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This study aims to identify causes of (un)ethical behaviour in research and how they influence adherence to research ethics.

The authors developed and tested a conceptual model that includes mediation and helps to understand the mechanism of adherence to ethical standards of research based on the “social judgment theory” (SJT). In Study 1, the authors conducted an exploratory study using the exploratory factor analysis technique to identify factors responsible for adherence to research ethics. In Study 2, the authors used SJT to provide support for establishing a relationship between key variables.

Two factors, “Proclivity to Egoism” and “Proclivity to Emotivism”, were identified based on the personal beliefs of researchers. These factors were found to play an important role in determining the tendency towards adherence to standards of research ethics (Belmont Report and COPE). SJT successfully explains the mechanism of adoption of ethical standards. Adherence to Belmont principles was seen to mediate relationship between factors identified and tendency to adhere to COPE.

Majorly, this study is unique as it establishes and guides to incorporate researchers’ point of view in formulating ethical standards and guidelines, apart, from various other important theoretical and societal implications.

This study aims to propose that the corrosion resistance of the neat epoxy coating can be further enhanced by incorporating reinforcing agents.

Chitosan, silica and their hybrid compound were used to study the subject of corrosion resistance of epoxy coating systems. This work used 3.5 Wt.% NaCl solution as the electrolyte, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used to investigate the electrochemical behaviour of the studied coating systems. Standard and accelerated states were used without and with scratch on the coating layer.

It was found that the impedance value of composite coating incorporated with the hybrid compound was significantly higher at 10¹⁰ Ω after 14 days of exposure in both testing states. The breakpoint frequency (f_b) determination also proves with large capacitive region at low-to-high frequency of impedance plots corresponding to the high corrosion resistance.

The hybrid compound consisting of chitosan as organic biopolymer and silica as inorganic material, respectively, served as a promising reinforcing agent for composite coating as a promising corrosion inhibitor. Different states of EIS measurement were used which are standard (without scratch) and accelerated (with scratch) states associated with the f_b values.

The research aims to examine the influence of perceived value (PV) dimensions on brand loyalty of luxury car owners and to examine the mediating role of attitudinal loyalty (AL) between PV dimensions and behavioral loyalty (BL).

Primary data for the study were gathered from the luxury car owners in Kerala, India. The construct measurements have been adopted from previous research studies. Structural equation modeling with the partial least square (PLS) technique was used to analyze the measurements and conceptual model.

The findings show that out of four PV dimensions among luxury car owners, the hedonic value (HV) significantly influences their AL. Economic value influences BL, and social values have an impact on AL as well as BL, but the relationship of functional value with any is not supported by the results. AL is a strong predictor of BL, and it actively mediates the relationship of HV and symbolic value with BL.

The manufactures of luxury cars provide more importance to hedonic and symbolic elements while launching new models and consider the price perceptions of the targeted customers while making decisions related to brand attachment and brand loyalty.

This study contributes to the decision-making of the rapidly growing vehicle market by examining the perceptions and by providing the effects of perceived values among luxury car owners. Also, it extends the literature by developing a framework for PV dimensions on AL and BL and also incorporated the mediating role of AL.

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of companies using a hybrid Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) approach. Specifically, the study examines Türkiye’s Top 500 Industrial Enterprises to analyze their performance before and during the pandemic, and to capture their performance in determining investment and production strategy.

To achieve the study’s objectives, the Fuzzy Best-Worst Method (F-BWM) was used to obtain importance levels of performance indicators, decreasing the vagueness in experts’ decision-making preferences. The Measurement Alternatives and Ranking According to Compromise Solution (MARCOS) method was used to rank enterprises based on their performance.

The COVID-19 pandemic has clearly had a substantial impact on the performance of Türkiye’s top 500 industrial enterprises. While some companies suffered decreased sales, others reported that their revenues increased or remained constant during the outbreak. The results reveal that the pandemic caused a shift in the initial ranking outcomes for the first two enterprises.

The study’s limitations include the sample size and the time period under consideration, which may have an impact on the generalizability of the findings.

Decision-makers’ investment, employment and operational decisions were influenced by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The results provide insights for decision-makers on how to achieve higher growth and performance under the pressure of the pandemic.

The study’s practical consequences help decision-makers understand how to attain higher growth and performance in the face of the epidemic.

The originality of this study lies in using a hybrid MCDM approach to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on company performance. A hybrid MCDM approach is proposed to help decision-makers make the best possible investment and implementation decisions.

This study aims to deal with both the development and mechanical investigations of unsaturated polyester matrix (UPR) composites containing recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers as new fillers.

UPR/PET fibers composites have been developed as mats by incorporating 5, 8, 13 and 18 parts per hundred of rubber (phr) of 6-, 10- and 15-mm length PET fibers from the recycling of postconsumer bottles. The mechanical and physical properties of the composites were investigated as a function of fiber content and length. A significant increase in stress at break and in ultimate stress (sr) were observed for composites reinforced with 5 and 8 phr of 15-mm length PET fibers. The Izod impact strength of UPR/mat PET fiber composites as a function of fiber rate and length showed that the 5 and 8 phr composites for the 15-mm length PET fiber have the optimal mechanical properties 13.55 and 10.50 Kj/m², respectively. The morphological study showed that the strong adhesion resulting from the affinity of the PET fiber for the UPR matrix. The ductile fracture of materials reinforced with 5 and 8 phr is confirmed by the fiber deformation and fracture surface roughness.

This study concluded that the PET fiber enhances the properties of composites, a good correlation was observed between the results of the mechanical tests and the structural analysis revealing that for the lower concentrations, the PET fibers are well dispersed into the resin, but entanglements are evidenced when the fiber content increases.

It can be shown from scanning electron microscopy micrographs that the fabrication technique produced composites with good interfacial adhesion between PET fibers and UPR matrix.

This research is about the possibilities of using high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-based composites consisting of long glass and short carbon fibres because HDPE is one of the more preferred thermoplastics day by day due to its sustainability, cost-effectiveness and availability in the relevant markets. HDPE has become an increasingly preferred material in the marine industry in recent years due to its high resistance to marine environmental conditions (high resistance to UV, surface-fouling marine organisms and corrosive effects of salty and low-pH water). In the highly competitive boat building industry, additive manufacturing offers new opportunities such as rapid prototyping and design freedom. This study aims to investigate the possibilities of using a material suitable for the marine environment and an additive manufacturing (AM) method offering new possibilities, especially for small craft with complex forms.

A total of six new HDPE-based composites consisting of long glass and short carbon fibres at 10, 15 and 20% by weight have been proposed for the first time in this study for the use in boat building industry, proposing the application of these new composite materials with AM method, which the industry is not yet fully adopted, is also an innovative aspect of the study. The performances of the materials in AM’s material extrusion (MEX) method were evaluated using the results obtained from mechanical (tensile, compression, shear and impact) and thermal (melt flow index [MFI], thermogravimetric analysis [TGA] and thermomechanical analysis [TMA]) tests. In addition, the structure of the composites was examined with scanning electron microscopy and micro computed tomography visually, and the rheological properties of the composites were also determined by the related tests. As an industrial case study, a ship propeller was manufactured from the composites produced with CF15, which was thought to give the best performance in marine use, and this propeller was tested under water flow.

It is evaluated that the composites proposed in this study can be used in marine industry in line with the analyses and test results. The performance of the propeller produced as a case application also confirms this view. The printability of HDPE-based composites, reinforced by both glass and carbon fibre, is much better than that of pure HDPE, and the composites are suitable for use AM’s MEX method in boat building industry. As the fibre contents in the proposed composites increase, the strength values increase and the impact resistance and hardness decrease. The CF15 composite, which meets each of those mechanical and physical values at an average level, is a recommended option for marine applications.

This study has two basic originalities: (1) On the basis of HDPE, which is widely used in the marine industry, to produce composites that will overcome the deficiencies of this material in practice and to present them to relevant industry by improving their properties; (2) at the same time, to discuss for the first time the use of new HDPE-based materials in AM, whose printability has also been improved through composite, to help dissemination of AM technologies in marine industry in general and in the boat building industry in particular.

There is a strong inducement to develop new inorganic materials to substitute the current industrial pigments, which are known for their poor ultraviolet absorbent and low photoluminescence (PL) properties. The purpose of this paper is to invent a better rare-earth-based pigment material as a spectral modifier with good luminescence properties to enhance the spectral response for photovoltaic panel application.

Different phosphor samples made of nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) with varied wt.% of the dopant Dysprosium doped calcium borophosphate (CBP/Dy) as (W0 – 0%, W1 – 3,85%, W2 – 7.41%, W3 –10.71% and W4 –13.79%) were prepared via the solid-state diffusion method at 600 °C for 6 h using a muffle furnace. The structural, morphological and luminescence properties of the CaCO₃:CBP/Dy powder samples were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and PL test.

The XRD, SEM and FTIR results verified the crystalline formation, morphological behaviour and vibration bonds of synthesized CBP/Dy-doped CaCO₃ powder samples. XRD pattern revealed that the synthesized powder samples exhibit crystalline structured materials, and SEM results showed irregular shape and porous-like structured morphologies. FTIR spectrum shows prominent bands at 712, 874 and 1,404 cm⁻¹, corresponding to asymmetric stretching vibrations of CO3²⁻ groups and out-of-plane bending. PL characterization of CBP/Dy-doped CaCO₃ (sample W) shows emission at 427 nm (λmax) under the excitation of 358 nm. The intensity of PL emission spectra drops due to the concentration quenching effect, while the maximum PL intensity is observed in the W3 phosphor powder system.

This phosphor powder is expected to find out the potential application such as a spectral modifier which is applied to match the energy of photons with solar cell bandgap to improve spectral absorption and lead to better efficiency.

The introduction of a nano-CaCO₃:CBP/Dy hybrid powder system with good luminescence properties to be used as spectral modifiers for solar cell application has been synthesized in the lab, which is a novel attempt.

The purpose of this study is to develop a protective coating system on mild steel panel incorporating epoxidized natural rubber with acrylic polyol resin.

In this work, a novel attempt is made to develop binder coatings using epoxidized natural rubber-based material and an organic resin (acrylic resin) for corrosion protection on metal substrate. Seven different samples of multifunctional coatings are developed by varying the compositions of epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and acrylic resin. The properties of the developed coatings have been characterized using analytical methods such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). EIS has been carried out for 30 days to evaluate the corrosion resistance after immersing into 3.5 wt.% of sodium chloride. Cross hatch cut tester (CHT) has been used to study the adhesive properties. UV–Visible Spectroscopy (UV–Vis) was also used to assess changes in the coating-film transparency of the natural rubber-based coating systems in this study.

The developed coatings have formed uniform layer on the substrate. CHT results show excellent adhesion of the coatings. Higher concentrations of ENR have higher transparency level, which reduces when the acrylic concentration increases. FTIR analysis confirms the crosslinking that occurred between the components of the coatings. Based on the impedance data from EIS, the incorporation of natural rubber can be an additive for the corrosion protection, which has the coating resistance values well above 108Ω even after 30 days of immersion.

The blending method provides a simple and practical solution to improve the strength and adhesion properties of acrylic polyol resin with epoxidized natural rubber. There is still improvement needed for long-term applications.

The work has been conducted in our laboratory. The combination of natural rubber-based materials and organic resins is a new approach in coating research.

This paper aims to identify modern construction techniques for affordable housing, such as prefabrication and interlocking systems, that can save time and cost while also providing long-term sustainable benefits that are desperately needed in today's construction industry.

The need for housing is growing worldwide, but traditional construction cannot cater to the demand due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society. This paper presented a state-of-the-art review of modern construction techniques practiced worldwide and their advantages in affordable housing construction by conducting a systematic literature review and applying the backward snowball technique. The paper reviews modern prefabrication techniques and interlocking systems such as modular construction, formwork systems, light gauge steel/cold form steel construction and sandwich panel construction, which have been globally well practiced. It was understood from the overview that modular construction, including modular steel construction and precast concrete construction, could reduce time and costs efficiently. Further enhancement in the quality was also noticed. Besides, it was observed that light gauge steel construction is a modern phase of steel that eases construction execution efficiently. Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time, which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork. However, the cost is subjected to the repetitions of the formwork. An interlocking system is an innovative approach to construction that uses bricks made of sustainable materials such as earth that conserve time and cost.

The study finds that the prefabrication techniques and interlocking system have a lot of unique attributes that can enable the modern construction sector to flourish. The study summarizes modern construction techniques that can save time and cost, enhancing the sustainability of construction practices, which is the need of the Indian construction industry in particular.

This study is limited to identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.

Modern formwork systems such as Mivan (Aluminium Formwork) have been reported for their minimum construction time which leads to faster construction than traditional formwork.

The need for housing is growing rapidly all over the world, but traditional construction cannot cater to the need due to insufficient time. There should be some paradigm shift in the construction industry to supply housing to society.

This study is unique in identifying specific modern construction techniques for time and cost savings, lean concepts and sustainability which are being practiced worldwide.

In the recent post-pandemic era, the globe has been anxious for the sustainable disposal of healthcare waste to protect public health, protect the environment and enhance future preparedness. Developing countries, in particular, have struggled to dispose of healthcare waste (HCW) to eradicate the hazardous effects of medical waste generated during and after the deadly COVID-19 pandemic. Hence the purpose of the research paper is to develop a hybrid decision-making framework to identify various barriers for sustainable disposal of healthcare waste use of Grey-Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (G-DEMATEL) and Analytical Network Process (ANP).

A hybrid framework of Grey-Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (G-DEMATEL) and Analytical Network Process (ANP) has been used to rank barriers and sub-barriers in the disposal of healthcare waste.

The study’s findings suggest that lack of segregation practices, absence of green procurement policy, obsolete technologies and resistance to adopting change management are the topmost causal barriers influencing the remaining barriers. Lack of commitment among healthcare administrations, lack of standard performance measures and resistance to adopting change appear to be the topmost crucial barriers.

The study’s finding enables all stakeholders to prioritize the barriers systematically for better performance and save resources during the process. The policymakers can use the results to design a clear regulatory framework.

The literature has highlighted the factors and their association with the disposal of healthcare waste mainly in isolation. The results are validated against the Grey-Analytical Hierarchy Process (G-AHP) to ensure the robustness of the proposed framework. This paper is one of the preliminary attempts to propose a framework of the interrelationships of the factors that have a direct role in survival for management education.