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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 April 2022

Elina Ilén, Farid Elsehrawy, Elina Palovuori and Janne Halme

Solar cells could make textile-based wearable systems energy independent without the need for battery replacement or recharging; however, their laundry resistance, which is…

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Abstract

Purpose

Solar cells could make textile-based wearable systems energy independent without the need for battery replacement or recharging; however, their laundry resistance, which is prerequisite for the product acceptance of e-textiles, has been rarely examined. This paper aims to report a systematic study of the laundry durability of solar cells embedded in textiles.

Design/methodology/approach

This research included small commercial monocrystalline silicon solar cells which were encapsulated with functional synthetic textile materials using an industrially relevant textile lamination process and found them to reliably endure laundry washing (ISO 6330:2012). The energy harvesting capability of eight textile laminated solar cells was measured after 10–50 cycles of laundry at 40 °C and compared with light transmittance spectroscopy and visual inspection.

Findings

Five of the eight textile solar cell samples fully maintained their efficiency over the 50 laundry cycles, whereas the other three showed a 20%–27% decrease. The cells did not cause any visual damage to the fabric. The result indicates that the textile encapsulated solar cell module provides sufficient protection for the solar cells against water, washing agents and mechanical stress to endure repetitive domestic laundry.

Research limitations/implications

This study used rigid monocrystalline silicon solar cells. Flexible amorphous silicon cells were excluded because of low durability in preliminary tests. Other types of solar cells were not tested.

Originality/value

A review of literature reveals the tendency of researchers to avoid standardized textile washing resistance testing. This study removes the most critical obstacle of textile integrated solar energy harvesting, the washing resistance.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 November 2022

Hyunah Kim

This study examined the wear comfort and thermal insulation properties of Al2O3/graphite particle-imbedded sheath/core and dispersed fabrics via a thermal manikin experiment.

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined the wear comfort and thermal insulation properties of Al2O3/graphite particle-imbedded sheath/core and dispersed fabrics via a thermal manikin experiment.

Design/methodology/approach

Al2O3/graphite sheath/core and dispersed polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn (POY 120d/24f) were spun using a pilot melt bi-component conjugated spinning machine, which was texturized as 75d/24f on the belt-type texturing machine. The woven fabric specimens were made using nylon 70d/34f in the warp with three types of weft yarn: Al2O3/graphite sheath/core, dispersed and regular PET yarns. Thermal insulation properties were measured and compared in terms of the heat retention rate (I) by KES-F7 apparatus and the maximum surface temperature by light heat emission equipment, as verified by the emissivity of various fabric specimens by far-infrared ray experiment. In addition, this study examined the thermal insulation (Clo value) characteristics of the clothes made of Al2O3/graphite sheath/core and dispersed fabrics using a thermal manikin apparatus, which were compared with the properties of regular PET clothing.

Findings

The thermal insulation of the dispersed fabric was superior to that of the sheath/core fabric, which was tentatively attributed to the higher emissivity of the dispersed yarn with Al2O3/graphite particles distributed over the whole yarn cross-section than that from the core of the sheath/core yarn. This result for the clothing measured using a thermal manikin was consistent with the higher heat retention rate (I) and the maximum surface temperature of the dispersed fabric than that of the sheath/core fabric. In addition, the thermal insulation of the dispersed and sheath/core fabrics was superior to that of the regular PET fabric, which revealed that the Al2O3/graphite particles imbedded in the dispersed and sheath/core yarns exerted a greater effect on the heat storage and release characteristics compared to that of the TiO2 particles in regular PET yarn. The Clo values of the dispersed and sheath/core fabrics under the light-on condition were much higher than those under the light-off condition, and furthermore, the difference of the Clo value between the sheath/core and regular PET fabrics under light-on condition was approximately 1.7 times greater than that under the light-off condition. These results revealed that the far-infrared rays emitted from the Al2O3/graphite particles imbedded in the sheath/core and dispersed yarns enhance the heat storage and release characteristics from the fabric under the light-on condition, i.e. under the sunlight.

Originality/value

The previously examined thermal wear comfort properties of the various inorganic particle-imbedded fabrics were measured with the fabric state, not clothing, which could not provide objective data related to the actual wearing performance of clothing.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 July 2023

Rebekah Harman, Mahdiyeh Salmanzadeh, Nicolas Sandoval and Pierson Rathinaraj

The purpose of this research was to determine the level of nonylphenols (NPs) present in wastewater from the first launder of new activewear garments purchased in Aotearoa, New…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to determine the level of nonylphenols (NPs) present in wastewater from the first launder of new activewear garments purchased in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Design/methodology/approach

Fifteen garments were purchased and prepared, and each was laundered separately. Wastewater was collected from each of the garments being laundered and tested for NPs, along with the controls.

Findings

According to the obtained results, detectable levels of NPs were present in all the garments tested.

Originality/value

The results obtained from the detection of NPs present in activewear garments is the first study of its kind in New Zealand and adds to the understanding of the distance that toxic chemicals can travel when used in textile manufacturing.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 35 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2023

Lea Iaia, Monica Fait, Alessia Munnia, Federica Cavallo and Elbano De Nuccio

This study aims to explore human–machine interactions in the process of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) based on the principles of Taylorism and digital Taylorism to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore human–machine interactions in the process of adopting artificial intelligence (AI) based on the principles of Taylorism and digital Taylorism to validate these principles in postmodern management.

Design/methodology/approach

The topic has been investigated by means of a case study based on the current experience of Carrozzeria Basile, a body shop born in Turin in 1970.

Findings

The Carrozzeria Basile’s approach is rooted in scientific management concepts, and its digital evolution is aimed at centring humans, investigating human–machine interactions and how to take advantage of both of these.

Research limitations/implications

The research contributes to both Taylorism management and the literature on human–machine interactions. A unique case study represents a first step in comprehending the phenomenon but could also represent a limit for the study.

Practical implications

Practical implications refer to the scientific path to facilitate the implementation and adoption of emerging technologies in the organisational process, including employee engagement and continuous employee training.

Originality/value

The research focuses on human–machine interactions in the process of adopting AI in the automation process. Its novelty also relies on the comprehension of the needed path to facilitate these interactions and stimulate a collaborative and positive approach. The study fills the literature gap investigating the interactions between humans and machines beginning with their historical roots, from Taylorism to digital Taylorism, in relation to an empirical scenario.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 7 February 2023

Pasquale Giungato, Bianca Moramarco, Roberto Leonardo Rana and Caterina Tricase

International outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 infection has fostered the Italian government to impose the FFP2 protective facial masks in closed environments, including bar…

Abstract

Purpose

International outbreak of the SARS-CoV-2 infection has fostered the Italian government to impose the FFP2 protective facial masks in closed environments, including bar, restaurants and, more in general, in the food sector. Protective facial masks are rocketing, both in mass and in costs, in the food sector imposing efforts in fostering reuse strategies and in the achievement of sustainable development goals. The scope of the present paper is to depict possible strategies in manufacturing and reuse strategies that can reduce the carbon footprint (CF) of such devices.

Design/methodology/approach

To implement circular economy strategies in the protective facial masks supply chain, it was considered significant to move towards a study of the environmental impact of such devices, and therefore a CF study has been performed on an FFP2 facial mask used in the food sector. Different materials besides the mostly used polypropylene (PP) (polyethylene (PE), polycarbonate (PC), poly (lactic acid) (PLA), cotton, polyurethane (PUR), polystyrene (PS) and nylon 6,6) and different sanitisation alternatives as reuse strategies (both laboratory and homemade static oven, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation) readily implemented have been modelled to calculate the CF of a single use of an FFP2 mask.

Findings

The production of textiles in PP, followed by disposal was the main contributor to CF of the single-use FFP2 mask, followed by packaging and transportations. PP and PE were the least impacting, PC, cotton and Nylon 6-6 of the same weight results the worst. PLA has an impact greater than PP and PE obtained from crude oil, followed by PUR and PS. Static laboratory oven obtained an 80.4% reduction of CF with respect to single use PP-made FFP2 mask, whereas homemade oven obtained a similar 82.2% reduction; UV cabinet is the best option, showing an 89.9% reduction.

Research limitations/implications

The key strategies to reduce the environmental impacts of the masks (research for new materials and reuse with sanitisation) should ensure both the retention of filtering capacities and the sanitary sterility of the reused ones. Future developments should include evaluations of textile recycling impacts, using new materials and the evaluation of the life cycle costs of the reused masks.

Practical implications

This paper intends to provide to stakeholders (producers, consumers and policy makers) the tools to choose the best option for producing and reuse environmentally friendly protective facial masks to be used in the food sector, by using both different materials and easily implemented reuse strategies.

Social implications

The reduction of the CF of protective facial masks in the food sector surely will have relevant positive effects on climate change contributing to reach the goals of reducing CO2 emissions. The food sector may promote sustainable practices and attract a niche piece of clients particularly sensible to such themes.

Originality/value

The paper has two major novelties. The first one is the assessment of the CF of a single use of an FFP2 mask made with different materials of the non-woven filtering layers; as the major contribution to the CF of FFP2 masks is related to the non-woven textiles manufacturing, the authors test some other different materials, including PLA. The second is the assessment of the CF of one single use of a sanitised FFP2 mask, using different sanitation technologies as those allowed in bars or restaurants.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 June 2023

Supeng Zheng, Yusen Xu, Haifen Lin and Yunqi Chen

Owing to dual constraints including liability of foreignness and liability of origin when emerging multinationals internationalize, they inevitably face the challenge of overseas…

Abstract

Purpose

Owing to dual constraints including liability of foreignness and liability of origin when emerging multinationals internationalize, they inevitably face the challenge of overseas legitimation. However, few studies have explored how latecomers cross the threshold of legitimacy in the dynamic context of transnational operation. The purpose of this paper is to unravel the evolution process, triggers and specific strategies of overseas legitimacy threshold crossing of emerging multinationals.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the longitudinal case study of Haier Group and Goldwind Sci & Tech Co., Ltd, this study investigates the periodical characteristics of overseas legitimacy threshold crossings and the co-evolution among critical factors influencing the legitimation process in the host country.

Findings

First, it summarizes that the legitimacy threshold in the host country experiences a sequential process from pragmatic legitimacy to normative legitimacy, and finally cognitive legitimacy. It is an inevitable choice for emerging multinational enterprises to realize and sustain legitimation from passive adaptation to active creation. Second, it reveals that the triggers for crossing the threshold of overseas legitimacy include periodically dynamic factors – international network linkage and resource system reconfiguration, as well as cross-stage spiral interaction effects. Third, it determines the specific strategies for crossing the threshold of overseas legitimacy, namely, replacement, upgrading and reconstruction of organizational identity, and reveals the important role of insisting on the country-of-origin Facebook in promoting the legitimation.

Research limitations/implications

This study enriches the legitimacy threshold crossing literature from an evolutional perspective, especially the traditional static legitimacy research. This study also reveals the key impacting factors – international network linkage and resource system reconfiguration – and their evolution process interacted with the legitimation process.

Practical implications

The emerging multinationals should break the stereotypes from developed markets in that only creating new cognitive patterns through active legitimate strategies can they truly cross the legitimacy threshold in the host country. The emerging multinationals also need to retain their own home country legitimacy traits – Facebook and balance the relation between the image of the home country and the image of host country.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the process of overseas legitimacy threshold crossing for emerging multinationals in a dynamic context of transnational operation, particularly with respect to the evolutionary role played by international network linkage and resource system reconfiguration.

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2022

Lala Hu and Mirko Olivieri

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how business-to-business (B2B) companies operating in durable goods use digital communications after the COVID-19 outbreak. In…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate how business-to-business (B2B) companies operating in durable goods use digital communications after the COVID-19 outbreak. In particular, this paper focuses on the objectives of these digital communication tools for the marketing strategies of B2B white goods firms.

Design/methodology/approach

As the research objective is explorative, the authors conducted a qualitative analysis by collecting 13 semi-structured interviews with B2B marketing professionals working for white goods firms in Italy. Primary data was triangulated with secondary data about the white goods industry, such as sector reports.

Findings

The findings of this paper show an acceleration in the adoption of digital communication tools among B2B firms after COVID-19. The authors also discuss the effects in the use of such tools both in the short and long term.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to contribute to the B2B marketing literature by providing an original analysis of the consequences of the COVID-19 outbreak focusing on the use of digital communication tools among white goods firms. It also provides managerial implications for firms operating in B2B.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 38 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 May 2022

Sayed Gulzar Ganai, Javid Ahmad Khan and Showkat Ahmad Bhat

The export competitiveness has only calculated on only two aspects either comparatively advantageous or comparatively disadvantageous products for India or China. There is not any…

Abstract

Purpose

The export competitiveness has only calculated on only two aspects either comparatively advantageous or comparatively disadvantageous products for India or China. There is not any thorough study that has been undertaken for Indian manufacturing sector at a segregated level along with that of China. So, in the light of these shortcomings, the purpose of this study is to analyse the dynamics of export competitiveness of indian manufacturing sector vis-à-vis its emerging counterpart, china in the global market.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified revealed comparative advantage index has been used in two different phases of 2001–08 and 2010–18 to find the dynamic pattern of manufacturing exports of India and China in the world market.

Findings

The study revealed that India has shown a positive response in increasing its competitive positioned products from low-technology to medium-technology products during the study period. There has been a decline in the competitive positioned products of China and simultaneously China’s threatened product lines have shown an immense increment over the years. Moreover, Indian exports are concentrated to few low-technology and resource-intensive products, that share more than 50% of total exported value for its manufacturing in the global market, whereas, China is much diversified and the exported value is more scattered over its manufactured items.

Research limitations/implications

The study does not include the factors that impacted the export competitiveness of the sample economies and thus adds a limitation to this study.

Originality/value

As there is very limited research on dynamics of export competitiveness of Indian manufacturing exports at harmonised system 6-digit level with China, this study fulfils the gap.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal , vol. 33 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Keywords

Case study
Publication date: 7 February 2024

Kriti Swarup and Anshul Mathur

This case study outlines the strategic and organisational issues faced by an entrepreneurial firm operating in an emerging economy. This case study has been written to equip…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

This case study outlines the strategic and organisational issues faced by an entrepreneurial firm operating in an emerging economy. This case study has been written to equip students with how entrepreneurs can overcome certain barriers and use technology to achieve product–market fit, taking the Indian laundry sector as an example. The following are the key learnings for the case: start-ups need to continuously assess the product–market fit to organise a highly unorganised sector; market entry and expansion modes require proper evaluation of available entry and expansion modes before pursual; franchising decisions require firm-specific and location-specific considerations; and careful consideration given to celebrity endorsement will result in increased sales.

Case overview/synopsis

The Indian laundry market was a highly unorganised market and presented an untapped opportunity. While the market opportunity was enormous, the existing solutions comprised local vendors that may not provide end-to-end services (washing, ironing, etc.). The case study described how a young entrepreneur, Arunabh Sinha, overcame certain challenges to achieve a product–market fit for metro cities and later expanded to Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India as well. However, the challenges remained, as the firm expanded by using a franchise model, and other modes of business were required to be evaluated as well.

Complexity academic level

The case study is suitable for students pursuing MBA courses in marketing, service marketing and entrepreneurship development.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS3: Entrepreneurship.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Case Study
ISSN: 2045-0621

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 December 2022

Ahmed Ramadan Abd El-Hamied EL-Tantawi

This study aims to show that the manner of fabric deformation during relaxation depends upon the twill angle line and its direction (twill S or Z). The quantity of the skewness is…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to show that the manner of fabric deformation during relaxation depends upon the twill angle line and its direction (twill S or Z). The quantity of the skewness is related to the float length and the twill angle in reverse, with the warp tension when changed from cotton to lycra filling yarns.

Design/methodology/approach

The experimental analytical method.

Findings

The most significant goals presented from this investigation are cost savings, time of production and metaphorically; new demands on denim fabric patterns presented.

Originality/value

Moving away from just chasing cheap, more innovative and progressive for manufacturing and end users search for denim, this paper served to shift the market share map for denim manufacturers, which is looks on nearly the most common problem facing the denim industry; skewness.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

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