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Using wire as feedstock has several advantages for additive manufacturing (AM) of metal components, which include high deposition rates, efficient material use and low material costs. While the feasibility of wire-feed AM has been demonstrated, the accuracy and surface finish of the produced parts is generally lower than those obtained using powder-bed/-feed AM. The purpose of this study was to develop and investigate the feasibility of a fine wire-based laser metal deposition (FW-LMD) process for producing high-precision metal components with improved resolution, dimensional accuracy and surface finish.

The proposed FW-LMD AM process uses a fine stainless steel wire with a diameter of 100 µm as the additive material and a pulsed Nd:YAG laser as the heat source. The pulsed laser beam generates a melt pool on the substrate into which the fine wire is fed, and upon moving the X–Y stage, a single-pass weld bead is created during solidification that can be laterally and vertically stacked to create a 3D metal component. Process parameters including laser power, pulse duration and stage speed were optimized for the single-pass weld bead. The effect of lateral overlap was studied to ensure low surface roughness of the first layer onto which subsequent layers can be deposited. Multi-layer deposition was also performed and the resulting cross-sectional morphology, microhardness, phase formation, grain growth and tensile strength have been investigated.

An optimized lateral overlap of about 60-70% results in an average surface roughness of 8-16 µm along all printed directions of the X–Y stage. The single-layer thickness and dimensional accuracy of the proposed FW-LMD process was about 40-80 µm and ±30 µm, respectively. A dense cross-sectional morphology was observed for the multilayer stacking without any visible voids, pores or defects present between the layers. X-ray diffraction confirmed a majority austenite phase with small ferrite phase formation that occurs at the junction of the vertically stacked beads, as confirmed by the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. Tensile tests were performed and an ultimate tensile strength of about 700-750 MPa was observed for all samples. Furthermore, multilayer printing of different shapes with improved surface finish and thin-walled and inclined metal structures with a minimum achievable resolution of about 500 µm was presented.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to report a directed energy deposition process using a fine metal wire with a diameter of 100 µm and can be a possible solution to improving surface finish and reducing the “stair-stepping” effect that is generally observed for wires with a larger diameter. The AM process proposed in this study can be an attractive alternative for 3D printing of high-precision metal components and can find application for rapid prototyping in a range of industries such as medical and automotive, among others.

Using a convenient tail-risk measure of performance, this paper aims to explore the extent to which incorporating higher statistical moments such as an assets skewness and kurtosis, provides further insight into the potential benefits of asset-class diversification within the realm of Islamic finance.

The authors use Engle’s (2002) DCC-GARCH model to study the dynamic conditional correlations between asset classes. Furthermore, the authors use the modified value-at-risk (Favre and Galeano, 2002), which incorporates higher statistical moments, to measure the performance of portfolios during both crisis and bullish regimes.

The most important finding relates to the estimation of portfolio tail-risk. In particular, the authors find that using a standard two-moment value-at-risk (VaR) measure, which assumes normally distributed returns, rather than a four-moment VaR, which incorporates an asset skewness and kurtosis, can lead to a substantial underestimation of portfolio risk during the most extreme market conditions.

This paper contributes to the extremely limited research considering higher-moments within the realm of Islamic portfolio-management. The results suggest that Islamic portfolio managers should remain cognisant of the skewness and kurtosis parameters of their assets. Ignoring higher-moments could induce misleading inferences and would, therefore, constitute imprudent risk-management.

This study aims to explore a sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) sukuk model based on Musharakah that could be implemented to develop waqf properties and assets under the SRI sukuk framework in Malaysia. This includes proposing and designing a potential SRI sukuk model and seeking the opinion of subject-matter experts and industry practitioners on the model, its attractiveness to investors and its feasibility to implement in Malaysia.

The study adopts desk research and semi-structured interview as its methodology. A desk research is where a detailed critical review and analysis of past literature from reports, journals, framework, books and practices are undertaken. To establish a SRI sukuk model, the paper also studies the cases of the first SRI sukuk issued in Malaysia and other waqf-related sukuks that have been structured for the development of waqf property/asset in the past. Following that, the opinion of subject-matter experts and industry practitioners on the proposed SRI sukuk model is sought in a semi-structured interview.

Based on the interviewees’ response, the study proposes the most feasible SRI sukuk model that could be implemented in the Malaysian context for the development of waqf properties/assets, which is a Musharakah-based sukuk model. The model will be elaborated based on the purpose of development, functionality, choice of Shari’ah contract, obligor and return mechanism.

This paper is exploratory in nature. While it explores the structural point of view only, future research could analyse and identify the legal, regulatory, financial and Shari’ah aspects of the proposed model. Further empirical studies can be done to provide more comprehensive idea and knowledge regarding the subject matter.

The study serves great benefit to the government, waqf administrators, regulators, policymakers, foundations, corporations and interested investors to explore SRI sukuk as one of the feasible financial instruments to develop waqf in Malaysia.

This study proposes the use of an innovative financial instrument called SRI sukuk and structures a feasible SRI sukuk model to help realise the true roles of waqf as not only a religious tool but also one of the instruments for human, economic and social developments.

Purpose – This chapter examines the process of radicalization, deradicalization, and support for intelligence agencies in a few well-known cases of terrorists who turned into informants.

Methodology/Approach – Five cases studies are utilized to demonstrate the process of engagement in, disengagement from, and revolt against terrorist groups. Existing literature on radicalization and deradicalization is set against the context of these case studies.

Findings – By drawing upon the experiences of terrorists who turned into informants, it is possible to prove theories on radicalization and deradicalization. In particular, the process of cognitive radicalization presumes that extremist beliefs can also be rejected (deradicalization), while the process of behavioral radicalization presumes that terrorists can distance themselves from extremist behaviors (disengagement).

Originality/Value – Scholarship has traditionally focused on “underdogs” of all kinds, with a less keen interest in elites or the actors operating on their behalf. The work of informants has often remained in a dimly lit corner of academic research. This chapter helps illuminate the path undertaken by terrorists who become informants for Western security apparatus.

The purpose of this study is to understand the development of social capital in an Arab business environment, and provide an in-depth description of the nature and role of three key Arabic business relationship characteristics (ehsan, et-moone and wasta), their impact on each other and key influencing factors.

A qualitative research design was used, in which face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted with innovation teams (22 team members) at six industrial small and medium-sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia. The interviews were recorded and transcribed, then analyzed (thematic coding) through NVivo.

The findings suggest that wasta, ehsan and et-moone align closely with the three social capital dimensions (structural, cognitive and relational); thus, developing these three relationship characteristics most likely results in developing social capital. The findings also expand the description of the three business relationship characteristics. Moreover, ehsan, et-moone and wasta appear to influence each other, and are affected by other factors such as an individual’s age and position, and the duration of the relationship. Ehsan has a positive influence on the development of et-moone, while the existence of et-moone appears to be necessary for the establishment of wasta-capital. A high level of ehsan might influence the relationship between et-moone and wasta-use and limit the negative usage of wasta.

International managers can improve the level of ehsan in their organizational and business relationships through assigning incentives and playing the role of moral champion to encourage ehsan behavior. Managers aiming to increase et-moone may choose team members with a high level of ehsan, emphasizing the development of personal relationships, and providing opportunities for socialization both inside and outside the workplace. A high level of ehsan and et-moone will assist managers to develop and use wasta.

This study makes a threefold contribution to the literature. First, it provides an expanded description of the three Arabic business relationship characteristics and how they align closely with the dimensions of social capital. Wasta aligns with the structural dimension and ehsan aligns with the cognitive dimension, while et-moone aligns closely with the relational dimension. Second, it suggests and shows how the three relationship characteristics might interact with each other. Ehsan appears to influence et-moone, and also the relationship between et-moone and wasta. Et-moone appears to have a positive influence on wasta use. Third, the findings also indicate that there might be other factors (e.g. age and position) that influence the interactions between the three business relationship characteristics.

This study aims to investigate the efforts and role of technology leaders in achieving organizational commitment to sustainability through mediating the role of green HRM practices and moderating the role of green knowledge sharing.

This empirical research study is based on two theories: upper echelon theory and social capital theory, in which data were collected from 284 permanent faculty employees belonging to the government, semi-government and private HEIs recognized universities of Pakistan.

The results confirm that the technology leadership style has a significant impact on organizational commitment to sustainability. Whereas green HRM practices as a mediator and green knowledge-sharing behavior as a moderator have also significant impacts on the organizational commitment to sustainability.

This study integrates the concept of technology leadership as a strategy and green HRM practices as a process that jointly impacts organizational commitment to sustainability.

This paper aims to examine the factors that drive the exporter’s influence toward halal meat supply chain adoption by encompassing the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory in the context of Pakistan.

Using DOI as an underpinning theory, this study evaluates halal supply chain adoption by collecting data from the members of associations from Pakistan. A total of 258 useable responses were received, and PLS-SEM was adopted using SmartPLS.

The exporter’s adoption of the halal supply chain is determined not only by perceived relative advantage and perceived compatibility but also by perceived complexity, religious beliefs and awareness.

Though this study has practical and managerial implications, it has few limitations. Further studies need to be conducted in other contexts as well with a larger population.

There are limited studies that have tested DOI theory in the context of the halal meat supply chain in Pakistan. Therefore, the author extends the diffusion theory of innovation in the current work. Further, this paper will be a helpful reference guide for academicians, practitioners and researchers.

The purpose of this paper is to deliberate on the establishment of zakat (Islamic alms) on oil and gas in Malaysia. Being one of the five Islamic pillars, zakat contributes significantly to the country’s socio-economic development and prosperity. However, in Malaysia and other Islamic countries, there is not yet a proper mechanism for calculating zakat on extracted minerals. Similar to gold and silver, oil and gas are valuable minerals, which, upon extraction, are subject to zakat payment. In Malaysia, however, this is not the case.

This study uses a qualitative method. It presents a thorough review on the stipulation for paying zakat on minerals, specifically oil and gas. The deliberation is based on secondary data entailing a comprehensive content analysis of prominent books on the subject, current zakat rulings and legal acts on oil and gas.

Oil and gas are subject to zakat payment, as indicated in several Qurʾānic verses and based on the academic reasoning of Muslim scholars. The zakat calculation for oil and gas entails the nisāb (minimum threshold value of the assets) but not the ḥawl (the requirement for one full Islamic year of ownership for the assets), by analogy with zakat on agricultural produce. Despite the obligation to pay zakat on minerals under the zakāt al-māl (alms due on wealth) category, oil and gas is yet to be fully subject to this practice in Malaysia, although the country is known as an oil-producing Muslim country. Several legislative acts covering the managerial and business side of oil and gas operations have long been established, but the provision on zakat remains unclear. Hence, comprehensive legislation is needed to fine-tune the Malaysian oil and gas system, particularly with regard to zakat.

This study relies mainly on secondary data and literature without performing any empirical investigations.

In terms of academic implication, this study enriches the existing body of knowledge on zakat. Practical implications would include enhanced decision-making concerning zakat on oil and gas on the part of zakat institutions, policymakers and the government of Malaysia.

This study provides practical and academic contributions to the deep understanding of zakat on oil and gas, which has received very little attention in the existing body of literature. Despite being limited in literature, this is a breakthrough study that sheds light on zakat on oil and gas.

The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors that may influence customers’ acceptance of Islamic home financing and identify the possible moderator, which may be relevant using the decomposed theory of planned behaviour (DTPB) in the context of Malaysia and Pakistan.

Literature on Islamic mortgage and DTPB is reviewed in a bid to identify the determinants that may contribute to customers’ desire to participate in Islamic home financing.

The review indicates that customers’ acceptance of Islamic home financing is not only determined by the subjective norm, attitude, perceived behavioural control but also by the added construct of awareness and decomposed variables, namely, perceived compatibility, perceived relative advantage, peers influence and self-efficacy. In the context of the current study, the country is proposed as a moderator variable that may influence the relationship for customers’ acceptance of Islamic mortgages.

In terms of conceptualising the model, only two countries are considered, which is Malaysia and Pakistan as categorical variables or moderators incorporated in DTPB.

Existing literature on Islamic mortgages makes it evident that DTPB is yet to be applied in the context of studying Islamic home financing. This study extends the application of DTPB in the context of customers’ acceptance of Islamic mortgages in two countries, Malaysia and Pakistan. This paper will be a helpful resource for future researchers, academicians and managers of Islamic banks at large.

The purpose of this paper is to develop, test and validate a measure of fairness in the context of franchisor-franchisee relationship and test for the dimensionality of fairness.

The authors surveyed 300 franchisees of a large-scale franchisor in India. The authors employ confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to analyse the data.

The authors tested four models of the fairness construct through CFA using structural equation modelling. The three-factor corrected model of the fairness construct exhibits comparatively better goodness of fit indices as compared to the other correlated models of the fairness construct. It clears the threshold level of validity and reliability test. The findings of the study suggest that the factor structure of fairness is three-factor correlated model with aspects of procedural fairness and informational fairness getting subsumed into one construct.

Factor structure of fairness construct differs with earlier empirical research findings with both interpersonal fairness and informational fairness subsuming into each other to form one construct.

This measure can be utilized by franchisee managers to track perceptions of fairness among franchisees to manage the franchise relationship in a better way. Franchisees expect information sharing from the franchisor and not the representative of the franchisor.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to develop a valid and reliable measure of fairness construct in the context of franchise relationship. This study also identifies factor structure of fairness construct.