Hung‐Yi Lu, Hsin‐Ya Hou, Tzong‐Horng Dzwo, Yi‐Chen Wu, James E. Andrews, Shao‐Ting Weng, Mei‐Chun Lin and Jun‐Ying Lu
The melamine milk scandal caused a crisis of confidence in food containing dairy products. The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of precautionary behaviour to…
Abstract
Purpose
The melamine milk scandal caused a crisis of confidence in food containing dairy products. The purpose of this paper is to explore the determinants of precautionary behaviour to avoid food containing dairy products among Taiwanese college students.
Design/methodology/approach
Of the total respondents selected using a multistage cluster sampling plan, 1,213 respondents completed the questionnaire.
Findings
The survey results showed that subjective norms, attitude, perceived behavioural control, attention to news, and perceived credibility of information are significantly associated with the intention to take precautionary behaviour.
Originality/value
The paper developed a modified theory of planned behaviour (TPB) that focused on attention and perceived credibility of milk scandal‐related information as additional determinants of precautionary behaviour to avoid food containing dairy products. The inclusion of attention and perceived credibility of information constructs enabled a better model fit than that of the TPB model.
Details
Keywords
Jun Ying Liu, Sui Pheng Low and Miaomiao Niu
In recent years, several high‐profile cross‐border acquisitions made by Chinese enterprises have attracted the world's attention. However, none of these acquisitions were related…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, several high‐profile cross‐border acquisitions made by Chinese enterprises have attracted the world's attention. However, none of these acquisitions were related to Chinese construction enterprises despite their expanding role in the international construction market. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the objectives and impediments faced by Chinese construction enterprises in cross‐border acquisitions based on existing theories and research studies.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a literature review and the analysis of the current status of cross‐border acquisitions in China, an industry‐wide questionnaire survey was conducted to investigate the objectives and impediments of cross‐border acquisitions faced by Chinese construction enterprises.
Findings
The main objective of Chinese construction enterprises towards cross‐border acquisitions is to create new markets and to optimize the industrial structure. Although a majority of the construction enterprises demonstrated an intention for cross‐border acquisitions which is driven by their past and current overseas activities, their preparation for cross‐border acquisitions is impeded by concerns over post‐acquisition issues and a lack of knowledge and experience.
Originality/value
The paper originally contributes to a better understanding of the current status of cross‐border acquisitions by Chinese construction enterprises based on an analysis of their objectives and impediments, which will be useful for researchers and practitioners.
Details
Keywords
Xue-Jun Cui, Ying-Jun Zhang, Bao-Jie Dou, Xian-Guang Zeng and Xiu-Zhou Lin
This paper aims to investigate the effects of deposition time on the structure and anti-corrosion properties of a micro-arc oxidation (MAO)/Al coating on AZ31B Mg alloy.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effects of deposition time on the structure and anti-corrosion properties of a micro-arc oxidation (MAO)/Al coating on AZ31B Mg alloy.
Design/methodology/approach
The study describes the fabrication of the coating via a combined process of MAO with multi-arc ion plating. The structure, composition and corrosion resistance of the coatings were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and electrochemical methods.
Findings
The Al-layer is tightly deposited with a good mechanical interlock along the rough interface due to the Al diffusion. However, the Al layer reduces the anti-corrosion of MAO-coated Mg alloy because of structural defects such as droplets and cavities, which act as channels for corrosive media infiltration towards the substrate. Fortunately, the Al layer improves the substrate corrosion resistance owing to its passive behaviour, and the corrosion resistance can be enhanced with increasing deposition time. All results indicate that a buffer layer fabricated through the duplex process improves the interfacial compatibility between the hard coating and soft Mg alloys.
Originality/value
An MAO/Al duplex coating was fabricated via a combined process of MAO and physical vapour deposition. MAO/Al duplex coatings exhibit obviously passive behaviours on AZ31 Mg alloy. The structure and corrosion resistance of MAO/Al coatings were investigated.