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Article
Publication date: 21 March 2024

Richard Jaffu

The study determined the role of personal values in doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) students’ academic success in Tanzania. Specifically, it looked into the influence of openness to…

Abstract

Purpose

The study determined the role of personal values in doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) students’ academic success in Tanzania. Specifically, it looked into the influence of openness to change values, self-enhancement values and conservation values on Ph.D. students’ academic success.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a cross-sectional survey design, in which 200 Ph.D. students from Tanzanian universities were involved by responding to a questionnaire. The relationship between the variables was determined by using structural equation modeling, and testing of the measurement model was done by confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Findings

The results indicate that personal values influence Ph.D. students’ academic success. Particularly, openness to change values have an ß value of 0.209 and p value of < 0.001, self-enhancement values have an ß of 0.173 and p-value of < 0.001 and conservation values have ß of 0.339 and p-value of < 0.001.

Practical implications

In the quest to improve Ph.D. students’ academic success, universities and Ph.D. students should foster openness to change values, self-enhancement values and conservation values in Ph.D. students.

Originality/value

The results of this study extend the use of the Schwartz theory of basic human values in explaining the academic success of Ph.D. students in Tanzanian universities. Past studies that applied this theory were based on secondary school and college students. Moreover, based on the author’s knowledge, this study is one of the early studies to systematically look into the role of personal values on Ph.D. students’ academic success. Thus, the study contributes to the existing literature on personal values and academic success because previous studies on this subject could not examine Ph.D. students’ success in isolation.

Details

Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-7003

Keywords

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to investigate the effect of chlorine on corrosion behaviours of stainless steels.

Design/methodology/approach

Very complicated thermodynamic calculations are needed to establish the E‐pH diagrams of commercial alloys, because they comprise of many elements. To avoid these complex calculations and facilitate corrosion prevention of AISI 316L stainless steel, the potentiodynamic method was used to construct the E‐pH diagram. The polarization curves were carefully experimented at the scan rate of 0.1 mV/s. The experimental conditions were aqueous solutions saturated with air (oxygen concentration 7.8‐8.5 ppm) containing chloride 0, 50, 500 and 5,000 ppm, pH 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12, and at 25°C. The transpassive or pitting potential, the protection potential, the primary passive potential and the corrosion potential were determined from the polarization curves and plotted with respect to the pH of the solution. The ions in solution were investigated by qualitative chemical analysis and stated in the E‐pH diagrams.

Findings

The constructed E‐pH diagrams showed clearly the effect of chloride concentration in the tested conditions on the transpassive or pitting potential, the protection potential of AISI 316L stainless steels. The ion states after pitting corrosion were different at low and high pH. This may be useful information for further investigation of pitting corrosion mechanisms.

Research limitations/implications

The E‐pH diagram was originally based on thermodynamic equilibrium. The potentiodynamic method was kinetically controlled and not in equilibrium. However, the experiments were kept at near stationary state as much as possible. The investigated E‐pH diagrams were limited for the solutions saturated with air containing chloride 0, 50, 500 and 5,000 ppm and at 25°C. The effects of temperature and other ions such as Fe3+, Mg2+, Ca2+, etc. on the transpassive or pitting potential, the protection potential, the primary passive potential and the corrosion potential should be further investigated, because natural water may contain those ions and is at high temperatures which could affect on the corrosion of AISI 316L stainless steels.

Practical implications

The investigated E‐pH diagrams may be applicable to avoid corrosion of AISI 316L stainless steels in similar conditions. The useful application may be for fields where natural water is not able to be treated, as is carried out in industry.

Originality/value

There have been several investigations on the effect of chloride on the corrosion behaviours of AISI 316L stainless steels. However, those investigations were carried out in different conditions. Very few experimental E‐pH diagrams of AISI 304L have been found, but not for AISI 316L stainless steels. The investigated diagrams showed also the ion states in pitting corrosion region which were influenced by pH. This may indicate the different pitting corrosion mechanism at different pH.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 53 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2000

Hassan Malik

Work has been performed to investigate the effect of pH on the performance of a tertiary amine possessing a single carboxylic acid group. The efficiency of this inhibitor and…

Abstract

Work has been performed to investigate the effect of pH on the performance of a tertiary amine possessing a single carboxylic acid group. The efficiency of this inhibitor and speed at which the efficiency increased were able to show a strong pH dependency, indicating that in such systems pH monitoring is important. Measurements have revealed that when the pH was lowered from 6.5 to 3.9 different changes in corrosion potential were observed after inhibitor addition and that the efficiency of the inhibitor decreased with increasing acidity. It is believed that cause (on clean and pre‐corroded specimens) is related to variations in the chemistry of the inhibitor such that at pH 6.5 inhibition is primarily due to O adsorption at anodic sites, while at pH 3.9 decreased corrosion rates occur as a result of the inhibitor loosely lying flat at the metal solution interface. It is also proposed that between the pH range studied the steel surface consists mainly of anodic sites.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 47 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 September 2008

Hassan Malik, Ridzuan Bin, Hamid and Esa Haruman

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the complex nature of galvanic corrosion and how it is affected by various key factors related to material characteristics and material…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the complex nature of galvanic corrosion and how it is affected by various key factors related to material characteristics and material processing parameters. In particular, this study aims to explore the effect of pH and temperature on the integrity of a system galvanically protected through the use of zinc anodes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study involved electrochemical testing at 24, 35 and 50°C in acidic and neutral solutions. As the environmental temperature and pH change the corrosion potential, galvanic potential and galvanic current may alter. This could influence the expected life of an anode used to protect processing equipment. Accordingly, the experimental design methodology involved collection of corrosion potential, galvanic current and galvanic potential data for zinc and zinc coupled to steel. This information was then used to calculate the life of zinc anodes at different temperatures and pH.

Findings

Results indicate that changes in pH and temperature can influence the potential of zinc, the galvanic current in a steel couple and the galvanic potential of zinc joined to steel. Calculations based on the accumulation of these data have revealed that at constant pH as the temperature was decreased, the driving potential of the zinc increased. Through further analysis, it was found that as a consequence of changes in driving potential the integrity of a structure may be put at risk due to fluctuations in pH and temperature.

Practical implications

Practically the research can help predict whether the integrity of a structure protected by zinc sacrificial anodes is at risk depending upon changes in pH and temperature.

Originality/value

Previous work was related mainly to galvanic corrosion at one particular pH and temperature. In this investigation, a range of pH and temperature values was used for the application of zinc anodes. The paper will be of value to engineers involved in the design of cathodic protection systems for oil field equipment, where changes in the acidity of the environment may occur due to differing levels of CO2 and H2S entering a structure.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 55 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 September 2023

Siddhesh Umesh Mestry, Vardhan B. Satalkar and S.T. Mhaske

This study aims to describe the design and synthesis of two novel azo and imine chromophores-based dyes derived from two different aldehydes with intramolecular colour matching…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to describe the design and synthesis of two novel azo and imine chromophores-based dyes derived from two different aldehydes with intramolecular colour matching that are pH sensitive.

Design/methodology/approach

The visible absorption wavelength (λmax) was extended when azo chromophore was included in imine-based systems. The dyed patterns created sophisticated colour-changing paper packaging sensors with pH-sensitive chromophores using alum as a mediator or mordant. Due to the tight adhesive bonding, the dyes on paper’s cellulose fibres could not be removed by ordinary water even at extremely high or low pH, which was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy analysis. The dyed patterns demonstrated an evident, sensitive and fast colour-changing mechanism with varying pH, from pale yellow to red for Dye-I and from pale yellow to brown-violet for Dye-II.

Findings

The λmax for colour changing was recorded from 400 to 490 nm for Dye-I, whereas from 400 to 520 for Dye-II. The freshness judgement of food was checked using actual experiments with cooked crab spoilage, where the cooked crab was incubated at 37 oC for 6 h to see the noticeable colour change from yellow to brown-violet with Dye-II. The colour-changing mechanism was studied with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra at different pH, and thin layer chromatography, nuclear magnetic resonance and FTIR spectroscopy studied the desired structure formation of the dyes. Potential uses for smart packaging sensors include quickly detecting food freshness during transportation or right before consumption.

Originality/value

1. Two novel azo-imine dyes have been synthesized with a pH-responsive effect. 2. The pH-responsive mechanism was studied. 3. The study was supported by computational chemistry using density functional theory. 4. The obtained dyes were used to make pH-responsive sensors for seafood packaging to judge the freshness.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Zhenzong Zhou, Geoffrey Shen, Jin Xue, Chengshuang Sun, Yongyue Liu, Weiyi Cong, Tao Yu and Yaowu Wang

This study aims to develop an improved understanding of the formation of citizens' purchase intention to increase the adoption of prefabricated housing (PH).

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop an improved understanding of the formation of citizens' purchase intention to increase the adoption of prefabricated housing (PH).

Design/methodology/approach

An integrative model of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and norm activation model (NAM) was proposed based on previous studies. To verify the conceptual model, an analysis was conducted after data collection from a questionnaire survey. Lastly, findings were presented by explaining the formation of purchase intention in the egoistic and altruistic contexts. Practical implications were likewise discussed.

Findings

Findings manifest that citizens' purchase intention is influenced by egoistic and altruistic cognitions. An effective strategy is to show citizens the pro-environmental features of PH to promote its adoption because they value the environmental performance of housing. Meanwhile, consumers' social fitness also plays an essential role in decision-making, and the dual contradiction in the PH market is revealed.

Originality/value

This study extends the knowledge of psychological decision-making theories in the field of purchase intention toward PH by proposing an integrative framework of TPB and NAM. Results indicate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of consumers' decision-making in the PH domain. Moreover, results of this research contribute to specifying and refining the applicable contexts of TPB and NAM by adding two antecedents: subjective knowledge and environmental concern. This research contributes to the literature by being one of the first to investigate purchase intention toward a high-cost product with invisible technological innovation.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 March 2023

Ahmed Attalah Hassan Al-Fhdawi and Adel Mashaan Rabee

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of environmental pH on production of biofilms and virulence genes expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of environmental pH on production of biofilms and virulence genes expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Design/methodology/approach

Among 303 clinical and environmental samples 109 (61 + 48) isolates were identified as clinical and environmental P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively. Clinical samples were obtained from patients in the Al-Yarmouk hospital in Baghdad city, Iraq. Waste water from Al-Yarmouk hospital was used from site before treatment unit to collect environmental samples. The ability of producing biofilm at various pH levels was examined by microtiter plate and the prevalence of Alg D, Psl A and Pel A was determined by quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR).

Findings

This study showed that the ability of clinical and environmental isolates to biofilm development was observed in 86.9% and 85.42% of clinical and environmental isolates, respectively. As well as, the environmental P. aeruginosa isolates showed the highest biofilm production at pH 7. Clinical isolates showed the highest genes expression of Alg D, Psl A and Pel A as compared to environmental isolates with pH change. In general, both clinical and environmental isolates formed biofilm and carried AlgD, PslA and PelA genes. Also, alkaline pH was favored for biofilm production.

Originality/value

There are very few studies done to find out the influence of environmental pH on production of biofilms and virulence genes expression in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study is unique as it has highlighted the influence of environmental pH on the ability of clinical and environmental isolates to biofilm development and genes expression.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 July 2022

Priyanka Sakare, Saroj Kumar Giri, Debabandya Mohapatra and Manoj Kr Tripathi

This paper aims to study the color change kinetics of lac dye in response to pH and food spoilage metabolites (ammonia, lactic acid and tyramine) for its potential application in…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the color change kinetics of lac dye in response to pH and food spoilage metabolites (ammonia, lactic acid and tyramine) for its potential application in intelligent food packaging.

Design/methodology/approach

UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to study the color change of dye solution. Ratio of absorbance of dye solution at 528 nm (peak of ionized form) to absorbance at 488 nm (peak of unionized form) was used to study the color change. Color change kinetics was studied in terms of change in absorbance ratio (A528/A488) with time using zero- and first-order reaction kinetics. An indicator was prepared by incorporating lac dye in agarose membrane to validate the result of study for monitoring quality of raw milk.

Findings

Dye was orange-red in acidic medium (pH: 2 to 5) and exhibited absorbance peak at 488 nm. It turned purple in alkaline medium (pH: 7 to10) and exhibited absorbance peak at 528 nm. The change in absorbance ratio with pH followed zero-order model. Acid dissociation constant (pKa) of dye was found to be 6.3. Color change of dye in response to ammonia and tyramine followed zero-order reaction kinetics, whereas for lactic acid, the first-order model was found best. In the validation part, the color of the indicator label changed from purple to orange-red when the milk gets spoiled.

Originality/value

The study opens a new application area for lac dye. The results suggest that lac dye has potential to be used as an indicator in intelligent food packaging for detection of spoilage in seafood, meat, poultry and milk.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 53 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 March 2021

Hongjuan Wu, Queena K. Qian, Ad Straub and Henk J. Visscher

The recent promotion of prefabricated housing (PH) in China has resulted in a prosperous period for its implementation. However, transaction costs (TCs) cause low economic…

1964

Abstract

Purpose

The recent promotion of prefabricated housing (PH) in China has resulted in a prosperous period for its implementation. However, transaction costs (TCs) cause low economic efficiency to stakeholders and hinder the further promotion of PH. No relevant study has yet been made to investigate the TCs and their causes in the PH field. This paper identifies critical TCs and explores the influencing factors from the developers' perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey were used to collect data about TCs and influencing factors. The most influential factors are identified with their impacts on particular TCs, yielded from correlation analysis and logistic regression.

Findings

From the developers' perspective in China's PH market, this study identified that the most concerning sources of TCs are: hidden costs arising from disputes, extra workloads from design changes, learning costs, intensive communication and coordination in assembly and unexpected information costs in decision-making. The use of an ordered logistic regression approach indicates that the four most influential factors are: qualification of the general contractor, mandatory local policies, owner type and competitiveness of the developer.

Practical implications

To reduce the TCs, experiencing learning and ensuring the design scheme's complicity are recommended to save information searching and exchanging costs. The implications for the PH developers are for them to: (1) professionalize their own organization and (2) procure high-qualified general contractors. For the policymakers, this means they should improve the clarity of the mandatory local policies for PH step-by-step.

Originality/value

By applying the TCs economic theory, this study explores factors that influence TCs in the PH industry. It sheds light on the influencing mechanism behind the TCs in the context of prefabricated housing.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 February 2021

Manickam Ramesh Kumar, Ramalingam Malathy, Sundararajan Paramasivam, Ill-Min Chung, Seung-Hyun Kim and Prabakaran Mayakrishnan

The textile industry is one of the largest and most important industrial sectors in India. Because the textile industry consumes large quantities of water and produces highly…

Abstract

Purpose

The textile industry is one of the largest and most important industrial sectors in India. Because the textile industry consumes large quantities of water and produces highly polluted water discharge, its environmental impact is high. Water is expensive to use, treat and dispose of. Therefore, water conservation and reuse are critical necessity for the textile industry because decreasing water and wastewater treatment and recycling costs can be beneficial.

Design/methodology/approach

This research neutralized the pH during dyeing industry wastewater treatment. The system should be robust to erroneous sensor measurements. A pH meter was developed and used to monitor the pH of wastewater hourly before and after HCl treatment.

Findings

HCl was used to neutralize the pH of wastewater from 9 to 7.5. The amount of HCl was optimized depending on the wastewater. Three wastewater treatment methods were used, namely, HCl, wash water and reverse osmosis (RO) treatments. The HCl treatment was the most effective for decreasing the pH; the wash water treatment was the most effective for decreasing the total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS) total hardness and chemical oxygen demand; and the RO treatment was the most effective for decreasing the biochemical oxygen demand, TDS, TSS, total hardness and Cl concentration.

Originality/value

The pH should be monitored during the textile dyeing because the addition of color to textile fabrics is the most effective at neutral pH. This study evaluated several parameters of wastewater, including pH, color, TSS and TDS. The fabricated digital pH meter provided superior results than conventional measuring devices. The goal was to maintain a neutral pH during dyeing and recycle wastewater to improve environmental sustainability. The newly developed digital pH meter was less expensive and more precise than traditional pH meters. Before reusing and recycling, wastewater underwent ultrafiltration and RO treatment.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 51 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

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