Search results

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the preliminary work on using laser cladding technology for the restoration of structural integrity.

The primary methodology used in this research is to develop a laser cladding‐based metal deposition technique to articulate restoration of structural geometry affected by corrosion damages. Following from this method, it is planned to undertake further work to use the laser cladding process to restore geometry and the associated static/fatigue strength.

This work has found that it is possible to use laser cladding as a repair technology to improve structural integrity in aluminium alloy aircraft structures in terms of corrosion reduction and geometrical restoration. Initial results have indicated a reduction of static and fatigue resistance with respect to substrate. But more recent works (yet to be published) have revealed improved fatigue strength as measured in comparison to the substrate structural properties.

The research is based on an acceptable materials processing technique.

The paper aims to contribute to the broader literature on just transition by examining the intersection of technology and justice, and identifying opportunities for bridging the gap between theory and practice. The work seeks to emphasize the importance of transformative change, which ensures that no individual, community or sector is left behind in the transition towards a sustainable future, both on a global and local scale.

The paper explores the potential for linking justice to the ongoing technological transition, focusing on its impacts on climate and sustainability. Drawing on various sociological, environmental and technological studies, this work examines the intersections between justice and technological change. Through a qualitative analysis of case studies and a review of literature, the article offers insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners and scholars involved in the pursuit of a sustainable and equitable future.

The paper concludes that balancing environmental, social and economic goals is necessary on a large scale within the framework of a “just transition”, in order to ensure that no individual, community or sector is left behind in the path to a sustainable future. This involves reflecting on sensitive issues such as competition, intellectual property, market openness, liability and fighting against inequalities. Additionally, it requires considering smart and welfare policies from a multilevel perspective.

The originality of this work lies in its contribution to advancing the understanding of the limitations of a technology-centric approach to climate action and the need for systemic changes. The paper emphasizes the importance of addressing social equity, policy reform and collective action in conjunction with technological transition to achieve a sustainable future. It highlights the risks of overlooking the systemic drivers of the climate crisis, such as unsustainable consumption patterns and reliance on fossil fuels, while pursuing technological solutions. Furthermore, the work emphasizes the relevance of the Sustainable Development Goals of Agenda 2030 in guiding a just transition towards sustainability.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of tabs having different corner geometries on the flow characteristics of a supersonic convergent–divergent (C-D) nozzle.

A circular C-D nozzle of Mach 2.0 was used, and the tabs were positioned at the exit of the nozzle in diametrically opposite directions. Three tabs having different corner geometry implemented in the experiments were rectangular tab with triangular top edge, triangular tab with a bell-shaped edge and tapered tab. The pressure profiles across the tabs and the centerline pressure decay along the jets were measured. The shadowgraph technique illustrated the waves present in the center of an oncoming jet. The nozzle pressure ratios (NPR) were varied from 4 to 8, in the steps of one, covering various overexpansion and under expansion levels at the exit of the nozzle.

The results showed tapered tabs act as a better mixing promoter than the other tabs used in the study. A reduction of 91.25% in core length for NPR 8 was observed for the tapered tabs. Subsequently, core length reductions generated by triangular tabs with a bell-shaped top edge were 87.5%, and those caused by rectangular tabs with a triangular top edge were 7.5%.

The research results could be used for designing combustion chambers and chemical reactors that require jets to enhance mixing levels.

The tabs having three different corners geometries, i.e. sharp or pointed, bell-shaped and straight edge has never been investigated before. The idea of only modifying corners is the innovative step of this research.

Obesity among elderly consumers precipitates undesirable health outcomes. This study aims to investigate the effects of environmental cues on food intake of elderly consumers in an aged-care facility.

A longitudinal study conducted over 17 weeks in situ within an aged-care facility with 31 residents investigated how auditory (soothing music), olfactory (floral-scented candle) and visual (infographic on health benefits of the main meal component) cues influenced food intake quantity during a meal, while accounting for portion size effect (PSE).

Analysing the cross-sectional results of individual treatments and rounds did not reveal any consistent patterns in the influence of the three environmental cues. Longitudinal analyses, however, showed that the presence of auditory and olfactory cues significantly increased food intake, but the visual cue did not. Moreover, PSE was strong.

Extending research into environmental factors from a commercial to a health-care setting, this study demonstrates how the presence of auditory and olfactory, but not cognitive cues, increased food intake behaviour among elderly consumers. It also shows that a cross-sectional approach to such studies would have yielded inconclusive or even misleading findings. Merely serving more would also lead to higher food intake amount.

Environmental factors should be a part of health-care providers’ arsenal to manage obesity. They are practical and relatively inexpensive to implement across different health-care settings. However, the same environmental factors would have opposite desired-effects with normal or underweight residents, and hence, aged-care facilities need to separate the dining experience (or mealtime) of obese and other residents. Quantity served should also be moderated to discourage overeating.

While studies into managing obesity, particularly among older adults, have mainly focused on techniques such as pharmacotherapy treatments with drugs, dietary management or even lifestyle change, less attention has been given to the influence of environmental cues. This study, executed in situ within an aged-care facility, provided evidence of the importance of considering the impact of environmental factors on food intake to help reduce obesity.

The birth of massive open online courses (MOOCs) has instantly drawn the attention of scholars, academicians and learners. Millions of participants are learning through this freely accessible model of education. The purpose of this paper is to review the development of MOOCs, its characteristics and to explore its potential and challenges in Pakistan particularly.

The data were collected through interviews and focus group, and the respondents had completed at least one MOOC offering. This research used content and thematic analysis with the triangulation of methods and sources.

The finding of this study reflects that MOOCs are inspiring great number of learners in Pakistan despite of factors impeding the surge of e-learning. MOOCs in regional languages with better electricity and internet connectivity could be very useful for the rural areas’ people but it requires extra ordinary interest from government and academicians.

This is an exploratory qualitative study highlighting the potential and challenges of MOOCs from the perspective of faculty and students. However, it does not incorporate the views of university officials. Similar study could consider university officials and university owner as respondents. In addition, future studies could also investigate the factors inhibiting completion of MOOCs.

Despite of the sharp rise of published literature on MOOCs, there is less contribution from the developing countries. This research enables us to develop better understanding of the potential and challenges of MOOCs in the social context of Pakistan.

This study aims to investigate the effect of the tourism sector on employment in 13 Mediterranean countries. In addition, the impact of economic growth and inflation rate, which are included in the analysis as control variables, on the employment rate are investigated.

For this study, data from 1995 to 2018 and the ratio of the employed population, the number of international tourist arrivals, the annual growth rate of real gross domestic product (GDP) and the annual percentage change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) were used. First, the authors investigated the relationship between variables using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Bounds Test with Sharp and Smooth Breaks. Then, after determining the significant cointegration relationship, the long-term and short-term coefficients were also estimated.

The results show a cointegration relationship for Cyprus, Greece, Israel, Malta and Tunisia. Tourism demand has a positive effect on all these countries and economic growth positively affects the employment rate only in Greece, Israel and Tunisia. Besides, the inflation rate has a negative effect in Israel and Tunisia and a positive effect in Malta. Overall, the authors' results provide important policy suggestions, such as the training of the employees in the tourism sector should be improved to keep up with the requirements of the times.

The impact of the tourism sector on total employment varies from country to country. In particular, the employment creation policies of the sector need to be changed by taking technological changes into consideration.

Since tourism is a labor-intensive sector, tourism's impact on employment is an important research topic. However, whether this effect applies to all countries is debatable. Furthermore, the development of technology can also reduce employment in labor-intensive sectors. Therefore, this research can be regarded as important as this research addresses such a critical current issue and suggests a novel econometric method such as the ARDL Bounds Test with Sharp and Smooth Breaks.

The purpose of this study is to identify the risks that exist in halal meat supply chain activities and to carry out a risk assessment using the fuzzy best-worst method (FBWM) along with mitigating risks using the risk mitigation number (RMN).

The method used is to collect several literature reviews related to the halal meat supply chain, which has information relevant to the risks of the meat industry in Indonesia. Then, a focus group discussion was held with several experts who play a role in the meat industry in Indonesia, and 33 identified risks were identified in halal meat supply chain activities. The proposed methodology uses FBWM and RMN in conducting risk assessment and mitigation in the meat industry in Indonesia.

The analysis reveals that priority risk is obtained by using the global weight value on the FBWM, and then risk mitigation is carried out with RMN. Priority mitigation strategies can mitigate some of the risks to the meat industry in Indonesia. The proposed mitigation strategy is designed to be more effective and efficient in preventing risks that can interfere with product halalness in halal meat supply chain activities in the Indonesian meat industry.

The implications of this study highlight the need for collaboration among stakeholders, improved risk assessment methodologies and the expansion of research into other halal supply chains. By addressing these implications, the halal industry can enhance its integrity, consumer confidence and overall contribution to the global market.

This research provides an integrated approach to identifying, analyzing, assessing and mitigating risks to the meat industry in Indonesia.

The global economy is plagued by an unprecedented shock that has devastated economic growth under the coronavirus pandemic. The prolonged movement control orders, social distancing, and lockdowns have triggered the global economic downturn, disrupted the demand and supply chains, reduced the pool of workforce, and caused many jobs loss. This paper aims to analyze the global economic cost of the coronavirus pandemic, and its current and future implications.

Based on contingency theory, this paper provides an in-depth analysis of the current situation on the global economic cost of the COVID-19 outbreak and gives insights from an organizational perspective.

This paper found that the world has witnessed far-ranging economic consequences due to the coronavirus pandemic in four aspects: (i) decline in personal consumption; (ii) decline in the investments and stock prices in capital market; (iii) decline in government spending in developmental projects and increase in new borrowing; and (iv) decline of exports of goods to international markets.

The novelty lies in investigating the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on micro and macroeconomic levels — the components of GDP, consumer behavior, business investments, government spending, and global exports. The paper suggests the need for urgent actions by the world leaders to oversee, anticipate, and manage the risks and cushion the economic consequences. It concludes that the flexibility and adaptability of leaders, effectiveness, workforce protection, efficient use of modern technology, including automation and artificial intelligence, would enhance the resilience of supply chains which will support organizations to sustain in this critical time.

The paper aims to explore, using an analysis of the three components of memes content, form and stance – whether and how the memes offer a broad picture of a specific society during the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

The author collected, from the two largest Facebook groups in Israel, 25 memes with the largest number of likes in each month, beginning from the month in which awareness of COVID-19 increased significantly, between March 2020 and February 2019. A total of 597 memes were collected. The data were analyzed by a quantitative and qualitative analysis.

Findings indicate that meme culture effectively reflects a society’s situation and the challenges it faces. Memes also reflect local cultural icons and effects. Meme contents vary across groups. During a crisis, memes do not function as fertile groups for sharp criticism or calls to take action to resolve society’s social ills.

Memes may serve as a tool to understand and explore an unfamiliar, foreign culture, its state of mind and its history through meme culture.

Memes may constitute a platform for relieving stress through light-hearted humor, unaccompanied by a true call to action; that is, “slacktivism” which gives a sense of active participation without involvement in actual activities for change.

The study reveals that the Israeli meme culture is not activist and rather focuses on humor to relieve stress. Memes may be used as “bread and circuses” or a means of “slacktivism” that fails to call to genuine activism.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/OIR-07-2022-0381

Based on the sharp decline in the quantity and quality of natural resources, many organizations are shifting their operations to an eco-friendly system. However, this objective cannot be achieved without capitalizing on green knowledge and innovation. The purpose of this study is to examine whether green knowledge management (GKM) strengthens organizational green innovation capabilities, leading to green performance. Moreover, considering culture as the buffering condition, the authors took it as the conditional boundary between GKM and green innovation and investigated if it impacts their relationship.

The authors focused on the manufacturing and services firms’ managerial and non-managerial staff and collected data following the non-probability convenience sampling technique. The collected data were examined through structural equation modeling.

It is found that GKM is a significant positive predictor of organizational green innovation and green performance and strengthens their abilities in these areas. However, green innovation partially mediates between GKM and corporate green performance. It is also found that green culture strengthens the relationship between GKM and organizational green innovation.

This study’s findings provide confidence to organizational managers and related stakeholders to achieve sustainability goals by capitalizing on GKM and promoting green culture in their setup. This study is also among the pioneer studies investigating GKM as a unified system and linking it with environmental performance domains.