Search results

1 – 10 of 14
Article
Publication date: 11 October 2021

H.N.K. Al-Salman, Qutaiba A. Qasim, Rajaa Hussein Fayadh and Hussein H. Hussein

The purpose of this study is to establish Loratadine [LRD] quantification in purified and capsule formulations using a precise and specific Reversal Phase with a very…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to establish Loratadine [LRD] quantification in purified and capsule formulations using a precise and specific Reversal Phase with a very high-performance liquid Chromatographic [RP-HPLC] technique. The approach was evaluated in agreement with the principles of the International Conference on Harmonization [ICH]. Arcus EP-C18 Ion Pac column, 5 m, 4.6 mm, 250 mm, mobile phase Methanol: Acetonitrile (60:40) v/v. Dibasic potassium phosphate buffer, pH 7.2, flow rate 1.0 ml/min.

Design/methodology/approach

The HPLC system used a 340 nm UV detector for testing. A 10-min run time was used for the analysis. At concentrations ranging from 2 to 10 g/ml, the technique was linear (R2 = 0.9998), exact (intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviation [RSD] values 1.0%), accurate (range recovery = 96%–102%), exclusive and strong.

Findings

The detecting and quantitation limits were 0.92 g/ml and 2.15 g/ml, respectively.

Originality/value

The findings demonstrated that the proposed method could accurately determine LRD in bulk and pill dose formats quickly and accurately.

Details

International Journal of Human Rights in Healthcare, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-4902

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 September 2022

Parul Trivedi and B.B. Tiwari

The primary aim of this paper is to present a novel design approach for a ring voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) suitable for L-band applications, whose oscillation frequency is…

Abstract

Purpose

The primary aim of this paper is to present a novel design approach for a ring voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) suitable for L-band applications, whose oscillation frequency is less sensitive to power supply variations. In a few decades, with the advancement of modern wireless communication equipment, there has been an increasing demand for low-power and robust communication systems for longer battery life. A sudden drop in power significantly affects the performance of the VCO. Supply insensitive circuit design is the backbone of uninterrupted VCO performance. Because of their important roles in a variety of applications, VCOs and phase locked loops (PLLs) have been the subject of significant research for decades. For a few decades, the VCO has been one of the major components used to provide a local frequency signal to the PLL.

Design/methodology/approach

First, this paper chose to present recent developments on implemented techniques of ring VCO design for various applications. A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-based supply compensation technique is presented, which aims to reduce the change in oscillation frequency with the supply. The proposed circuit is designed and simulated on Cadence Virtuoso in 0.18 µm CMOS process under 1.8 V power supply. Active differential configuration with a cross-coupled NMOS structure is designed, which eliminates losses and negates supply noise. The proposed VCO is designed for excellent performance in many areas, including the L-band microwave frequency range, supply sensitivity, occupied area, power consumption and phase noise.

Findings

This work provides the complete design aspect of a novel ring VCO design for the L-band frequency range, low phase noise, low occupied area and low power applications. The maximum value of the supply sensitivity for the proposed ring VCO is 1.31, which is achieved by changing the VDD by ±0.5%. A tuning frequency range of 1.47–1.81 GHz is achieved, which falls within the L-band frequency range. This frequency range is achieved by varying the control voltage from 0.0 to 0.8 V, which shows that the proposed ring VCO is also suitable for low voltage regions. The total power consumed by the proposed ring VCO is 14.70 mW, a remarkably low value using this large transistor count. The achievable value of phase noise is −88.76 dBc/Hz @ 1 MHz offset frequency, which is a relatively small value. The performance of the proposed ring VCO is also evaluated by the figure of merit, achieving −163.13 dBc/Hz, which assures the specificity of the proposed design. The process and temperature variation simulations also validate the proposed design. The proposed oscillator occupied an extremely small area of only 0.00019 mm2 compared to contemporary designs.

Originality/value

The proposed CMOS-based supply compensation method is a unique design with the size and other parameters of the components used. All the data and results obtained show its originality in comparison with other designs. The obtained results are preserved to the fullest extent.

Details

Circuit World, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-6120

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 February 2022

Khaled M.M. Koriem, Nevein N. Fadl, Salwa R. El-Zayat, Eman N. Hosny and Fatma A. Morsy

The purpose of this study was designed to investigate anise oil and geranium oil to amend body weight, serum bile acid and vitamin D, and liver histology in depressed rats.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was designed to investigate anise oil and geranium oil to amend body weight, serum bile acid and vitamin D, and liver histology in depressed rats.

Design/methodology/approach

Eighty male albino rats were divided into normal and depressed rats. Normal rats (40 rats) were divided into four equal groups: control, venlafaxine drug, anise oil and geranium oil groups. Depressed rats (40 rats) were divided into four equal groups: depressed rats, depressed rats + venlafaxine drug, depressed rats + anise oil and depressed rats + geranium oil groups. Body weight, food consumption and water intake were detected. Animal behavior, cerebral cortex and hippocampus neurotransmitters, serum bile acid and vitamin D and liver histology were also investigated in this study.

Findings

Body weight (117 ± 7.6 g), food consumption (5.6 ± 1.4 g/day) and water intake (8.7 ± 1.2 ml/day) were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in depression compared to body weight (153 ± 7.6 g), food consumption (12.7 ± 1.6 g/day) and water intake (15.3 ± 1.6 ml/day) in control. Animal behavioral tests, e.g. sucrose preference (48.8 ± 1.5) test, distance traveled (70.0 ± 16.3), center square entries (0.20 ± 0.10), center square duration (52.18 ± 11.9), tail suspension (54.70 ± 2.9 s) test and forced swimming (134.4 ± 5.5 s) test were significantly decreased (p < 0.001) in depression compared to sucrose preference (89.2 ± 1.7) test, distance traveled (226 ± 90.1), center square entries (1.4 ± 1.8), center square duration (3.6 ± 2.0), tail suspension (19.3 ± 2.1 s) test and forced swimming (83.7 ± 3.6 s) test in control. Cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas neurotransmitters such as serotonin (7.4 ± 1.7 and 1.2 ± 0.54 pg/g tissue), dopamine (6.3 ± 1.5 and 0.86 ± 0.07 pg/g tissue), norepinephrine (8.1 ± 1.7 and 1.4 ± 0.41 pg/g tissue) and gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) (1.3 ± 0.41 and 0.08 ± 0.04 µmole/g tissue), serum bile acid (46.8 ± 3.5 µmole/L) and vitamin D (1.3 ± 0.37 ng/ml) were significantly decreased (p?0.001) in depression compared to cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas neurotransmitters such as serotonin (16.8 ± 2.1 and 4.0 ± 1.4 pg/g tissue), dopamine (15.7 ± 2.0 and 1.8 ± 0.49 pg/g tissue) norepinephrine (18.2 ± 2.3 and 3.8 ± 1.3 pg/g tissue) and GABA (2.7 ± 0.62 and 0.16 ± 0.06 µmole/g tissue), serum bile acid (90.5 ± 4.3 µmole/L) and vitamin D (2.7 ± 0.58 ng/ml) in control. Depression induced injury to hepatic tissues. Oral supplementation with anise oil and geranium oil ameliorated body weight, serum bile acid and vitamin D and liver histology in depressed rats.

Originality/value

Depression treatment persists for a long time, so the search for a new herbal treatment is of concern due to available sources, cheap and no side effects of herbal plants. Anise oil and geranium oil improved body weight, food consumption, water intake, animal behavioral tests, cerebral cortex and hippocampus areas neurotransmitters, serum bile acid and vitamin D and liver histology in depression.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 March 2024

Şeyma Şahin and Abdurrahman Kılıç

Researchers have previously utilized the project-based 6E learning model and the problem-based quantum learning model in various courses, such as the instructional principles and…

Abstract

Purpose

Researchers have previously utilized the project-based 6E learning model and the problem-based quantum learning model in various courses, such as the instructional principles and methods course and the character and values education course. These models were evaluated for their impact on students in different subjects, including developing skills, values, democracy perceptions, attitudes towards cooperative learning, metacognitive thinking skills and teacher self-efficacy perceptions. In 2023, Ökmen, Sahin and Kiliç reported positive outcomes, while Sahin and Kiliç reported similar findings in 2023a, 2023b and 2023c. There has been no investigation into how the models affect students' critical thinking and academic literacy. This study seeks to determine the impact of both models on these skills, gain more insight into their effectiveness and determine which is more beneficial. The results will guide the decision-making process for the character and values education course and other courses in the future. Specifically, this research aims to compare the effects of the project-based 6E learning model and problem-based quantum learning model on critical thinking and academic literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed the Solomon four-group experimental design to assess the efficacy of the applications. Prior knowledge and experience of the participants were evaluated through pretests. However, it should be noted that pretests may impact posttest scores either positively or negatively. For instance, participants taking the test multiple times may become more interested or attentive to the subject matter. The Solomon four-group design was deemed appropriate to analyze the influence of pretesting. This design enables the investigation of the application effect, pretest effect and interactive effect of pretest and application (van Engelenburg, 1999).

Findings

It was concluded that the project-based 6E learning model was effective in developing critical thinking in students, but not significantly. It was concluded that the problem-based quantum learning model significantly improved students' critical thinking skills. It was concluded at the end of the study that the project-based 6E learning model notably enhanced students' academic literacy. It was concluded that the problem-based quantum learning model had a significant positive impact on students' academic literacy. According to research, it has been determined that the problem-based quantum learning model is superior in enhancing critical thinking abilities compared to the project-based 6E learning model. Nevertheless, there seems to be no detectable disparity in the academic literacy advancement of pupils between the problem-based quantum learning model and the project-based 6E learning model.

Originality/value

There has been no investigation into how the models affect students' critical thinking and academic literacy. This study seeks to determine the impact of both models on these skills, gain more insight into their effectiveness and determine which is more beneficial. The results will guide the decision-making process for the character and values education course and other courses in the future.

Details

Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-7604

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2023

Florence Dami Ayegbusi, Emile Franc Doungmo Goufo and Patrick Tchepmo

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Dynamics of micropolar – water B Fluids flow simultaneously under the influence of thermal radiation and Soret–Dufour Mechanisms.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the Dynamics of micropolar – water B Fluids flow simultaneously under the influence of thermal radiation and Soret–Dufour Mechanisms.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal radiation contribution, the chemical change and heat generation take fluidity into account. The flow equations are used to produce a series of dimensionless equations with appropriate nondimensional quantities. By using the spectral homotopy analysis method (SHAM), simplified dimensionless equations have been quantitatively solved. With Chebyshev pseudospectral technique, SHAM integrates the approach of the well-known method of homotopical analysis to the set of altered equations. In terms of velocity, concentration and temperature profiles, the impacts of Prandtl number, chemical reaction and thermal radiation are studied. All findings are visually shown and all physical values are calculated and tabulated.

Findings

The results indicate that an increase in the variable viscosity leads to speed and temperature increases. Based on the transport nature of micropolar Walters B fluids, the thermal conductivity has great impact on the Prandtl number and decrease the velocity and temperature. The current research was very well supported by prior literature works. The results in this paper are anticipated to be helpful for biotechnology, food processing and boiling. It is used primarily in refrigerating systems, tensile heating to large-scale heating and oil pipeline reduction.

Originality/value

All results are presented graphically and all physical quantities are computed and tabulated.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Wujun Tang, Jiwon Chung and Sumin Koo

This study aims to conduct text mining and semantic network analysis of muscle-supportive and posture-corrective wearable robots for the elderly to understand key terms related to…

55

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to conduct text mining and semantic network analysis of muscle-supportive and posture-corrective wearable robots for the elderly to understand key terms related to the topic and to identify considerations for developing these types of clothing.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors searched and identified the key terms wearable robot, muscle-supportive, posture correction and elderly using the text-mining software Textom to extract terms as well as the network analysis software UCINET 6 to process and visualize the relationships among the terms. The authors compared and analyzed the term frequency (TF), the TF-inverse document frequency and the degree centrality of the terms, and the authors visualized and summarized the terms using NetDraw.

Findings

The key terms and their relationships in 3–4 groups were identified: wearable robot, muscle-supportive, posture correction and elderly. The authors identified the aspects of designing muscle-supportive and posture-corrective wearable robots for the elderly.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the field of muscle-supportive clothing and wearable robotics by deriving insights into what people are discussing and interested in, and by offering recommendations when developing these types of clothing for the elderly.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2024

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.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 June 2023

Kessara Kanchanapoom and Jongsawas Chongwatpol

Customer lifetime value (CLV) is one of the key indicators to measure the success or health of an organization. How can an organization assess the organization's customers'…

Abstract

Purpose

Customer lifetime value (CLV) is one of the key indicators to measure the success or health of an organization. How can an organization assess the organization's customers' lifetime value (LTV) and offer relevant strategies to retain prospective and profitable customers? This study offers an integrated view of different methods for calculating CLVs for both loyalty members and non-membership customers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study outlines eleven methods for calculating CLV considering (1) the deterministic aspect of NPV (Net present value) models in both finite and infinite timespans, (2) the geometric pattern and (3) the probabilistic aspect of parameter estimates through simulation modeling along with (4) the migration models for including “the probability that customers will return in the future” as a key input for CLV calculation.

Findings

The CLV models are validated in the context of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)in the healthcare industry. The results show that understanding CLV can help the organization develop strategies to retain valuable customers while maintaining profit margins.

Originality/value

The integrated CLV models provide an overview of the mathematical estimation of LTVs depending on the nature of the customers and the business circumstances and can be applied to other business settings.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2024

Chuyu Tang, Hao Wang, Genliang Chen and Shaoqiu Xu

This paper aims to propose a robust method for non-rigid point set registration, using the Gaussian mixture model and accommodating non-rigid transformations. The posterior…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a robust method for non-rigid point set registration, using the Gaussian mixture model and accommodating non-rigid transformations. The posterior probabilities of the mixture model are determined through the proposed integrated feature divergence.

Design/methodology/approach

The method involves an alternating two-step framework, comprising correspondence estimation and subsequent transformation updating. For correspondence estimation, integrated feature divergences including both global and local features, are coupled with deterministic annealing to address the non-convexity problem of registration. For transformation updating, the expectation-maximization iteration scheme is introduced to iteratively refine correspondence and transformation estimation until convergence.

Findings

The experiments confirm that the proposed registration approach exhibits remarkable robustness on deformation, noise, outliers and occlusion for both 2D and 3D point clouds. Furthermore, the proposed method outperforms existing analogous algorithms in terms of time complexity. Application of stabilizing and securing intermodal containers loaded on ships is performed. The results demonstrate that the proposed registration framework exhibits excellent adaptability for real-scan point clouds, and achieves comparatively superior alignments in a shorter time.

Originality/value

The integrated feature divergence, involving both global and local information of points, is proven to be an effective indicator for measuring the reliability of point correspondences. This inclusion prevents premature convergence, resulting in more robust registration results for our proposed method. Simultaneously, the total operating time is reduced due to a lower number of iterations.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 April 2024

Changjiang (Bruce) Tao, Songshan (Sam) Huang, Jin Wang and Guanghui Qiao

This study aims to explore the heterogeneity of the tourist market for people with a physical disability (PwPD) based on travel barriers, to serve them better, from a tourism…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the heterogeneity of the tourist market for people with a physical disability (PwPD) based on travel barriers, to serve them better, from a tourism marketing perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

A market segmentation analysis was conducted on a sample of 480 PwPD in Sichuan Province, China, based on their perceived travel barriers. Data were obtained through three on-site and four online surveys. A four-step factor-item mixed segmentation, including factor analysis, cluster analysis, discriminant analysis and chi-square tests, was applied to examine the differences among PwPD tourist market segments in terms of various demographic characteristics, disability conditions (e.g. duration of disabilities and causes of impairment) and travel features (e.g. travel frequency and tourist destinations).

Findings

This study revealed that the PwPD tourist market is heterogeneous due to individual perceived travel barriers. Three market segments were identified, namely, the Explorer Moderates group, the Explorer Minimals group and the Explorer Intensives group. Additionally, the three market segments were found to have significant differences in terms of travel barriers, demographic characteristics, travel features and disability conditions.

Practical implications

This research provides suggestions for authorities and private entities to optimize the layout of accessible facilities in public areas for the benefit of all. It also offers crucial implications for tourism marketers to determine the key facets of marketing, for travel organizers to evolve the organization of travel groups for PwPD, and for practitioners to provide personalized tourism services.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to apply perceived travel barriers as a market segmentation criterion in understanding PwPD as a heterogeneous travel market. The findings of this study initially expand the scope of application of the travel barrier model and deepen understanding of the Chinese PwPD tourist market from a marketing perspective. The study results elucidated the heterogeneity and characteristics of this market through a four-step factor-item mixed segmentation approach, offering new insights into the behaviors and experiences of travelers with disabilities.

目的

本研究旨在探索肢体残障人士旅游市场的异质性, 以便从旅游营销的角度更好地为他们服务。

设计/方法/途径

基于对中国四川480名肢残人士出游障碍感知的问卷调查, 探索了肢残人士的旅游市场细分。数据是通过七次现场和在线调查获得; 采用四步因子-项目混合细分法, 根据残障状况、人口统计特征和旅游特征, 识别出肢残群体旅游细分市场之间的差异。

研究结果

研究发现, 基于个体感知的出游障碍, 肢残群体旅游市场是异质的, 研究确定了三个细分市场, 即低度、中度和高度受限群体。三个细分市场在出行障碍、人口特征、出游特征和残障状况方面存在显著差异。

实践意义

这项研究有助于政府管理部门优化公共区域无障碍设施布局; 旅游营销者确定营销的重点, 并为旅游组织者设计肢残旅游团体成员构成, 以及从业者提供个性化旅游服务提供重要的启示。

原创性/价值

论文首次将感知出游障碍作为市场细分标准, 用以理解肢残群体作为异质游客市场。本研究的发现拓展了出游障碍模型的应用范围, 并从市场营销的角度加深了对中国肢残游客市场的理解。研究结果通过四步因子-项目混合细分方法阐明了该市场的异质性和特点, 为肢残游客的行为和体验研究提供了新见解。

Propósito

Este estudio explora la heterogeneidad del mercado turístico de las personas con discapacidad física (PcDF) en función de las barreras percibidas para viajar, con el fin de prestarles un mejor servicio desde una perspectiva de marketing turístico.

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se realizó un análisis de segmentación de mercado en una muestra de 480 PcDF en Sichuan, China, en función de las barreras que percibían para viajar. Los datos se obtuvieron a través de tres encuestas in situ y cuatro encuestas en línea. Se aplicó una segmentación mixta factor-ítem de cuatro pasos que incluye análisis factorial, análisis de conglomerados, análisis discriminante y pruebas de chi-cuadrado para examinar las diferencias entre los segmentos del mercado turístico de PcDF, en términos de diversas características demográficas, condiciones de discapacidad (por ejemplo, duración de la discapacidad, causas de la discapacidad) y características de los viajes (por ejemplo, frecuencia de viaje, destinos turísticos).

Hallazgos

Este estudio reveló que el mercado turístico de las PcDF es heterogéneo debido a las barreras de viaje percibidas por cada individuo. Se identificaron tres segmentos de mercado, a saber, el grupo de Exploradores Moderados, el grupo de Exploradores Mínimos y el grupo de Exploradores Intensivos. Los tres segmentos de mercado presentaban diferencias significativas en cuanto a las barreras para viajar, las características demográficas, las características del viaje y las condiciones de discapacidad.

Originalidad/valor

Este estudio es el primero en aplicar las barreras percibidas para viajar como criterio de segmentación de mercado para comprender a las PcDF como un mercado turístico heterogéneo. Los hallazgos de este estudio amplían inicialmente el ámbito de aplicación del modelo de barreras para viajar y profundizan en la comprensión del mercado turístico chino de PcDF desde una perspectiva de marketing. Los resultados de nuestro estudio explicaron la heterogeneidad y las características de este mercado a través de un enfoque de segmentación mixta factor-ítem de cuatro pasos, contribuyendo a la literatura sobre el comportamiento y las experiencias de los viajeros con discapacidad.

Implicaciones prácticas

Esta investigación proporciona sugerencias para que las autoridades y las entidades privadas puedan optimizar la disposición de instalaciones accesibles en zonas públicas en beneficio de todos. También ofrece implicaciones importantes a los comercializadores turísticos para que determinen aspectos clave del marketing, a los organizadores de viajes para que evolucionen en la organización de grupos de viaje para PcDF y a los profesionales para que presten servicios turísticos personalizados.

1 – 10 of 14