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1 – 10 of 70Thien Vuong Nguyen, Vy Do Truc, Tuan Anh Nguyen and Dai Lam Tran
This study aims to explore the synergistic effect of oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, Fe2O3, SiO2) and cerium nitrate inhibitor on anti-corrosion performance of epoxy coating. First…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the synergistic effect of oxide nanoparticles (ZnO, Fe2O3, SiO2) and cerium nitrate inhibitor on anti-corrosion performance of epoxy coating. First, cerium nitrate inhibitors are absorbed on the surface of various oxide nanoparticles. Thereafter, epoxy nanocomposite coatings have been fabricated on carbon steel substrate using these oxide@Ce nanoparticles as both nano-fillers and nano-inhibitors.
Design/methodology/approach
To evaluate the impact of oxides@Ce nanoparticles on mechanical properties of epoxy coating, the abrasion resistance and impact resistance of epoxy coatings have been examined. To study the impact of oxides@Ce nanoparticles on anti-corrosion performance of epoxy coating for steel, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy has been carried out in 3% NaCl solution.
Findings
ZnO@Ce3+ and SiO2@Ce3+ nanoparticles provide more enhancement in the epoxy pore network than modification of the epoxy/steel interface. Whereas, Fe2O3@Ce3+ nanoparticles have more to do with modification of the epoxy/steel interface than to change the epoxy pore network.
Originality/value
Incorporation of both oxide nanoparticles and inorganic inhibitor into the epoxy resin is a promising approach for enhancing the anti-corrosion performance of carbon steel.
Dmitry Leonidovich Kovalenko, Vy Uong Van, Van Phuc Mac, Thien Vuong Nguyen, Lan Pham Thi, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Vladimir Evgenevich Gaishun, Vasili Vasilievich Vaskevich and Dai Lam Tran
This paper aims to explore how graphene can improve the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of TiO2-SiO2 sol-gel coating. This sol-gel coating has been prepared on aluminum…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how graphene can improve the mechanical and anti-corrosion properties of TiO2-SiO2 sol-gel coating. This sol-gel coating has been prepared on aluminum alloy substrate using graphene as both nano-filler and corrosion inhibitor.
Design/methodology/approach
To examine the effect of graphene on mechanical properties of sol-gel coating, the abrasion resistance, adhesion strength and scratch resistance of coating have been evaluated. To reveal the effect of graphene on the anti-corrosion property of coating for aluminum alloy, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been conducted in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl medium.
Findings
Scanning electron microscopy images indicate that graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) have been homogeneously dispersed into the sol-gel coating matrices (at the contents from 0.1 to 0.5 Wt.%). Mechanical tests of coatings indicate that the graphene content of 0.5 Wt.% provides highest values of adhesion strength (1.48 MPa), scratch resistance (850 N) and abrasion strength (812 L./mil.) for the sol-gel coating. The EIS data show that the higher content of GNPs improve both R1 (coating) and R2 (coating/Al interface) resistances. In addition to enhancing the coating barrier performance (graphene acts as nanofiller/nano-reinforcer for coating matrix), other mechanism can be at work to account for the role of the graphene inhibitor in improving the anticorrosive performance at the coating/Al interface.
Originality/value
Application of graphene-based sol-gel coating for protection of aluminum and its alloy is very promising.
Thien Vuong Nguyen, Dai Lam Tran, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Thi Thanh Huong Nguyen, Phi Hung Dao, Van Phuc Mac, Minh Thanh Do, Thi Mai Nguyen and Thi My Linh Dang
This study aims to explore how the inhibitor-loaded nanocontainers can be used in the epoxy coating for protection of steel against corrosion. A self-healing anticorrosive coating…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how the inhibitor-loaded nanocontainers can be used in the epoxy coating for protection of steel against corrosion. A self-healing anticorrosive coating can be easily fabricated by embedding the inhibitor-loaded nanocontainers into the epoxy coating matrices. For this purpose, first, cerium (a catholic corrosion inhibitor) is encapsulated into silica nanoparticles (SiO2@Ce). Thereafter, an epoxy nanocomposite coating has been prepared on steel substrate using these SiO2@Ce nanoparticles as nanofillers.
Design/methodology/approach
To examine the effect of SiO2@Ce nanocontainers on mechanical properties of epoxy coating, the abrasion resistance, impact resistance and adhesion strength of coating have been evaluated. To reveal the effect of SiO2@Ce nanocontainer on corrosion behavior of epoxy-coated steel, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) has been conducted in NaCl solution.
Findings
Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy/Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses indicate that Ce3+ cations have been successfully loaded into the surface of silica nanoparticles (at the content of approximately 2 Wt.%). Mechanical tests of epoxy nanocomposite coatings indicate that the nanocomposite coatings with nanoparticles content of 2.5 Wt.% provide the highest values of abrasion resistance, impact resistance and adhesion strength. EIS results show that the presence of SiO2@Ce3+ nanocontainers increases both coating resistance and polarization resistance. Along with the improvement the coating barrier performance, Ce inhibitor plays an important role in improving the anticorrosive performance at the steel–electrolyte interface.
Originality/value
The application of self-healing epoxy/SiO2@Ce nanocomposite coatings for the protection of carbon steel is very promising.
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Dai Q. Tran, Long Duy Nguyen and Allen Faught
Design-Build (D-B) is a project delivery method in which the owner procures both design and construction services in the same contract from a single legal entity. There is limited…
Abstract
Purpose
Design-Build (D-B) is a project delivery method in which the owner procures both design and construction services in the same contract from a single legal entity. There is limited research on how communication among parties influences the success of D-B projects. The purpose of this paper is to examine D-B communication issues and provides effective practices on communication to improve D-B procurement processes in the USA.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology for this study includes a comprehensive review of literature, survey questionnaire, and structured interviews. A questionnaire was developed to collect data from professionals with an average of 23 years of experience related to D-B procurement. Eight structured interviews were conducted to verify and validate the survey questionnaire results.
Findings
The results showed that the communication issues vary along with each phase of the D-B process. The primary communication practices influencing the success of D-B projects are: establishing clear points of contact; providing clear and understandable information among stakeholders during the D-B process; and the timely sharing of information to all stakeholders.
Research limitations/implications
The chief limitation of this research is that the primary data were mostly opinions from experts although several empirical data were collected for cross-validation. This research did not consider the relationship of relevant contract clauses and communication issues.
Practical implications
The findings from this paper will help professionals better understand the D-B procurement process.
Originality/value
This is one of the first attempts to discuss D-B communication issues in each different phase of a D-B project.
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Long D. Nguyen, Long Le-Hoai, Dai Q. Tran, Chau N. Dang and Chau V. Nguyen
Managing complex construction projects is a challenging task because it involves multiple factors and decision-making processes. A systematic evaluation of these complex factors…
Abstract
Managing complex construction projects is a challenging task because it involves multiple factors and decision-making processes. A systematic evaluation of these complex factors is imperative for achieving project success. As most of these factors are qualitative or intangible in nature, decision makers often rely on subjective judgements when comparing and evaluating them. The hybrid techniques that integrate fuzzy set theory and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) are able to deal with such problems. This chapter discusses various hybrid techniques of the fuzzy AHP and presents an application of these techniques to the evaluation of transportation project complexity, which is essential for prioritising resource allocation and assessing project performance. Project complexity can be quantified and visualised effectively with the application of the fuzzy AHP. This chapter enhances the understanding of construction project complexity and fuzzy hybrid computing in construction engineering and management. Future research should address the calibration of fuzzy membership functions in pairwise comparisons for each individual decision maker and develop computational tools for solving optimisation problems in the constrained fuzzy AHP. In the area of construction project complexity, future research should investigate how scarce resources are allocated to better manage complex projects and how appropriate resource allocation improves their performance.
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Seh Young Kim and Dai Binh Tran
This paper investigated the relationship between intellectual capital (IC)/its components, and the business performance of Vietnamese small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper investigated the relationship between intellectual capital (IC)/its components, and the business performance of Vietnamese small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
The panel data set was obtained from the Vietnam SME database. Using the value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC) approach for IC measurement, this paper employs various panel data estimation approaches, including fixed effects (FE) and the generalized method of moments (GMM), to examine the relationship between IC and the financial performance of SMEs in Vietnam.
Findings
The result suggests that the value creation activities of SMEs in Vietnam mainly occur on the basis of physical and financial capital. In other words, the findings indicate that Vietnamese SMEs mainly depend on physical and financial capital to profit: they have not fully utilized their human capital and structural capital, two main components of IC for value creation.
Practical implications
The results underline the urgency of effective management of tangible and IC to boost the utilization of human and structural capital to increase the profitability of Vietnamese SMEs. The results lead to suggesting a series of policy recommendations to achieve the objective.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to examine the relationship between IC and the financial performance of SMEs in Vietnam, contributing to the literature on IC in emerging countries.
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Linh Hoang Nguyen and Hoa Phuong Nguyen
Vietnam is an emerging economy in the South East Asia region. Its Generation Z is gradually taking the lead in the country. But rather than breaking away from the previous…
Abstract
Vietnam is an emerging economy in the South East Asia region. Its Generation Z is gradually taking the lead in the country. But rather than breaking away from the previous generations, this generation also shows a strong preference towards local values and solid commitment to social issues. Thus, traditional culture elements are increasingly integrated in every aspect of Generation Z’s life, such as advertising and fashion. Instead of hanging out at coffee places, they go for bubble tea. They still appreciate the traditional values but integrate them within a modern context. Brands chase after these young people by adapting their values into their products and services. In the work place, the Vietnamese Generation Z is less confident. They are partially lost in career development with poor career counselling in the education system. They desire new experience and new learning opportunities. Generation Z, who were born beginning in 1995, emerges in Vietnam as a fresh and promising force.
Phuc requested that he be allowed to resign, according to a statement issued after the Central Committee meeting which took place, but he was clearly forced from power. His ouster…
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DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-DB275503
ISSN: 2633-304X
Keywords
Geographic
Topical
Samridhi Tanwar and Aakash Khindri
Purpose: The global financial services business has been transformed by Blockchain technology, making it safer and more efficient. Keeping this fact in mind, the authors will…
Abstract
Purpose: The global financial services business has been transformed by Blockchain technology, making it safer and more efficient. Keeping this fact in mind, the authors will study how Blockchain technology improves financial services, including the banking and insurance sectors. The risks and roadblocks in the path of Blockchain adoption in financial services will also be discussed.
Need of the Study: Blockchain operates without any central authority. Instead, it could be understood as a transaction-containing ledger shared among many users. The adoption of Blockchain is gaining traction in every field, but still, a sense of doubt about its reliability can be observed among ordinary people. Thus, an investigation of the operational intricacies and technicalities could assist in clarifying the confusion associated with this technology.
Methodology: To achieve the aims mentioned above, an exploratory research design involving a review of the secondary data linked with the implementation and impact of Blockchain technology in the domain of finance is conducted.
Findings: The mode of operation of Blockchain technology is thoroughly explained, along with the influence it has exercised in the financial domain in recent years.
Practical Implications: The findings of this study can mainly assist global investors and users worldwide by clarifying the concept and operations of Blockchain technology. Also, it could guide future studies assessing the role of Blockchain in the financial domain.
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Huu Cuong Nguyen, Colin Evers and Stephen Marshall
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the development of Viet Nam’s approach to higher education quality assurance during the past dozen years since its establishment…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the development of Viet Nam’s approach to higher education quality assurance during the past dozen years since its establishment, focusing on the achievements and challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a desktop analysis study. The paper analyses the policies and practices related to the development of Viet Nam’s higher education accreditation system by reviewing associated literature.
Findings
The research has found out that there are several achievements, including: the development of the accreditation framework; establishment of accrediting agencies; completion of almost universities’ self-assessment reports; implementation of external assessment exercise at some institutions, a few of which were awarded accreditation certificates. However, there remain a number of challenges related to the independence of the accrediting agencies, human resources, accreditation standards and criteria, institutions’ awareness about accreditation and the pace of accreditation implementation.
Research limitations/implications
The primary limitation of this study is the research methodology which merely relies on document analysis. It would be more credible if the findings could be triangulated with data taken from other sources such as interviews with key stakeholders.
Originality/value
On the basis of the analysis of achievements and challenges at both macro and micro levels, discussion and recommendations are made for future policy-making and management in the field of higher education accreditation.
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