Abdollah Afshar, Mohsen Shirazi, Masoud Rahman and Esmaeil Fakheri
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the galvanic corrosion of nitinol orthodontic wires with six dental alloys in artificial saliva and consider the effect of initiated…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the galvanic corrosion of nitinol orthodontic wires with six dental alloys in artificial saliva and consider the effect of initiated localized corrosion and real surfaces of anode and cathode on galvanic current.
Design/methodology/approach
Linear polarization and cyclic polarization curves for each alloy in de‐aerated Duffo and Castillo's artificial saliva are obtained. Galvanic corrosion investigation is conducted by polarization curve intersection and mixed potential theory methods. In order to verify the initiation of localized corrosion, scanning electron microscopy is used.
Findings
Initiation of localized corrosion on the anode increases the galvanic current up to 45 times and therefore considering the effect of localized corrosion on galvanic corrosion is necessary. Placing stainless steel brackets or Aristaloy amalgam in direct contact to nitinol arch wire is not recommended.
Originality/value
In order not to underestimate the galvanic corrosion between two alloys, it is recommended to consider the effects of localized corrosion and anode/cathode surface area ratio. In this paper, an electrochemical method for estimating these factors is proposed.
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Albert Ochien'g Abang'a and Venancio Tauringana
To investigate the impact of board characteristics (board gender diversity, board chair age, board subcommittees, board meetings, board skill, board size and board independence…
Abstract
Purpose
To investigate the impact of board characteristics (board gender diversity, board chair age, board subcommittees, board meetings, board skill, board size and board independence) on corporate social responsibility disclosures (CSRD) of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Kenya during the period 2015–2018.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed fixed-effects balanced panel data to examine the impact of board characteristics on CSRD. The analysis is repeated using two regression estimators (robust least square and random effects) and the four CSRD subcomponents to evaluate the robustness of the main analysis.
Findings
The results established that board gender diversity, board chair age and board subcommittees had significant negative effects on CSRD. The impact of the remaining board characteristics was found to be insignificant.
Research limitations/implications
The study was limited to the disclosures included in the annual reports, which means that information disclosed in other media, like websites, was not considered. The second limitation concerns mediating and moderator variables that were not considered.
Practical implications
There is a need for a stricter corporate governance implementation mechanism, as opposed to the “comply or explain” principle, since results suggest that most of the board characteristics do not appear to be impactful. Additionally, the low level of reported CSRD calls for the establishment of Corporate Social Responsibility or related committees.
Social implications
The evidence suggests that SOEs are reluctant to report on issues such as ethics, health and safety initiatives, environment and social investments.
Originality/value
The paper extends the literature on the impact of board characteristics on CSRD in unlisted non-commercial SOEs in a developing country context.
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Abdul Rahman Ahsan Usmani, Abdalrahman Elshafey, Masoud Gheisari, Changsaar Chai, Eeydzah Binti Aminudin and Cher Siang Tan
Three dimensional (3 D) laser scanner surveying is widely used in many fields, such as agriculture, mining and heritage documentation and can be of great benefit for as-built…
Abstract
Purpose
Three dimensional (3 D) laser scanner surveying is widely used in many fields, such as agriculture, mining and heritage documentation and can be of great benefit for as-built documentation in construction and facility management domains. However, there is lack of applied research and use cases integrating 3 D laser scanner surveying with building information modeling (BIM) for existing facilities in Malaysia. This study aims to develop a scan to as-built BIM workflow to use 3 D laser scanner surveying and create as-built building information models of an existing complex facility in Malaysia.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study approach was followed to develop a scan to as-built BIM workflow through four main steps: 3 D laser scanning, data preprocessing, data registration and building information modeling.
Findings
This case study proposes a comprehensive scan to as-built BIM workflow which illustrates all the required steps to create a precise 3 D as-built building information model from scans. This workflow was successfully implemented to the Eco-Home facility at the Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.
Originality/value
Scan to as-built BIM is a digital alternative to manual and tedious process of documentation of as-built condition of a facility and provides a detail process using laser scans to create as-built building information models of facilities.
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Masoud Rahiminezhad Galankashi, Syed Ahmad Helmi, Abd. Rahman Abdul Rahim and Farimah Mokhatab Rafiei
The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to assess the agility of manufacturing companies.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework to assess the agility of manufacturing companies.
Design/methodology/approach
Particularly, three supply chain logistic drivers (facility, transportation and inventory) along with three cross-functional drivers (information, sourcing and pricing) are selected as the main sets to classify all required activities of agility. In addition, supply chain contracts, as an important indicator of supply chain agility, is also considered to categorize the activities. These activities are ranked using an (AHP) and then categorized based on the major perspectives of agility. Finally, using a cycle view of supply chain, the developed activities are categorized as the major policies of supply chain’s echelons.
Findings
This study developed a framework to evaluate the agility of manufacturing companies. Operational activities of agile supply chain strategy (ASCS) in addition to supply chain contracts are determined and categorized with regard to supply chain drivers.
Originality/value
This study contributes to recognizing, ranking and classifying the operational activities of ASCS with regard to logistics and cross-functional drivers of supply chain. In addition, this study considers the supply chain contracts in conjunction with supply chain drivers. From the theoretic and methodological features, to the best of authors’ knowledge, this study contributes to offer new insights to this area as no similar research has been conducted before.
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The purpose of this paper is to systematically review how agency and stakeholder theories are integrated within corporate governance and environmental disclosure practices in the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to systematically review how agency and stakeholder theories are integrated within corporate governance and environmental disclosure practices in the UAE, highlighting their relevance and adaptation to a distinct economic and regulatory environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a comprehensive qualitative methodology, this study synthesises a broad spectrum of existing theoretical and empirical research to explore the dynamics of corporate governance mechanisms regarding environmental sustainability. This approach enables a detailed examination of how agency theory’s focus on principal–agent relationships complements stakeholder theory’s broader view of corporate responsibilities.
Findings
This research uncovers significant insights into corporate conduct and responsibility, emphasising the need to balance shareholder objectives with broader stakeholder interests. It identifies key challenges in this integration, such as managing the complexities and potential conflicts between different stakeholder demands. The findings underscore the crucial role of specialised governance mechanisms, like board characteristics and committees, in enhancing environmental transparency and accountability.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the academic discourse by shedding light on the interplay between corporate governance frameworks and environmental disclosure practices within the UAE. It offers fresh insights into applying established theories in a non-Western context. These insights are precious for academics, practitioners and policymakers interested in refining corporate governance and promoting environmental responsibility. The practical implications drawn from the findings empower stakeholders to implement effective strategies that can enhance a firm’s reputation, legitimacy and long-term viability.
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Masoud Karami, Omid Olfati and Alan J. Dubinsky
By reviewing Iranian cultural values, this paper aims to identify Iranian cultural values that underlie consumers’ buying behaviours.
Abstract
Purpose
By reviewing Iranian cultural values, this paper aims to identify Iranian cultural values that underlie consumers’ buying behaviours.
Design/methodology/approach
The study is an exploratory research; data are analysed through both exploratory and confirmatory factors analyses.
Findings
Based on research findings, 20 values can be subsumed under seven meaningful dimensions: cosmopolitanism, innovation, convenience, youthfulness, partiality, other-directedness and faithfulness. Cosmopolitanism was found to be the most influential value affecting consumer buying behaviour; faithfulness was the least important dimension.
Research limitations/implications
This research is based on quantitative data; using qualitative research or mixed method will enrich the findings. In addition, study findings are not generalisable to different aspects of cultural values and consumption in Iran. Therefore, future work should explore how cultural values influence their buying behaviour in Iran as one of major Islamic countries.
Practical implications
From a practical marketing perspective, firms interested in pursuing Iranian markets should consider modern cultural values in their product decisions and marketing communications to foster Iranian consumers’ attention and ultimately their purchase decisions.
Originality/value
The authors believe that this research can arouse sales and marketing managers to be alert for considering Iranian cultural values in their marketing mix decisions. This research also has managerial and research implications for designing and formulating promotion strategy in managing firms’ marketing communication.
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The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry exists in a dynamic environment and requires several stakeholders to communicate regularly. However, evidence…
Abstract
Purpose
The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry exists in a dynamic environment and requires several stakeholders to communicate regularly. However, evidence indicates current communication practices fail to meet the requirements of increasingly complex projects. With the advent of Industry 4.0, a trend is noted to create a digital communication environment between stakeholders. Identified as a central technology in Industry 4.0, virtual reality (VR) has the potential to supplement current communication and facilitate the digitization of the AEC industry. This paper aims to explore how VR has been applied and future research directions for communication purpose.
Design/methodology/approach
This research follows a systematic literature assessment methodology to summarize the results of 41 research articles in the last 15 years and outlines the applications of VR in facilitating communication in the AEC domain.
Findings
Relevant VR applications are mainly found in building inspection, facility management, safety training, construction education and design and review. Communication tools and affordance are provided or built in several forms: text-based tools, voice chat tool, visual sharing affordance and avatars. Objective and subjective communication assessments are observed from those publications.
Originality/value
This review contributes to identifying the recent employment areas and future research directions of VR to facilitate communication in the AEC domain. The outcome can be a practical resource to guide both industry professionals and researchers to recognize the potentials of VR and will ultimately facilitate the creation of digital construction environments.
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Ahmed Hassanein and Hana Tharwat
This chapter explores the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from an Islamic Shari'ah-compliant perspective. It provides a comprehensive literature review on CSR…
Abstract
This chapter explores the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) from an Islamic Shari'ah-compliant perspective. It provides a comprehensive literature review on CSR with an explicit focus on the Islamic perspective of CSR, Islamic models of CSR, CSR practices in conventional and Islamic banks, and the consequences of CSR to Islamic banks. This chapter's main contribution lies in considering the current CSR literature from a Shari'ah perspective. Likewise, it identifies gaps in the current literature and suggests potential areas for future research. This chapter attempts to improve the understanding of how Islamic banks integrate social responsibility into their operations. The insights from this chapter are helpful to practitioners and academic scholars in Islamic finance, accounting, and CSR. This chapter emphasizes the importance of incorporating Islamic values and principles into CSR practices and encourages further research and investigation in this area.
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Mohammad Masoud Nakhostin, Fariborz Jolai, Esmaeil Hadavandi and Mohammad Chavosh Nejad
The primary goal of this research is to introduce a data-driven Problem-Solving Approach for Performance Improvement in Healthcare Systems (DPAPIH). This approach combines process…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary goal of this research is to introduce a data-driven Problem-Solving Approach for Performance Improvement in Healthcare Systems (DPAPIH). This approach combines process mining and data mining techniques to enhance operational efficiency by identifying bottlenecks in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) procedures, particularly focusing on variability in Length of Stay (LOS) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The study, implemented at Tehran Heart Center, aims to optimize patient flow, reduce ICU congestion and improve hospital efficiency by predicting and managing the occurrence of postoperative Atrial Fibrillation (AF), a significant cause of prolonged ICU stays.
Design/methodology/approach
The study introduces a data-driven problem-solving approach that integrates process mining and data mining techniques to improve performance in healthcare systems. Focusing on coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) at Tehran Heart Center, the approach identifies bottlenecks, particularly variability in ICU length of stay (LOS) and predicts postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF). A mixed-methods approach is employed, combining quantitative process mining analyses with qualitative insights from expert consultations. The CHAID decision tree algorithm, alongside other models, is used to predict AF, enabling preemptive interventions, improving patient flow and optimizing resource allocation to reduce hospital congestion and costs.
Findings
The study reveals that postoperative Atrial Fibrillation (AF) significantly increases the length of stay (LOS) in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), creating bottlenecks that delay subsequent surgeries and elevate hospital costs. A predictive model developed using CHAID decision tree algorithms achieved a prediction accuracy of 71.4%, allowing healthcare providers to anticipate AF occurrences. This capability enables proactive measures to reduce ICU congestion, improve patient flow and optimize resource allocation. The findings emphasize the importance of AF management in enhancing operational efficiency and improving patient outcomes in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) procedures.
Originality/value
This study presents an innovative integration of fuzzy process mining and data mining algorithms to address performance bottlenecks in healthcare systems, specifically within the coronary artery bypass surgery process. By identifying atrial fibrillation as a key factor in length of stay fluctuations and developing a robust predictive model, the research offers a novel, data-driven approach to performance improvement. The implementation at Tehran Heart Center validates the model’s practical applicability, demonstrating significant potential for enhancing patient outcomes, optimizing resource allocation and informing decision-making in healthcare management.
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Hossein Shakibaei, Mohammad Reza Farhadi-Ramin, Mohammad Alipour-Vaezi, Amir Aghsami and Masoud Rabbani
Every day, small and big incidents happen all over the world, and given the human, financial and spiritual damage they cause, proper planning should be sought to deal with them so…
Abstract
Purpose
Every day, small and big incidents happen all over the world, and given the human, financial and spiritual damage they cause, proper planning should be sought to deal with them so they can be appropriately managed in times of crisis. This study aims to examine humanitarian supply chain models.
Design/methodology/approach
A new model is developed to pursue the necessary relations in an optimal way that will minimize human, financial and moral losses. In this developed model, in order to optimize the problem and minimize the amount of human and financial losses, the following subjects have been applied: magnitude of the areas in which an accident may occur as obtained by multiple attribute decision-making methods, the distances between relief centers, the number of available rescuers, the number of rescuers required and the risk level of each patient which is determined using previous data and machine learning (ML) algorithms.
Findings
For this purpose, a case study in the east of Tehran has been conducted. According to the results obtained from the algorithms, problem modeling and case study, the accuracy of the proposed model is evaluated very well.
Originality/value
Obtaining each injured person's priority using ML techniques and each area's importance or risk level, besides developing a bi-objective mathematical model and using multiple attribute decision-making methods, make this study unique among very few studies that concern ML in the humanitarian supply chain. Moreover, the findings validate the results and the model's functionality very well.