Shahbazi, Kamal Jamshidi and Amir Hasan Monadjemi

The purpose of this paper is to model a motor region named the mesencephalic locomotors region (MLR) which is located in the end part of the brain and first part of the spinal…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to model a motor region named the mesencephalic locomotors region (MLR) which is located in the end part of the brain and first part of the spinal cord. This model will be used for a Nao soccer player humanoid robot. It consists of three main parts: High Level Decision Unit (HLDU), MLR‐Learner and the CPG layer. The authors focus on a special type of decision making named curvilinear walking.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors' model is based on stimulation of some programmable central pattern generators (PCPGs) to generate curvilinear bipedal walking patterns. PCPGs are made from adaptive Hopfs oscillators. High level decision, i.e. curvilinear bipedal walking, will be formulated as a policy gradient learning problem over some free parameters of the robot CPG controller.

Findings

The paper provides a basic model for generating different types of motions in humanoid robots using only simple stimulation of a CPG layer. A suitable and fast curvilinear walk has been achieved on a Nao humanoid robot, which is similar to human ordinary walking. This model can be extended and used in other types of humanoid.

Research limitations/implications

The authors' work is limited to a special type of biped locomotion. Different types of other motions are encouraged to be tested and evaluated by this model.

Practical implications

The paper introduces a bio‐inspired model of skill learning for humanoid robots. It is used for curvilinear bipedal walking pattern, which is a beneficial movement in soccer‐playing Nao robots in Robocup competitions.

Originality/value

The paper uses a new biological motor concept in artificial humanoid robots, which is the mesencephalic locomotor region.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 39 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2024

Safwan Kamal, Muslem Muslem, Mulyadi Mulyadi and Izra Berakon

This study aims to determine whether the relationship between the Muslim community and moneylenders is important even though the practice of moneylenders is clearly forbidden in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether the relationship between the Muslim community and moneylenders is important even though the practice of moneylenders is clearly forbidden in Islam. This study examines a model consisting of two major theories, namely, the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and marketing theory, and the existence of the religiosity variable as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a structural equation modeling (SEM); SEM was chosen because it has effectiveness in revealing estimates of direct and indirect effects and shows moderating values. Manual questionnaires were distributed to 385 Acehnese who use loan shark services.

Findings

The combination of TPB and marketing theory constructs has a significant influence on the intention to use loan shark services. Then, the existence of the word-of-mouth variable significantly mediates the relationship between service and subjective norms and the intention to use loan shark services. In fact, the position of the religiosity variable has a significant negative effect on the intention to use loan shark services, and in terms of the moderating effect, it has been demonstrated that religiosity weakens the relationships between the services provided by loan sharks and the intention to use loan shark services.

Research limitations/implications

This study has several limitations. First, sampling is still limited and can still be expanded. Second, it is difficult to get data and there are people who refuse to be sampled. Third, this study succeeded in capturing the phenomenon of the behavioral intentions of people who have a religious spirit but are still associated with moneylenders.

Practical implications

This research provides material implications for the Aceh Government, especially in managing public funds. Indeed, Aceh is a productive province that has produced policies and regulations that encourage the Sharia economy; it is just that the use of social funds and Islamic philanthropy in Aceh has not been maximized, which has led to the growth of a network of moneylenders. Because of this, Aceh, which has been successful in producing the law for Islamic financial institutions, should also be successful in destroying the moneylender network by synergizing to create alternatives and financial solutions for the community, especially the lower and middle classes.

Social implications

This research explains that the level of religiosity can dampen and reduce the intention to use loan shark services; therefore, it is important for the community to understand the dangerous impact of using loan shark services and expand the role of community leaders in socializing the idea of lending money to loan sharks.

Originality/value

Due to the lack of studies on the behavior of Muslims using the services of moneylenders, therefore, this study provides new knowledge of the literature on the economic behavior of Muslim communities who continue to use the services of moneylenders. This study develops TPB theory and marketing theory in one model and involves the religiosity variable as a moderator.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 July 2023

Mitra Meijani, Alireza Rousta and Dariyoush Jamshidi

The expansion of lifestyle and luxury markets has necessitated new marketing techniques. Recently, brand addiction has been a new topic in luxury repurchasing. The information…

1876

Abstract

Purpose

The expansion of lifestyle and luxury markets has necessitated new marketing techniques. Recently, brand addiction has been a new topic in luxury repurchasing. The information reported in the literature regarding the effectiveness of brand addiction is insufficient and controversial. This research aimed to assess the role of brand addiction in Islamic consumers who purchase luxury smartphone brands.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey responses were collected from an online sample of 384 luxury consumers in Iran. The methods were evaluated using software (smart PLS 3) to test the hypothesis.

Findings

According to the uniqueness theory, the authors completed that brand addiction and consumer relationships are different and relative in each luxury product. The results positively determine that brand addiction has a more significant impact than brand jealousy, brand love and brand experience in repurchasing luxury consumers.

Research limitations/implications

This study helps expand the literature on luxury repurchases and contends that brand addiction creates a new perspective in understanding behavioral addiction.

Practical implications

This paper provides insights for current and future marketers and managers, especially in Iran.

Originality/value

This investigation is the first study on the impact of different dimensions of brand addiction on luxury smartphone repurchase intention. In this regard, the findings of the study are important in the luxury market and extend current knowledge on repurchasing luxury products such as in Iran.

Details

South Asian Journal of Marketing, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2719-2377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2022

Chafika Ali Ahmed, Abdelmadjid Si Salem, Souad Ait Taleb and Kamal Ait Tahar

This paper aims to investigate the experimental behavior and the reliability of concrete columns repaired using fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) under axial compression loading…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the experimental behavior and the reliability of concrete columns repaired using fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs) under axial compression loading. The expression of the ultimate axial resistance was assessed from the experimental data of damaged concrete cylinders repaired by externally bonded double-FRP spiral strips.

Design/methodology/approach

The tested columns bearing capacity mainly depends of the elasticity modulus of both damaged and undamaged concrete have been considered in addition to the applied load and the cylinder diameter as random variables in the expression of the failure criterion. The reliability indicators were assessed using first order second moment method.

Findings

The emphasized test results, statistically fitted show that the strength has been retrofitted for all repaired specimens whatever the degree of initial damage. However, the gain in axial strength is inversely proportional to the degree of damage.

Originality/value

The efficiency of a new FRP repair procedure using double-spiral strips was studied. This research provides a technical and economical solution for retrofitting existing concrete columns. Finally, the random character of the variables that govern the studied system shows the accuracy and safety of the proposed original design.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 21 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2024

Hamad Alkasasbeh, Mohammad Salem Oudat, Ibrahim Abu-AlSondos and Loai Alhawamdeh

This study aims to contribute to the scholarly discourse on the future of money, particularly within the context of Islamic principles. The focus is on examining the intricate…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to contribute to the scholarly discourse on the future of money, particularly within the context of Islamic principles. The focus is on examining the intricate intersections of financial development, technological advancements and the emerging metaverse. The research intends to explore the holistic framework encompassing regulatory dynamics, technological infrastructure, consumer trust, Sharia compliance and the metaverse.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design incorporates a comprehensive approach, using various elements such as regulatory dynamics, technological infrastructure, consumer trust, Sharia compliance and the metaverse. Data collection involves a questionnaire administered to 318 respondents in the UAE. The methodology uses structural equation modeling – partial least squares (SEM-PLS) to assess the research model and test hypotheses.

Findings

The results from the Smart PLS path analysis indicate noteworthy findings. There are significant impacts of fintech adoption, regulatory environments, technological infrastructure and customer trust on the competitiveness of Fintech solutions. Importantly, Sharia compliance emerges as a crucial contextual filter, influencing the interplay between Sharia compliance, fintech adoption and fintech competitiveness. The study provides theoretical insights by emphasizing the pivotal role of Sharia compliance in the dynamics of fintech adoption.

Originality/value

This study contributes original insights to the existing body of knowledge. By exploring the multifaceted connections between financial development, technological advancements and the metaverse within the Islamic context, the research offers a unique and comprehensive perspective. The emphasis on the holistic framework that considers regulatory dynamics, technological infrastructure, consumer trust and Sharia compliance adds originality to the understanding of factors influencing the competition and sustainability of Islamic fintech solutions in the UAE.

Details

Journal of Islamic Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-0833

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 July 2020

Seyyed Habibollah Mirghafoori, Hossein Sayyadi Tooranloo and Sepideh Saghafi

In this way, the aim of this study is to expand and evelop the application of this technique in FMEA to rank failure modes of ESQ of academic libraries in an intuitionistic fuzzy…

Abstract

Purpose

In this way, the aim of this study is to expand and evelop the application of this technique in FMEA to rank failure modes of ESQ of academic libraries in an intuitionistic fuzzy environment. Assessment of electronic service quality (ESQ) of libraries is significantly important according to their major roles. It should be noted that the ESQ has a significant impact on customer satisfaction, which improves organizational performance. Accordingly, low ESQ means waste of organizational resources and poor user satisfaction. So, there is a dire need to reflect reasons inducing failure modes in academic library ESQ. Thus, investigation of failure modes affecting academic library ESQ is highly important. One solution in this area is utilization of the intuitionistic fuzzy (IF) failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) as one of the widely used methods for prediction and identification of failure modes.

Design/methodology/approach

The present study in terms of objective is applied and in terms of the type of method is descriptive-analytical. The research sample included four experts of Yazd academic Libraries (Iran). To collect data, three types of questionnaires were distributed among experts. The purpose of the first questionnaire was to identify and reach an agreement on e-library failure modes. Type II questionnaire was used to determine the importance of identified risk factors and Type III questionnaire was used to prioritize the factors.

Findings

Results indicate that the difficulty of using websites, lack of provided information feedback to users and lack of links on the website to users' are the main priorities for improving ESQ in the studied academic libraries.

Originality/value

In this approach, the Intuitionistic fuzzy Elimination Et Choix Traduisant la REalité and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution method were used to rank failure modes in academic library ESQ within the FMEA framework.]

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2023

Usman Tariq, Ranjit Joy, Sung-Heng Wu, Muhammad Arif Mahmood, Asad Waqar Malik and Frank Liou

This study aims to discuss the state-of-the-art digital factory (DF) development combining digital twins (DTs), sensing devices, laser additive manufacturing (LAM) and subtractive…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the state-of-the-art digital factory (DF) development combining digital twins (DTs), sensing devices, laser additive manufacturing (LAM) and subtractive manufacturing (SM) processes. The current shortcomings and outlook of the DF also have been highlighted. A DF is a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility that uses innovative technologies, including automation, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, additive manufacturing (AM), SM, hybrid manufacturing (HM), sensors for real-time feedback and control, and a DT, to streamline and improve manufacturing operations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a novel perspective on DF development using laser-based AM, SM, sensors and DTs. Recent developments in laser-based AM, SM, sensors and DTs have been compiled. This study has been developed using systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, discussing literature on the DTs for laser-based AM, particularly laser powder bed fusion and direct energy deposition, in-situ monitoring and control equipment, SM and HM. The principal goal of this study is to highlight the aspects of DF and its development using existing techniques.

Findings

A comprehensive literature review finds a substantial lack of complete techniques that incorporate cyber-physical systems, advanced data analytics, AI, standardized interoperability, human–machine cooperation and scalable adaptability. The suggested DF effectively fills this void by integrating cyber-physical system components, including DT, AM, SM and sensors into the manufacturing process. Using sophisticated data analytics and AI algorithms, the DF facilitates real-time data analysis, predictive maintenance, quality control and optimal resource allocation. In addition, the suggested DF ensures interoperability between diverse devices and systems by emphasizing standardized communication protocols and interfaces. The modular and adaptable architecture of the DF enables scalability and adaptation, allowing for rapid reaction to market conditions.

Originality/value

Based on the need of DF, this review presents a comprehensive approach to DF development using DTs, sensing devices, LAM and SM processes and provides current progress in this domain.

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