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1 – 10 of over 3000Minghuan Shou, Furong Jia and Jie Yu
The aging population, a higher proportion of older adults (aged 65+), is considered a global and severe problem, while the information systems (IS) literature on detecting the…
Abstract
Purpose
The aging population, a higher proportion of older adults (aged 65+), is considered a global and severe problem, while the information systems (IS) literature on detecting the relationship between the aging population and the development of electronic commerce (e-commerce) is limited and insufficient. Hence, the main objective of this paper is to examine whether an aging population can moderate the effect of infrastructure constructions on e-commerce sales and whether an aging population can affect e-commerce sales.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate the relationship between the aging population and e-commerce sales, this study proposes two potential influential mechanisms: moderating the effects of infrastructure development on e-commerce sales and direct influence. Subsequently, a sample of 31 Chinese provinces from 2013 to 2019 is utilized to conduct regression analyses in order to examine these hypotheses.
Findings
The findings suggest that the development of urban transportation infrastructure and network constructions can significantly contribute to the enhancement of e-commerce sales, and the influence cannot be affected by aging population. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that an aging population can have a positive effect on e-commerce sales.
Practical implications
The findings can inform future infrastructure constructions by assessing the potential of infrastructure projects to boost e-commerce sales and examining whether this effect varies in an aging population context.
Originality/value
The findings substantiate the pivotal role of older adults in the e-commerce industry. Moreover, the obtained results establish a positive relationship between an aging population and e-commerce sales, thereby offering diverse perspectives on existing theories.
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Atinuke Arinola Ajani and Daramola Thompson Olapade
The concept of aging-in-place has gained notable significance in the last decade due to a dramatic demographic shift in global population dynamics that have considerably affected…
Abstract
Purpose
The concept of aging-in-place has gained notable significance in the last decade due to a dramatic demographic shift in global population dynamics that have considerably affected the ability of societies to adequately cater for their aging population. This paper examines some of the barriers to aging-in-place in the context of health needs, housing design and the role of retrofitting/smart home technologies in overcoming these barriers.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a narrative literature review approach, the authors undertook a comprehensive search of recent relevant literature focusing on five core thematic areas: health and aging, aging in place, barriers to aging in place, retrofitting and smart home technologies for successful aging in place. The authors entered appropriate keywords into interdisciplinary research databases and synthesized a coherent narrative discussing the thematic areas using the data extracted from the literature search.
Findings
There is a bidirectional relationship between aging and the home environment. Barriers to aging-in-place are mainly related to progressive decline in health, which alters the environmental needs of individuals. Appropriate building designs can significantly facilitate aging-in-place. The authors, therefore, highlight the role of retrofitting and smart home technologies as practical solutions to the challenges of the aging-in-place.
Practical implications
Forward planning in building design is essential to guarantee that the home environment is well adapted for the challenges of aging-in-place while also promoting healthy aging.
Originality/value
The paper shows the relationship between aging and the home environment and how building design considerations could enhance healthy aging-in-place.
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Salwa Moustafa Amer Mahmoud, Tarek Hamdy, Mohamed Fares, Wissam Ayman, Shrouk Muhamed, Aya Abdel Khaliq and Lilian Salah
This paper aims to investigate the ability of traditional biopolymers, such as funori or the nanoscale form of cellulose nanocrystals, to consolidate fragile paper and preserve it…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the ability of traditional biopolymers, such as funori or the nanoscale form of cellulose nanocrystals, to consolidate fragile paper and preserve it for as long as possible.
Design/methodology/approach
Degraded papers dating back two centuries were separated into paper samples for consolidation processes. Funori – a marine spleen – was used as a traditional consolidation material and a mixture with ZnO NPs compared with modern materials, such as cellulose nanocrystals. The samples were aged for 25 years, examinations and analyses were performed using scanning electron microscopy and color change was assessed using the CIELAB system, X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.
Findings
According to the results, using traditional materials to consolidate damage, such as funori, after aging resulted in glossiness on the surface, a color change and increased water content and oxidation. Furthermore, samples treated with a mixture of ZnO NPs and funori revealed that the mixture improved the sample properties and increased the degree of crystallization. Cellulose nanocrystals improved the surface, filled gaps, formed bridges between the fibers and acted as a protector from aging effects.
Originality/value
This paper highlights the ability of nanomaterials to enhance the properties of materials as additives and treat the paper manuscripts from weaknesses.
Joyce Shaffer and Freda Gonot-Schoupinsky
The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Joyce Shaffer, PhD, ABPP, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to meet Dr Joyce Shaffer, PhD, ABPP, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Washington.
Design/methodology/approach
This case study is presented in two sections: a positive autoethnography written by Joyce Shaffer, followed by her answers to ten questions.
Findings
In this positive autoethnography, Shaffer shares her life story and reveals numerous mental health and positive aging recommendations and insights for us to reflect on.
Research limitations/implications
This is a personal narrative, albeit from someone who has been a clinical psychologist and active in the field of aging for many decades.
Practical implications
A pragmatic approach to aging is recommended. According to Shaffer, “those of us who can recognize the beat of the historical drummer can harvest the best of it and learn from the rest of it.”
Social implications
Positive aging has strong social implications. Shaffer considers that it is not only about maximizing our own physical, mental, emotional and social health but also about maximizing that of others, to make our world a better place for everyone.
Originality/value
Positive aging can be experienced despite adversity. As Shaffer says, “Adversity used for growth and healed by love is the answer.”
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Gemma Hartley and Jack Purrington
Perceptions of ageing towards the self and towards others can positively and negatively impact an older adult’s mental wellbeing. This paper aims to consolidate literature…
Abstract
Purpose
Perceptions of ageing towards the self and towards others can positively and negatively impact an older adult’s mental wellbeing. This paper aims to consolidate literature examining the relationship between perceptions of ageing and depression in older adults to inform both practice and policy for older adult mental health services.
Design/methodology/approach
Quantitative research articles examining perceptions of ageing and depression in older adults were identified through searches on three electronical databases, alongside forward and backwards citation searches. A total of 14 articles involving 31,211 participants were identified.
Findings
Greater negative attitudes towards ageing were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms and greater positive attitudes towards ageing were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms or higher levels of happiness. However, the causal direction of this relationship could not be determined. Studies demonstrated that perceptions of ageing also act as a moderator in the relationship between depression and health status, hopelessness and personality traits. Future research should attempt to examine the relationship between perceptions of ageing and depression in older adults to attempt to identify the causal direction of this relationship.
Originality/value
This is the only systematic review the authors are aware of consolidating literature which explores the relationship between older adults’ perceptions of ageing and depression. It is hoped that these findings will be able to inform both policy and practice to improve older adults’ care and support for depression.
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Rania Abdel Gwad Eloriby and Hamdy Mohamed Mohamed
This study aims to assess the efficacy of nano-alumina (nano-Al2O3) in improving the performance of epoxy adhesives used to assemble archaeological glass. The conservators face a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the efficacy of nano-alumina (nano-Al2O3) in improving the performance of epoxy adhesives used to assemble archaeological glass. The conservators face a significant problem in assembling this type of artifact. Therefore, the assembling process is considered one of the important stages that must be taken care of to preserve these artifacts from damage and loss.
Design/methodology/approach
To evaluate the stability of adhesives, the samples were subjected to artificial aging under varying environmental conditions. Some investigative techniques and mechanical testing were used in this study to evaluate the selected materials. It includes a transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, visual assessment, digital microscope, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), color change and tensile strength test.
Findings
The visual evaluation and the digital microscope results showed that the epoxy/nano-Al2O3 greatly resisted artificial aging. Although slight yellowing was present, it did not significantly affect the general appearance of the samples. On the other hand, the pure epoxy sample showed cracks of different sizes on its surface due to aging, as evidenced by SEM examination. Furthermore, epoxy/nano-Al2O3 has a better tensile strength (11.27 MPa) and slight color change (ΔE = 2.06).
Originality/value
The main objective of the experimental study was to identify appropriate adhesive materials that possess key properties such as non-yellowing and improved tensile strength by conducting various tests and evaluations. Ultimately, the goal was to identify materials that could serve as effective adhesives for assembling the archaeological glass.
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Amina Dinari, Tarek Benameur and Fuad Khoshnaw
The research aims to investigate the impact of thermo-mechanical aging on SBR under cyclic-loading. By conducting experimental analyses and developing a 3D finite element analysis…
Abstract
Purpose
The research aims to investigate the impact of thermo-mechanical aging on SBR under cyclic-loading. By conducting experimental analyses and developing a 3D finite element analysis (FEA) model, it seeks to understand chemical and physical changes during aging processes. This research provides insights into nonlinear mechanical behavior, stress softening and microstructural alterations in SBR compounds, improving material performance and guiding future strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study combines experimental analyses, including cyclic tensile loading, attenuated total reflection (ATR), spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) line scans, to investigate the effects of thermo-mechanical aging (TMA) on carbon-black (CB) reinforced styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR). It employs a 3D FEA model using the Abaqus/Implicit code to comprehend the nonlinear behavior and stress softening response, offering a holistic understanding of aging processes and mechanical behavior under cyclic-loading.
Findings
This study reveals significant insights into SBR behavior during thermo-mechanical aging. Findings include surface roughness variations, chemical alterations and microstructural changes. Notably, a partial recovery of stiffness was observed as a function of CB volume fraction. The developed 3D FEA model accurately depicts nonlinear behavior, stress softening and strain fields around CB particles in unstressed states, predicting hysteresis and energy dissipation in aged SBRs.
Originality/value
This research offers novel insights by comprehensively investigating the impact of thermo-mechanical aging on CB-reinforced-SBR. The fusion of experimental techniques with FEA simulations reveals time-dependent mechanical behavior and microstructural changes in SBR materials. The model serves as a valuable tool for predicting material responses under various conditions, advancing the design and engineering of SBR-based products across industries.
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Dejing Zhou, Yanming Xia, Zhiming Gao and Wenbin Hu
This study aims to investigate the influence mechanism of brazing and aging on the strengthening and corrosion behavior of novel multilayer sheets (AA4045/AA7072/AA3003M/AA4045).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the influence mechanism of brazing and aging on the strengthening and corrosion behavior of novel multilayer sheets (AA4045/AA7072/AA3003M/AA4045).
Design/methodology/approach
Polarization curve tests, immersion experiments and transmission electron microscopy analysis were used to study the corrosion behavior and tensile properties of the sheets before and after brazing and aging.
Findings
The strength of the sheet is weakened after brazing due to brittle eutectic phases, and recovered after aging due to enhanced precipitation strengthening in the AA7072 interlayer. The core of nonbrazed sheets cannot be protected due to the significant galvanic coupling effect between the intermetallic particles and the substrate. Brazing and aging treatments promote the redissolved of second phased and limit corrosion along the eutectic region in the clad, allowing the core to be protected.
Originality/value
AA7xxx alloy was added to conventional brazed sheets to form a novel Al alloy composite sheet with AA4xxx/AA7xxx/AA3xxx structure. The strengthening and corrosion mechanism of the sheet was proposed. The added interlayer can sacrificially protect the core from corrosion and improves strength after aging treatment.
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Sheau-Ting Low, Li-Ting Neo, Weng-Wai Choong, Razlin Mansor, Siaw-Chui Wee and Jing-Ying Woon
The world population over the age of 60 is expected to increase from 900 million in 2015 to two billion by 2050. Retirement homes have emerged as a prominent housing alternative…
Abstract
Purpose
The world population over the age of 60 is expected to increase from 900 million in 2015 to two billion by 2050. Retirement homes have emerged as a prominent housing alternative and become a trend for the older adults; however, older population in Malaysia could have a negative view of retirement homes. Different generations could have different perceptions of the value of retirement homes. This study aims to explore the value of retirement homes across diverse age cohorts in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative approach is adopted for this study. Thematic analysis is used to analyse the interview transcripts obtained from semi-structured interviews.
Findings
The results indicated that baby boomers tend to have more negative values towards retirement homes, whereas Generations X and Y demonstrated more favourable and positive values for retirement homes.
Originality/value
This study serves as a useful reference for housing developers, policymakers and the management of retirement homes to better understand how different age cohorts value retirement homes, thereby encouraging relevant housing strategies to enhance the quality and support systems of retirement homes in society.
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Bataa Sayed Mohamed Mazen, Badawi Mohamed Ismail, Rushdya Rabee Ali Hassan, Mahmoud Ali and Wael S. Mohamed
The purpose of this study is to detect the effect of some natural cellulosic polymers in their nano forms with the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on restoring the lost…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to detect the effect of some natural cellulosic polymers in their nano forms with the addition of zinc oxide nanoparticles on restoring the lost mechanical strength of degraded papyrus without any harmful effects on the inks.
Design/methodology/approach
In the current study, the USB digital microscopy, scanning electron microscope, measurement of mechanical properties (tensile and elongation), pH measurement, color change and infrared spectroscopy were undertaken for the samples before and after treatment and aging.
Findings
In the current study, the USB digital microscopy, scanning electron microscope, measurement of mechanical properties (tensile and elongation), pH measurement, color change and infrared spectroscopy were undertaken for the samples before and after treatment and aging.
Originality/value
The effect of strengthening materials was studied on cellulose and carbon ink, which makes this study closer to reality as the manuscript is the consistent structure of cellulose and inks, whereas most of the literature stated the impact of consolidation materials on the strengthening the cellulosic supports without attention to their impact on inks.
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