Usama Afzal, Kanza Maryam, Fatima Afzal and Muhammad Aslam
The purpose of this study is to fabricate a highly sensitive humidity sensor for observing the humidity effect on a robot’s body as an application of the Internet of Things. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to fabricate a highly sensitive humidity sensor for observing the humidity effect on a robot’s body as an application of the Internet of Things. The sensor has been fabricated by depositing a thin sensing layer of nickel phthalocyanine (NiPc) between two silver electrodes.
Design/methodology/approach
The structure of the thin film was observed by X-ray diffraction, optical properties by UV Vis and surface morphology by scanning electron microscope. The capacitance and the resistance with respect to change in relative humidity from 0 to 100%RH have been measured by LCR meter at 1 kHz.
Findings
The sensor’s response time is 7.5 s and its recovery time is 3.7 s, with high sensitivity of 127,259 pF/%RH and 332.287 MΩ/%RH. The authors have also used a proposed sensor on a steel body and observed humidity values. The analysis of all measured values was performed through the classical and neutrosophic approaches. By comparing, the authors have observed that the neutrosophic approach is more efficient in analyzing the sensor data.
Originality/value
In this work, the authors will fabricate a capacitive and resistive-type humidity sensor using the thin film of NiPc. The structural, optical and morphological properties of NiPc thin film will be investigated with different characterization techniques. The electric properties, i.e. capacitance and resistance, will be measured at intervals with an LCR meter by changing relative humidity (%RH). Moreover, the measured data will be analyzed through different statistical approaches, as already used in [12].
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Muhammad Sami Ur Rehman, Muhammad Tariq Shafiq and Muneeb Afzal
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the global economy and, thus, the global construction industry. This paper aims to study the impact of COVID-19 on…
Abstract
Purpose
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has affected the global economy and, thus, the global construction industry. This paper aims to study the impact of COVID-19 on construction project performance in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a qualitative and exploratory approach to investigate the impact of COVID-19 and its policies on project performance in the UAE construction industry in critical areas of the project management body of knowledge (e.g. schedule, cost, resources and contracts). Semi-structured interview questions were asked from ten construction professional to obtain valuable insights into the pandemic’s effects on the UAE construction industry and the effectiveness of policies implemented to rectify the damage and identify the industry’s new normal.
Findings
The findings indicate that the construction industry faced several challenges such as schedule delays, disrupted cashflows, delayed permits, approvals and inspections, travel restrictions, serious health and safety concerns, material and equipment shortages, among others which hindered the timely delivery of construction projects. It also indicates that efforts made by the government institutions and the construction industry of the UAE such as economic support programs, digitization of processes, fee and fine waivers, health facilities, among other statutory relaxations proved effective in supporting the construction industry against the adverse effects of the pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
The research findings are limited to the literature review and ten semi-structured interviews seeking an expert’s opinion from industry professionals working in the UAE construction industry. The research team did not get access to project documents, contracts and project progress reports which may be required to validate the interview findings, and to perform an in-depth analysis quantifying the impact of COVID 19 on construction projects performance, which is a limitation of this research.
Practical implications
The implication is that, owing to the imposed lockdowns and strict precautionary measures to curb the rapid spread of the pandemic, smooth execution of the construction project across the country was affected. The government institutions and stakeholders of the construction projects introduced and implemented various techniques and solutions which effectively handled the implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on the construction industry of the UAE.
Originality/value
This study has identified the challenges faced by the construction industry of the UAE in the context of the management of project schedule, project cost, construction contracts, health and safety of construction employees and other related aspects of the construction projects. This study also identified the techniques and solutions adopted by various public and private institutions of the country and their implications on construction projects. Therefore, this study provides guidelines for policymakers and future research studies alike.
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M. Afzal, C. Obuekwe, A.R. Khan and H. Barakat
This paper seeks to investigate Cordia myxa L. (CM) extracts as hepatoprotective agents, through their antioxidant activities.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to investigate Cordia myxa L. (CM) extracts as hepatoprotective agents, through their antioxidant activities.
Design/methodology/approach
Oxydative liver damage in rats was induced in Wister rats by two agents: carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4) and thioacetamide (TA). Oxydative damage was evaluated by a measurement of aspartate transaminase (AST), glutamate transaminase (ALT) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), in sera of the rats. Several extracts of Cordia myxa were prepared and were fed to experimental animals over a period of two weeks. Liver recovery was assessed by measuring the above hepatic enzymes and their comparison with the control group of animals. Phenolic content of the extracts was measured by Folin‐Ciocalteu reagent and was calculated as gallic acid equivalents. α,α‐diphenyl‐β‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay was used to measure antiradical activity of the extracts and it was compared with ascorbic acid.
Findings
Maximum fruit extract can be obtained by hand‐macerating the peeled fruit rich in phenolic content 11.1±1.47 mg/g gallic acid equivalent. Its antiradical activity was measured as 16.34±0.81 that was calculated as 10.0±1.24 ascorbic acid equivalent. CCl4 and TA induced comparable oxidative liver damage as measured through hepatic enzymes. A significant (p=0.05) liver recovery was noticed when animals treated with CCl4/TA were fed with CM extracts.
Originality/value
The study reports the protective role of C. myxa in chemically induced fibrosis by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and thioacetamide (TA).
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Seyi S. Stephen, Ayodeji E. Oke, Clinton O. Aigbavboa, Opeoluwa I. Akinradewo, Pelumi E. Adetoro and Matthew Ikuabe
This chapter delved into the multifaceted landscape of construction partnering, exploring its key aspects, promotion factors, and associated challenges. It examined how partnering…
Abstract
This chapter delved into the multifaceted landscape of construction partnering, exploring its key aspects, promotion factors, and associated challenges. It examined how partnering principles are applied in various construction contexts, including stealth construction, where integration of advanced technologies and collaborative practices is pivotal. Moreover, it highlighted the significance of partnering in addressing crucial considerations such as environmental protection, health and safety, project delivery duration, aesthetics, and economy during and after the construction phase. Through collaborative efforts and shared responsibilities, construction partnering emerges as a cornerstone for achieving excellence and sustainability in the built environment.
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Diego Norena-Chavez and Eleftherios Thalassinos
This research aimed to determine the mediating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and leadership styles. Two hundred…
Abstract
This research aimed to determine the mediating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and leadership styles. Two hundred hardware and footwear entrepreneurs from the Las Malvinas Commercial Emporium, Lima, Peru were surveyed. The partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) multivariate statistical technique was applied for data analysis. It was found that there is a complementary mediating effect of entrepreneurial self-efficacy in the relationship between entrepreneurial passion and leadership styles. On the other hand, it was concluded that entrepreneurial passion has a positive influence on entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Likewise, there is a positive influence of entrepreneurial self-efficacy on leadership styles, and there is a positive influence of entrepreneurial passion for leadership styles. This research contributed theoretically to the academic literature and provided empirical evidence of the relationship of the proposed variables; it proved a new predictive and explanatory structural model that can now be used in future research worldwide and generated a model of the studied variables that are useful for both academia and the business world.
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Nawazish Mirza, Muhammad Umar, Rashid Sbia and Mangafic Jasmina
The blue and green firms are notable contributors to sustainable development. Similar to other businesses in circular economies, blue and green firms also face financing…
Abstract
Purpose
The blue and green firms are notable contributors to sustainable development. Similar to other businesses in circular economies, blue and green firms also face financing constraints. This paper aims to assess whether blue and green lending help in optimizing the interest rate spreads and the likelihood of default.
Design/methodology/approach
This analysis is based on an unbalanced panel of banks from 20 eurozone countries for eleven years between 2012 and 2022. The key indicators of banking include interest rate spread and a market-based probability of default. The paper assesses how these indicators are influenced by exposure to green and blue firms after controlling for several exogenous factors.
Findings
The results show a positive relationship between green and blue lending and spread, while there is a negative link with the probability of default. This confirms that the blue and green exposure positively supports the credit portfolio both in terms of profitability and risk management.
Originality/value
The banking system is among the key contributors to corporate finance and to enable continuous access to sustainable finance, the banking firms must be incentivized. While many studies analyze the impact of green lending, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is among the very few that extend this analysis to blue economy firms.
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Amani Mallat, Demetris Vrontis and Alkis Thrassou
This study aims to provide insights into the public–private partnerships (PPP) concept and its performance measurement in the health-care sector, identifying and refining critical…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide insights into the public–private partnerships (PPP) concept and its performance measurement in the health-care sector, identifying and refining critical success factors, including the perceived quality of health care, as evidenced by patient satisfaction and policy requirements for successful PPP implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
This theoretical study explores the existing literature on the relationship between service quality and patient satisfaction, to propose a culture-specific conceptual model interlinking the drivers of patient satisfaction with PPP. The in-depth theoretical research focuses on the qualitative performance indicators of PPPs, as well as their corresponding peripheral factors.
Findings
The research presents theoretical evidence that the concept of patient satisfaction can only be viewed through a multifactor perspective that incorporates demographics of patients, perceived service quality factors and emotions. It is found that significant improvements in service quality and patient satisfaction do, indeed, emphasize the effective role of PPP in hospitals.
Practical implications
The theoretical model is based on a comprehensive set of both cognitive and affective determinants. And considering these, as well as their causes, effects and interrelations, sets the foundations for testing and for further research to develop. Moreover, the outcomes of this study can be used as a theoretical base for the development of a PPP qualitative performance measurement framework.
Originality/value
This study attempts to fill the gap in knowledge on service quality and patient satisfaction as qualitative indicators for hospital performance after and toward PPP, while setting explicit factors and opening clear research avenues for further studies to follow.
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Edward K. Ayimey, Robert J. Blomme, Ad Kil and Ben Q. Honyenuga
The paper discusses how market orientation impacts marketing performance in the hotel industry of Ghana. The research was a qualitative research that covered a sample of…
Abstract
The paper discusses how market orientation impacts marketing performance in the hotel industry of Ghana. The research was a qualitative research that covered a sample of nineteen19 hotels in Ghana by using a two-stage nonprobability sampling comprising convenience sampling and purposive sampling. Personal interviews were conducted to collect primary and qualitative data from hotel managers of the sampled hotels. Template analysis was used to analyze the data in order to understand how market orientation impacts selected marketing performance indicators. The study has provided insight into how market orientation impacts marketing performance indicators, precisely sales growth, customer complaints, customer satisfaction, and customer retention. The limitations of the study are that it is a cross-sectional study and it involved only officials of the hotels as participants. Also, the study does not explain how customers perceive market orientation practices and how market orientation affects customer buying behavior. Research implications are that longitudinal research design and involvement of customers as participants should be considered in future-related qualitative studies. The contribution of this study to knowledge is that it has given some explanations to how market orientation impacts sales growth, customer complaints, customer satisfaction, and customer retention in the hotel business.
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Houria Hardouz, Amine Arfaoui and Ali Quyou
The present study aims to bring out the impact of consanguinity on spontaneous pregnancy loss (SPL) and on descendants’ health, among the population of north Morocco.
Abstract
Purpose
The present study aims to bring out the impact of consanguinity on spontaneous pregnancy loss (SPL) and on descendants’ health, among the population of north Morocco.
Design/methodology/approach
Convenience sampling was used for collecting data. A questionnaire was randomly administered to 385 couples represented by either the husband, the wife or both. The study lasted for three months, from January to March 2015.
Findings
In total, 238 valid questionnaires were analysed. The results showed that the consanguinity rate was 45.23% and that most consanguineous unions were between first cousins (91%). Data analysis revealed that SPL risk was similar in consanguineous and non-consanguineous couples (OR = 1.6; IC95% = 0.9–2.9). Also, no significant difference was observed in terms of SPL type (OR = 1.6; IC95% = 0.7–3.9) and frequency (p = 0.81). However, late SPL frequency was significantly lower in consanguineous couples (p < 0.001), whereas no significant difference was registered in terms of early SPL frequency (p = 0.73). On the other hand, consanguineous couples displayed a significantly higher risk of descendants’ health disorders in comparison with non-consanguineous ones. Moreover, the consanguineous couples had a significantly higher number of children with health disorders (p < 0.001). The risk analysis also showed that consanguineous couples displayed a significantly higher risk of congenital malformations (OR = 7.23; IC95% = 3.52–14.84) and multifactorial diseases (OR = 3.72; IC95% = 1.46–9.49), but no significant difference was observed in terms of behavioural disorders risk.
Originality/value
The population awareness regarding the negative effects of consanguinity should be raised through education programmes and premarital, prenatal and genetic counselling services.
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Mohammad Shahid, Yasin Ahmed Sulub, Mohammed Meeran Jasir Mohtesham and Mohammad Abdullah
This study aims to explore commonalities and differences between Islamic social finance (ISF) and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore commonalities and differences between Islamic social finance (ISF) and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
Design/methodology/approach
The study has adopted a qualitative library-based research method, and the secondary data is collected through the available literature on the topic.
Findings
This study concludes that the majority of SDGs are compatible with ISF. Moreover, it finds that the global ISF possesses adequate financial resources to assist Muslim majority nations in achieving some of the most critical and urgent SDGs on time.
Research limitations/implications
The scope of this study is confined to examining the possible role of ISF in achieving many of the most pressing development goals aligned with the SDGs. To maintain coherence within the study’s focus, this paper makes no comparisons between the ISF and other types of endowments/charities.
Practical implications
This paper outlines an agenda for the ISF-led development strategy and makes some crucial recommendations on how the global ISF might potentially lead the charge of Islamic charities in achieving the SDGs in Muslim majority nations.
Originality/value
This paper adds original value to the available literature on the potential of ISF and SDGs in the arena of development. The paper analyses the role of ISF in achieving the SDGs.