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1 – 10 of 14Stefano Costa, Eugenio Costamagna and Paolo Di Barba
A novel method for modelling permanent magnets is investigated based on numerical approximations with rational functions. This study aims to introduce the AAA algorithm and other…
Abstract
Purpose
A novel method for modelling permanent magnets is investigated based on numerical approximations with rational functions. This study aims to introduce the AAA algorithm and other recently developed, cutting-edge mathematical tools, which provide outstandingly fast and accurate numerical computation of potentials and vector fields.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the AAA algorithm is briefly introduced along with its main variants and other advanced mathematical tools involved in the modelling. Then, the analysis of a circular Halbach array with a one-pole pair is carried out by means of the AAA-least squares method, focusing on vector potential and flux density in the bore and validating results by means of classic finite element software. Finally, the investigation is completed by a finite difference analysis.
Findings
AAA methods for field analysis prove to be strikingly fast and accurate. Results are in excellent agreement with those provided by the finite element model, and the very good agreement with those from finite differences suggests future improvements. They are also easy programming; the MATLAB code is less than 200 lines. This indicates they can provide an effective tool for rapid analysis.
Research limitations/implications
AAA methods in magnetostatics are novel, but their extension to analogous physical problems seems straightforward. Being a meshless method, it is unlikely that local non-linearities can be considered. An aspect of particular interest, left for future research, is the capability of handling inhomogeneous domains, i.e. solving general interface problems.
Originality/value
The authors use cutting-edge mathematical tools for the modelling of complex physical objects in magnetostatics.
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Borja López-Alonso, Pablo Briz, Hector Sarnago, José M. Burdio and Oscar Lucia
This paper aims to study the feasibility of proposed method to focus the electroporation ablation by mean of multi-output multi-electrode system.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the feasibility of proposed method to focus the electroporation ablation by mean of multi-output multi-electrode system.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed method has been developed based on a previously designed electroporation system, which has the capabilities to modify the electric field distribution in real time, and to estimate the impedance distribution. Taking into consideration the features of the system and biological tissues, the problem has been addressed in three phases: modeling, control system design and simulation testing. In the first phase, a finite element analysis model has been proposed to reproduce the electric field distribution within the hepatic tissue, based on the characteristics of the electroporation system. Then, a control strategy has been proposed with the goal of ensuring complete ablation while minimizing the affected volume of healthy tissue. Finally, to check the feasibility of the proposal, several representative cases have been simulated, and the results have been compared with those obtained by a traditional system.
Findings
The proposed method achieves the proposed goal, as part of a complex electroporation system designed to improve the targeting, effectiveness and control of electroporation treatments and serve to demonstrate the feasibility of developing new electroporation systems capable of adapting to changes in the preplanning of the treatment in real-time.
Originality/value
The work presents a thorough study of control method to multi-output multi-electrode electroporation system by mean of a rigorous numerical simulation.
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Álvaro Nicolás-Agustín, Daniel Jiménez-Jiménez, Francisco Maeso Fernandez and Christian Di Prima
This study presents a model for assessing the effects of employee ICT training on organizations’ results. It also introduces digital transformation as a mediator between the two…
Abstract
Purpose
This study presents a model for assessing the effects of employee ICT training on organizations’ results. It also introduces digital transformation as a mediator between the two concepts and studies the role of organizational commitment and human capital in terms of digital transformation.
Design/methodology/approach
Surveys were completed by the CEOs of 184 Spanish companies, and their responses were analyzed with Partial Least Squares.
Findings
The results empirically analyze the proposed theoretical model and highlight the fact that human capital and organizational commitment partially mediate the link between ICT training and digital transformation. Furthermore, there is a direct relationship between ICT training and company performance.
Practical implications
Directors and managers should invest more resources in the human capital of their company through ICT training. In fact, it can improve organizational commitment, encouraging employees to adopt innovative behaviors, thus allowing for the necessary digital transformation.
Originality/value
Despite heavy theoretical emphasis on the study of the conditions necessary for the digital transformation of companies, few studies have empirically analyzed the effects of adopting certain practices for its implementation. This paper focuses on analyzing the effect of ICT training, which is configured as a tool capable of improving staff knowledge and increasing employee commitment. This is essential for adopting organizational change such as digital transformation.
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Aaesha Ahmed AlMehrzi, Syed Awais Tipu and Abu Elias Sarker
This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the academic literature on the determinants, processes and impacts of indigenous entrepreneurship (IE), highlights its…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a systematic review of the academic literature on the determinants, processes and impacts of indigenous entrepreneurship (IE), highlights its contribution to current knowledge and identifies research gaps to guide future research.
Design/methodology/approach
Databases used in this study included Scopus, ABI, Business Source Complete, ProQuest and Emerald Insight. In total, 84 articles were included in the review.
Findings
The findings revealed that 33 studies were qualitative, 12 used a survey-based approach, 25 were conceptual and 14 used mixed approaches. The focus on theory-building research underlines the fact that more theory-testing research is needed in the future. In total, 38 studies were conducted in developed countries and 43 in developing countries. The findings indicated that IE was driven by many determinants such as family and clan ties, patriarchy and social stratification, government support and conducive entrepreneurial ecosystems. Processes related to policies, IE development programs, partnerships, expenditure mechanisms, equitable distribution of benefits and resource mobilization. The outcomes of IE included economic development, sustainability, increased indigenous economic participation, enhanced quality of life, self-determination and preserving cultural heritage.
Research limitations/implications
The current paper has some limitations. Firstly, it focuses only on academic journals and excludes conferences, books and working papers. Secondly, it includes only English language academic articles. However, while the current systematic literature review (SLR) has these limitations, it presents a thorough view of the determinants, processes and impacts of IE. Future studies may consider other sources beyond academic journals and also include non-English publications, and this approach may identify interesting areas for future research.
Originality/value
Existing reviews of IE take a narrow perspective and fail to present a comprehensive view of the IE phenomenon. The current study aims to fill this gap in the literature and provides a SLR pertaining to IE’s determinants, processes and impacts. The review is both timely and relevant because it identifies gaps and serves as a springboard to guide future research.
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Building on social exchange theory (SET), the main aim of this paper is to empirically study the impact of high-commitment work practices (HCWPs) systems on radical innovation…
Abstract
Purpose
Building on social exchange theory (SET), the main aim of this paper is to empirically study the impact of high-commitment work practices (HCWPs) systems on radical innovation. Additionally, the paper examines the mediating roles of employee innovative work behaviour (IWB) and knowledge sharing (KS) in the relationship between HCWPs and radical innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a survey questionnaire, data were collected from employees working in pharmaceutical, manufacturing and technological industries in Jordan. A total of 408 employees participated in the study. Structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS v28 was employed to test the research hypotheses.
Findings
This research found that HCWPs in the form of a bundle of human resource management (HRM) practices are significant for employee IWB and KS. However, similar to previous studies, this paper failed to find a direct significant impact for HCWPs on radical innovation. Rather, the impact was mediated by employee IWB. Additionally, this paper found that HCWPs are significant for KS and that KS is significant for employee IWB.
Originality/value
Distinctively, this paper considered the mediating effect of employee IWB on radical innovation. Extant research treated IWB as a consequence of organisational arrangements such as HRM practices; this paper considered IWB as a foundation and source for other significant organisational outcomes, namely radical innovation. Additionally, the paper considered employees' perspectives in studying the relationship between HRM, KS, IWB and radical innovation.
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Minhajul Islam Ukil, Ehsanul Islam Ukil, Muhammad Shariat Ullah and Abdullah Almashayekhi
Islam describes business as a legitimate means of halal income. However, little is known about what attracts people towards Islamic entrepreneurship or halalpreneurship. By…
Abstract
Purpose
Islam describes business as a legitimate means of halal income. However, little is known about what attracts people towards Islamic entrepreneurship or halalpreneurship. By applying the theory of planned behaviour, this study aims to contribute to this underexplored area by investigating the factors that affect Islamic entrepreneurial intention (IEI).
Design/methodology/approach
This study examined a mediation model using two country samples. First, the hypotheses were tested on a sample recruited from a high-income economy (i.e. Saudi Arabia) using structural equation modelling in AMOS V26. The authors then conducted a replication study to investigate the robustness of the findings using a sample recruited from a lower-middleincome economy (i.e. Bangladesh) and a different analysis technique, the PROCESS mediation model in SPSS V25.
Findings
The findings suggest that IEI depends on four antecedents, namely, attitude towards Islamic entrepreneurship, general entrepreneurial self-efficacy, Islamic entrepreneurial self-efficacy and perceived halal income. These antecedents also mediate the relationship between moral judgement and IEI.
Research limitations/implications
This study offers an empirical framework that captures several perspectives on the formation of IEI. The findings contribute to entrepreneurial intention and motivation research by suggesting factors that motivate individuals to engage in Islamic entrepreneurship.
Originality/value
The findings imply that the framework of IEI can withstand diverse socioeconomic contexts. A novel perspective of this study is that Muslims who are motivated by perceived halal income show greater interest in becoming Islamic entrepreneurs.
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Kamal Hossain, Mohammad Nurul Alam, Mohd Rizal Muwazir, Ali Alsiehemy and Noor Azlinna Azizan
The aim of this study is to examine the effects of innovativeness (INN), proactiveness, (PRC) and risk-taking (RIT) on the export performance of apparel small and medium-sized…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study is to examine the effects of innovativeness (INN), proactiveness, (PRC) and risk-taking (RIT) on the export performance of apparel small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the role of differentiation and low-cost leadership (LCL) strategies as mediating effects between entrepreneurial orientation (EO) dimensions and the performance of exporting firms. INN, RIT and PRC are considered EO dimensions.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was carried out by providing a questionnaire to the owners, directors and senior managers of the apparel SMEs – the primary data of 550 treated by structural equation modeling (SEM) technique for final data analysis.
Findings
The study has revealed the positive dimensional effect of EO on export performance. For the mediation effects of differentiation and LCL, differentiation strategy (DS) positively mediates between INN, PRC and export performance. However, no mediation has been found between RIT and export performance. On the other hand, LCL has found positive effects between INN, RIT and export performance. However, the mediation effect was absent between PRC and export performance.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations/implications- This study has been conducted on only Muslim owners, senior export managers and directors of apparel SMEs in Bangladesh. It has examined the two main competitive strategies as a mediator between EO dimensions and export performance. The findings of this study are based on one country data analysis.
Practical implications
EO, differentiation and low-cost leadership (LCL) strategy are resources and capabilities of an organization to create a competitive advantage to enhance performance. The factors of this research are helpful for SME practitioners.
Originality/value
The direct and indirect effects (differentiation and LCL strategy) of EO dimensions on export performance in an emerging country, i.e. the South-Asia region, is a pioneer study. Therefore, current research has theoretical and managerial implications for the international business and strategic management literature.
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Alicia Orea-Giner, Ana Muñoz-Mazón, Teresa Villacé-Molinero and Laura Fuentes-Moraleda
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the future of the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in services experience provided by cultural institutions…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyse the future of the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in services experience provided by cultural institutions (e.g. museums, exhibition halls and cultural centres) from experts’, cultural tourists’ and users’ point of view under the Industry 5.0 approach.
Design/methodology/approach
The research was conducted using a qualitative approach, which was based on the analysis of the contents obtained from two roundtable discussions with experts and cultural tourists and users. A thematic analysis using NVivo was done to the data obtained.
Findings
From a futuristic Industry 5.0 approach, AI is considered to be more than a tool – it as an integral part of the entire experience. AI aids in connecting cultural institutions with users and is beneficial since it allows the institutions to get to know the users better and provide a more integrated and immersive experience. Furthermore, AI is critical in establishing a community and nurturing it daily.
Originality/value
The most important contribution of this research is the theoretical model focused on the user experience and AI application in services experiences of museums and cultural institutions from an Industry 5.0 approach. This model includes the visitors’ and managers’ points of view through the following dimensions: the pre-experience, experience and post-experience. This model is focused on human–AI coworking (HAIC) in museums and cultural institutions.
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Globally, consumer’s inclination towards functional foods had noticed due to their greater health consciousness coupled with enhanced health-care cost. The fact that probiotics…
Abstract
Purpose
Globally, consumer’s inclination towards functional foods had noticed due to their greater health consciousness coupled with enhanced health-care cost. The fact that probiotics could promote a healthier gut microbiome led projection of probiotic foods as functional foods and had emerged as an important dietary strategy for improved human health. It had established that ice cream was a better carrier for probiotics than fermented milked due to greater stability of probiotics in ice cream matrix. Global demand for ice cream boomed and probiotic ice cream could have been one of the most demanded functional foods. The purpose of this paper was to review the technological aspects and factors affecting probiotic viability and to standardize methodology to produce functional probiotic ice cream.
Design/methodology/approach
Attempt was made to search the literature (review and researched papers) to identify diverse factors affecting the probiotic viability and major technological challenge faced during formulation of probiotic ice cream. Keywords used for data searched included dairy-based functional foods, ice cream variants, probiotic ice cream, factors affecting probiotic viability and health benefits of probiotic ice cream.
Findings
Retention of probiotic viability at a level of >106 cfu/ml is a prerequisite for functional probiotic ice creams. Functional probiotic ice cream could have been produced with the modification of basic mix and modulating technological parameters during processing and freezing. Functionality can be further enhanced with the inclusion of certain nutraceutical components such as prebiotics, antioxidant, phenolic compounds and dietary fibres. Based upon reviewed literature, suggested method for the manufacture of functional probiotic ice cream involved freezing of a probiotic ice cream mix obtained by blending 10% probiotic fermented milk with 90% non-fermented plain ice cream mix for higher probiotic viability. Probiotic ice cream with functional features, comparable with traditional ice cream in terms of technological and sensory properties could be produced and can crop up as a novel functional food.
Originality/value
Probiotic ice cream with functional features may attract food manufacturers to cater health-conscious consumers.
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Tanakorn Likitapiwat, Pornsit Jiraporn and Sirimon Treepongkaruna
The authors investigate whether firm-specific vulnerability to climate change influences foreign exchange hedging, using a novel text-based measure of firm-level climate change…
Abstract
Purpose
The authors investigate whether firm-specific vulnerability to climate change influences foreign exchange hedging, using a novel text-based measure of firm-level climate change exposure generated by state-of-the-art machine-learning algorithms.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors' empirical analysis includes firm-fixed effects, random-effects regressions, propensity score matching (PSM), entropy balancing, an instrumental-variable analysis and using an exogenous shock as a quasi-natural experiment.
Findings
The authors' findings suggest that greater climate change exposure brings about a significant reduction in exchange rate hedging. Companies more exposed to climate change may invest significant resources to address climate change risk, such that they have fewer resources available for currency risk management. Additionally, firms seriously coping with climate change risk may view exchange rate risk as relatively less important in comparison to the risk posed by climate change. Notably, the authors also find that the negative effect of climate change exposure on currency hedging can be specifically attributed to the regulatory aspect of climate change risk rather than the physical dimension, suggesting that companies view the regulatory dimension of climate change as more critical.
Originality/value
Recent studies have demonstrated that climatic fluctuations represent one of the most recent sources of unpredictability, thereby impacting the economy and financial markets (Barnett et al., 2020; Bolton and Kacperczyk, 2020; Engle et al., 2020). The authors' study advances this field of research by revealing that company-specific exposure to climate change serves as a significant determinant of corporate currency hedging, thus expanding the existing knowledge base.
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