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Article
Publication date: 11 September 2024

Suheil Khuri and Abdul-Majid Wazwaz

The purpose of this study is to investigate the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) incorporating spatiotemporal dispersion and other dispersive effects. The goal is to derive…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLS) incorporating spatiotemporal dispersion and other dispersive effects. The goal is to derive various soliton solutions, including bright, dark, singular, periodic and exponential solitons, to enhance the understanding of soliton propagation dynamics in nonlinear metamaterials (MMs) and contribute new findings to the field of nonlinear optics.

Design/methodology/approach

The research uses a range of powerful mathematical approaches to solve the NLS. The proposed methodologies are applied systematically to derive a variety of optical soliton solutions, each demonstrating unique optical behaviors and characteristics. The approach ensures that both the theoretical framework and practical implications of the solutions are thoroughly explored.

Findings

The study successfully derives several types of soliton solutions using the aforementioned mathematical approaches. Key findings include bright optical envelope solitons, dark optical envelope solitons, periodic solutions, singular solutions and exponential solutions. These results offer new insights into the behavior of ultrashort solitons in nonlinear MMs, potentially aiding further research and applications in nonlinear wave studies.

Originality/value

This study makes an original contribution to nonlinear optics by deriving new soliton solutions for the NLS with spatiotemporal dispersion. The diversity of solutions, including bright, dark, periodic, singular and exponential solitons, adds substantial value to the existing body of knowledge. The use of distinct and reliable methodologies to obtain these solutions underscores the novelty and potential applications of the research in advancing optical technologies. The originality lies in the novel approaches used to obtain these diverse soliton solutions and their potential impact on the study and application of nonlinear waves in MMs.

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: 17 September 2024

Umabharati Rawat and Ramesh Anbanandam

The cyber-physical system (CPS) is a well proven technology for improving system performance, resilience, and interconnectivity. In emerging nations like India, the logistics…

Abstract

Purpose

The cyber-physical system (CPS) is a well proven technology for improving system performance, resilience, and interconnectivity. In emerging nations like India, the logistics industry lacks practices connecting logistical equipment with cyberspace. This paper aims to bridge this gap by identifying and evaluating the performance metrics of connectivity solutions. Its goal is to establish an appropriate infrastructure that enables seamless connectivity within the CPS-enabled logistics ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel integrated decision method is employed to classify the optimal connectivity solution for CPS. It integrates Regret Theory (RT) and Preference Ranking for Organization Method for Enrichment Evaluation (PROMETHEE-1) method in a Hesitant Fuzzy (HF) environment. This method considers the psychological traits of decision-makers and effectively incorporates their hesitancy for the classification.

Findings

The findings highlight security (c10) as the foremost critical performance metric, followed by cost (c6), scalability (c9), traceability (c2) and trustworthiness (c1) to build connective infrastructure for CPS. For extensive coverage scenarios, like freight transportation, cellular connectivity (a2) emerges as the most suitable connectivity solution.

Practical implications

This study provides a roadmap to logistics managers for selecting a suitable connectivity infrastructure to enhance seamless connectivity in logistics operations and processes. Technology providers can utilize the findings to develop the CPS infrastructure for effective freight logistics management.

Originality/value

This research introduces a novel decision-making tool for making choices related to advanced technology assessment. It holds significant value in facilitating well-informed decisions in the digital transformation era.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 August 2024

Mesfin Abebe Gezahegn, Aschalew Degoma Durie and Abiot Tsegaye Kibret

This study aims to look into how customer satisfaction (CS) plays a mediating role in the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and customer loyalty (CL…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to look into how customer satisfaction (CS) plays a mediating role in the relationship between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and customer loyalty (CL) among Ethiopian commercial bank clients.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey research design to collect information from 790 Ethiopian commercial bank customers. Purposive sampling techniques were used in the study to choose respondents, and the AMOS structural equation model in conjunction with SPSS was used to evaluate the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings show that CSR has a significant effect on both CS and CL. Likewise, CS plays a positive role in fostering CL. Moreover, CS acts as a mediator in the connection between CSR and CL. This suggests that CSR and CS are key factors in determining CL among commercial bank customers in Ethiopia.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined the overall impact of CSR on loyalty. Future research can explore the impact of specific CSR initiatives, such as environmental sustainability, charitable giving, community involvement and ethics. Another implication could involve studying moderating factors like customer demographics and industry context. This study is a cross-sectional study; therefore, future studies should focus on longitudinal studies that could reveal the long-term effects of CSR on CL. Additionally, examining the effects of CSR on stakeholders beyond customers, like employees and suppliers, could provide a broader understanding of its impact on business performance and social outcomes.

Practical implications

By investing in CSR activities that resonate with customer values, banks can improve CS and ultimately CL. This highlights importance of aligning CSR strategies with customer preferences and expectations to create strong emotional connection with customers. Moreover, leveraging CSR efforts as unique selling point can differentiate banks from competitors and attract socially conscious consumers. By concentrating on delivering high-quality services and personalised experiences while communicating transparently about their CSR initiatives, banks build trust and loyalty among customers. Continuous monitoring and evaluation of CSR programmes are essential to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with customer needs, leading to CS and CL.

Social implications

By demonstrating that CSR activities positively impact CS and CL, commercial banks can contribute to the overall well-being of society. Engaging in socially responsible practices not only enhances the reputation of banks but also fosters a sense of trust and goodwill among customers. This leads to a more positive perception of banks as ethical and socially conscious institutions, ultimately benefiting the community at large. Furthermore, by emphasising the mediating role of CS in the relationship between CSR and CL, banks can better understand how to cultivate long-term relationships with their customers based on mutual trust and value.

Originality/value

Prior research has mainly focused on instantaneous customer responses like buying intentions and brand perception. By contrast, this study delves into the enduring impact of CSR on customer actions, specifically CL. Furthermore, it breaks new ground by exploring CSR as a higher-order construct to elucidate how CS serves as a mediator between CSR initiatives and CL.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 September 2024

Junhai Ma, Jie Fan, Meihong Zhu and Jiecai Chen

Food quality and safety issues have always been imperative topics discussed by people. The anti-tampering of blockchain technology and the transparency of information make it…

Abstract

Purpose

Food quality and safety issues have always been imperative topics discussed by people. The anti-tampering of blockchain technology and the transparency of information make it possible to improve food traceability and safety quality. How to effectively apply blockchain traceability technology to food safety has great research significance for improving food safety and consumer quality trust.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper aims to analyze the differences in product quality levels and market participants’ profits before and after the use of blockchain-driven traceability technology in the food agricultural product supply chain (SC) in the dynamic game frameworks of supplier-led and retailer-led modes, respectively, and explores the willingness, social welfare and consumer surplus of each member of the agricultural product SC to participate in the blockchain. Besides, We investigate the SC performance improvement with the mechanism of central centralized decision-making and revenue-sharing contract, compared to the SC performance in dynamic games.

Findings

The results are obtained as follow: The adoption of blockchain traceability technology can help improve the quality of food agricultural products, consumer surplus and social welfare, but the application and popularization of technology is hindered by traceability technology installment costs. Compared with the supplier leadership model, retailer-led food quality level, customer surplus and social welfare are higher.

Research limitations/implications

How to effectively apply blockchain traceability technology to food safety has great research significance for improving food safety and consumer quality trust.

Practical implications

Food quality and safety issues have always been hot topics discussed by people. The anti-tampering of blockchain technology and the transparency of information make it possible to improve food traceability and safety quality.

Social implications

The research results enrich the theories related to food safety and quality, and provide a valuable reference for food enterprises involved in the decision-making exploration of blockchain technology.

Originality/value

Based on the characteristics of blockchain technology, the demand function is adjusted and the product loss risk of channel members is transferred through a Stackelberg game SC composed of agricultural products suppliers and retailers.

Highlights:

  • We introduce two features of blockchain: quality trust and product information tracking.

  • The willingness of each member of the supply chain to use blockchain for product traceability was explored.

  • The overall traceability effect of the retailer-led blockchain is better than that of the manufacturer-led blockchain.

  • The cost of blockchain technology is a barrier to its adoption.

  • Blockchain brings higher consumer surplus and social welfare.

We introduce two features of blockchain: quality trust and product information tracking.

The willingness of each member of the supply chain to use blockchain for product traceability was explored.

The overall traceability effect of the retailer-led blockchain is better than that of the manufacturer-led blockchain.

The cost of blockchain technology is a barrier to its adoption.

Blockchain brings higher consumer surplus and social welfare.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2024

Latifah Falah Alharbi, Umair Khan, Aurang Zaib, S.H.A.M. Shah, Anuar Ishak and Taseer Muhammad

Thermophoresis deposition of particles is a crucial stage in the spread of microparticles over temperature gradients and is significant for aerosol and electrical technologies. To…

Abstract

Purpose

Thermophoresis deposition of particles is a crucial stage in the spread of microparticles over temperature gradients and is significant for aerosol and electrical technologies. To track changes in mass deposition, the effect of particle thermophoresis is therefore seen in a mixed convective flow of Williamson hybrid nanofluids upon a stretching/shrinking sheet.

Design/methodology/approach

The PDEs are transformed into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) using the similarity technique and then the bvp4c solver is employed for the altered transformed equations. The main factors influencing the heat, mass and flow profiles are displayed graphically.

Findings

The findings imply that the larger effects of the thermophoretic parameter cause the mass transfer rate to drop for both solutions. In addition, the suggested hybrid nanoparticles significantly increase the heat transfer rate in both outcomes. Hybrid nanoparticles work well for producing the most energy possible. They are essential in causing the flow to accelerate at a high pace.

Practical implications

The consistent results of this analysis have the potential to boost the competence of thermal energy systems.

Originality/value

It has not yet been attempted to incorporate hybrid nanofluids and thermophoretic particle deposition impact across a vertical stretching/shrinking sheet subject to double-diffusive mixed convection flow in a Williamson model. The numerical method has been validated by comparing the generated numerical results with the published work.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Abhijeet Biswas, Rishi Kant and Deepak Jaiswal

A significant increase in the number of private sector banks has intensified the level of competition in the Indian banking industry (IBI). This increase in the number of banks…

Abstract

Purpose

A significant increase in the number of private sector banks has intensified the level of competition in the Indian banking industry (IBI). This increase in the number of banks has a considerable impact on the existing players, which calls for prioritizing customer satisfaction (CS) and enhancing bank reputation (BR). Our study seeks to investigate the enablers of CS and BR in the IBI.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopted a cross-sectional design for gathering responses from retail bank customers across the selected banks through a structured questionnaire. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was utilized to evaluate direct and indirect linkages among the identified constructs by examining mediating and moderating effects.

Findings

The study puts forward crucial antecedents of CS and BR. The findings exhibit that perceived trust (PT) and relationship commitment (RC) magnify CS and BR, respectively, while CS amplifies repurchase intention (RI). The study advances that BR and CS partially mediate between the underlying constructs. In addition, fairness and risk exhibit moderating effects between CS and customer repurchase intention (CRI) and BR and CRI.

Research limitations/implications

The study illustrates the crucial enablers of BR, CS and CRI that may assist banking professionals in enriching customer experience and holding on to their customers.

Originality/value

There is a shortage of research on RC, service innovation (SI) and BR in the IBI. Accordingly, our study builds on the prior studies by considering these constructs using a comprehensive conceptual framework by extending the application of signaling theory (ST) in the banking domain and scrutinizing the dual moderating effects of fairness and risk.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 August 2024

Chandrapushpam Thangaraj, Sivasankaran Sivanandam and Bhuvaneswari Marimuthu

This paper aims to examine the Dufour and Soret combined effects on the study of two-dimensional squeezed flow of copper water nanofluid between parallel plates along with applied…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the Dufour and Soret combined effects on the study of two-dimensional squeezed flow of copper water nanofluid between parallel plates along with applied (external) magnetic field. Impact of higher order chemical reaction is also considered.

Design/methodology/approach

The nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) are changed into system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) by employing suitable similarity transformations. These transformed ODEs are then solved by means of a semianalytical method called differential transform method (DTM). Effects of several changing physical parameters on fluid flow, temperature and concentration have been deliberated through graphs.

Findings

It is observed that Dufour and Soret numbers are directly related to temperature profile and a reverse trend was observed in the concentration profile. Temperature enhancement is perceived for the enhanced Dufour number. Enhancement in Dufour number shows a direct association with Sh and Nu for all values of squeezing parameter.

Practical implications

The combined Dufour and Soret effects are used in separation of isotopes in mixture of gases, oil reservoirs and binary alloys solidification. The squeeze nanoliquid flow can be used in the field of composite material joining, rheological testing and welding engineering.

Social implications

This study is mainly useful for geosciences and chemical engineering.

Originality/value

The uniqueness in this research is the study of the impact of cross diffusion on chemically reacting squeezed nanoliquid flow with the chemical reaction order more than one in the presence of applied magnetic force using a semianalytical procedure, named DTM.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Qing Liu, Chengjun Wang, Chenchen Shang and Jiabao Li

The purpose of this study is to reduce the residual stress in welded workpieces, optimize the vibratory stress relief treatment process through the use of a vibration generator…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to reduce the residual stress in welded workpieces, optimize the vibratory stress relief treatment process through the use of a vibration generator and enhance the durability and longevity of the workpiece by developing a vibratory stress relief robot that incorporates a multi-manipulator system.

Design/methodology/approach

The multi-manipulator combination work is designed so that each manipulator is deployed according to the requirements of vibration stress relief work. Each manipulator works independently and coordinates with others to achieve multi-dimensional vibratory stress relief of the workpiece. A two-degree-of-freedom mobile platform is designed to enable the transverse and longitudinal movement of the manipulator, expanding the working space of the robot. A small electromagnetic superharmonic vibration generator is designed to produce directional vibrations in any orientation. This design addresses the technical challenge of traditional vibration generators being bulky and unable to achieve directional vibrations.

Findings

The residual stress relief experiment demonstrates that the residual stress of the workpiece is reduced by approximately 73% through three-degree-of-freedom vibration. The multi-dimensional vibration effectively enhances the relief effect of residual stress, which is beneficial for improving the strength and service life of the workpiece.

Originality/value

A new multi-manipulator robot is proposed to alleviate the residual stress generated by workpiece welding by integrating vibratory stress relief with robotics. It is beneficial to reduce material and energy consumption while enhancing the strength and service life of the workpiece.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Zhixuan Lai, Gaoxiang Lou, Yuhan Guo, Xuechen Tu and Yushan Zhao

Considering two types of subsidies for producers (supplier and manufacturer) and one for consumers based on product greenness and sales quantity, this study aims to formulate…

Abstract

Purpose

Considering two types of subsidies for producers (supplier and manufacturer) and one for consumers based on product greenness and sales quantity, this study aims to formulate optimal supply chain green innovation and subsidy strategies, and to achieve this goal with the support of information systems.

Design/methodology/approach

This study introduces a composite green-product supply chain where suppliers focus on green innovation for component greenness and manufacturers focus on green innovation for manufacturing process greenness. Game theory modeling is applied to investigate the differences of product greenness, supply chain members’ profit and social welfare under different government subsidy strategies.

Findings

Increasing the unit greenness subsidy coefficient can boost product greenness and supply chain members’ profits, but does not always raise social welfare. When the government exclusively offers subsidies to producers, subsidies should be allocated to suppliers when there is a significant disparity in supply chain green innovation costs. Conversely, it is more beneficial to subsidize manufacturers. Consumer subsidies have the potential to enhance both environmental and economic performance in the supply chain compared with producer-exclusive subsidies, but may not always maximize social welfare when supply chain members have low unit costs associated with green innovation.

Originality/value

This study examines the optimal decisions for green supply chain innovation and government subsidy strategies. Supply chain members and the government can use the information system to collect and evaluate the cost of upstream and downstream green innovation, and then develop reasonable collaborative green innovation and subsidy strategies.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2024

Nandalal Acharjee, Subhas Ganguly, Prasenjit Biswas and Bidyapati Sarangi

The purpose of this study is to develop black pigmented ceramic stoneware bodies that integrate various aspects of material composition and color potential. Recent research has…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop black pigmented ceramic stoneware bodies that integrate various aspects of material composition and color potential. Recent research has explored black pigmented calcium aluminosilicate glass (BPCG), a specialized material known for its unique properties, which holds promise for transforming the color capabilities of traditional ceramics.

Design/methodology/approach

In this investigation, initially composite ceramic sample (B-1) was prepared by milling process prior to sieve analysis to attain the particle size within 44 microns. Microanalysis and morphology and thermography were studied by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and thermogravimetric analysis and found Sample-B-1 received attractive properties like firing shrinkage, porosity, bulk density and firing strength along with good pyro-plastic properties at various temperatures like 950°C, 1050°C, 1000°C and 1180°C. Furthermore, BPCG-assisted pigmented ceramic composites were synthesized with B-1 matrix. CIE lab investigation of the attributed composites (C-series) within selective soaking range of 5–20 min was performed, and the investigation found that prominent black hue appeared (L: 24.09, a*: −0.17, b*: −0.49) for C-10 containing appeared phases of Di-Co-Silicide (26%), Ni-Chromite, Stilpnomelane (rich in iron) as obtained by X-ray diffraction studies.

Findings

Ceramic material played a significant role in the realms of art and craft, as well as in technology. The artistic facet reveals concepts or ornamentation, while the craft echoes both traditional and functional appeal. Technology, on the other hand, involves the logical implementation behind the creation.

Originality/value

This C-10 Sample comprised the lower percentage of mullite which attributed that the BPCG homogeneously mixed in the matrix of base (B-1) and appeared as spinal staff. Therefore, BPCG was a potential candidate for ceramic metallization, and this traditional metallization processes often faced some challenges like uniformity and mixing in the ceramic composite domain practices. This study aimed to open up new avenues for artistic decoration and bridging the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. Furthermore, BPCG’s role in color assessment through shocking techniques added an exciting concept for the ceramic practitioners, designers or ceramic educators.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

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