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1 – 10 of 148Kun You, Zubir Azhar and Qingyu Wang
This paper aims to explore how a shared service centre (SSC) is mobilised in a power-dominant context of a Chinese state-owned enterprise (SOE). Specifically, it examines the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how a shared service centre (SSC) is mobilised in a power-dominant context of a Chinese state-owned enterprise (SOE). Specifically, it examines the mobilisation of SSC within this multi-divisional SOE, the role and dynamics of actors involved and the influence of changes in the integrated information system (IIS) during the mobilisation process.
Design/methodology/approach
The study follows a qualitative case study methodology. The authors draw on actor-network theory to examine the network and translation processes constructed in mobilising SSC in the chosen SOE. The data sources of this study were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations and documentary reviews.
Findings
The mobilisation of SSC is not a linear process but rather a “spiral” interplay through continuous interactions and compromises between human and non-human actors. Power gave the core actor as an orchestrator legitimacy and formality to reduce resistance and obstruction in translation for the mobilisation of SSC. The changes in IIS appear to facilitate the interaction between the heterogeneous actors.
Practical implications
This case study contributes towards understanding the mobilisation of SSC in a power-dominant context by highlighting the impact of changes in IIS and the details of the mobilisation of SSC in terms of the role played by both the individual actors and the technology.
Originality/value
This study provides a broader understanding of the interactions of the heterogeneous actors for mobilising SSC in a power-dominant context. More importantly, the study inspires future research into examining how SSC practices unfold and how the changes in IIS influence the mobilisation of SSC.
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Guoqing Zhao, Jana Suklan, Shaofeng Liu, Carmen Lopez and Lise Hunter
In a competitive environment, eHealth small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) barriers to survival differ from those of large enterprises. Empirical research on barriers to…
Abstract
Purpose
In a competitive environment, eHealth small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs’) barriers to survival differ from those of large enterprises. Empirical research on barriers to eHealth SMEs in less prosperous areas has been largely neglected. This study fills this gap by employing an integrated approach to analyze barriers to the development of eHealth SMEs. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected data through semi-structured interviews and conducted thematic analysis to identify 16 barriers, which were used as inputs into total interpretive structural modeling (TISM) to build interrelationships among them and identify key barriers. Cross-impact matrix multiplication applied to classification (MICMAC) was then applied validate the TISM model and classify the 16 barriers into four categories.
Findings
This study makes significant contributions to theory by identifying new barriers and their interrelationships, distinguishing key barriers and classifying the barriers into four categories. The authors identify that transcultural problems are the key barrier and deserve particular attention. eHealth SMEs originating from regions with cultural value orientations, such as hierarchy and embeddedness, that differ from the UK’s affective autonomy orientation should strengthen their transcultural awareness when seeking to expand into UK markets.
Originality/value
By employing an integrated approach to analyze barriers that impede the development of eHealth SMEs in a less prosperous area of the UK, this study raises entrepreneurs’ awareness of running businesses in places with different cultural value orientations.
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Denis Scott, Ling Ma and Tim Broyd
Poor cash flow management and lack of profitability have plagued the construction industry for decades. In response, the UK Government published the project bank account (PBA…
Abstract
Purpose
Poor cash flow management and lack of profitability have plagued the construction industry for decades. In response, the UK Government published the project bank account (PBA) payment strategy in 2012 to mitigate main contractors unfairly withholding liabilities. However, PBAs suffer from adoption challenges, such as systems fragmentation and a lack of incentives for main contractors to adopt them effectively. This study aims to investigate how to reduce systems fragmentation in construction by integrating PBA procedures with existing management workflows to increase payment automation, resulting in improved cash liquidity and better incentives for using PBAs.
Design/methodology/approach
A PBA blockchain decentralised application is developed, presented and critically evaluated. Blockchain is the technology used because of its permissionless, license-free, open-source and immutability properties. It is a suitable general-purpose technology layer for building and testing applications without the limitations associated with centralised technologies, such as high proprietary fees, vendor lock and intellectual property restrictions.
Findings
The research demonstrates how a blockchain application can integrate siloed construction workflows such as cash flow scheduling, supply chain management and payment executions, reducing the management workload for implementing PBAs in construction projects. Furthermore, the proposed application is open-source and replicable, and its user interface is available for external testing here: https://console.atra.io/app/bf26f846-7f16-4f80-90a0-c5488ab6edd3.
Originality/value
PBA is a suitable test case because it enforces an auditable, transparent and neutral account, which are inbuilt properties of blockchains; thus, both systems are harmonious to integrate. PBA is mandated in UK public sector construction projects; therefore, the research has a solid practical foundation.
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Zagane Abdelkader, Osamnia Nada and Kaddour Zegga
The purpose of this study is to classify harmonic homomorphisms ϕ : (G, g) → (H, h), where G, H are connected and simply connected three-dimensional unimodular Lie groups and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to classify harmonic homomorphisms ϕ : (G, g) → (H, h), where G, H are connected and simply connected three-dimensional unimodular Lie groups and g, h are left-invariant Riemannian metrics.
Design/methodology/approach
This study aims the classification up to conjugation by automorphism of Lie groups of harmonic homomorphism, between twodifferent non-abelian connected and simply connected three-dimensional unimodular Lie groups (G, g) and (H, h), where g and h are two left-invariant Riemannian metrics on G and H, respectively.
Findings
This study managed to classify some homomorphisms between two different non-abelian connected and simply connected three-dimensional uni-modular Lie groups.
Originality/value
The theory of harmonic maps into Lie groups has been extensively studied related homomorphism in compact Lie groups by many mathematicians, harmonic maps into Lie group and harmonics inner automorphisms of compact connected semi-simple Lie groups and intensively study harmonic and biharmonic homomorphisms between Riemannian Lie groups equipped with a left-invariant Riemannian metric.
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A. Syafiq, A.K. Pandey, Vengadaesvaran Balakrishnan, Syed Shahabuddin and Nasrudin Abd Rahim
This paper aims to investigate the thermal stability and hydrophobicity of difference alkyl chain of silanes with silicon (Si) micro- and nanoparticles.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the thermal stability and hydrophobicity of difference alkyl chain of silanes with silicon (Si) micro- and nanoparticles.
Design/methodology/approach
Sol-gel methods have been used to design superhydrophobic glass substrates through surface modification by using low-surface-energy Isooctyl trimethoxysilane (ITMS) and Ethyl trimethoxysilane (ETMS) solution. Hierarchical double-rough scale solid surface was built by Si micro- and nanoparticles to enhance the surface roughness. The prepared sol was applied onto glass substrate using dip-coating method and was dried at control temperature of 400°C inside the tube furnace.
Findings
The glass substrate achieved the water contact angle as high as 154 ± 2° and 150.4 ± 2° for Si/ITMS and Si/ETMS films, respectively. The Si/ITMS and Si/ETMS also were equipped with low sliding angle as low as 3° and 5°, respectively. The Si micro- and nanoparticles in the coating system have created nanopillars between them, which will suspend the water droplets. Both superhydrophobic coatings have showed good stability against high temperature up to 200°C as there are no changes in WCA shown by both coatings. Si/ITMS film sustains its superhydrophobicity after impacting with further temperature up to 400°C and turns hydrophobic state at 450°C.
Research limitations/implications
Findings will be useful to develop superhydrophobic coatings with high thermal stability.
Practical implications
Sol method provides a suitable medium for the combination of organic-inorganic network to achieve high hydrophobicity with optimum surface roughness.
Originality/value
Application of different alkyl chain groups of silane resin blending with micro- and nanoparticles of Si pigments develops superhydrophobic coatings with high thermal stability.
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A. Syafiq, A.K. Pandey, Vengadaesvaran Balakrishnan and Nasrudin Abd Rahim
The paper aims to investigate the effect of Degussa P-25 Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on hydrophobicity and self-cleaning ability as a single organic coating on glass…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to investigate the effect of Degussa P-25 Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on hydrophobicity and self-cleaning ability as a single organic coating on glass substrate.
Design/methodology/approach
Two methods have been used to enhance the hydrophobicity on glass substrates, namely, surface modification by using low surface energy isooctyltrimethoxysilane (ITMS) solution and construction of rough surface morphology using Degussa P-25 TiO2 nanoparticles with simple bottom-up approach. The prepared sol was applied onto glass substrate using dip-coating technique and stoved in the vacuum furnace 350°C.
Findings
The ITMS coating with nano TiO2 pigment has modified the glass substrate surface by achieving the water contact angle as high as 169° ± 2° and low sliding angle of 0° with simple and low-cost operation. The solid and air phase interface has created excellent anti-dirt and self-cleaning properties against dilute ketchup solution, mud and silicon powder.
Research limitations/implications
Findings will be useful in the development of self-cleaning and anti-dirt coating for photovoltaic panels.
Practical implications
Sol method provides the suitable medium for the combination of organic–inorganic network to achieve high superhydrophobicity and optimum self-cleaning ability.
Originality/value
Application of blended organic–inorganic sol as self-cleaning and anti-dirt coating film.
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Amirul Syafiq, Nasrudin Abd. Rahim, Vengadaesvaran Balakrishnan and A.K. Pandey
This paper introduced the simple synthesis process of self-cleaning coating with fog-resistance property using hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer and nano-calcium…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper introduced the simple synthesis process of self-cleaning coating with fog-resistance property using hydrophobic polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer and nano-calcium carbonate (nano-CaCO3) and titanium dioxide (TiO2).
Design/methodology/approach
The synthesis method of PDMS/nano-CaCO3-TiO2 is based on sol-gel process. The crosslinking between PDMS and nanoparticles is driven by the covalent bond at temperature of 50°C. The 3-Aminopropyltriethoxysilane is used as binder for nanoparticles attachment in polymer matrix. Two fabrication methods are used, which are dip- and spray-coating methods.
Findings
The prepared coated glass fulfilled the requirement of standard self-cleaning and fog-resistance performance. For the self-cleaning test BS EN 1096-5:2016, the coated glasses exhibited the dust haze value around 20%–25% at tilt angle of 10°. For the antifog test, the coated glasses showed the fog haze value were below 2% and the gloss value were above 85%. The obtained results completely achieved the standard antifog value ASTM F659-06 protocol.
Research limitations/implications
Findings will provide an infrastructure support for the building glass to enhance building’s energy efficiency, cleaning performance and friendly environment.
Practical implications
This study proposed the simple synthesis method using hydrophobic polymer and nano-CaCO3 and nano-TiO2, which can achieve optimum self-cleaning property at low tilt angle and fog-resistance performance for building glass.
Social implications
The research findings have high potential for building company, cleaning building company and government sector. The proposed project capable to reduces the energy consumption about 20% per annum due to labor cost, time-consuming and safety during manual cleaning.
Originality/value
The novel method to develop self-cleaning coating with fog-resistance using simple synthesis process and fabrication method for building glass application.
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The purpose of this paper is to study the electronic transport performance of Ag-ZnO film under dark and UV light conditions.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the electronic transport performance of Ag-ZnO film under dark and UV light conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Ag-doped ZnO thin films were prepared on fluorine thin oxide (FTO) substrates by sol-gel method. The crystal structure of ZnO and Ag-ZnO powders was tested by X-ray diffraction with Cu Kα radiation. The absorption spectra of ZnO and Ag-ZnO films were recorded by a UV–visible spectrophotometer. The micro electrical transport performance of Ag-ZnO thin films in dark and light state was investigated by photoassisted conductive atomic force microscope (PC-AFM).
Findings
The results show that the dark reverse current of Ag-ZnO films does not increase, but the reverse current increases significantly under illumination, indicating that the response of Ag-ZnO films to light is greatly improved, owing to the formation of Ohmic contact.
Originality/value
To the best of the author’s knowledge, the micro electrical transport performance of Ag-ZnO thin films in dark and light state was firstly investigated by PC-AFM.
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Md Mehedi Hasan Rubel, Syed Rashedul Islam, Abeer Alassod, Amjad Farooq, Xiaolin Shen, Taosif Ahmed, Mohammad Mamunur Rashid and Afshan Zareen
The main purpose of this study was to prepare the cotton fibers and cellulose powder by a layer of nano-crystalline-titanium dioxide (TiO2) using the sol-gel sono-synthesis method…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this study was to prepare the cotton fibers and cellulose powder by a layer of nano-crystalline-titanium dioxide (TiO2) using the sol-gel sono-synthesis method to clean the wastewater containing reactive dye. Moreover, TiO2 nano-materials are remarkable due to their photoactive properties and valuable applications in wastewater treatment.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, TiO2 was synthesized and deposited effectively on cotton fibers and cellulose powder using ultrasound-assisted coating. Further, tetra butyl titanate was used as a precursor to the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles. Reactive dye (red 195) was used in this study. X-ray Diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed to prove the aptitude for the formation of crystal TiO2 on the cotton fibers and cellulose powder along with TiO2 nanoparticles as well as to analyze the chemical structure. Decoloration of the wastewater was investigated through ultraviolet (UV-Visible) light at 30 min.
Findings
The experimental results revealed that the decolorization was completed at 2.0 min with the cellulose nano TiO2 treatment whereas cotton nano TiO2 treated solution contained reactive dyestuffs even after the treatment of 2 min. This was the fastest method up to now than all reported methods for sustainable decolorization of wastewater by absorption. Furthermore, this study explored that the cellulose TiO2 nano-composite was more effective than the cotton TiO2 nano-composite of decoloration wastewater for the eco-friendly remedy.
Research limitations/implications
Cotton fibers and cellulose powder with nano-TiO2, and only reactive dye (red 195) were tested.
Practical implications
With reactive dye-containing wastewater, it seems to be easier to get rid of the dye than to retain it, especially from dyeing of yarn, fabric, apparel, and as well as other sectors where dyestuffs are used.
Social implications
This research would help to reduce pollution in the environment as well as save energy and cost.
Originality/value
Decoloration of wastewater treatment is an essential new track with nano-crystalline TiO2 to fast and efficient cleaning of reactive dyes containing wastewater used as a raw material.
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Razieh Farahati, Ali Ghaffarinejad and S. Morteza Mousavi-Khoshdel
This paper aims to investigate the corrosion inhibition ability of 4–(4-nitrophenyl) thiazol-2-amine (NPT) on the copper in 1 M HCl.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the corrosion inhibition ability of 4–(4-nitrophenyl) thiazol-2-amine (NPT) on the copper in 1 M HCl.
Design/methodology/approach
The corrosion inhibitory ability of NPT on the copper in 1 M HCl was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Theoretical calculations (molecular dynamics simulation, density functional theory and the nucleus independent chemical shift [NICS] as aromaticity indicator of the molecule) were also performed.
Findings
The corrosion inhibition efficacy of this compound was about 80%. Nyquist plots display a small arc contributed to the film or oxide layer resistance and a large loop associated with charge transfer resistance. The inhibitor adsorption was under Langmuir’s adsorption model. ΔG0ads values point to the presence of physical and chemical adsorption. Results of quantum chemical calculations showed that NPT has better interaction with copper than NPTH+. NICS of NPT in benzene or thiazole rings was less negative compared to NICS of NPTH+. Thus NPT shows less aromaticity compared with NPTH+, showing NPT can have better interaction with copper than NPTH+. NPT had more negative Eint value and more interactions with the Cu relative to NPTH+, this result was in agreement with the results of quantum chemical calculations.
Originality/value
NPT is an efficient corrosion inhibitor for copper in HCl. Theoretical calculations showed that NPT can have better interaction with copper than NPTH+. The results of the theoretical studies were in good agreement with the experimental studies.
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