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Article
Publication date: 24 September 2019

Laura Saraite-Sariene, María del Mar Gálvez-Rodríguez, Arturo Haro-de-Rosario and Carmen Caba-Perez

Increasingly, universities are adopting social media as a strategy to improve their competitive advantage. However, little is known of whether or not stakeholders are actually…

Abstract

Purpose

Increasingly, universities are adopting social media as a strategy to improve their competitive advantage. However, little is known of whether or not stakeholders are actually engaging with universities in such online environments. The purpose of this paper is, first, to analyze the level of stakeholders’ engagement via social media, particularly Facebook, in European and US universities. Second, to examine the influencing factors that boost online interactions, in particular, “location,” “transparency,” “size,” “academic performance” and “activity.”

Design/methodology/approach

An engagement index and a multivariate regression analysis were carried out. Regarding the sample, European and US universities belonging to the “Top 100” of the Academic Ranking of World Universities were analyzed.

Findings

Despite the large online community that US universities possess, European universities attain the higher level of online engagement from its stakeholders. In particular, the greatest level of engagement is achieved by European universities of greater size, in terms of students, with lower academic performance and a lower level of online activity.

Social implications

This study contributes to existing literature by identifying the actual social impact of social media to build successful relationships with the stakeholders of higher education entities.

Originality/value

This paper can contribute to the current scarcity of literature concerning social media to improve new models of accountability in higher education entities with different managerial models.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 43 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 January 2022

Bahirathan Koneswaran, Chandana Siriwardana and Ravindu Udayantha Jayasekara

The government-led public healthcare services in Sri Lanka became a major strength in managing the COVID-19 comparatively well. However, natural hazards are a major threat to this…

Abstract

Purpose

The government-led public healthcare services in Sri Lanka became a major strength in managing the COVID-19 comparatively well. However, natural hazards are a major threat to this healthcare system, as they cause severe damages, especially to curative healthcare infrastructures such as hospitals. Floods have been the major contributor to the economic loss of the Sri Lankan healthcare system. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop a proper flood risk assessment framework for Sri Lankan hospitals.

Design/methodology/approach

This research study has attempted to develop a flood vulnerability assessment tool for hospitals using the concept of Depth Damage Functions (DDFs). Flood vulnerability curves have been developed for identified critical units of hospitals considering the damage caused to building contents which are predominantly expensive medical equipment. The damage caused only by wetting was considered in generating vulnerability curves. Structured interviews were conducted with government officials in the healthcare sector to gather details on the cost and damages of medical equipment. Pilot studies were carried out in two hospitals identified as located in flood-prone areas and have previous experiences of flooding, to acquire data regarding building contents of the critical units.

Findings

The developed vulnerability curves indicate that no major damage would occur to building contents in critical units (other than the labor room) until the inundation depth reaches a value of 0.6–0.9 m (varies for each type of unit). It is also noteworthy that after a certain range in the inundation depth, the damage increases drastically, and building contents would incur total damage if the inundation depth passes a value of 1.2–1.5 m.

Originality/value

This study explains the initial phase of developing a flood vulnerability assessment framework for Sri Lankan hospitals. Not many studies had been carried out to assess the vulnerability of hospitals specifically for floods using vulnerability curves. The study recommends a zoning system with pre-defined vulnerability levels for critical units during a flood, which can be associated with evacuation planning as well. Further studies must be carried out to verify this system for hospitals in Sri Lanka.

Details

International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1759-5908

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 July 2022

Rehab El-Gamal, Khaled El-Nagar, Nagwa A. Tharwat and Gomaa Abdel-Maksoud

This study aims to use whiteness (WI) and yellowness indices (YI) that were calculated from the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) color parameter to evaluate the…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to use whiteness (WI) and yellowness indices (YI) that were calculated from the International Commission on Illumination (CIE) color parameter to evaluate the efficiency of some triazole fungicides [propiconazole (C15H17Cl2N3O2) and tebuconazole (C16H22ClN3O)] to protect wooden artifacts from fungal deterioration.

Design/methodology/approach

Archeological wooden samples were collected from some historical Islamic buildings in Cairo, Egypt. Three species of fungi were identified in previous work. Propiconazole and tebuconazole with different concentrations treated the infected wooden samples aged for different periods. WI and YI of studied samples were measured using UV spectrophotometer. Calibration and uncertainty estimation accompanied by color measurement were studied.

Findings

Studying the uncertainty sources of diffuse reflection of the standard white tiles revealed that the uncertainty of calibration for both the spectrophotometer and white tiles had the highest contribution. The treated samples with tebuconazole and propiconazole fungicides gave good resistance against fungal deterioration at 0.50% for WI and YI.

Originality/value

This study presents the importance of colorimetry in the conservation field because they are considered one of the most important criteria to evaluate conservation materials. From color measurements and their uncertainties, it became clear that triazole fungicides have good efficiency in the protection of wooden artifacts from fungal deterioration. The value of this study is that propiconazole and tebuconazole fungicides at 0.50% can be applied to archaeological wood that is endangered to improper conditions, especially in the case of high levels of relative humidity.

Details

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

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 May 2019

Anastassia Lauterbach

This paper aims to inform policymakers about key artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, risks and trends in national AI strategies. It suggests a framework of social…

4382

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to inform policymakers about key artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, risks and trends in national AI strategies. It suggests a framework of social governance to ensure emergence of safe and beneficial AI.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on approximately 100 interviews with researchers, executives of traditional companies and startups and policymakers in seven countries. The interviews were carried out in January-August 2017.

Findings

Policymakers still need to develop an informed, scientifically grounded and forward-looking view on what societies and businesses might expect from AI. There is lack of transparency on what key AI risks are and what might be regulatory approaches to handle them. There is no collaborative framework in place involving all important actors to decide on AI technology design principles and governance. Today's technology decisions will have long-term consequences on lives of billions of people and competitiveness of millions of businesses.

Research limitations/implications

The research did not include a lot of insights from the emerging markets.

Practical implications

Policymakers will understand the scope of most important AI concepts, risks and national strategies.

Social implications

AI is progressing at a very fast rate, changing industries, businesses and approaches how companies learn, generate business insights, design products and communicate with their employees and customers. It has a big societal impact, as – if not designed with care – it can scale human bias, increase cybersecurity risk and lead to negative shifts in employment. Like no other invention, it can tighten control by the few over the many, spread false information and propaganda and therewith shape the perception of people, communities and enterprises.

Originality/value

This paper is a compendium on the most important concepts of AI, bringing clarity into discussions around AI risks and the ways to mitigate them. The breadth of topics is valuable to policymakers, students, practitioners, general executives and board directors alike.

Details

Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5038

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 September 2010

Jian Fang, Yanqiu Xia and Weimin Liu

The purpose of this paper is to study the tribological behavior and mechanism of water‐soluble bismuth dithiophosphate as the additive of water‐based cutting fluid in aluminum…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the tribological behavior and mechanism of water‐soluble bismuth dithiophosphate as the additive of water‐based cutting fluid in aluminum alloy tapping.

Design/methodology/approach

Comparable investigation has been made on the lubrication performance of bismuth dithiophosphate and sodium dithiophosphate in aluminum alloy tapping. The aluminum alloy‐machined surface finish was observed on scanning electron microscope. The films on the work‐piece‐machined surface and the tap tool working surface were analyzed by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy.

Findings

The results indicated that the water medium containing 1 wt% the prepared water‐soluble bismuth dithiophosphate exhibited better tapping efficiency than the liquid paraffin containing 2.5 wt% chlorinated paraffin and 2.5 wt% sulfurized olefin. The bismuth sulfide component in the reaction film on the tap working surface plays a leading role in elevating the tapping efficiency and improving the machined surface finish.

Research limitations/implications

The paper is restricted to the lubrication performance of bismuth dithiophosphate as the water‐based cutting fluid additive in 2024 aluminum alloy tapping.

Practical implications

The test method adopted is very close to the machined method applied in industry. The test results show that the bismuth dithiophosphate can obviously improve the tapping efficiency and the machined surface finish. Thus, it can be applied to the aluminum alloy cutting in automotive and aviation.

Originality/value

An attempt has been made to identify the chemical reaction film sourced from bismuth element and dithiophosphate group on the work‐piece‐machined surface and the tool working surface and their contribution to enhancing the tapping efficiency and improving the machining surface finish. This is helpful to the designers and the practitioners of the additives of metalworking fluid.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 62 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 May 2015

F. Aziz, K. Sulaiman, Wissam Khayer Al-Rawi, Z. Ahmad, M.H. Sayyad, Kh. S. Karimov, L.L. Wei and M. Tahir

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) on improvement of physical and electrical properties of vanadyl…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) on improvement of physical and electrical properties of vanadyl phthalocyanine derivative. The correlation between the physical characteristics of the active layers, comprising vanadyl 2,9,16, 23-tetraphenoxy-29H,31H-phthalocyanine (VOPcPhO) and PCBM, and the electrical properties of metal/organic/metal devices have been studied. The use of soluble vanadyl phthalocyanine derivative makes it very attractive for a variety of applications due to its tunable properties and high solubility.

Design/methodology/approach

The sandwich type structures Al/VOPcPhO/Al and Al/VOPcPhO:PCBM/Al were fabricated by spin casting the active organic layers between the top and bottom (aluminum) electrodes. The stand-alone (VOPcPhO) and composite (VOPcPhO:PCBM) thin films were characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, UV/Vis and Raman spectroscopy. The electronic properties of the metal/organic/metal devices were studied using current-voltage (I-V) characteristics in dark at room temperature.

Findings

The values of barrier height for Al/VOPcPhO/Al and Al/VOPcPhO:PCBM/Al devices were obtained from the forward bias I-V curves and were found to be 0.7 eV and 0.62 eV, respectively. The present study indicates that the device employing VOPcPhO:PCBM composite film as the active layer, with better structural and morphological characteristics, results in reduced barrier height at the metal-organic film interface as compared to the one fabricated with the stand-alone film.

Research limitations/implications

It is shown that doping VOPcPhO with PCBM improves the crystallinity, morphology and junction properties.

Practical implications

The spin coating technique provides a simple, less expensive and effective approach for preparing thin films. The soluble VOPcPhO is conveniently dissolved in a number of organic solvents.

Originality/value

The physical properties of the VOPcPhO:PCBM composite thin film and the electrical properties of the composite thin-film-based metal/organic/metal devices have not been reported in the literature, as far as our knowledge is concerned.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 February 2021

Naser Gad Al-Balakocy, Talaat Hassan, Safaa Khalil and Sherif Abd El-Salam

This study aims to study the simultaneous treatment of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs).

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to study the simultaneous treatment of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fabric with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs).

Design/methodology/approach

PET fabrics loaded by TiO2 NPs were investigated by the use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Factors affecting the finishing process such as NaOH and TiO2 NPs concentrations, finishing duration and temperature were discussed.

Findings

The finished PET fabrics imparted new properties such as antimicrobial and ultraviolet protection factor protection, what is undoubtedly will increase the spread of this type of fabric and its use in new areas.

Research limitations/implications

The method used mainly depends on activating the surface of PET fabrics by a chemical method, specifically NaOH to cause partial decomposition, which may lead to an environmental impact.

Practical implications

The obtained results revealed that the simultaneous treatment of PET fabric with NaOH and TiO2 NPs showed antimicrobial and UV protection properties. They exhibited a strong antimicrobial activity and UV protection efficiency even after five washing cycles, indicating excellent laundering durability.

Originality/value

The approach has simplicity and implementability on an industrial scale without cost investment.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Abstract

Details

Constructions of Urban Space
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-76230-540-7

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2010

Jian Fang, Yubin Sun, Yanqiu Xia and Weimin Liu

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of base media on the tribological performance and tribochemistry of bismuth thiophosphate additive.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the effect of base media on the tribological performance and tribochemistry of bismuth thiophosphate additive.

Design/methodology/approach

The oil‐water double soluble additive bismuth dithiophosphate was prepared and identified. The contributions of the two base media on the additive tribological behavior and the tribofilm components were comparatively studied.

Findings

The extreme pressure (EP) and friction‐reducing properties are remarkably improved with water substituted for paraffin as the base medium. The EP performance of the lubricating media containing this additive mainly results from the tribochemical reaction film on the rubbing surface, not from the viscosity of the base media. In water or paraffin medium, the adsorption process of this additive from the lubricant bulk onto the rubbing surface and the components and the properties of the tribochemical reaction films formed are different, which have important effect on the tribological performance.

Research limitations/implications

The paper mainly focuses on how the water medium with polarity and the liquid paraffin base medium with non‐polarity affect on the tribological performance of the bismuth thiophosphate additive.

Practical implications

The research has found a water‐oil double soluble lubrication additive with outstanding EP and friction‐reducing performance.

Originality/value

The designed experiment provides a new approach to further learn the action mechanism of thiophosphate additive.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 62 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Changsu Kim, Minghui Kang and Tao Wang

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether social networking site (SNS) communities benefit from collective knowledge and collaboration, which represent a portfolio of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether social networking site (SNS) communities benefit from collective knowledge and collaboration, which represent a portfolio of knowledge transfer on SNSs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted on a large scale through an online questionnaire. Structural equation modeling was employed to analyze data collected from 674 experienced SNS users.

Findings

The results indicate that all three exogenous variables, presented as user characteristics and integrated into SNS user characteristics, were positively related to the knowledge transfer portfolio, namely, to collective knowledge and collaboration, and these variables had significant moderating effects on SNS users’ community cohesiveness. Early SNS adoption was more likely than late SNS adoption to moderate the relationship between collective knowledge and community cohesiveness and that between collective collaboration and community cohesiveness.

Practical implications

The findings provide useful insights for SNS operators to enhance the process of collaborative knowledge transfer. They may also be used to obtain better insights into important factors that require closer attention during SNS use.

Originality/value

The present study provides a systematic analysis of SNS use by considering a new research model and investigating the effects of SNS-based knowledge transfer on user outcomes based on three major characteristics of SNS users. The results are expected to provide a major foundation for further SNS research and a better understanding of the relationships between SNS user characteristics, knowledge transfer, and community cohesiveness.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 40 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

Keywords

21 – 30 of 78