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Notwithstanding its significance as a form of strategic human capital investment, employee training has not yielded consistent conclusions among scholars regarding its impact on organizational performance. Some studies deem it effective, while others regard it as ineffective. We contend that distinct types of training impact various facets of firm performance.

In this study, we categorize employee training as either exploitative or explorative. Specifically, we examine their impact on two aspects of organizational performance: short-term performance and long-term competence, using a quasi-experimental setting and a difference-in-differences (DID) method.

We find that exploitative training is more effective in improving firms’ short-term performance (e.g. firms’ sales revenue), while explorative training is more effective in enhancing firms’ long-term competence (e.g. firms’ innovation output).

The findings of this study illuminate concrete benefits of training for practitioners, suggesting that firms can strategically select employee training category to maximize returns on their investment in strategic human capital based on their strategic orientations.

The purpose of this paper is to study the interfacial effect on mechanical properties of the cellulose nano crystal (CNC)–shape memory polymer (SMP) composites by using combination of the theoretical and experimental approaches.

SMP composites were fabricated by introducing CNCs into crystalline shape memory polyurethane. The morphological, thermal and mechanical properties were comprehensively investigated. Theoretical approach based upon the percolation model was used to simulate the storage modulus E’ variation of the composites in crystalline and amorphous states, respectively. The classic two-phase percolation model was used for the amorphous-state composites. Furthermore, a three-phase model consisting of interfacial regions was created for the crystalline-state composites.

The deviation of nano fillers mechanical reinforcements was disclosed as the composites triggered thermal transitions. Modified percolation theory involving the interfacial effects greatly enhanced the simulation accuracy.

The study made the traditional percolating theory suitable for dynamic modulus and polymorphs polymers in terms of mechanics, which may extend the potential application.

The findings may greatly benefit the development of novel interfacial reinforcing theory and intelligent polymeric nanocomposites featuring polymorphs and dynamic properties.

The purpose of this paper is to modify light hollow polymer microsphere (LHPM) with titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) to improve its compatibility with latex and apply the obtained nano-TiO2/LHPM composite particles in external wall thermal insulation coatings.

The nano-TiO2/LHPM composite particles were prepared via vigorous stirring. The morphology and chemical composition of the produced nano-TiO2/LHPM composite particles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectrum, thermo-gravimetric analyzer and Fourier transform infrared. The performance of this new composite coating was evaluated by checking its stability, density, radiation reflectivity, thermal conductivity and the resulting insulation temperature difference when forming coating film.

It was found that a 9:1 mass ratio of nano-TiO2/LHPM with total 10 weight per cent composite particles in the thermal insulation paint showed low density, good stability, low thermal conductivity (0.1687 W/m·K) and high insulation temperature difference (5.8°C).

The LHPM can be modified by other nanoparticles to improve its insulation performance in thermal insulation coatings.

This work provides a simple, robust, but effective approach to produce new thermal insulation coatings with nano-TiO2/LHPM composite particles.

This method for surface modification of LHPMs is novel and the modified hollow polymer microspheres could be applied to external wall insulation coatings.

The purpose of this paper is to present a clear picture of the key factors of blind via and through hole filling in electroplating, e.g. shape of via or hole, electroplating solution, process, as well as the developments of mechanisms and models.

First, the paper details the development trends and challenges of via filling. Then the research status of mechanisms, electroplating solutions, including base solution and additives, numerical model and mass transfer is described. Finally, through hole filling is briefly reviewed.

To achieve excellent via filling performance, the characteristics of the via or hole, the ratio of acid/copper, selection of additives and factors of mass transfer are comprehensively considered in terms of optimization of the electroplating process. It is beneficial to design vias with appropriate aspect ratios, to strengthen the adsorption of the accelerator in the via bottom, to inhibit the increase of surface copper thickness and to form butterfly-shaped copper in the centre of through holes. Optimized process parameters should be taken into consideration in superfilling.

The paper reviews different sets of additives, mechanisms and superfilling models for state-of-the-art via filling and the developments of filling for through holes.