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1 – 10 of 296M. Balasubramanian, Thozhuvur Govindaraman Loganathan and R. Srimath
The purpose of this study is to understand the behavior of hybrid bio-composites under varied applications.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to understand the behavior of hybrid bio-composites under varied applications.
Design/methodology/approach
Fabrication methods and material characterization of various hybrid bio-composites are analyzed by studying the tensile, impact, flexural and hardness of the same. The natural fiber is a manufactured group of assembly of big or short bundles of fiber to produce one or more layers of flat sheets. The natural fiber-reinforced composite materials offer a wide range of properties that are suitable for many engineering-related fields like aerospace, automotive areas. The main characteristics of natural fiber composites are durability, low cost, low weight, high specific strength and equally good mechanical properties.
Findings
The tensile properties like tensile strength and tensile modulus of flax/hemp/sisal/Coir/Palmyra fiber-reinforced composites are majorly dependent on the chemical treatment and catalyst usage with fiber. The flexural properties of flax/hemp/sisal/coir/Palmyra are greatly dependent on fiber orientation and fiber length. Impact properties of flax/hemp/sisal/coir/Palmyra are depended on the fiber content, composition and orientation of various fibers.
Originality/value
This study is a review of various research work done on the natural fiber bio-composites exhibiting the factors to be considered for specific load conditions.
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Noradzhar Baba, Mohd Hafiz Hanafiah, Aslinda Mohd Shahril and Muhammad Izzat Zulkifly
The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the interrelationship between customer acceptance and usage of self-ordering kiosks, purchase behaviour and post-purchase…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the interrelationship between customer acceptance and usage of self-ordering kiosks, purchase behaviour and post-purchase behaviour in quick-service restaurants. This study also hypothesised that the perceived safety risk moderates the relationship between customer purchase and post-purchase behaviour.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a quantitative research methodology using an online survey. During the data collection process, 430 responses were obtained. The partial-least square-structural equation modelling was used to test the study’s model and hypotheses.
Findings
The results of this study indicated that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, facilitating conditions, social influence, facilitating conditions, hedonic motivation and trust significantly influence purchase behaviour through the self-ordering kiosks. Meanwhile, price value and customer habit did not affect purchasing behaviour, while perceived safety risk as a moderator does not influence re-purchase behaviour.
Practical implications
This study provides valuable implications for foodservice researchers and marketers related explicitly to technology adoption in restaurant services. Given the positive outlook on self-ordering kiosk usage, quick-service restaurants should continuously improve their ordering kiosk adoption and efficiency, especially during the health pandemic.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few to predict and explain the consumer acceptance of self-service kiosks by integrating the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 model with other essential behavioural constructs. The inclusion of trust and perceived safety risk construct enhances the study model’s adaptability during health crises.
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Sashank Sravan, S. Rajakumar, Karthikeyan Rajagopalan and Kavitha Subramanian
Dissimilar joining of austenitic stainless steels and ferritic steels is a challenging task and has a wide range of applications due to its excellent mechanical and thermal…
Abstract
Purpose
Dissimilar joining of austenitic stainless steels and ferritic steels is a challenging task and has a wide range of applications due to its excellent mechanical and thermal characteristics. They are joined mostly by using conventional modes. In the current investigation, the study and optimization of hot wire TIG welding parameters was carried out.
Design/methodology/approach
These parameters will govern the desired characteristics of the joint. Solutions were found out through multi-response optimization by using response surface methodology and single response optimization using particle swarm optimization.
Findings
Optimized input welding parameters that were achieved are electrode current 180 amps, wire feed rate 1870 mm/min and hot wire current 98 amps and the optimized UTS is 665.45 MPa. The results from PSO were compared with RSM and the optimized input welding parameters for the electrode current, hot wire current and wire feed rate exhibited maximum ultimate tensile strength which were also confirmed from response and contour plots.
Originality/value
Sensitivity analysis was also performed to understand the effect of each individual parameters on the response. Microstructure features were evaluated for the joints and was found that the characteristics are within the desired criteria.
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Emmanuel Susitha and Madhurika Nanayakkara
This paper aims to assess the impact of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices on the triple bottom line’s economic, social and environmental performance of Sri Lankan…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess the impact of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices on the triple bottom line’s economic, social and environmental performance of Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers.
Design/methodology/approach
This quantitative study uses a deductive approach. The practice-based view is used to support the conceptual framework. The partial least square structural equation modelling technique empirically assessed the conceptual model using 164 responses from Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers through a structured survey questionnaire. Apart from examining the direct effects of GSCM practice on the triple bottom line, the study also investigated the moderating effects of firm size and duration.
Findings
The results show that GSCM practices positively affect the organisation’s triple bottom line while business size and duration moderate the said relationship.
Research limitations/implications
The fact that this study is based on Sri Lankan apparel producers may impact the generalizability of the findings across different industries and countries. Furthermore, the survey only looked at export manufacturers. This raises questions about the results’ relevance to other non-export groups of the current population with distinct characteristics.
Practical implications
The paper provides insights for both academia and practitioners on the importance of adopting GSCM practices for the business performance of apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka. The paper includes implications for devising strategic solutions for organisational performance and sustainability by using GSCM practices in apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka.
Originality/value
The research contributes to the body of knowledge in the GSCM field in general. This research also contributes to the limited literature on GSCM practices in Sri Lanka. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to explain how apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka are organised.
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Yaobing Wei, Xuexue Wang, Jianhui Liu, Jianwei Li and Yichen Pan
Engineering composite laminates/structures are usually subjected to complex and variable loads, which result in interlayer delamination damage. However, damaged laminate may cause…
Abstract
Purpose
Engineering composite laminates/structures are usually subjected to complex and variable loads, which result in interlayer delamination damage. However, damaged laminate may cause the whole structure to fail before reaching the design level. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to develop an equivalent model to effectively evaluate compressive residual strength.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, taking carbon fiber reinforced composite T300/69 specimens as the study object, first, the compressive residual strength under different impact energy is obtained. Then, zero-thickness cohesive elements, Hashin failure criteria and Camanho nonlinear degradation scheme are used to simulate the full-process simulation for compression after edge impact (CAEI). Lastly, based on an improved Whitney–Nuismer criterion, the equation of edge hole stress distribution, characteristic length and compressive residual strength is used to verify the correctness of the equivalent model.
Findings
An equivalent relationship between the compressive residual strength of damaged laminates and laminates with edge hole is established. For T300/69 laminates with a thickness of 2.4 mm, the compressive residual strength after damage under an impact energy of 3 J is equivalent to that when the hole aperture R = 2.25 mm and the hole aperture R = 9.18 mm when impact energy is 6 J. Besides, the relationship under the same size and different thickness is obtained.
Originality/value
The value of this study is to provide a reference for the equivalent behavior of damaged laminates. An equivalent model proposed in this paper will contribute to the research of compressive residual strength and provide a theoretical basis for practical engineering application.
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Dalei Zhang, Xinwei Zhang, Enze Wei, Xiaohui Dou and Zonghao He
This study aims to improve the corrosion resistance of TA2-welded joints by superhydrophobic surface modification using micro-arc oxidation technology and low surface energy…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to improve the corrosion resistance of TA2-welded joints by superhydrophobic surface modification using micro-arc oxidation technology and low surface energy substance modification.
Design/methodology/approach
The microstructure and chemical state of the superhydrophobic film layer were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, three-dimensional morphology, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The influence of the superhydrophobic film layer on the corrosion resistance of TA2-welded joints was investigated using classical electrochemical testing methods.
Findings
The characterization results showed that the super hydrophobic TiO2 ceramic membrane was successfully constructed on the surface of the TA2-welded joint, and the construction of the super hydrophobic film greatly improved the corrosion resistance of the TA2-welded joint.
Originality/value
The superhydrophobic TiO2 ceramic membrane has excellent corrosion resistance. The micro nanostructure in the superhydrophobic film can intercept air to form an air layer to prevent the corrosion medium from contacting the surface, thus, improving the corrosion resistance of the sample.
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Gayatri Panda, Manoj Kumar Dash, Ashutosh Samadhiya, Anil Kumar and Eyob Mulat-weldemeskel
Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance human resource resiliency (HRR) by providing the insights and resources needed to adapt to unexpected changes and disruptions. Therefore…
Abstract
Purpose
Artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance human resource resiliency (HRR) by providing the insights and resources needed to adapt to unexpected changes and disruptions. Therefore, the present research attempts to develop a framework for future researchers to gain insights into the actions of AI to enable HRR.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study used a systematic literature review, bibliometric analysis, and network analysis followed by content analysis. In doing so, we reviewed the literature to explore the present state of research in AI and HRR. A total of 98 articles were included, extracted from the Scopus database in the selected field of research.
Findings
The authors found that AI or AI-associated techniques help deliver various HRR-oriented outcomes, such as enhancing employee competency, performance management and risk management; enhancing leadership competencies and employee well-being measures; and developing effective compensation and reward management.
Research limitations/implications
The present research has certain implications, such as increasing the HR team's proficiency, addressing the problem of job loss and how to fix it, improving working conditions and improving decision-making in HR.
Originality/value
The present research explores the role of AI in HRR following the COVID-19 pandemic, which has not been explored extensively.
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Uje Daniel Apeji and Funlade T. Sunmola
Visibility management is essential to sustainable supply chains (SSCs), allowing the ability to see the chain end-to-end, with opportunities to derive benefits, including…
Abstract
Purpose
Visibility management is essential to sustainable supply chains (SSCs), allowing the ability to see the chain end-to-end, with opportunities to derive benefits, including competitive advantage. Central to visibility management is visibility assessment and identification of areas for improvement. This paper aims to propose a method of assessing visibility in SSCs and the generation of proposals for improvement.
Design/methodology/approach
A hierarchically structured assessment template is developed that comprises of dimensions, factors and attributes of visibility in SSCs. The template permits the use of linguistic variables. A fuzzy logic approach is adopted to calculate visibility levels and generate improvement areas based on linguistic data captured through the template. An industry-based case study is used to illustrate the process.
Findings
This study reveals that visibility can be measured straightforwardly using the method developed in this paper. It is found that automation and contextual factors can significantly impact visibility levels, so also is sustainability awareness and practices adopted.
Originality/value
This paper describes a visibility assessment model that incorporates linguistic variables, fuzzy logic and the use of an adaptable visibility assessment template. The assessment model can identify potential inhibitors of visibility for SSC under study.
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Richard Kwasi Bannor, Helena Oppong-Kyeremeh, Abigail Oparebea Boateng, Ebenezer Bold and Barikisu Gruzah
This paper examined the factors influencing the participation of rice processors in short supply chains and the participation impact on the amount of rice processed, per capita…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examined the factors influencing the participation of rice processors in short supply chains and the participation impact on the amount of rice processed, per capita expenditure of household and value of sales.
Design/methodology/approach
The Seemingly Unrelated Regression and Doubly Robust Augmented Inverse Probability Weighting Model (AIPW) were used to analyse the determinants of short supply chain participation and the impact of short supply.
Findings
From the results, the mean value of rice processed was GH₵18385 (US$ 3,069.28), with the minimum value being GH₵ 25 (US$ 4.17) and the maximum GH₵ 67200 (US$ 1,1218.70) per annum. Processed rice aroma and grade characteristics positively influence the value of processed rice sold via short supply chains as well as the expertise rate of the processor, Farmer-Based Organisation membership, and marketing information availability. Women rice processors' per capita expenditure, total sales value and the value of processed rice was positively influenced by the short supply chain participation.
Research limitations/implications
Even though the sample size was appropriate, a larger sample size could further support the study's finding since a limited geographical area with predominant domestic rice processors was studied. Again, future studies should consider behavioural theories, such as the Theory of Planned Behaviour, amongst others, in understanding the reasons for the choices of short supply chains compared to other sales outlets.
Originality/value
Although there is a growing body of literature on rice, most of the studies focussed on the marketing outlet of rice producers, rice processing, constraints and opportunities faced by rice farmers and processors and an out-grower scheme involving rice processors amongst rice producers with none of these on the choice of short supply chains amongst women processors. Also, amongst all the studies on rice producers, none applied a theory; however, the Women in Development (WID) Theory was used to analyse the impact of the short supply chain on the impact on household per capita expenditure (poverty), the value of sales and amount of rice processed, a modest theoretical contribution of the paper to literature.
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Security assurance evaluation (SAE) is a well-established approach for assessing the effectiveness of security measures in systems. However, one aspect that is often overlooked in…
Abstract
Purpose
Security assurance evaluation (SAE) is a well-established approach for assessing the effectiveness of security measures in systems. However, one aspect that is often overlooked in these evaluations is the assurance context in which they are conducted. This paper aims to explore the role of assurance context in system SAEs and proposes a conceptual model to integrate the assurance context into the evaluation process.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual model highlights the interrelationships between the various elements of the assurance context, including system boundaries, stakeholders, security concerns, regulatory compliance and assurance assumptions and regulatory compliance.
Findings
By introducing the proposed conceptual model, this research provides a framework for incorporating the assurance context into SAEs and offers insights into how it can influence the evaluation outcomes.
Originality/value
By delving into the concept of assurance context, this research seeks to shed light on how it influences the scope, methodologies and outcomes of assurance evaluations, ultimately enabling organizations to strengthen their system security postures and mitigate risks effectively.
Details