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The main aim of the current study is to investigate the effect of Anti-Crack HP 67/36 glass fibre on the mechanical performance of mortars made of cement, with a focus on post-cracking evaluations using the digital image correlation (DIC) technique.

Experimental tests were carried out on 36-mm long fibres at 0.8% by volume and added to the normal strength (NSM), high strength (HSM) and high strength mortar with fly ash (HSMFA) mortars. CEM I 52.5 CP2 NF, CEM II/A-L 42.5 NF and CEM III/C 32.5 N-SR PM were used for each series of mortar to assess the performance of the glass fibres with the types of cement. F-class fly (FA) ash was used to reduce global CO₂ emissions.

The mortar’s strength decreased as the cement types changed from CEM I to CEM II and III. However, due to changes in the portlandite content of the cement, water porosity increased for both types of mortar, without and with fibre. It was also found that using glass fibre increased flexural strength more than compressive strength, regardless of the type of cement used. For all the strength classes, it was found that the mortar mixes with CEM I had the highest critical crack opening (w_c) and fracture energy (G_F), followed by CEM II and III. No significant effects were observed in the mortar’s property by replacing fly ash (12%).

Only mortars were formulated in this study, but the results must be verified at the concrete scale.

Validation of the DIC technique to characterize the post-cracking behaviour of cement-based material. Use of glass fibres to improve the material’s resistance to cracking.

Use of CEM II and CEM III cements with low CO₂ footprint instead of CEMI without altering the mechanical performance of the material.

The work is a further contribution to studying the cracking behaviour of several series of variable mortars depending on the resistance class and the type of cement used.

This study aims to critically analyze existing research on blockchain technology adoption, examining the dominant models and methodologies used, the primary domains where blockchain is applied and the emerging opportunities across various sectors.

Using a methodical systematic review approach, the authors meticulously examined a pool of 1,322 collected articles, subjecting 38 studies to rigorous assessment. Through this comprehensive analysis, the authors unveiled the key models and influential factors that intricately shape the trajectory of blockchain adoption.

The primary models identified for investigating blockchain adoption were the technology acceptance model and technology–organization–environment. Apart from the core variables within these models, the pivotal determinants influencing various blockchain applications include perceived trust, perceived cost and social influence. In addition, this study highlights supply chain management as a prominent domain for blockchain application adoption.

Understanding these influential factors and models can guide practical decisions and aid stakeholders in formulating effective strategies for blockchain adoption in diverse sectors.

This study contributes to advancing the understanding of blockchain adoption dynamics by unveiling the prevalent models and determinants shaping adoption. This study offers valuable insights into the factors influencing the use and adoption of blockchain technologies across diverse sectors.

This article investigates the dynamic implication of healthcare expenditure on economic growth in the selected ten Sub-Saharan African countries over the period 2000–2018.

The study methodology included dynamic heterogenous panel, using mean group and pooled mean group estimators. The investigation of the healthcare expenditure and economic growth nexus was achieved while controlling the effects of investment, savings, labor force and life expectancy via interaction terms.

The results from linear healthcare expenditure have a significant positive impact on economic growth, while the nonlinear estimates through the interaction terms between healthcare expenditure and investment have a negative statistically significant impact on growth. The marginal effect of healthcare expenditure evaluated at the minimum and maximum level of investment is positive, suggesting the impact of health expenditure on growth does not vary with the level of investments. This result responds to the primary objective of the article.

In policy terms, the impact of investment on healthcare is essential to addressing future health crises. The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can never be separated from the shortages or low prioritization of health against other sectors of the economy. The article also provides an insight to policymakers on the demand for policy reform that will boost and make the health sector attractive to both domestic and foreign direct investment.

Given the vulnerability of SSA to the health crisis, there are limited studies to examine this phenomenon and first to address the needed investment priorities to the health sector infrastructure in SSA.

Guided by several pioneered studies, the purpose of this paper is to comprehensively investigate the investment behaviours of Malaysian retail and institutional investors in an attempt to identify whether the influence of psychological biases is equally applicable to investor divides.

The researchers have adopted a quantitative research design by way of survey methodology to obtain data from institutional and retail investors in Malaysia. In addition, the authors have mainly employed second-order measurement invariance analysis to uncover the difference across investor divides.

The tests of measurement invariance at the model level indicate an insignificant difference between institutional investors and retail investors. The post hoc test (at the path level) reveals that institutional and retail investors are similar with respect to representative heuristic, overconfidence bias and anchoring bias; though the results also show that they are different with respect to religious bias and herding bias.

Based on the findings of this study, it is generally not logical to assume that institutional investors completely behave rational during investment decisions. Besides, future researchers are called upon to directly compare the investment decisions of institutional and retail investors with respect to whether the influence of psychological biases is equally applicable to them, particularly on the investigated psychological biases and other psychological biases that are not covered in this study.

This study has offered insight into whether the influence of psychological biases is equally applicable to institutional and retail investors in Malaysia using second-order measurement invariance analysis. This study is unique in context and the approach it has adopted.

The purpose of this paper is to measure the technical efficiency and growth trajectory of Bangladeshi and Indonesian microfinance institutions (MFIs). The motivation for this study was derived from crucial roles that these institutions play in the socio-economic transformation of any nations, especially Bangladesh and Indonesia which are at least prominent in the Asian context in this regard. Rather than “proving” impact, research endeavors have shifted to focusing on “improving” the impact of MFIs, because the ability to improve their impact as socio-economic transformation platform may be hinged on their efficiency over time.

Data were obtained from MIX market database covering a five-year period from 2007 to 2011 for 20 Bangladeshi and 11 Indonesian MFIs. The data obtained were subjected to both efficiency and trajectory analysis using data envelopment analysis (DEA) based on Malmquist productivity index, independent t-test, and latent growth curve modeling (LGCM).

Overall, DEA results indicate that both Bangladeshi and Indonesian MFIs are approximately efficient under constant returns to scale, variable returns to scale, and scale. There has been an improvement in the management practices of Bangladeshi MFIs, while Indonesian MFIs have increased in optimum size. Independent t-test result shows that Bangladeshi MFIs are significantly efficient in terms of performance and firm’s size compared to Indonesian MFIs, but there is no significant difference in their efficiencies with regard to technology. The intercept and the slope of the regression weight in the estimated model using LGCM are not significantly different.

This study measures technical efficiency and growth trajectory of Bangladeshi and Indonesian MFIs over a five-year period. However, future studies could explore this in greater depth by incorporating more data.

The research findings have great implications for the Bangladeshi and Indonesian MFIs. Since this study is among the first of its kind, the researchers have paved ways for further investigation in this area. Moreover, the study encourages the Bangladeshi and Indonesian MFIs to be more concerned of their efficiencies.

This study measures technical efficiency and growth trajectory of the Bangladeshi and Indonesian (MFIs). These have never been examined together in this way before.

This study aims to analyze the level of Islamic finance awareness by Cameroonian small and medium-sized entrepreneurs (SMEs) on the one hand, and the effects of this awareness on the entrepreneurs’ decision to patronize (adopt) Islamic finance, on the other hand.

This study uses primary data collected from a cross-section of 1,358 SMEs in eight regions of Cameroon using self-administered structured questionnaires. The authors apply mean computation analyses and a binary logistic model to test the study hypotheses. The authors also check for endogeneity and carry out sensitivity analyses.

The results show that the level of Islamic finance awareness among Cameroonian SMEs can be regarded as average. Furthermore, after dividing the sample into two groups based on the religion of the entrepreneur, it is revealed that the awareness level among Muslim entrepreneurs is considered higher than that of the non-Muslims, with a below-average level of awareness, thereby underlying the place occupied by the Islamic religion as a driver of the decision to engage in the Islamic mode of finance. The application of the simple logistic model reveals that awareness enhances the adoption of Islamic finance by Cameroonian SMEs and that these effects are modulated by the Islamic religion and the educational level channels.

Policymakers and bank managers are encouraged to prioritize more consumer awareness programs as a means of promoting the adoption of Islamic finance by SMEs in Cameroon. Future research in this area should equally consider the supply-side aspects of Islamic finance such as bank managers whose perception and awareness are equally key toward ensuring a more holistic agenda for the promotion of Islamic finance services.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyzes the awareness level of SMEs in the context of a non-Muslim-dominated sub-Saharan African country.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of measures to combat Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on competitiveness in tourism in Nigeria taking strategic dexterity as the moderating variable.

Survey research design approach was used for the study. A total of 235 valid questionnaires gathered from the personnel of ten urban tourist centres in Nigeria were used to examine the goodness of model fit, measurement model and structural correlations between constructs. Partial least squares structural equation modelling approach (PLS-SEM) using Advanced Analysis for Composite (ADANCO 2.2.1) was used to evaluate the hypotheses.

This study finds that travel restriction, boarder closure and strategic dexterity were significant to competitiveness, among which border closures has generated the highest path coefficient. Moreover, the study finds a significant moderating role of strategic dexterity between travel restrictions, border closure and competitiveness. Future studies can reproduce the study by incorporating mediating variables covering the all-tourist centers in Nigeria.

This study might be valuable for tourism-related stakeholders, researchers and policy makers as the result finds indicate strong effect of travel restrictions, border closure on competitiveness of urban tourism. Equally, the study provides new insight as the findings shows a significant moderating role of strategic dexterity between travel restrictions, border closure and competitiveness.

This study might be valuable for tourism-related stakeholders, researchers and policy makers as the result finds indicate strong effect of travel restrictions, border closure on competitiveness of urban tourism. The study provides new insight as the findings shows a significant moderating role of strategic dexterity between travel restrictions, border closure and competitiveness.

This study is among the few that analyses the effect of measures to combat COVID-19 pandemic on competitiveness in the urban tourism: strategic dexterity as the moderating variables. This study also contributes methodologically through the introduction of PLS-SEM approach.

This study aims to qualitatively examine the implications of Maqasid al-Shari’ah (objectives of Islamic law) for sustainability practices among businesses. While there is a growing recognition of the importance of adopting an integrated approach to sustainability, several businesses remain focused on profit maximisation at the expense of environmental and social sustainability. As such, there is a need for more studies that emphasise sustainability practices, essentially to expose businesses to the best ways to meet the needs of today without negatively impacting future generations.

This research used a qualitative research design, and data were collected from Shari’ah scholars. To facilitate data collection, semi-structured interview questions were developed and used to conduct interviews with ten Shari’ah scholars in Malaysia. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interview data collected for this study.

The results demonstrate that there are ample justifications from a Shari’ah perspective for integrated sustainability practices. Additionally, the study reveals a need for increased awareness regarding the importance of businesses adopting a holistic approach to sustainability through the formulation and implementation of suitable sustainability strategies and ensuring compliance with social and environmental standards.

While this study has primarily adopted a qualitative method to address the implications of Maqasid al-Shari’ah for integrated sustainability practices among businesses, the authors acknowledge that this approach may not capture the full spectrum of quantitative data that could provide a broader statistical perspective on the issue. Hence, future research could incorporate quantitative methods to complement the findings of this study.

This research constitutes an innovative addition to the field of corporate sustainability practices. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no prior studies have extensively explored the intricate intersection of Maqasid al-Shari’ah and integrated corporate sustainability practices as this study has done.

This study aims to assess the extent of the impact of uncertainty factors on renovation project performance.

This study aims to adopt a quantitative approach, using structural equation modelling (SEM) to assess the extent of the impact of uncertainty variables on construction project performance based on data from 226 construction professionals sourced using a questionnaire.

The SEM result indicates four (4) principal uncertainty factors have a significant effect on renovation projects, while the remaining four (4) do not. Results of descriptive and inferential statistics showed that 25 out of 45 identified uncertainty factors have a critical impact on performance, thereby serving as the basis for exploratory factor analysis, which produced an eight-group factor solution.

The research is limited to specific locations, as uncertainty factors can be location-sensitive. Further research should be done to assess the Impact of these Uncertainty factors on a specific location and other project types.

The study aids practitioners in estimating project costs and durations by identifying uncertainty factors affecting renovation projects. It aids project managers in managing uncertainties to improve cost, quality and schedule and serves as a risk management tool for clients and project managers.

The study presents a path model that shows the impact of uncertainty factors on renovation project performance. The insights provided in this study are poised to assist project managers and other construction professionals in planning renovation projects more effectively and successfully.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the adoption of Islamic finance products (murabaha, musharakah, mudarabah, salam, ijara, istisna and Qard Hassan) by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Cameroon, a non-Islamic Sub-Saharan African country.

It used primary data collected from a cross-section of 1,358 SMEs in eight regions of Cameroon using self-administered structured questionnaires. To facilitate the analyses and interpretation, these products are grouped into four groups based on certain characteristics. A multivariate probit model is estimated to take into account the interaction between these different Islamic finance products.

This study revealed that the desire to comply with Sharia law, awareness, attitude and intention were critical determinants of the decision to adopt Islamic finance products by Cameroonian SMEs. The least influential factors were perceived behavioral control, subjective norms, enterprise characteristics (size, age and location) and socio-demographic characteristics of the entrepreneur (gender, age and marital status). The extension of the multivariate approach permitted us to compute for predicted probabilities which revealed that there exists a synergy effect between the different Islamic finance products. That is, Cameroonian SMEs combine different Islamic finance products at the same time based on their needs. This is especially the case between the partnership-based products (musharakah and mudarabah) and manufacture/rent products (istisna and ijara).

Policymakers are encouraged to develop stakeholder-oriented strategies to promote effective consumer education in Islamic finance products which will boost awareness. Also, Islamic finance institutions should endeavor to develop innovative financial products that are Sharia-compliant and economically beneficial to the individual and business needs of SMEs. Moreover, policymakers and management of Islamic finance institutions should ensure the putting in place of effective governance structures to guide Islamic finance operations. Finally, policymakers should endeavor to take into account the possible synergy between the different Islamic finance products in their quest to develop this activity.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that analyses the adoption of different Islamic finance products while taking into account the possible synergy that exists between these products.