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1 – 10 of 222Suman Chhabri, Krishnendu Hazra, Amitava Choudhury, Arijit Sinha and Manojit Ghosh
Because of the mechanical properties of aluminium (Al), an accurate prediction of its properties has been challenging. Researchers are seeking reliable models for predicting the…
Abstract
Purpose
Because of the mechanical properties of aluminium (Al), an accurate prediction of its properties has been challenging. Researchers are seeking reliable models for predicting the mechanical strength of Al alloys owing to the continuous emergence of new Al alloys and their applications. There has been widespread use of empirical and statistical models for the prediction of different mechanical properties of Al and Al alloy, such as linear and nonlinear regression. Nevertheless, the development of these models requires laborious experimental work, and they may not produce accurate results depending on the relationship between the Al properties, mix of other compositions and curing conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Numerous machine learning (ML) models have been proposed as alternative approaches for predicting the strengths of Al and its alloys. The hardness of Al alloys has been predicted by implementing various ML algorithms, such as linear regression, ridge regression, lasso regression and artificial neural network (ANN). This investigation critically analysed and discussed the application and performance of models generated by linear regression, ridge regression, lasso regression and ANN algorithms using different mechanical properties as training parameters.
Findings
Considering the definition of the problem, linear regression has been found to be the most suitable algorithm in predicting the hardness values of AA7XXX alloys as the model generated by it best fits the data set.
Originality/value
The work presented in this paper is original and not submitted anywhere else.
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Mohamed El Boukhari, Ossama Merroun, Chadi Maalouf, Fabien Bogard and Benaissa Kissi
The purpose of this study is to experimentally determine whether mechanical properties of concrete can be improved by using olive pomace aggregates (OPA) as a substitute for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to experimentally determine whether mechanical properties of concrete can be improved by using olive pomace aggregates (OPA) as a substitute for natural sand. Two types of OPA were tested by replacing an equivalent amount of natural sand. The first type was OPA mixed with olive mill wastewater (OMW), and the second type was OPA not mixed with OMW. For each type, two series of concrete were produced using OPA in both dry and saturated states. The percentage of partial substitution of natural sand by OPA varied from 0% to 15%.
Design/methodology/approach
The addition of OPA leads to a reduction in the dry density of hardened concrete, causing a 5.69% decrease in density when compared to the reference concrete. After 28 days, ultrasonic pulse velocity tests indicated that the resulting material is of good quality, with a velocity of 4.45 km/s. To understand the mechanism of resistance development, microstructural analysis was conducted to observe the arrangement of OPA and calcium silicate hydrates within the cementitious matrix. The analysis revealed that there is a low level of adhesion between the cement matrix and OPA at interfacial transition zone level, which was subsequently validated by further microstructural analysis.
Findings
The laboratory mechanical tests indicated that the OPCD_OPW (5) sample, containing 5% of OPA, in a dry state and mixed with OMW, demonstrated the best mechanical performance compared to the reference concrete. After 28 days of curing, this sample exhibited a compressive strength (Rc) of 25 MPa. Furthermore, it demonstrated a tensile strength of 4.61 MPa and a dynamic modulus of elasticity of 44.39 GPa, with rebound values of 27 MPa. The slump of the specimens ranged from 5 cm to 9 cm, falling within the acceptable range of consistency (Class S2). Based on these findings, the OPCD_OPW (5) formulation is considered optimal for use in concrete production.
Originality/value
This research paper provides a valuable contribution to the management of OPA and OMW (OPA_OMW) generated from the olive processing industry, which is known to have significant negative environmental impacts. The paper presents an intriguing approach to recycling these materials for use in civil engineering applications.
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Katherine A. Karl, Joy V. Peluchette and Gail A. Dawson
Based on literature providing evidence that Afrocentric hairstyles (e.g. afros, braids, dreadlocks) of Black women working in professional settings are often associated with…
Abstract
Based on literature providing evidence that Afrocentric hairstyles (e.g. afros, braids, dreadlocks) of Black women working in professional settings are often associated with negative stereotypes and biases regarding competency and professionalism, this chapter examines the extent to which these biases may be influencing the hairstyle choices of Black women employed in higher education. While academic workplaces tend to be more flexible and informal than non-academic settings, we found many Black women in higher education are, nonetheless, choosing to wear Eurocentric hairstyles. However, choice of hairstyle was influenced by academic discipline, type of institution and level in the university hierarchy.
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With the high penetration rate of the Internet and the prevalence of social networking sites (SNSs), the negative emotions caused by stressors on SNS have become an important…
Abstract
Purpose
With the high penetration rate of the Internet and the prevalence of social networking sites (SNSs), the negative emotions caused by stressors on SNS have become an important issue worthy of attention. This study explored the relationship between SNS stressors, negative emotions and prosocial behavior, by employing negative emotions as the mediation role and social support as the moderator.
Design/methodology/approach
The samples of this study were Facebook users who have used it constantly in the past six months. An online survey was conducted, from which 547 responses were completed, and 525 were valid, for an effective recovery ratio of 95.98%.
Findings
Employing the structural equation model (SEM), the findings show that five paths were supported with a good fit. Negative emotions (anxiety and loneliness) have a moderating effect.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by factors divided by negative emotions of anxiety and loneliness from SNS stressors’ perspectives. In addition, this study provides additional support the moderating effect of social support of anxiety on prosocial behavior.
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Alana Griffith and Mahalia Jackman
A consensus in the literature is that anti-gay prejudice has a negative impact on HIV programming for men who have sex with men (MSM). This paper aims to analyse the prevalence…
Abstract
Purpose
A consensus in the literature is that anti-gay prejudice has a negative impact on HIV programming for men who have sex with men (MSM). This paper aims to analyse the prevalence and predictors of anti-gay prejudice in Barbados, an island in the Caribbean, and possible impacts on the full recognition of the right to health care.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used nationally representative data obtained from the Caribbean Development Research Services capturing anti-gay prejudice in Barbados in 2004, 2013 and 2019. The data were analysed using logit models and ordinary least squares regression.
Findings
The share of persons who expressed feelings of hatred towards gays and lesbians did not change significantly over the period. Social distance attitudes improved between 2004 and 2013 but have not changed since. Men generally expressed more prejudice than women and male sexual prejudice could be localised to three groups – men without tertiary education, men under 51 and members of non-Christian religions. Meanwhile, there was little consistency in the predictors of women’s attitudes over the period.
Originality/value
This study provides insights into the trends in attitudes towards sexual minorities in a developing country. The main conclusion is that although health care is provided as a universal right to all Barbadians, a strictly medical approach to HIV prevention among MSM in countries with high levels of anti-gay prejudice is insufficient.
Zeynep Özgüner, Mert Özgüner and Yakup Durmaz
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on the Turkish manufacturing sector by using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 on the Turkish manufacturing sector by using analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) methods on a sectoral basis. In this way, the sectors that had the highest negative effects of COVID-19 will be determined. Thanks to the findings to be obtained as a result of this study, it will be possible for decision-makers to develop strategies that may differ on a sectoral basis at the point of combating the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
The negative effects of COVID-19 were revealed by a large literature search. The importance levels of the factors determined within the scope of finance, supply, production and workforce were determined by the AHP method. Then, the TOPSIS method was used to determine which sectors were more affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, based on these factors.
Findings
The findings of this study obtained reveal that the most important negative effect of COVID-19 was on businesses in terms of reduced sales caused by domestic sales and export. Again, the findings show that the sector most affected by COVID-19 is automotive, which shows that the least affected sector is the pharmaceutical and medical equipment sector.
Practical implications
Primary data was used to determine the criteria weight. Therefore, there is a possibility that the answers are not objectively evaluated. The findings are limited to the criteria that was used, the views of the professionals and AHP-TOPSIS methods. Studies that use more criteria and different decision-making methods can have different results.
Originality/value
The manufacturing sector is at the forefront of the sectors affected by the global bottleneck caused by COVID-19. In this study, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Turkish manufacturing sector are discussed on a sectoral basis. Studies in the literature have revealed that the effects of pandemics such as COVID-19 vary between sectors. For this reason, it is important to evaluate the effects of COVID-19 from a sectoral perspective. Thanks to this study, it is thought that it will be possible to take measures that may differ between sectors to combat the negative effects of COVID-19.
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This article revisits some theories and concepts of public administration, including those related to public value, transaction costs and social equity, to analyze the advantages…
Abstract
Purpose
This article revisits some theories and concepts of public administration, including those related to public value, transaction costs and social equity, to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in public service delivery. The author seeks to mobilize theory to guide AI-era public management practitioners and researchers.
Design/methodology/approach
The author uses an existing task classification model to mobilize and juxtapose public management theories against artificial intelligence potential impacts in public service delivery. Theories of social equity and transaction costs as well as some concepts such as red tape, efficiency and economy are used to argue that the discipline of public administration provides a foundation to ensure algorithms are used in a way that improves service delivery.
Findings
After presenting literature on the challenges and promises of using AI in public service, the study shows that while the adoption of algorithms in public service has benefits, some serious challenges still exist when looked at under the lenses of theory. Additionally, the author mobilizes the public administration concepts of agenda setting and coproduction and finds that designing AI-enabled public services should be centered on citizens who are not mere customers. As an implication for public management practice, this study shows that bringing citizens to the forefront of designing and implementing AI-delivered services is key to reducing the reproduction of social biases.
Research limitations/implications
As a fast-growing subject, artificial intelligence research in public management is yet to empirically test some of the theories that the study presented.
Practical implications
The paper vulgarizes some theories of public administration which practitioners can consider in the design and implementation of AI-enabled public services. Additionally, the study shows practitioners that bringing citizens to the forefront of designing and implementing AI-delivered services is key to reducing the reproduction of social biases.
Social implications
The paper informs a broad audience who might not be familiar with public administration theories and how those theories can be taken into consideration when adopting AI systems in service delivery.
Originality/value
This research is original, as, to the best of the author’s knowledge, no prior work has combined these concepts in analyzing AI in the public sector.
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The purpose of this study is to consider the limitations of traditional finance and to provide an overview of the challenges associated with the developing area of sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to consider the limitations of traditional finance and to provide an overview of the challenges associated with the developing area of sustainable finance. In the context of multiple global systemic threats to humanity, the author argues that societal values must play a prominent role in calling for comprehensive government policy and activating the fund allocations required to safeguard the stability of multiple societal systems.
Design/methodology/approach
This study integrates research results from several disciplines to show that value-based finance is essential for ensuring that information acquisition, government policies and fund allocations support the stability of multiple systems on which society depends. The discussion is informed by research that documents massive uncertainty in planetary and biological processes requiring urgent action.
Findings
Traditional finance allows prioritization of financial returns at the expense of environmental and social stability with potentially catastrophic and irreversible consequences. To safeguard the stability of societal systems, fund allocation decisions by individuals and organizations must prioritize societal values, as they relate to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the science needed to achieve them.
Originality/value
This study provides a novel view of the critical importance of societal values in finance given growing global threats to the stability of multiple, interconnected systems. It offers a unique perspective by drawing on research results from multiple disciplines to highlight an essential role for science-based information related to societal values in the engagement and fund allocation decisions of all market participants operating under extreme uncertainty.
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Mélanie Lefèvre, Jens Detollenaere, Renate Zeevaert and Carine Van de Voorde
Many countries have developed hospital-at-home (HAH) models to bring hospital services closer to home. Although some countries already have a long tradition of HAH for adults…
Abstract
Purpose
Many countries have developed hospital-at-home (HAH) models to bring hospital services closer to home. Although some countries already have a long tradition of HAH for adults, paediatric HAH has been developed more recently. Specificities of paediatric care make it difficult to directly extend an adult HAH model to the paediatric population. The objective of this study is to compare the organisation of paediatric HAH in four countries: France, Australia (states of Victoria and New South Wales), the Netherlands and Belgium. Ultimately, lessons can be drawn for further development in the countries analysed and/or for implementation in other countries.
Design/methodology/approach
Legal documents and other grey literature were analysed to describe the legal context for the provision of paediatric HAH in the selected countries. In addition, semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants from paediatric HAH organisations in these countries, addressing the following topics: historical background, legal framework, functioning of HAH models, workforce, number of services, profile of children, type of care activities, funding, coordination with other providers and quality of care. Results were reviewed by a content expert from the respective country.
Findings
Organisational differences were highlighted in terms of coordinating actor (hospital or home nursing care services), decision-making process, range of clinical conditions treated, territorial organisation, qualifications and expertise of the team members, medical expertise, financing, responsibilities, etc.
Originality/value
There is no single preferred model for the provision of HAH care for children. There is a large variety in almost all aspects of organisation. There are, however, also some common characteristics across the different models. Notably, paediatric expertise of nurses within the HAH team was considered indispensable in all programmes.
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