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Article
Publication date: 6 September 2022

Lifeng Wang, Haiqi Wu, Long Liu and Ziwang Xiao

The application of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) in anchorage zones can significantly improve the local compression performance of structures. However, the high cost and…

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Abstract

Purpose

The application of ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) in anchorage zones can significantly improve the local compression performance of structures. However, the high cost and complex preparation of UHPC make UHPC difficult to be widely used in practice. This study proposes a method to strengthen the local compression zone of structures built by normal strength concrete (NSC) by incorporating UHPC cores.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, a Finite Element Model (FEM) of local compression specimens was established by ABAQUS, and the accuracy of FEM was verified by comparing the FEM calculation results with experimental results. The verified FEM was adapted to the research on the influences of affecting factors on local compression performance of structures, including NSC strength, UHPC strength, spiral steel bar strength, and UHPC core diameter.

Findings

The results show that the peak load of the strengthened specimen SC1-U + N increases by 210.2% compared to that of the SC1-NSC. Furthermore, compared to SC1, the strengthened specimen SC1-U + N can save 64.7% amount of UHPC while the peak load decreases by only 34.4%. The peak load of the strengthened specimens increases with the axial compressive strength and the diameter of UHPC cores increasing, crack load increases with increasing the compressive strength of NSC, the spiral steel bar with high strength can prevent the sharp drop of load-deflection curve and the residual bearing capacity increases accordingly. All findings indicate that increasing the diameter of UHPC cores can improve the overall performance of the specimens. Under loading, all specimens fail by following a similar pattern. The effectiveness of this new strengthen method is also verified by FEM analytical calculations.

Originality/value

Based on the experimental study, this study extrapolates the influence of different parameters on the local bearing capacity of the strengthened specimens by finite element simulation. This method not only ensures the accuracy of bearing capacity assessment, but also does not require many samples, which ensures the economy of the reinforcement process. The research results provide a reference for the reinforcement design of anchorage zone.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 18 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

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Article
Publication date: 17 May 2021

Feisen Wang, Sifei Ai, Qian Wang, Yinfen Cheng, Haiqi Huang, Chuang Cai, Di Xie, Hui Chen and Wei Hu

The purpose of this paper is to promote the corrosion resistance of the 5083-111H aluminum alloy by laser cleaning.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to promote the corrosion resistance of the 5083-111H aluminum alloy by laser cleaning.

Design/methodology/approach

Laser with 2 ns pulse width was adopted in this project and the corrosion resistance of cleaned samples was tested by copper-accelerated salt spray (CASS). The surface morphology, elemental composition and distribution were then characterized by SEM. Moreover, surface morphology, elemental composition and distribution were also tested.

Findings

Results suggested a higher corrosion resistance was successfully obtained by laser cleaning. Compared with samples cleaned by 2000 grit sandpaper, mechanical cleaning resulted in a 53% larger height difference between the peak and valley. The content of the oxygen is 8.85% on the surface cleaned mechanically and the distribution is dependent on the distribution of aluminum whereas that of the laser cleaning sample is 24.41% and the distribution existed even in the Al-poor area.

Originality/value

In this project, the 2-ns laser cleaning was proved to have the capability to remove the oxide layer on the aluminum alloy surface while retaining an excellent corrosion resistance and smooth surface. Meanwhile, a thorough elemental distribution and smaller grain size lead to a smaller difference in elemental concentration. This retards the diffusion of oxygen into the substrate and hence increases the corrosion resistance of the surface.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 68 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 9 December 2024

Bernard Lim Jit Heng, Phuah Kit Teng, Siti Intan Nurdiana Wong Abdullah, Ow Mun Waei and Khoong Tai Wai

By market capitalisation, Bitcoin, which debuted in 2009, is the biggest cryptocurrency globally. A decentralised ledger system called blockchain is used in the creation…

Abstract

By market capitalisation, Bitcoin, which debuted in 2009, is the biggest cryptocurrency globally. A decentralised ledger system called blockchain is used in the creation, distribution, trading, and storage of Bitcoin, with the original goal being to address the shortcomings of fiat currency. This chapter highlights potential dangers and legal concerns when Bitcoin interacts with the actual economy and the traditional financial system. Besides, the details also discuss the platform’s design principles and attributes for a non-technical readership. When assessing its transactional potential, some recognise its potential for speculation, while others are doubtful of its admirable intent. The write-up also explores the potential of the adoption of cryptocurrencies in Southeast Asia due to the vast adoption of Bitcoins in countries such as Vietnam and the Philippines following the establishment of cryptocurrency technology and e-commerce. In addition, rankings of the cryptocurrency and legal stance from each country in Southeast Asia were exhibited as the solid foundation of cryptocurrencies existent for transaction purposes. The rise of central bank digital currencies (CBDC) and the future directions of Bitcoins were also highlighted in this write-up to spur the debate on whether cryptocurrency remains a fad of sensation or is legalised as the medium of exchange in an ever-growing digital world of commerce.

Details

Augmenting Retail Reality, Part A: Blockchain, AR, VR, and the Internet of Things
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83608-635-2

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Article
Publication date: 6 November 2017

Luca Marioni, Mehdi Khalloufi, Francois Bay and Elie Hachem

This paper aims to develop a robust set of advanced numerical tools to simulate multiphase flows under the superimposition of external uniform magnetic fields.

98

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop a robust set of advanced numerical tools to simulate multiphase flows under the superimposition of external uniform magnetic fields.

Design/methodology/approach

The flow has been simulated in a fully Eulerian framework by a {\it variational multi-scale} method, which allows to take into account the small-scale turbulence without explicitly model it. The multi-fluid problem has been solved through the convectively re-initialized level-set method to robustly deal with high density and viscosity ratio between the phases and the surface tension has been modelled implicitly in the level-set framework. The interaction with the magnetic field has been modelled through the classic induction equation for 2D problems and the time step computation is based on the electromagnetic interaction to guarantee convergence of the method. Anisotropic mesh adaptation is then used to adapt the mesh to the main problem’s variables and to reach good accuracy with a small number of degrees of freedom. Finally, the variational multiscale method leads to a natural stabilization of the finite elements algorithm, preventing numerical spurious oscillations in the solution of Navier–Stokes equations (fluid mechanics) and the transport equation (level-set convection).

Findings

The methodology has been validated, and it is shown to produce accurate results also with a low number of degrees of freedom. The physical effect of the external magnetic field on the multiphase flow has been analysed.

Originality/value

The dam-break benchmark case has been extended to include magnetically constrained flows.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 27 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 24 February 2020

Pouyan Esmaeilzadeh

Health information exchange (HIE) initiatives utilize sharing mechanisms through which health information is mostly transmitted without a patient's close supervision; thus…

1539

Abstract

Purpose

Health information exchange (HIE) initiatives utilize sharing mechanisms through which health information is mostly transmitted without a patient's close supervision; thus, patient trust in the HIE is the core in this setting. Existing technology acceptance theories mainly consider cognitive beliefs resulting in adoption behavior. The study argues that existing theories should be expanded to cover not only cognitive beliefs but also the emotion provoked by the sharing nature of the technology. Based on the theory of reasoned action, the technology adoption literature, and the trust literature, we theoretically explain and empirically test the impact of perceived transparency of privacy policy on cognitive trust and emotional trust in HIEs. Moreover, the study analyzes the effects of cognitive trust and emotional trust on the intention to opt in to HIEs and willingness to disclose health information.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted using data from individuals who were aware of HIEs through experience with at least one provider participating in an HIE network. Data were collected from a wide range of adult population groups in the United States.

Findings

The structural equation modeling analysis results provide empirical support for the proposed model. The model highlights the strategic role of the perceived transparency of the privacy policy in building trust in HIEs. When patients know more about HIE security measures, sharing procedures, and privacy terms, they feel more in control, more assured, and less at risk. The results also show that patient trust in HIEs may take the forms of intention to opt in to an HIE and willingness to disclose health information exchanged through HIE networks.

Originality/value

The findings of this study should be of interest to both academics and practitioners. The research highlights the importance of developing and using a transparent privacy policy in the diffusion of HIEs. The findings provide a deep understanding of dimensions of HIE privacy policy that should be addressed by health-care organizations to exchange personal health information in a secure and private manner.

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Article
Publication date: 20 February 2024

Ylenia Cavacece, Giulio Maggiore, Riccardo Resciniti and Andrea Moretta Tartaglione

The purpose of this paper is to investigate user satisfaction with digital health solutions by identifying and prioritizing different service attributes on the basis of their…

257

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate user satisfaction with digital health solutions by identifying and prioritizing different service attributes on the basis of their impact on improving user satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a literature review and interviews with health professionals and patients, 20 attributes of digital health services provided in Italy have been identified. User satisfaction with these attributes has been evaluated by adopting the Kano model’s continuous and discrete analyses.

Findings

The findings reveal the essential attributes of digital health services that meet users' expectations, identify the attributes that users appreciate or dislike having and highlight unexpected attributes that lead to a significant boost in satisfaction when provided.

Research limitations/implications

This study demonstrates the efficacy of the Kano model in assessing the nonlinear correlation between user satisfaction and the quality of digital health services, thus contributing to fill a gap in the literature in this area. The main limitation of this work is the use of a non-probabilistic sampling method.

Practical implications

This research suggests healthcare institutions and organizations consider user preferences when designing digital health solutions to increase their satisfaction. The results indicate different effects on user satisfaction and dissatisfaction for different categories of attributes in the Italian context.

Originality/value

Previous works studied customer satisfaction with digital health, assuming a linear relationship with service quality, or investigated consumer adoption intentions focusing on the technological factors. This work advances available knowledge by analyzing the nonlinear relationship between digital health attributes and users’ satisfaction and dissatisfaction.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 37 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

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Article
Publication date: 25 January 2021

Pouyan Esmaeilzadeh, Spurthy Dharanikota and Tala Mirzaei

Patient-centric exchanges, a major type of Health Information Exchange (HIE), empower patients to aggregate and manage their health information. This exchange model helps patients…

1241

Abstract

Purpose

Patient-centric exchanges, a major type of Health Information Exchange (HIE), empower patients to aggregate and manage their health information. This exchange model helps patients access, modify and share their medical information with multiple healthcare organizations. Although existing studies examine patient engagement, more research is required to investigate patients' attitudes and willingness to play an active role in patient-centered information exchange. The study's main objective is to develop a model based on the belief-attitude-intention paradigm to empirically examine the effects of patients' attitudes toward engagement in care on their willingness to participate in patient-centric HIE.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted an online survey study to identify the antecedents and consequences of patients' attitudes toward engagement in care. To empirically test the research model, the authors collected data from a national sample (n = 357) of individuals in the United States. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

The proposed model categorizes the antecedents to patients' attitudes toward engagement in patient-related and healthcare system factors. The results show that patient-related factors (perceived health literacy and perceived coping ability) and health system factors (perceived experience with the healthcare organization and perceived patient-provider interaction) significantly shape patient attitude toward care management engagement. The results indicate that patients' attitudes toward engaging in their healthcare significantly contribute to their willingness to participate in medical information sharing through patient-centric HIE initiatives. Moreover, the authors’ findings also demonstrate that the link between patient engagement and willingness to participate in HIE is stronger for individuals who perceive lower levels of privacy and security concerns.

Originality/value

The authors validate the proposed model explaining patients' perceptions about their characteristics and the healthcare system significantly influence their attitude toward engaging in their care. This study also suggests that patients' favorable attitude toward engagement can bring patient-centric HIE efforts onto a path to success. The authors’ research attempts to shed light on the importance of patients' roles in adopting patient-centric HIE initiatives. Theoretical and practical contributions of this study are noticeable since they could result in a deeper understanding of the concept of patient engagement and how it may affect healthcare services in an evolving digital world. The authors’ findings can help healthcare organizations provide public citizen-centric services by introducing user-oriented approaches in healthcare delivery systems.

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