Search results

1 – 10 of 370
Article
Publication date: 13 July 2023

Abdul Lateef, Zulfiqar Ali Raza, Muhammad Aslam, Muhammad Shoaib Ur Rehman, Asma Iftikhar and Abdul Zahir

This study aims to fabricate multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-mediated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films using the solution casting approach.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to fabricate multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-mediated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films using the solution casting approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The prepared films were evaluated for diverse structural, surface, optical and electrical attributes using advanced analytical techniques, i.e. electron microscopy for surface morphology, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy for tracing chemical functionalities, x-ray diffraction (XRD) for crystal patterns, water contact angle (WCA) analysis for surface wettability and UV visible spectroscopy for optical absorption parameters. The specimens were also investigated for certain rheological, mechanical and electrical properties, where applicable.

Findings

The surface morphology results expressed a better dispersion of MWCNTs in the resultant PVA-based nanocomposite film. The XRD analysis exhibited that the nanocomposite film was crystalline. The surface wettability analysis indicated that with the inclusion of MWCNTs, the WCA of the resultant nanocomposite film improved to 89.4° from 44° with the pristine PVA film. The MWCNTs (1.00%, w/w) incorporated PVA-based film exhibited a tensile strength of 54.0 MPa as compared to that of native PVA as 25.3 MPa film. There observed a decreased bandgap (from 5.25 to 5.14 eV) on incorporating the MWCNTs in the PVA-based nanocomposite film.

Practical implications

The MWCNTs’ inclusion in the PVA matrix could enhance the AC conductivity of the resultant nanocomposite film. The prepared nanocomposite film might be useful in designing certain optoelectronic devices.

Originality/value

The results demonstrated the successful MWCNTs mediation in the PVA-based composite films expressed good intercalation of the precursors; this resulted in decreased bandgap, usually, desirable for optoelectronic applications.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 November 2021

Muhammad Kashif Aslam, Muhammad Saeed Akhtar, Muhammad Waheed Akhtar, Muhammad Asrar-ul-Haq, Jawad Iqbal and Muhammad Usman

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the social information processing theory, which is extended by the (1) effect of whistleblowing education on whistleblowing intentions…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the social information processing theory, which is extended by the (1) effect of whistleblowing education on whistleblowing intentions, (2) simultaneous examination of the indirect relationship between whistleblowing education and whistleblowing intentions via moral identity and (3) relativism in influencing this mediation.

Design/methodology/approach

Multi-wave data collected at three internals from bank employees (n = 294) were analyzed to test the proposed model.

Findings

Results of the study demonstrate that whistleblowing education favorably influences whistleblowing intentions directly as well as through moral identity. Relativism serves as the buffer in the indirect effects of whistleblowing education on whistleblowing intentions through moral identity attenuating these indirect effects in individuals with dominant relativism level.

Originality/value

This study strives to extend the whistleblowing education and whistleblowing intentions literature by unpacking a moral identity mechanism through which whistleblowing education kindles whistleblowing intention and relativism as boundary condition to attenuate such motivation.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 July 2020

Fauzia Syed, Muhammad Waheed Akhtar, Muhammad Kashif, Muhammad Asrar-ul-Haq, Qurt ul ain, Mudassir Husnain and Muhammad Kashif Aslam

This study investigates despotic leadership (DL) as an antecedent to bullying behavior with a mediating role of moral emotions at work. Another aim is to study the moderating role…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates despotic leadership (DL) as an antecedent to bullying behavior with a mediating role of moral emotions at work. Another aim is to study the moderating role of self-concordance to buffer the relationship between DL and arousal of moral emotions.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected two-source (self-reported and supervisor reported) time-lagged data in the shape of a three-wave survey (i.e. one month time interval for each time) from 242 dyads in the health sector of Pakistan.

Findings

The results revealed that moral emotions mediated the relationship between DL and bullying behavior. Furthermore, self-concordance moderates the relationship between DL and moral emotions, such that the relationship will be stronger in the case of low self-concordance.

Research limitations/implications

Managers need to promote a culture that accommodates diversity of opinion at the organization so that everyone is able to express and share their views openly. Organizations should encourage supervisors to participate in leadership development programs aimed at eliminating DL.

Originality/value

This study establishes the role of self-concordance and moral emotions in the relationship between despotic leadership DL and bullying behavior.

Details

Journal of Management Development, vol. 39 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0262-1711

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 February 2022

Muhammad Waheed Akhtar, Muhammad Kashif Aslam, Chunhui Huo, Minhas Akbar, Muhammad Usman Afzal and Muhammad Hasan Rafiq

This study aims to investigate the impact of authentic leaders on the performance of educational leaders in public and private universities in Pakistan. The study further examines…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of authentic leaders on the performance of educational leaders in public and private universities in Pakistan. The study further examines the moderating role of social capital in this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors collected data from 259 academic heads of public and private universities and tested hypotheses using macro PROCESS.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that authentic leaders have a significant positive effect on team leader performance in both public and private universities. In addition, the authors establish that the positive impact of authentic leaders on team leader performance is stronger among employees with high social capital.

Originality/value

The education literature lacks evidence of the process through which authentic leaders influence team leader performance. The study is unprecedented in assessing whether social capital moderates the direct influence of authentic leaders on team leader performance.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 October 2023

Muhammad Naeem Aslam, Arshad Riaz, Nadeem Shaukat, Muhammad Waheed Aslam and Ghaliah Alhamzi

This study aims to present a unique hybrid metaheuristic approach to solving the nonlinear analysis of hall currents and electric double layer (EDL) effects in multiphase wavy…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to present a unique hybrid metaheuristic approach to solving the nonlinear analysis of hall currents and electric double layer (EDL) effects in multiphase wavy flow by merging the firefly algorithm (FA) and the water cycle algorithm (WCA).

Design/methodology/approach

Nonlinear Hall currents and EDL effects in multiphase wavy flow are originally described by partial differential equations, which are then translated into an ordinary differential equation model. The hybrid FA-WCA technique is used to take on the optimization challenge and find the best possible design weights for artificial neural networks. The fitness function is efficiently optimized by this hybrid approach, allowing the optimal design weights to be determined.

Findings

The proposed strategy is shown to be effective by taking into account multiple variables to arrive at a single answer. The numerical results obtained from the proposed method exhibit good agreement with the reference solution within finite intervals, showcasing the accuracy of the approach used in this study. Furthermore, a comparison is made between the presented results and the reference numerical solutions of the Hall Currents and electroosmotic effects in multiphase wavy flow problem.

Originality/value

This comparative analysis includes various performance indices, providing a statistical assessment of the precision, efficiency and reliability of the proposed approach. Moreover, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is a new work which has not been explored in existing literature and will add new directions to the field of fluid flows to predict most accurate results.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 October 2023

Usama Afzal, Kanza Maryam, Fatima Afzal and Muhammad Aslam

The purpose of this study is to fabricate a highly sensitive humidity sensor for observing the humidity effect on a robot’s body as an application of the Internet of Things. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to fabricate a highly sensitive humidity sensor for observing the humidity effect on a robot’s body as an application of the Internet of Things. The sensor has been fabricated by depositing a thin sensing layer of nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) between two silver electrodes.

Design/methodology/approach

The structure of the thin film was observed by X-ray diffraction, optical properties by UV Vis and surface morphology by scanning electron microscope. The capacitance and the resistance with respect to change in relative humidity from 0 to 100%RH have been measured by LCR meter at 1 kHz.

Findings

The sensor’s response time is 7.5 s and its recovery time is 3.7 s, with high sensitivity of 127,259 pF/%RH and 332.287 MΩ/%RH. The authors have also used a proposed sensor on a steel body and observed humidity values. The analysis of all measured values was performed through the classical and neutrosophic approaches. By comparing, the authors have observed that the neutrosophic approach is more efficient in analyzing the sensor data.

Originality/value

In this work, the authors will fabricate a capacitive and resistive-type humidity sensor using the thin film of NiPc. The structural, optical and morphological properties of NiPc thin film will be investigated with different characterization techniques. The electric properties, i.e. capacitance and resistance, will be measured at intervals with an LCR meter by changing relative humidity (%RH). Moreover, the measured data will be analyzed through different statistical approaches, as already used in [12].

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 43 no. 5/6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 September 2021

Muhammad Mahmood Aslam, Ricarda Bouncken and Lars Görmar

Coworking-spaces are considered as a new formula to facilitate autonomy, creativity, self-efficacy, work satisfaction and innovation, yet they also might overburden their users…

Abstract

Purpose

Coworking-spaces are considered as a new formula to facilitate autonomy, creativity, self-efficacy, work satisfaction and innovation, yet they also might overburden their users who in that course intend to limit social interaction and collaboration in the workspace. Thus, the question is how coworking-spaces shape entrepreneurial ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used an inductive research methodology based on data from three different data sources, including observations, archives and interviews from managers and entrepreneurs.

Findings

The findings suggest that the materiality in the form of spatial architectures (working, socialization and support structures) shared facilities and infrastructures (utilities, luxuries and specialties), and integrated digital technologies (applications and platforms) influence the flow of communication, internal and external linkages, as well as functional uniformity and distinctiveness. However, there exists an inherent dualism in sociomaterial assemblage in coworking-spaces, which can lead to instrumental and detrimental outcomes for entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study explains the role of sociomaterial assemblage on the working of entrepreneurs in shared workspaces.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 27 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 September 2019

Ricarda Bouncken and Muhammad Mahmood Aslam

Coworking spaces use the idea of spatial co-location that improves communication and knowledge sharing among independent knowledge professionals. Fluid work structures and a sense…

2378

Abstract

Purpose

Coworking spaces use the idea of spatial co-location that improves communication and knowledge sharing among independent knowledge professionals. Fluid work structures and a sense of community can facilitate work satisfaction, creativity and entrepreneurship. Fundamentals to those positive outcomes are the knowledge sharing processes between users of coworking spaces. The purpose of this study is to explore the knowledge sharing processes in this setting where researchers still have very little understanding.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on an inductive research methodology, qualitative data were collected through observations and interviews with a variety of users (including freelancers, entrepreneurs and firms) incumbent in various coworking spaces in Germany.

Findings

Co-location of individuals in coworking spaces is first about physical proximity and second about socialization and collaboration opportunities, which then advance cognitive proximity. Thus, co-location can facilitate tacit knowledge exchange, ignite the social disembodiment of ideas, synthesize domain-related knowledge sharing and promote inter-domain learning. The institutionalization of knowledge management services will allow coworking spaces to increase these positive outcomes.

Practical implications

Findings of this study are interesting for managers of shared spaces and traditional firms that use spatial co-location. The authors propose institutionalized knowledge management services to enable multifaceted and multidisciplinary knowledge creation in organizations.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on the role of spatial co-location in knowledge sharing processes among independent knowledge professionals in shared office spaces. Thereby, this study provides valuable insights into a phenomenon that has received little attention even though its practical importance is high.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 23 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 October 2020

Muhammad Waheed Akhtar, Muzhar Javed, Fauzia Syed, Muhammad Kashif Aslam and Khalid Hussain

Drawing on the role theory, this study examines how responsible leadership invokes whistleblowing intentions in employees by intervening through “trust in leader” and…

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on the role theory, this study examines how responsible leadership invokes whistleblowing intentions in employees by intervening through “trust in leader” and “person-organization fit.”

Design/methodology/approach

Using the Hayes (2013) approach, the authors tested the model by collecting a multi-wave data from banking sector employees.

Findings

Results of the study show that responsible leadership kindles whistleblowing intentions in banks' employees. Further, the results reveal that both “trust in leader” and “person-organization fit” individually mediate the relationship between responsible leadership and whistleblowing intentions. Moreover, we found that the relationship between responsible leadership and whistleblowing intentions is serially mediated through “trust in leader” and “person-organization fit.”

Originality/value

The current study contributes to whistleblowing intentions and responsible leadership literature by suggesting “trust in leader” and “person-organization fit” as process through which responsible leaders kindle employee's outcomes.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 42 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2017

Muhammad Ali Masood, Rabeeh Ayaz Abbasi, Onaiza Maqbool, Mubashar Mushtaq, Naif R. Aljohani, Ali Daud, Muhammad Ahtisham Aslam and Jalal S. Alowibdi

Tags are used to annotate resources on social media platforms. Most tag recommendation methods use popular tags, but in the case of new resources that are as yet untagged (the…

Abstract

Purpose

Tags are used to annotate resources on social media platforms. Most tag recommendation methods use popular tags, but in the case of new resources that are as yet untagged (the cold start problem), popularity-based tag recommendation methods fail to work. The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel model for tag recommendation called multi-feature space latent Dirichlet allocation (MFS-LDA) for cold start problem.

Design/methodology/approach

MFS-LDA is a novel latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA)-based model which exploits multiple feature spaces (title, contents, and tags) for recommending tags. Exploiting multiple feature spaces allows MFS-LDA to recommend tags even if data from a feature space is missing (the cold start problem).

Findings

Evaluation of a publicly available data set consisting of around 20,000 Wikipedia articles that are tagged on a social bookmarking website shows a significant improvement over existing LDA-based tag recommendation methods.

Originality/value

The originality of MFS-LDA lies in segregation of features for removing bias toward dominant features and in synchronization of multiple feature space for tag recommendation.

Details

Program, vol. 51 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0033-0337

Keywords

1 – 10 of 370