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Article
Publication date: 3 April 2024

Shiang-Wuu Perng, Horng Wen Wu and De-An Huang

The purpose of this study is to advance turbulent thermal convection inside the constant heat-flux round tube inserted by multiple perforated twisted tapes.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to advance turbulent thermal convection inside the constant heat-flux round tube inserted by multiple perforated twisted tapes.

Design/methodology/approach

The novel design of this study is accomplished by inserting several twisted tapes and drilling some circular perforations near the tape edge (C1, C3, C5: solid tapes; C2, C4, C6: perforated tapes). The turbulence flow appearances and thermal convective features are examined for various Reynolds numbers (8,000–14,000) using the renormalization group (RNG) κε turbulent model and Semi-Implicit Method for Pressure-Linked Equations (SIMPLE) algorithm.

Findings

The simulated outcomes reveal that inserting more perforated-twisted tapes into the heated round tube promotes turbulent thermal convection effectively. A swirling flow caused by the twisted tapes to produce the secondary flow jets between two reverse-spin tapes can combine with the main flow passing through the perforations at the outer edge to enhance the vortex flow. The primary factors are the quantity of twisted tapes and with/without perforations, as the perforation ratio remains at 2.5 in this numerical work. Weighing friction along the tube, C6 (four reverse-spin perforated-twisted tapes) brings the uppermost thermal-hydraulic performance of 1.23 under Re = 8,000.

Research limitations/implications

The constant thermo-hydraulic attributes of liquid water and the steady Newtonian fluid are research limitations for this simulated work.

Practical implications

The simulated outcomes will avail the inner-pipe design of a heat exchanger inserted by multiple perforated twisted tapes to enhance superior heat transfer.

Originality/value

These twisted tapes form tiny circular perforations along the tape edge to introduce the fluid flow through these bores and combine with the secondary flow induced between two reverse-spin tapes. This scheme enhances the swirling flow, turbulence intensity and fluid mixing to advance thermal convection since larger perforations cannot produce large jet velocity or the position of perforations is too far from the tape edge to generate a separated flow. Consequently, this work contributes a valuable cooling mechanism toward thermal engineering.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2023

Xiaogang Cao, Boning Xiao, Hui Wen and Mingzhe Fu

This paper explores how the existence of a second-hand market can affect remanufacturing decisions for durable goods in the presence of patent protection.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper explores how the existence of a second-hand market can affect remanufacturing decisions for durable goods in the presence of patent protection.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct a dynamic decision model between a durable goods original manufacturer and a durable goods remanufacturer considering the characteristics of the multi-cycle uses of new durable goods and remanufactured durable goods.

Findings

The results show that (1) the second-hand market compresses the cost space of a durable goods original manufacturer and a remanufacturer; (2) when the second-hand market exists, the optimal pricing of new durable goods is reduced, the optimal pricing of remanufactured durable goods is increased and the patent cost of each unit of durable goods increases and (3) the presence of the second-hand market will increase the original manufacturer's and remanufacturer's profits.

Originality/value

The research conclusion has certain reference value for the production strategy selection of each enterprise in the process of patented product remanufacturing and the government's fiscal policy formulation at each stage of the remanufacturing industry's development.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2024

Xiaoxu Dang, Mengying Wang, Xiaopeng Deng, Hongtao Mao and Pengju He

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices frequently result in increased costs for Chinese international contractors (CICs), where profitability is the primary objective;…

Abstract

Purpose

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices frequently result in increased costs for Chinese international contractors (CICs), where profitability is the primary objective; therefore, internal corporate drivers and external pressures play a crucial role in encouraging them to engage in sustainable CSR practices. This study systematically examines the dynamic impact of internal and external stakeholders on the CSR practices of CICs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a structural equation model (SEM) to identify and validate a correlation between stakeholders and CSR practices. Standardized causal coefficients estimated in SEM were used to construct a fuzzy cognitive map (FCM) model to illustrate the effect of stakeholders on CSR practices with linkage direction and weights. Predictive, diagnostic, and hybrid analyses were performed to dynamically model the variation in stakeholders on the evolution of CSR practices.

Findings

The empirical results demonstrate that (1) employee participation in CSR has the greatest impact on CSR practices, followed by CSR strategies, partner and customer expectations, and finally government regulations. (2) In the early stage of CSR fulfillment, CSR strategies have the greatest influence on CSR practices; in the later stage of CSR fulfillment, employee participation in CSR has the greatest influence on CSR practices. (3) In the long run, the most effective and economical integrated interventions are those that address employee participation in CSR, partner expectations and customer expectations, and intervention in CSR strategies is needed if the level of CSR practice needs to be improved in the short term.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the research on the influence mechanisms of CSR practices of CICs and systematically analyzes their dynamic influence on CSR practices of CICs from the perspective of stakeholders.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 February 2024

Amer Jazairy, Emil Persson, Mazen Brho, Robin von Haartman and Per Hilletofth

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the interdisciplinary literature on drones in last-mile delivery (LMD) to extrapolate pertinent insights from and into…

Abstract

Purpose

This study presents a systematic literature review (SLR) of the interdisciplinary literature on drones in last-mile delivery (LMD) to extrapolate pertinent insights from and into the logistics management field.

Design/methodology/approach

Rooting their analytical categories in the LMD literature, the authors performed a deductive, theory refinement SLR on 307 interdisciplinary journal articles published during 2015–2022 to integrate this emergent phenomenon into the field.

Findings

The authors derived the potentials, challenges and solutions of drone deliveries in relation to 12 LMD criteria dispersed across four stakeholder groups: senders, receivers, regulators and societies. Relationships between these criteria were also identified.

Research limitations/implications

This review contributes to logistics management by offering a current, nuanced and multifaceted discussion of drones' potential to improve the LMD process together with the challenges and solutions involved.

Practical implications

The authors provide logistics managers with a holistic roadmap to help them make informed decisions about adopting drones in their delivery systems. Regulators and society members also gain insights into the prospects, requirements and repercussions of drone deliveries.

Originality/value

This is one of the first SLRs on drone applications in LMD from a logistics management perspective.

Details

The International Journal of Logistics Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-4093

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2024

Katja Eman, Damir Ivančić and Dejan Bagari

The purpose of the paper is to present the results of research in the region covered by the Murska Sobota Police Directorate based on semi-structured interviews we conducted with…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to present the results of research in the region covered by the Murska Sobota Police Directorate based on semi-structured interviews we conducted with community policing officers in the rural and urban areas of Pomurje.

Design/methodology/approach

Community policing is one of the more recent (yet hardly new) ways of ensuring security. It focuses on collaboration between citizens and the police, the joint identification of security issues and resolving them. Not long ago, it was established that policing varies depending on geographical criteria, specifically the urbanisation of the environment since police work in cities is often very narrowly specialised compared to in a rural environment. We were therefore interested in whether the Pomurje region also shows that it is easier to practise community policing in rural areas compared to cities.

Findings

The research results confirm previous findings; namely, that in urban areas approximately two-thirds of the population does not know the community policing officer, leading to the mutual cooperation between residents and the police being poorer than in rural areas. The conclusion describes ways of improving the established situation facing Pomurje.

Research limitations/implications

We see the limitations of the study in the peculiarities of the Pomurje region; therefore the results cannot be generalised and applied in areas of other police directorates.

Originality/value

The survey offers insight into rural and urban policing in the Pomurje region at the same time, focusing on possibilities for improvements.

Details

Policing: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1363-951X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 March 2024

Gyan Prakash

This paper aims to explore the antecedents and consequences of service chain flexibility (SCF) in healthcare service delivery.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the antecedents and consequences of service chain flexibility (SCF) in healthcare service delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural model was developed based on a literature review. A 29-indicator questionnaire was circulated among service providers in the healthcare system across India, and 253 valid responses were received, corresponding to a response rate of 46%. The research model was assessed using a cross-sectional research design, and the data were analyzed by structural equation modeling using analysis of moment structures (AMOS) software.

Findings

Service orientation (SO), technology integration (TI), knowledge sharing (KS) and supply chain integration (SCI) were identified as antecedents of SCF, the consequence of which is responsiveness in service delivery (RSD). Furthermore, patient-centered care moderates the relationship between SCF and RSD.

Research limitations/implications

This paper highlights the impact of SCF on RSD in healthcare organizations. Consideration of the four constructs of SO, TI, KS and SCI as antecedents of SCF and, in turn, RSD may be one of the limitations. Future work may identify other theoretical constructs with potential impacts on SCF and RSD. Furthermore, eight months for data collection could have resulted in early-late response bias. This study was operationalized in India and may reflect political, economic, social, technological, environmental and legal factors unique to India.

Practical implications

The study provides suggestions to practitioners for building RSD by leveraging SO, TI, KS and SCI in flexibility-driven service chain processes. Recognizing the relationships among these constructs can aid in the timely formulation of corrective actions and patient-centric policies.

Social implications

This paper highlights how focusing on a SCF can promote RSD. This understanding may aid the design of processes that develop patient-centricity and deliver health as a social good in an effective manner.

Originality/value

The empirical evidence from this study can help hospitals integrate and build flexibility in their functions, thus enabling them to deliver responsiveness in care.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2024

Shahla M. Wunderlich and Charles H. Feldman

The purpose of this short communication is to shed light on the accuracy of quantification methods of household food waste (HFW).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this short communication is to shed light on the accuracy of quantification methods of household food waste (HFW).

Design/methodology/approach

Thirty-seven recently published studies in HFW were surveyed for this commentary. Exemplary methods and findings of these studies were compared.

Findings

It is challenging to draw conclusions on the amount of the HFW per person/town/country due to the inconsistent and heterogeneous methodologies used. We recommend using direct measurements or triangulation of methods to help ensure valid findings. Governments should incentivize consumers to deliver their food waste to designated locations where weights could accurately be assessed. Monetary or tax incentives could help stimulate an accurate accounting of waste and encourage reductions. Food waste measurements should be consistently reported as kg/person/week.

Social implications

Food and water security must be provided for all. It is estimated that one-third of edible food for humans is currently lost or wasted globally. According to the World Food Program (WFP), this is about 1.3 billion tons of food per year and at the same time this wasted food could be sufficient to feed two billion people.

Originality/value

The aim of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature about the magnitude and significance of HFW and its impact on the environment and social welfare. Currently, there are no generally accepted uniform methods of food waste quantification at the household level. This original communication brings the importance and challenges of the quantification of HFW to light.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2024

Jian Sun, Zhanshuai Fan, Yi Yang, Chengzhi Li, Nan Tu, Jian Chen and Hailin Lu

Aluminum alloy is considered an ideal material in aerospace, automobile and other fields because of its lightweight, high specific strength and easy processing. However, low…

Abstract

Purpose

Aluminum alloy is considered an ideal material in aerospace, automobile and other fields because of its lightweight, high specific strength and easy processing. However, low hardness and strength of the surface of aluminum alloys are the main factors that limit their applications. The purpose of this study is to obtain a composite coating with high hardness and lubricating properties by applying GO–PVA over MAO coating.

Design/methodology/approach

A pulsed bipolar power supply was used as power supply to prepare the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating on 6061 aluminum sample. Then a graphene oxide-polyvinyl alcohol (GO–PVA) composite coating was prepared on MAO coating for subsequent experiments. Samples were characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The friction test is carried out by the relative movement of the copper ball and the aluminum disk on the friction tester.

Findings

Results showed that the friction coefficient of MAO samples was reduced by 80% after treated with GO–PVA composite film.

Originality/value

This research has made a certain contribution to the surface hardness and tribological issues involved in the lightweight design of aluminum alloys.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2023-0427/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 February 2024

Syed Waqar Haider, Hammad Bin Azam Hashmi and Sayeda Zeenat Maryam

In the prior literature, the motivation to adopt wearable fitness technology (WFT) has been linked with either intrinsic or extrinsic. However, how the subcategories of extrinsic…

Abstract

Purpose

In the prior literature, the motivation to adopt wearable fitness technology (WFT) has been linked with either intrinsic or extrinsic. However, how the subcategories of extrinsic motivations (identified, introjected and external) affect the consumers’ WFT adoption decision remains sparse. Furthermore, do regulatory focus (prevention vs promotion) and gender differences the effects of different motivations on WFT adoption is almost unknown in the health-care marketing literature. This study aims to fill the above-mentioned gap and to unfold the WFT adoption beyond the traditional motivation by incorporating the organismic integration theory (part of self-determined theory) and regulatory focus theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a questionnaire-based survey. Using the “AMOS” survey, questionnaire responses of 641 respondents were analyzed and validated by using structural equation modeling. All the variables were adopted from the literature.

Findings

The results show that intrinsic, identified and external motivations have the greatest impact on consumers’ decisions, while introjected motivation was not significant directly. The moderation effects of regulatory focus are significant in such a way that prevention focus influences the introjected motivation and promotion focus affects the external motivation and WFT adoption decision. Furthermore, the findings on gender moderation suggest that women are more intrinsically motivated, and men are more externally motivated for WFT adoption.

Practical implications

The new insights and contributions of this study provide a better understanding of WFT adoption and help sellers develop more effective marketing strategies.

Originality/value

This study incorporates subcategories of extrinsic motivations to provide a deeper understanding of consumers’ behavior. Furthermore, this study applies a unique framework of organismic integration theory to consumers’ WFT adoption. It is also among very few research that investigate regulatory focus and gender impact on consumers’ WFT adoption.

Details

International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Marketing, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-6123

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2023

Hannan Amoozad Mahdiraji, Hojatallah Sharifpour Arabi, Moein Beheshti and Demetris Vrontis

This research aims to extract Industry 4.0 technological building blocks (TBBs) capable of value generation in collaborative consumption (CC) and the sharing economy (SE)…

Abstract

Purpose

This research aims to extract Industry 4.0 technological building blocks (TBBs) capable of value generation in collaborative consumption (CC) and the sharing economy (SE). Furthermore, by employing a mixed methodology, this research strives to analyse the relationship amongst TBBs and classify them based on their impact on CC.

Design/methodology/approach

Due to the importance of technology for the survival of collaborative consumption in the future, this study suggests a classification of the auxiliary and fundamental Industry 4.0 technologies and their current upgrades, such as the metaverse or non-fungible tokens (NFT). First, by applying a systematic literature review and thematic analysis (SLR-TA), the authors extracted the TBBs that impact on collaborative consumption and SE. Then, using the Bayesian best-worst method (BBWM), TBBs are weighted and classified using experts’ opinions. Eventually, a score function is proposed to measure organisations’ readiness level to adopt Industry 4.0 technologies.

Findings

The findings illustrated that virtual reality (VR) plays a vital role in CC and SE. Of the 11 TBBs identified in the CC and SE, VR was selected as the most determinant TBB and metaverse was recognised as the least important. Furthermore, digital twins, big data and VR were labelled as “fundamental”, and metaverse, augmented reality (AR), and additive manufacturing were stamped as “discretional”. Moreover, cyber-physical systems (CPSs) and artificial intelligence (AI) were classified as “auxiliary” technologies.

Originality/value

With an in-depth investigation, this research identifies TBBs of Industry 4.0 with the capability of value generation in CC and SE. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research that identifies and examines the TBBs of Industry 4.0 in the CC and SE sectors and examines them. Furthermore, a novel mixed method has identified, weighted and classified pertinent technologies. The score function that measures the readiness level of each company to adopt TBBs in CC and SE is a unique contribution.

Details

Management Decision, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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