TQM and CSR nexus

Purpose: The aim of this paper is to explore the similarities and differences between Total Quality Management (TQM) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Moreover, the paper considers the implications of these similarities and differences for the future development of TQM and CSR. Methodological approach: Structured discourse analysis is used to systematically explore these two discursive subjects. Both concepts encompass discursive ideas and practices. Findings: Our analyses suggest that the two concepts share similar philosophical roots, that there is a substantial overlap between the elements of the two concepts, and that the ultimate expected outcomes shows significant similarities. Despite these similarities however, implementation of TQM will not necessarily result in CSR. Practical implications: Our findings lead to the conclusion that it is important to recognise the specific needs of CSR and include them as an implicit part of TQM. This conclusion has an important practical and descriptive theoretical implication and the extent to which CSR is diffused as a part of TQM depends on it. Research implications: Our analysis highlights the need for the development of a descriptive theory, that is to say, the identification of the mechanism(s) through which elements of CSR could be developed and implemented alongside that of TQM. Original/value: The question of the intersection between CSR and TQM has attracted the interest of other researchers. The majority of the previous work is normative. We contribute to this developing literature by adopting a systematic discursive approach using philosophy, elements of TQM / CSR process and outcomes as the framework for the analysis

Comparative study of non-premixed and partially-premixed combustion simulations in a realistic Tay model combustor

A comparative study of two combustion models based on non-premixed assumption and partially premixed assumptions using the overall models of Zimont Turbulent Flame Speed Closure Method (ZTFSC) and Extended Coherent Flamelet Method (ECFM) are conducted through Reynolds stress turbulence modelling of Tay model gas turbine combustor for the first time. The Tay model combustor retains all essential features of a realistic gas turbine combustor. It is seen that the non-premixed combustion model fails to predict the combustion completely due to an incorrect assumption of diffusion flame scenario invoking infinitely fast chemistry in complicated flow environments while the two partially premixed combustion models accurately predict the flame pattern in the primary region of the combustor. The ZTFSC model outperformed the ECFM model by producing a better temperature agreement with the experimental result. The latter model predicts lower temperature due to the underestimation of reaction progress. Additionally, a cross-comparison of the present RSM prediction invoking ZTFSC model with LES prediction reported in the literature is conducted. The former produces more accurate species concentration and flame pattern than the latter. This is mainly due to the incorrect assumption of non-premixed combustion used in LES prediction reported in the literature. It is interesting to find that when non-premixed combustion model is used for both RSM and LES predictions, the LES predicts higher temperature closer to the injection nozzle of combustor than the RSM model, though the flame shape in both cases is incorrect. This is mainly due to the fact that the traditional RANS model dissipates the energy of swirling flow too fast in the primary region of the combustor. The weaker centre recirculation zone (CRZ) created by vortex breakdown recirculate less air to the area near the injection nozzle resulting in fuel rich combustion. It indicates that the temperature difference between predicted results using RSM in conjunction with ZTFC model and experimental results can be improved by using less energy dissipating turbulence models such as scale resolving simulation (SRS)

Short communication: Monogenean species from freshwater fishes of Zanjan province, Iran

This parasitological research was conducted from September 2002 to August 2003 on the freshwater fishes in Zanjan province. Totally 155 fishes including Capoeta capoeta idellaI (91), Carassius auratus (8), Leuciscus cephalus (18), Ctenopharyngodon idella (10), Barbus lacerta (8), Allburnoides bipunctatus (10) and Alburnus filippi (10), were seined from five different stations. The fishes were transferred to Laboratory of Aquatic Organisms Research in Science Faculty of Shahid Beheshti University. The skin and gills of fishes were studied under light and stereomicroscope. The identified monogenean parasites included seven Dactylogyrus species as: D. chramuli, D. gracilis, D. Lenkorani and D. pulcher from Capoeta capoeta gracilis; D. lamellatus from Ctenopharyngodon idella; D. goktschaicus from Barbus lacerta and D. vistulae from Albunoides bipunctatus and Alburnus filippi. Various Gyrodactylus spp. from skin and gills of different fish specimens and one Paradiplozoon sp. from gill of Alburnoides bipunctatus were observed. This is the first parasitological investigation that has been done on the freshwater fishes of Zanjan province

Scale-Resolving Simulation of a Propane-Fuelled Industrial Gas Turbine Combustor Using Finite-Rate Tabulated Chemistry

The scale-resolving simulation of a practical gas turbine combustor is performed using a partially premixed finite-rate chemistry combustion model. The combustion model assumes finite-rate chemistry by limiting the chemical reaction rate with flame speed. A comparison of the numerical results with the experimental temperature and species mole fraction clearly showed the superiority of the shear stress transport, K-omega, scale adaptive turbulence model (SSTKWSAS). The model outperforms large eddy simulation (LES) in the primary region of the combustor, probably for two reasons. First, the lower amount of mesh employed in the simulation for the industrial-size combustor does not fit the LES’s explicit mesh size dependency requirement, while it is sufficient for the SSTKWSAS simulation. Second, coupling the finite-rate chemistry method with the SSTKWSAS model provides a more reasonable rate of chemical reaction than that predicted by the fast chemistry method used in LES simulation. Other than comparing with the LES data available in the literature, the SSTKWSAS-predicted result is also compared comprehensively with that obtained from the model based on the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) simulation approach. The superiority of the SSTKWSAS model in resolving large eddies is highlighted. Overall, the present study emphasizes the effectiveness and efficiency of coupling a partially premixed combustion model with a scale-resolving simulation method in predicting a swirl-stabilized, multi-jets turbulent flame in a practical, complex gas turbine combustor configuration

Histopathological evaluation of zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae following embryonic exposure to MgO nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to investigate the histopathological changes in zebrafish larvae following embryonic exposure to nanoparticles of magnesium oxide (MgONPs). The toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles is attracting increasing attention. Among these nanomaterials, MgONPs are particularly interesting as a low cost and environmentally-friendly material. Histological investigations are used as a highly sensitive method for detecting the morphological features of disease and abnormal gene function. We evaluated the histopathological changes in zebrafish larval tissues following embryonic exposure to MgONPs for a period of 4-96 h post fertilization (hpf). To this end; fixation, tissue processing, sectioning and general staining of the whole-larvae were performed. Histopathological evaluations showed some changes including psoriasis-like epithelial hyperproliferation, muscle cell degeneration, neurodegeneration in the spinal cord, swelling and edematous changes in pericardium, swelling and edematous changes in yolk sac, severe edema within the eyes, smaller retina, disruption of retinal lamination and impaired retinal differentiation. In summary, the results of this study enhance our understanding about the potential hazards of MgONPs to the environment

Identification of some parasites of freshwater fishes of Zanjan province, northwest Iran

Parasites of fishes were investigated through the caught fishes in Zanjan province in Iran during September 2002 to August 2003. We used cast nets to sample a total of 155 specimens in five stations including Sohrein, Hasan Abdal, Khandagthloo, Sojasrood and Ghezel Uzoon in Zanjan provice. The specimens were identified as Alburnoides bipunctatus, Alburnus filippi, Barbus lacerta, Capoeta capoeta gracilis, Carassius auratus, Ctenopharyngodon idella and Leuciscus cephalus. Then, they were transferred alive to the laboratory and kept in five groups of aquariums at the stations. We measured weight and length of specimens, transected their spinal cord and we investigated their infections with parasites by microscope and stereomicroscope. Totally, 72 specimens were infected with four protozoan parasites as Ichthyobodo necatrix, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Chilodonella pisicola, Tricodina perforata and 58 specimens were infected with two myxosporean and six metazoan parasites Myxobolus cristatus, M. musajevi, Capillaria sp., Neoechinorhynchus rutili, Lernaea cyprinacea, Ergasilus peregrinus, Lamproglena compacta and Tracheliastes longicollis. This is the first report of fish parasitology study in Zanjan province

Business model design–performance relationship under external and internal contingencies: evidence from SMEs in an emerging economy

We examined Business Model (BM) designs – performance relationship and the moderating effects of firm age and external environment on this relationship. Furthermore, we investigated the impact of simultaneously operating dual BM designs (i.e. novelty and efficiency) on firm performance and contingent effect of firm age on this relationship. Based on data from 241 Indian SMEs, our findings highlighted that BM novelty was of greater benefit to younger SMEs compared to mature SMEs, while BM efficiency was of greater benefit to more mature SMEs. The environmental dynamism positively moderated the relationship between BM novelty and performance but it negatively moderated the relationship between BM efficiency and performance. We also found that BM efficiency is more beneficial in a low, rather than a high, munificent environment but we found environmental munificence did not moderate the BM novelty and SME performance relationship. Finally, we found simultaneous deployment of BM novelty and BM efficiency resulted in an enhancement of performance among mature SMEs compared to younger SMEs. Our study not only adds to the limited literature on BMs in SMEs but also helps practicing managers and entrepreneurs to make informed choices about their BMs

Modeling the effects of biodiesel-diesel fuel blends on CO2 emission of a diesel engine by response surface methodology

Nowadays biodiesel is receiving more attention as a most important renewable energy for using in diesel engines. Inthis research, the application of Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was highlighted to investigate the effects of biodiesel-diesel blends (B0, B20, B50 and B100), engine operating parameters (engine load and speed) on CO2 emission of a diesel engine. The experiments were conducted on a four cylinder direct-injection diesel engine based on three-factor five-level central composite rotatable design. The developed mathematical models were helpful to predict the response parameters and further to identify the significant interactions between the input factors and the responses. The use of biodiesel resulted in higher emission of CO2. The results also showed that an increase in engine speed leads to an increase in the emission of CO2.On the other hand,CO2 emission is higher at low engine loads,while is lower at high engine loads

Relationship between social support with anxiety, depression, and stress in pregnant women attending to health care centers in Zanjan-Iran in 2015-2016

Background: Pregnancy is associated with many emotional, physical, and social changes in women’s lives which may have an effect on the outcomes of pregnancy, so identifying moderating factors such as social support may have a preventing role on unintended outcomes of pregnancy. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between social support with anxiety, depression, and stress in pregnant women. Methods: In this correlational study 249 pregnant women attending to health care centers in Zanjan-Iran, during 2015-2016 were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Data was collected using three questionnaires including demographic characteristics, Wax social support (social support ftom family, friends, and others) and DASS-21 scale. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS software version 16. Results: The average age of the participants were 27.57±5.56 years. The average of total perceived social support of pregnant women was 77.42±10.66, among which the most perceived social support was from the family (29.04%). Data analyses revealed weak negative and significant relationship between total social support and depression (r=-0.17) and stress (-0.13), as well as between social support from others and depression (r=-0.14) in pregnant women (P<0.05). Conclusion: Although, in this study pregnant women received the most social support from the family, only a weak relationship was found between the total score of social support and social support by others with depression and stress. Therefore, it is recommended that more research be done on the type of social support of Azari pregnant wome

Combustion characteristics of steam-diluted decomposed ammonia in multiple-nozzle direct injection burner

In line with the decarbonisation of power sector, carbon-free fuels are currently being investigated. In particular, green ammonia or e-ammonia is a candidate fuel which will be playing a key role in many energy-intensive industries. It calls for an in-depth understanding of eFuels combustion characteristics in the fuel flexible combustors. Therefore, the present work for the first time numerically investigates the combustion regimes of steam-diluted, decomposed eNH3 in a novel multi-nozzle direct injection (MDI) burner. Although the MDI burner is not equipped with a conventional swirler, strong flow-flame interaction is observed. The two-layer, angled channels create swirling flows featuring swirl numbers larger than 0.9 in general. The centre recirculation region can help stabilise highly steam-diluted decomposed ammonia with a maximum steam-to-air ratio of 74%. This highest H2% containing, wettest ammonia flame case is found to emit the lowest total emission (NH3+NO + NO2+N2O) of ∼400ppmvd@15%O2 at stoichiometric conditions. The wall heat loss is confirmed responsible for the formation of N2O in distributed flame, suggesting the need of reducing pollution through good chamber wall insulation. However, for flames sitting in the conventional regimes, the impact of wall heat loss is found insignificant. Further, extensive data and flame regime analyses show that NNH can always accurately mark the high heat release region of all types of flames, while OH is only an effective marker for thin flames