Investigating the effect of the characteristics of second-hand goods platforms on brand loyalty intentions with the mediating role of customer satisfaction (the study of Divar and Shipour platform in Iran)

Abstract The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of the characteristics of second-hand goods platforms on brand loyalty intentions with the mediating role of customer satisfaction (the case study of Divar and Shipour platform in Iran). In terms of the goal, the current research is a developmental and applicable type, and in terms of the research method, it is descriptive-correlative based on structural equation modeling. The statistical population of the present research is the sellers of second-hand goods on the platforms of Divar and Sheipour, and considering the large number of people, 5 thousand people were considered as the research population, among which 357 people were selected as the sample size using simple random sampling, according to the Morgan table. The collection tool in the current research is Abs et al.'s (2020) questionnaire. In order to analyze the data, the structural equation technique was used using Spss and pls statistical software. The findings of the research showed that ease of use has a positive and indirect effect on the intention of brand loyalty with the mediating role of customer satisfaction. Perceived usefulness has a positive and indirect effect on the intention of brand loyalty with the mediating role of customer satisfaction, and entertainment aspect has a positive and indirect effect on the intention of brand loyalty with the mediating role of customer satisfaction, and the sense of belonging to the society has a positive and indirect effect for a society on the intention of brand loyalty with the mediating role of customer satisfaction, and the credibility of the seller on the intention of brand loyalty has a positive and indirect effect with the mediating role of customer satisfaction, and knowing the third party has a positive and indirect effect on brand loyalty intentions with a mediator role of customer satisfaction. Extended Abstract Introduction Brand loyalty can be the driving force behind sales growth. Every consumer has an inner feeling towards a brand that draws him to that brand. Factors such as low price and reliable services are no longer effective in dealing with loyalty (Ghasemiyan Shagerdi et al, 2018). On the other hand, the emerging phenomenon of collaborative platforms has been widely welcomed globally in the last decade, and has had an increasing impact on the global economy. Considering the increasing growth of these platforms, investigating the factors affecting their growth in knowing and better understanding the performance of these platforms as a new form of enterprises is of great importance scientifically and for business owners in this field (Jafari Nezhad, 2018). In Iran, in recent years, platforms for the sale of second-hand goods, such as Divar and Sheipuor, have grown and taken a large share of the non-oil economy, so that the sellers and buyers on these platforms can even buy the goods of well-known brands at a reasonable price but in the form of used goods. This factor has enabled many of these goods to be used again in the cycle of use for other strata of the society. For a long time, second-hand goods were thought to be a threat to brands and the equipment market in general because they deprive the brands of their transaction volume. However, the benefit they gain in terms of image value is undeniable (Dessart et al, 2015). According to the mentioned materials, the main problem of the research is that the characteristics of the second-hand goods platforms have a significant effect on the intention of loyalty to the brand, emphasizing the mediating role of customer satisfaction. Theoretical framework Ease of use refers to the customer's perception that using a system will not require effort (Devis et al, 1989). It has been widely shown that ease of use is an important component of technology acceptance models and has a positive effect on behavioral intentions. It has been shown that this component is the behavioral and attitudinal intentions of people towards the system (Zimaneski & Haisi, 2000; Liyakono et al, 2002; Gafan et al, 2003), their satisfaction (Devis et al, 1989), their future intentions to reuse a technological system or tool (Liyakono et al, 2002; Venkatash & Deivis, 2000), and explains their loyalty to the website (Kim & Nim, 2009). Perceived usefulness refers to the extent to which a person believes that using a tool will improve their performance. It is thought that it is very important for the customer to use a technology (Venkatash & Deivis, 2000). Entertainment is the user's emotional response to the platform (Layokuno et al, 2002), and includes components such as visual appeal, innovations, visual content and web design (Kim & Stoll, 2004). Entertainment is highly dependent on website design and its ergonomics, which are important factors in explaining e-satisfaction and lead to e-loyalty (Wolfinbarger & Gili, 2003). Third party recognition is a type of certification or recognition by a trusted organization or person (Jefen et al, 2003). Lobel Trong ThuyTran et al, (2021) discussed in their article titled E-commerce Platforms Effectiveness Management in a pandemic. This study showed that pandemic fear positively moderates the relationships between e-commerce platforms, economic benefits, and sustainable consumption. Liu et al, (2021) in their article titled Psychological distance from environmental pollution and willingness to participate in second-hand online transactions examined an empirical survey in China. The results show that the effect of consumers' psychological distance from environmental pollution on their willingness to participate in second-hand online transactions is greater than that of a loss frame. This suggests that the expected positive outcome of participating in second-hand online transactions leads to higher childbearing intentions than the unanticipated negative outcome of engaging in such transactions. Research methodology The current research is a developmental and applicable type of research in terms of its purpose, and descriptive-correlative in terms of research method. The statistical population of the present study is the sellers of second-hand goods on the platforms of Sheipour and Divar. Due to the large number of users, the researcher will consider only the number of sellers in Tehran in these two platforms. And according to the large number of the community, the number of 5 thousand people has been considered as the research community. Based on Morgan's table, 357 people will be selected as a sample in this research. The sampling method in this research will be simple random. In order to collect the data of the research variables, a questionnaire (Intissar Abbes et al, 2020) was used, which includes 36 questions, and the components include ease of use (EOU) four questions, perceived usefulness (PUSE) six questions, third party recognition (TPR) three questions, seller credibility (SR) three questions, sense of community belonging four questions, fun four questions, customer satisfaction (SAT) four questions, platform loyalty intentions (PLI) four questions, brand loyalty intentions (BLI) four questions; and it was analyzed based on the 5-factor Likert scale. Research findings SPSS and PLS software were used to investigate the research hypothesis and data analysis, and the results showed that ease of use has a positive and indirect effect on brand loyalty intention with the mediating role of customer satisfaction. Perceived usefulness has a positive and indirect effect on intention of brand loyalty with the mediating role of customer satisfaction, and the entertainment aspect has a positive and indirect effect on the intention of brand loyalty with the mediating role of customer satisfaction, and the sense of belonging to a community for that community has a positive and indirect effect on the intention of brand loyalty with the mediating role of customer satisfaction, and the credibility of the seller has a positive and indirect effect on the intention of brand loyalty with the mediating role of customer satisfaction, and the recognition of a third party has a positive and indirect effect on the intention of brand loyalty with the mediating role of customer satisfaction. Conclusion The current research was conducted with the aim of investigating the impact of the characteristics of second-hand goods platforms on brand loyalty intentions with the mediating role of customer satisfaction (the case study of Divar and Shipour platform in Iran). The results of this research are consistent with the findings of Abbes et al, (2020), Ghasemiyan et al, (2018), Saeid Niya et al, (2016), Abdolali Pour, (2020). Abdolali Pour, (2020) discussed the role of collaborative online distribution platforms and brand loyalty in his research. The purpose of this research is to identify the effects of collaborative online distribution platforms and to review the effect of their internal and external characteristics on brand loyalty. The results show that the most important factor influencing the success of online brands is the frequent interaction of users with the brand, because of a positive consumption experience of that online brand. Abbes et al, (2020) discussed the role of collaborative online redistribution platforms in the purchase of second-hand goods and brand loyalty in their research. The purpose of this research is to identify the effects of collaborative redistribution platforms for brands and to know the effect of their internal and external characteristics on behavioral intentions. A quantitative study was conducted among 214 people who had previously bought used goods online. The results show that loyalty intentions to collaborative redistribution platforms have an effect on brand loyalty intentions. Platform loyalty intentions play a mediating role in the effect of service experience satisfaction on platforms on brand loyalty intentions. According to the present research, it is suggested that a section be placed on the platform to compare the products of different brands and to ensure the correctness of the information provided about the quality of the brands on the platform through verification and presentation of visual reports for customers, and a section of the platform page should be placed for customer suggestions specific to each brand and online response to them, and a section should be placed on the platform to record customer complaints about the brand

Seismic fragility assessment of reinforced concrete moment frames retrofitted with strongback braced system

This study focused on analysing the seismic fragility and retrofitting of reinforced concrete flexural frames using strongback braced system. Using the steel strongback braced system as a means of seismically strengthening and retrofitting reinforced concrete moment frames (RCMFs), this research aims to enhance the effectiveness of RCMFs. In this study, RCMFs of 5-, 10-, and 15-stories are designed according to the first and fourth editions of the Iran Earthquake Standard 2800. The RCMFs designed according to the first edition are strengthened and reinforced using the SB system. The studied structures were analyzed under incremental static loading and time history analysis. The results show that the yield force and maximum base shear for the structures designed with the fourth edition, compared to the structures designed with the first edition, have increased by 1.28–1.42. This demonstrates the necessity of improving structures constructed according to the first edition. Meanwhile, the results of the retrofitted structures with strongback braces show the same or better performance than newly designed structures. The results of the fragility analysis show that the addition of the strong bracing system significantly improves the performance of the structures and brings them closer to the 4th edition standards. The retrofitting system reduces drift ratio between floors and reduces structural damage

Assessment of cyclic behavior and performance of hybrid linked-column steel plate shear wall system

An innovative hybrid linked columns steel plate shear wall (HLCS) system provided, and its cyclic behavior and energy absorption are investigated by finite element method in this study. The objective of the designed HLCS system was to reduce or possibly prevent damage to the SPSW at low and medium seismic levels by focusing the seismic damage to interchangeable link beams (the energy dissipation components of the presented HLCS system). In this study, the cyclic behavior and energy dissipation of HLCS systems were investigated using numerical methods. To evaluate the hysteresis behavior and energy absorption of the proposed HLCS system, parametric studies were performed. Also, the accuracy of finite element models was evaluated by comparing test results that showed the good accuracy of finite element models in predicting the specimens' hysteresis behavior and failure modes. Due to the failure mechanisms, the coupling ratio amounts meaningfully affect the onset of the first surrender mechanism between the infill steel plate and link beams. In general, by increasing the number of link beams in the floor, the ultimate shear force to the weight ratio of the structure was increased. Also, the type of beam in terms of flexural and shear behavior did not significantly affect the ratio of base shear force to the structure weight. The proposed HLCS system has increased the ratio of base shear force to the weight by an average of 4%–27%, indicating that this system is economically comparable to the SPSW systems. Moreover, the energy dissipation in the HLCS system exhibited a 14%–91% enhancement compared to the SPSW system

Functioning of Notaries in the Field of Public Ethics

زمینه و هدف: دفاتر ثبت اسناد رسمی از جمله نهادهای مؤثر در جوامع معاصر هستند که تنظیم روابط افراد و همچنین سازوکارهای معتبر حقوقی و قانونی برای تأمین بخش مهمی از ملزومات زندگی اجتماعی را فراهم می‌سازند. با توجه به گستردگی و نفوذ قابل توجه دفاتر ثبت اسناد رسمی بر روابط حقوقی افراد جامعه، پژوهش حاضر به بررسی جایگاه دفاتر اسناد رسمی در حوزه اخلاق عمومی می‌پردازد. مواد و روش‌ها: روش مورد استفاده در پژوهش حاضر، توصیفی ـ تحلیلی است؛ بدین معنا که با غور و تفحص در شکل‌گیری، تغییر و تحولات تاریخی و حقوقی ثبت اسناد و املاک به تبیین نقش دفاتر اسناد رسمی در حوزه اخلاقی عمومی پرداخته می‌شود. ملاحظات اخلاقی: در تمام مراحل نگارش پژوهش حاضر، ضمن رعایت اصالت متون، صداقت و امانتداری رعایت گردیده است. یافته‌ها: نهادهای اجتماعی نظیر دفاتر اسناد رسمی دارای کارکرد مؤثری در زمینه‌های منفعت و خیر عمومی، خدمات عمومی، قضازدایی از ساحت جامعه، دفاع از حاکمیت قانون و شفافیت و همچنین ارائه خدمات بر مبنای روابط رسمی و بدون تبعیض هستند که از این جهت با اخلاق عمومی نیز پیوندی وثیق می­یابند. به عبارتی دیگر در صورت انجام کارکردهای مذکور، دفاتر ثبت اسناد رسمی می‌توانند حوزه­های مرتبط اخلاق عمومی جامعه را سامان ببخشند. نتیجه‌گیری: دفاتر اسناد رسمی به دلیل اهمیت اسناد مکتوب و رسمی، نقش برجسته­ای در کاهش تنازعات، دعاوی و اختلافات قضایی و مآلاً تأمین امنیت در حوزه اخلاق عمومی، ایفا می‌نمایند. بر این مبنا، بایسته است که دفاتر ثبت اسناد رسمی به حوزه‌های قضایی و حقوقی ورود بیشتری داشته باشند و ضمن قضازدایی از ساحت جامعه، در کنار نهادهای دادگستری، خدمات خود را به اجتماع عرضه کنند. این امر هنگامی که مبتنی بر ارائه و پذیرش اسناد رسمی برای حل و فصل دعاوی و اختلافات است، می‌تواند کمک شایانی به حل مشکلات قبل از رجوع به نهادهای قضایی در نظر گرفته شود.Background and Aim: Notaries are among the most influential institutions in contemporary societies which regulate the relations of individuals as well as valid legal mechanisms to provide an important part of the necessities of social life. Considering the extent and influence of notaries on the legal relations of individuals in the society, the present study examines the position of notaries in the field of public ethics. Materials and Methods: The method used in this study is descriptive-analytical; In other words, by examining the formation, historical and legal developments of the registration of deeds and property, the role of notaries in the public moral field is explained. Ethical Considerations: In all stages of this research, while observing the authenticity of the texts, honesty and fidelity have been observed. Findings: Social institutions such as notaries have an influential function in the fields of common good, public services and dejudicialization from the community, defense of the rule of law and transparency, as well as providing services based on formal and non-discriminatory relations, which is why they are closely linked to public morality. In other words, if the above-mentioned functions are performed, notaries can organize the relevant field of public ethics of the society. Conclusion: Due to the importance of written and official documents, notaries play a prominent role in reducing disputes, lawsuits and judicial problems, and thus provide security in the field of public ethics. Accordingly, notaries should have more access to the judiciary and legal field and, while dejudicialization from the community, along with the institutions of judiciary, offer their services to the community. This can be a great help in resolving problems before going to the judiciary when it is based on the submission and acceptance of official documents to resolve disputes.   Please cite this article as: Abdul Maleki M, Hashemi SM, Gorji Azandariani AA. Functioning of notaries in the field of public ethics. Bioethics Journal, Special Issue on Ethical & Legal Reflections 2021; 69-79

Experiments and design of concrete-filled steel tubes with timber chips under axial compression

This study includes experimental and analytical sections, which discuss the structural response of concrete-filled steel tubes (CFST). In the experimental section, the authors investigate the CFST columns with different proportions of recycled redwood timber chips embedded inside the concrete. An analytical investigation was also carried out in this paper, which puts together equations proposed by four design codes of Eurocode-4, AISC-LRFD, the Chinese code of DL/T, and ACI to predict the axial capacity. The idea of embedment of timber inside aggregates was inspired due to the significant compression strength of timber compared to concrete. In addition, environmental and sustainability concerns advocate substituting conventional aggregates with recycled natural material. In this study, 18 stub columns (in two groups with different steel tubes) were tested under pure axial compression with various compositions of the aggregates. The failure, capacity, weight, and energy absorption of the specimens were studied to evaluate the effect of the weight reduction as a result of timber embedment into the concrete. The results showed that embedding waste timber inside concrete is promising in upcycling wood residue into a commercially viable product. An equation is developed in this paper that takes into account the effect of confinement based on the assumptions that have been made in the literature. 100 test samples were extracted from the literature with a relatively wide range of geometry and material features, and then the capacity of these columns was calculated by the four standards and the proposed equation in this study. The results of the comparisons were analysed and it was found that the proposed equation predicts the capacity accurately.</p

Performance of baseplate connections in CFS storage rack systems : an experimental, numerical and theoretical study

The moment-rotation characteristic of a baseplate connection in cold-formed steel rack systems significantly depends on the floor anchoring arrangement and the axial compression of the uprights. Hence, this study aims to present the results of an experimental, numerical and theoretical investigation on baseplate connections of storage racks with six different anchoring configurations under various axial loads. First, the experimental results on three types of baseplates under monotonic lateral load and six different axial compression loads are presented. Then, a numerical simulation is performed and verified using the experimental test results. The validated numerical method is also utilized for evaluation of three new types of baseplates which are different in anchoring configuration. Finally, a theoretical approach is developed to determine the moment capacity and stiffness of the baseplate system. The results indicate that different anchoring arrangements result in different baseplate behaviour. In addition, the stiffness and moment capacity of the baseplate connections are influenced by the magnitude of axial compression loads

Cyclic behavior of an energy dissipation system with the vertical steel panel flexural-yielding dampers

In this study, an energy dissipation system of the vertical steel panel flexural-yielding dampers (VSPFYDs) system is provided and investigated using a numerical method. The aim of this study is to provide an energy absorption system to improve the hysteresis behavior and performance of steel slit dampers (SSDs). Hence, two types of VSPFYDs and SSDs systems with connection details are provided and developed numerical models for parametric study. Extensive parametric studies have been performed to evaluate and compare the proposed damper (VSPFYDs) with traditional SSDs. To evaluate the proposed dampers, the nonlinear finite element models were developed to predict the hysteretic behavior of VSPFYDs and SSDs using ABAQUS software and ultimately validated with the results of several test specimens. To evaluate the results of this study, a comparison is performed between the seismic parameters of SSDs and VSPFYDs. The results show that the vertical steel panel flexural-yielding dampers increase the seismic parameters compared to the steel slit dampers. Also, the results showed both VSPFYDs and SSDs showed flexural behavior. Finally, the stiffness degradation of dampers was investigated and found that the smallest VSPFYD with a height of 15 cm has the best performance in many aspects. Also, the results show that the details of the construction of the plate connections considerably affected the performance and hysteresis behavior of the VSPFYDs compared to SSDs

Numerical and analytical study of ultimate capacity of steel plate shear walls with partial plate-column connection (SPSW-PC)

This research endeavor intends to use the numerical and analytical approaches to investigate the ultimate shear capacity of steel plate shear walls with partial plate-column connection (SPSW-PC). This study aims to provide an analytical relationship for estimating the ultimate capacity of SPSW-PC. Using plastic analysis and considering the mechanism of plastic hinge formation, a relation has been obtained for estimating the ultimate capacity of SPSW-PCs. Extensive parametric studies have been carried out using a nonlinear finite element method to examine the accuracy of the obtained analytical relationships. The parametric studies include investigating the influence of infill plate thickness and width-to-height ratio as well as the ratio of the plate-column detachment length of SPSW-PCs. To this end, comprehensive verification studies are initially performed by comparing the numerical predictions with several reported experimental results to demonstrate the numerical method's reliability and accuracy. Comparison is made between the hysteresis curves, failure modes, and base shear capacities predicted numerically or obtained/observed experimentally. The results show a sound compromise between the ultimate capacity of the analytical relationship and numerical models of parametric studies. Although removing the connection between the web-plate and columns can be beneficial by decreasing the overall system demand on the vertical boundary members, based on the results and findings of this research study, such detachment can reduce the stiffness and strength capacities of steel shear walls by about 25%, on average