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The purpose of this study is to improve the anticorrosion performance of low nickel stainless steel (AISI 201) in 3.5% NaCl by electroactive polyimide/copper oxide (EPI/CuO) composites coating.

Electroactive polyimide/copper oxide (EPI/CuO) composites were prepared by oxidative coupling polymerization followed by thermal imidization method.

The functional and structural properties of composites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transmission infra-red and ultra violet-visible spectroscopy and the surface topography was characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope analysis and anticorrosion performance in 3.5 Wt.% NaCl was evaluated by electrochemical techniques. The obtained results of electrochemical techniques measurement indicated that the composites coated samples give better corrosion protection against attacking electrolyte.

The ever-increasing price of nickel (Ni) is driving the industries to use low-Ni austenitic stainless steels (ASSs). However, it exhibits relatively poor corrosion resistance as compared with conventional Cr-Ni ASSs. Nonetheless, its corrosion resistance can be enhanced by polymeric (electroactive polyimide [EPI]) coating. CuO particles exhibit the hydrophobic properties and can be used as inorganic filler to incorporate in EPI to further enhance the corrosion protection. The present research paper is beneficial for industries to use low-cost AISI 201, enhance its corrosion resistance and replace the use of costly conventional Cr-Ni ASSs.

Addressing a gap in entrepreneurial training programs, the main objective of this study was to introduce a hybrid training model that provides training to entrepreneurs after they have started their operations and before they become large and/or well established. The presented model consist of a full entrepreneurship training program suited to serve entrepreneurs who have been operating for no less than 2 years, have 1–14 employees, and need basic training to further achieve their operational goals. This format allows for progressive learning while encouraging networking among participants. Using a case study, 5 years of data are presented describing this program and its value for its participants including urban entrepreneurs.

This study aims to examine the influence of big data analytics (BDA) on environmental performance (ENP) in the post-COVID-19 context in Vietnam, as a developing country. In which, this study considers environmental process integration in accounting reports as a mediator variable. Furthermore, digital learning orientation (DLO) and environmental strategy (ES) are proposed as the moderator variables for relationships in the proposed model.

Data was collected by survey method via email with convenient sampling method. In total, 611 emails, including the survey, were sent to executive managers of Vietnamese manufacturing companies listed on stock exchanges. The final sample of 419 responses was used for analysis.

By using the partial least squares structural equation modeling, this study’s results elucidate that BDA positively affects ENP. Moreover, DLO positively moderates the nexus between BDA and environmental process integration in accounting reports, while ES plays a positive moderating role on the nexus between environmental process integration and ENP.

In terms of managerial implications, this paper mentions pretty attractive features of using modern technique and ENP. This research emphasizes the key role of the BDA for both reporting and accounting performance (e.g. environmental process integration and ENP) of the company. Thus, managers should examine implementing BDA when necessary to make accounting reports more transparent and modern, thereby enhancing the organization's ENP. Particularly, managers should focus on improving the organization's ENP indicators.

This study complements the ENP literature by showing a positive effect of BDA and environmental process integration on ENP. Additionally, this study’s results determine the efficacy of DLO and ES as well as their regulatory roles. Finally, this study was conducted to supplement empirical evidence on ENP in the post-COVID-19 context in developing countries, specifically Vietnam.

This paper explores the nexus between lean operations, eco-product innovativeness, social performance, green performance and business performance. Both direct and indirect effects are tested among the variables under consideration in this study.

Data is garnered from 166 Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) manufacturers. All hypothesized relationships are tested using partial least square-structural equation modeling.

The results suggest that lean operations has a significant positive effect on eco-product innovativeness, social performance, green performance and business performance. The results further indicate that eco-product innovativeness significantly influences green performance and social performance, but does not significantly influence business performance. The mediation procedure performed shows that eco-product innovativeness plays a complementary partial mediation role between lean operations, social performance, green performance and business performance.

The study provides enough evidence that informs managers that the application of lean operations should be a necessity instead of an afterthought when pursuing their sustainable performance targets. The study specifically enlightens Ghanaian managers and those in similar environs to substantially invest in lean operations to achieve eco-product innovativeness and contribute to the survival of the manufacturing sector.

In addition to expanding lean operations and environmental management literature, the study happens to be among the scant studies that has verified the direct and indirect effects between lean operations, eco-product innovativeness, social, green and business performances.

This paper aims to initiate a new, formal theory of sociocultural physics.

Its intended scope is limited to predicting either long‐term, large‐scale or short‐term, small‐scale sociocultural events. The theory that the authors develop, called sociohistory, links three independent but relatable approaches: part of Sorokin's epistemological theory of sociocultural dynamics, Frieden's epistemological theory of extreme physical information (EPI), and Yolles's social viable systems (SVS) theory.

Although not all of Sorokin's ideas are universally accepted, a subset of them is found to be extremely useful for describing the conceptual context of complex systems. This includes how sociocultural processes link closely into political processes.

The theory that develops helps explain how opposing, cultural enantiomers or yin‐yang forces (represented, for instance, by the polar mindsets represented in Islamic fundamentalism and global enterprise) can result in violent conflict, or in either viable or non‐viable social communities. The informations I and J of EPI theory are regarded, respectively, as sensate and ideational enantiomers.

While the resulting sociocultural physics is in its infancy, an illustrative application to the developmental dynamics of post‐colonial Iran demonstrates its potential utility.

This paper aims to examine whether some countries achieve logistics efficiency at the cost of undermining environmental quality. In so doing, a hybrid index, the green logistics performance index (GLPI) combining both the LPI and the environmental performance index (EPI), is constructed.

Being a macro analysis measuring the green supply chain efficiency of a country, this paper utilizes the secondary data compiled by the World Bank and the World Economic Forum. A series of simple regression analyses were conducted in order to find out the varying degrees of association between the LPI, the EPI, the GLPI and the national income level.

As active logistics activities can have an impact on carbon footprints such as greenhouse gas emissions, it was found that some countries chose to increase their income level at the expense of the environment degradation. Consequently, the GLPI is suggested as a good indicator of a country's green logistics efficiency, showing what impact the country's logistics competitiveness has on its environment.

This paper is the first attempt to measure the efficiency of the supply chain of a country from a green perspective by proposing the GLPI combining the LPI and the EPI. It is also the first literature in the supply chain management academia to utilize both the LPI and the EPI.

The subsidization of events by public authorities at different administrative levels has become increasingly important in recent years. Event portfolios are an important supply component of tourism destinations. The development of a valuation tool with an event performance index (EPI) as the key output should enable public authorities to develop transparent, systematic and fair subsidization practices in the future. The paper aims discuss these issues.

Using a theoretical impact model and event evaluation practices, this work develops a new holistic valuation tool for events with key indicators along the dimensions of sustainable development. Basic cost-benefit analysis ideas enrich the approach conceptually. Indicator development was based on a process of elaboration that considered the scientific literature, event stakeholders and municipal representatives.

The EPI consists of seven core indicators: size, economic value, touristic value and image, innovative strength, value of networking, value of participation and social exchange and relative ecological burden. The application of this tool to a case study revealed that it generates comprehensive and robust indicators of multifaceted and destination-unspecific event values and supports the process of allocating event subsidies using different remuneration schemes. Straightforward and destination-unspecific indicators assure the transferability and adaptability of the valuation tool to different complex and multifaceted contexts of event subsidization.

The EPI seeks to reduce complexity and incentivize event organizers to meet future sustainable development goals. Additionally, this work contributes to future discussions of both the form and process of event subsidization.

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the Ethical Positioning Index (EPI), an innovative ranking scale based on the ethical issues in brand positioning. This paper is based on the core idea that ethics can be used as a product differentiator and can create a strategic advantage.

Five basic elements of brand positioning, brand identity, brand image, brand personality, brand awareness, and brand communication, are blended with the three basic elements of ethics; beliefs, values, and symbols and customs. The EPI emerges from the established ethical brand positioning framework and the analysis from the conducted survey which was composed of brand positioning and ethics questions.

Consumer driven weights have been obtained and a mathematical model has been proposed to evaluate the total score and finally the ranking of the brands.

The EPI parameters' weight will vary owing to the non‐existence of universal ethics and hence subsequently every cohort will have its own weight.

EPI will be an important tool from the managerial point of view as it serves as a step‐by‐step guide to compare the position of the brand in an integrated and ethical manner.

The EPI will bring a change in the ideology of the brands, making them employ more ethical perspectives in their branding, which will be highly welcomed by consumers and society.

The role of ethics in brand positioning has been studied and blended to generate a novel‐ranking scale (EPI).

The Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI) has still been found to offer services that do not comply with standards. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain competency in terms of the knowledge and skills of the EPI staff.

The research design was a mixed-methods approach. The quantitative method employed a questionnaire survey on the perceived competency of 382 EPI staffs from six regions in Thailand. This was paired alongside of the qualitative method, where four staffs were in-depth interviewed, and the performance of the EPI staffs was observed.

The overall perceived competency in the work of immunization was at a high level. A comparative analysis between the quantitative and qualitative data showed findings in three categories. First, the perception of competency was high, and performance conformed to standards in the preparation of the setting and equipment for providing the service; second, the perception of competency was high, but in the performance of their work the participants did not comply completely with standards for scheduling the immunization appointments or for vaccine storage; and third, the perception of competency was either moderate or low, and the performance of work was inadequate for vaccine estimations, registering reports, and dealing with adverse events following immunization.

The findings showed a gap between perception of knowledge-and-skill competency and actual practice in EPI service. Effective cooperation among involved organizations in order to improve the standard of performance in expanding the quality of EPI service provision in Thailand is suggested.

This study aims to examine the disclosure determinants of environmental performance indicators (EPIs) for a sample of US firms to understand if these disclosures are reliable or whether they are biased towards the reporting of positive information.

The study uses a panel data analysis to examine the association between firms’ EPIs disclosures and their environmental performances, and other economic and legitimacy factors.

The results show that firms’ disclosures are not associated with the level of environmental performance and that firms continue to provide EPI information even if they witness a decline in their environmental performance. The evidence suggests that firms’ environmental disclosures are reliable and indicative of their environmental performance.

The findings suggest that mandating EPI disclosures may increase the level of the information reported and reduce firms’ discretion over the disclosure of such information.

Reporting of EPIs is directly linked to firms’ environmental performances. By examining the association between EPI disclosures and environmental performance, the study contributes to the ongoing debate about firms’ reporting and whether it is informative to its stakeholders or whether firms use this type of information to legitimize their operations and portray it in a positive light.