Mohamed A. Shaheen, Lee S. Cunningham and Andrew S.J. Foster
The effect of bolt stripping failure on the ductility of steel end plate beam-column connections has received relatively little investigation to date. The objective with the…
Abstract
Purpose
The effect of bolt stripping failure on the ductility of steel end plate beam-column connections has received relatively little investigation to date. The objective with the present work is to establish a validated numerical model of end plate connections at elevated temperatures, which predicts the mechanical behaviour and failure modes observed in the experimental tests including the bolt stripping failure. Furthermore, the validated FE model was used to investigate the effect of stripping failure on both the rotational and load-bearing capacity of end plate connection.
Design/methodology/approach
The analysis was conducted on a validated numerical model of end plate connections at elevated temperatures, which predicts the mechanical behaviour and failure modes observed in the experimental tests including the bolt stripping failure. The material was modelled considering ductile damage initiation and evolution featured in ABAQUS/Standard.
Findings
This study demonstrates that thick end plates can prevent stripping failure which significantly improves the rotational capacity of the connection. This failure mode can develop readily with thin end plates; however the effect is often unrealistically mitigated through idealised experimental tests. The rotational capacity of a connection can be 5.0 times higher if stripping failure is avoided, particularly at elevated temperatures. Eurocode 3 part 1.8 does not consider the possibility of stripping failure when discussing the requirements for plastic analysis. It is concluded in the present study that by allowing for the possibility of bolt stripping, the mode of failure can often shift from end plate failure to bolt stripping, this in turn significantly reduces the connection rotational capacity.
Originality/value
The effect of bolt stripping failure on the ductility of steel end plate beam-column connections has received relatively little investigation to date.
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Mohamed Abulgasem Elhaj, Nurul Aini Muhamed and Nathasa Mazna Ramli
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of board attributes on Sukuk rating in firms listed in Bursa Malaysia (Malaysian Stock Exchange) during the period of 2008…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of board attributes on Sukuk rating in firms listed in Bursa Malaysia (Malaysian Stock Exchange) during the period of 2008 to 2013.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses ordinal logit regression model to examine the influence of board attributes (CEO-chairman duality, board size and board independence) on the dependent variable (RATING).
Findings
The findings of this paper generally support the agency theory and stakeholder theory. Results show that after controlling for firm characteristics, the Sukuk rating is positively associated with CEO-chairman duality, board size and board independence; and negatively correlated with leverage while positively related to profitability and size. The findings of this study also provide evidence that having two positions in an organization as CEO and chairman could have added higher responsibility towards making corporate decisions and provide better Sukuk rating performance. In addition, findings show that the larger the board size, the better Sukuk rating. Also, higher board independence enjoys higher rating.
Research limitations/implications
This study was limited to the investigation of the relationship between board attributes (CEO duality, board size and board independence) on Sukuk ratings using aggregate data from 2008 to 2013 among Malaysian Sukuk issuers.
Practical implications
The findings of this paper describe the impact of board attributes on Sukuk rating in Malaysian Sukuk market which in turn gives the useful insights to many of the actors in the markets such as issuers, investors and policymakers which can be relied upon in making strategic decisions to issue and invest in Islamic bonds in Malaysian market. In addition, the findings could prove to be useful also for regulators because they are responsible for the acceptable level of corporate governance standards.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the body of knowledge by focusing heavily on enhancing Sukuk ratings by reducing conflict between managers and Sukuk holders in Malaysia. Additionally, this study benefits from the agency theory and stakeholder theory to provide evidence on the effect of board attributes on Sukuk rating.
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Ali Shams Nateri, Abbas Hajipour, Saeedeh Balarak and Gholam Khayati
This study aimed to Simultaneous matching of color and antimicrobial properties of silk fabric treated with silver nanoparticle. The antimicrobial finishing using silver…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aimed to Simultaneous matching of color and antimicrobial properties of silk fabric treated with silver nanoparticle. The antimicrobial finishing using silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) is one of the most important finishing processes in the textile industry. Color matching is widely applied in the textile industry, but there has been a need for the prediction of AgNPs concentration for the matching of dyed silver-treated samples.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, the silk fabrics were dyed with various concentrations of C.I. Acid Red 359 dye at 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 per cent (w/w). The dyed fabrics were then coated with AgNPs in several concentrations at 0.015, 0.030, 0.050, 0.100 and 0.250 ml/l. The prediction of dye and AgNPs concentrations were evaluated using single constant color matching and artificial neural network techniques.
Findings
The obtained results indicate that the accuracy of dye concentration prediction, as well as AgNPs concentration prediction, was improved by using a neural network method. Also, the correlation between actual and predicted dye and AgNPs concentrations in the best neural networks is more than the single constant color matching method.
Originality/value
Simultaneous antibacterial and color matching of nanosilver-treated fabric is novel. This method achieved acceptable accuracy for antibacterial and color matching.
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Mohamed H. Sharaf, Adham M. Nagiub, Salem S. Salem, Mohamed H. Kalaba, Esmail M. El Fakharany and Hamada Abd El-Wahab
This study aims to focus on the preparation and characterization of the silver nanowire (AgNWs), as well as their application as antimicrobial and antivirus activities either with…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the preparation and characterization of the silver nanowire (AgNWs), as well as their application as antimicrobial and antivirus activities either with incorporation on the waterborne coating formulation or on their own.
Design/methodology/approach
Prepared AgNWs are characterized by different analytical instruments, such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscope, scanning electron microscope and X-ray diffraction spectrometer. All the paint formulation's physical and mechanical qualities were tested using American Society for Testing and Materials, a worldwide standard test procedure. The biological activities of the prepared AgNWs and the waterborne coating based on AgNWs were investigated. And, their effects on pathogenic bacteria, antioxidants, antiviral activity and cytotoxicity were also investigated.
Findings
The obtained results of the physical and mechanical characteristics of the paint formulation demonstrated the formulations' greatest performance, as well as giving good scrub resistance and film durability. In the antimicrobial activity, the paint did not have any activity against bacterial pathogen, whereas the AgNWs and AgNWs with paint have similar activity against bacterial pathogen with inhibition zone range from 10 to 14 mm. The development of antioxidant and cytotoxicity activity of the paint incorporated with AgNWs were also observed. The cytopathic effects of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) were reduced in all three investigated modes of action when compared to the positive control group (HSV-1-infected cells), suggesting that these compounds have promising antiviral activity against a wide range of viruses, including DNA and RNA viruses.
Originality/value
The new waterborne coating based on nanoparticles has the potential to be promising in the manufacturing and development of paints, allowing them to function to prevent the spread of microbial infection, which is exactly what the world requires at this time.
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Abdulrahman Al-Shami, Rami Joseph Oweis and Mohamed Ghazi Al-Fandi
This paper aims to report on the development of a novel electrochemical amperometric immunosensor to diagnose early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by detecting the Midkine (MDK…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to report on the development of a novel electrochemical amperometric immunosensor to diagnose early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by detecting the Midkine (MDK) biomarker.
Design/methodology/approach
Anti-Midkine antibodies were immobilized covalently through carbodiimides chemistry on carbon screen-printed electrodes modified with carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes. The development process was characterized using cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedimetric spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. Differential pulse voltammetry was used to investigate the immunosensor performance in detecting MDK antigen within the concentration range of 1 pg/ml to 100 ng/ml.
Findings
MDK immunosensor exhibited high sensitivity and linearity with a detection limit of 0.8 pg/ml and a correlation coefficient of 0.99. The biosensor also demonstrated high selectivity, stability and reproducibility.
Originality/value
The developed MDK immunosensor could be a promising tool to diagnose HCC and reduce the number of related deaths.
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Ahmad Ali Almohtaseb, Mohmmad Adnan Yousef Almahameed, Hisham A. Kareem Shaheen and Mohammad Haroon Jarrar Al Khattab
The purpose of this paper is to formulate a model for developing, implementing and evaluating performance management systems in Jordan public universities that will ensure the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to formulate a model for developing, implementing and evaluating performance management systems in Jordan public universities that will ensure the successful achievement of their set goals in the competitive dynamic environment.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a conceptual paper that focuses on the model for developing, implementing and evaluating performance management systems by public universities in developing countries.
Findings
As the focus is on a conceptual model for performance management systems in public universities in developing country, it is yet to be empirically tested.
Research limitations/implications
The conceptual model is limited to developing, implementing and evaluating performance management systems by public universities in developing countries.
Practical implications
The implementation and evaluation of performance management systems by public universities in Jordan and developing countries will ensure successful achievement of their set goals in the competitive dynamic environment.
Originality/value
The originality of the paper lies in its methodology. In this paper, an innovative conceptual model is proposed for developing, implementing and evaluating performance management systems by public universities in developing countries.
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The purpose of this paper is to present a newly developed fuzzy-set based model for estimating, allocating, depleting, and managing contingency fund over the life cycle of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a newly developed fuzzy-set based model for estimating, allocating, depleting, and managing contingency fund over the life cycle of construction projects.
Design/methodology/approach
Fuzzy set theory is utilized in the design and development of proposed contingency modelling framework to incorporate uncertainties associated with the development phases of construction projects. A set of developed indices, measures, and ratios are introduced to quantify and characterize these uncertainties. The developed framework is designed to incorporate expert opinion and provide user-system interaction.
Findings
The results obtained from the application of the developed framework on actual project case not only illustrate its accuracy, but also demonstrate its capabilities for contingency management over life cycle of construction projects. Unlike other methods, the framework provides project managers with structured method for contingency depletion utilizing a set of depletion curves and selection factors.
Originality/value
The novelty of the developed framework lies not only in its new developments for contingency estimating but also its modelling for contingency allocation and depletion. It is expected to be of direct value to industry professionals and academics interested in contingency management over the entire life cycle of construction projects. The proposed framework provides management functions and features beyond those generated through Monte Carlo simulation and even those developed using fuzzy set theory.
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Mohamed Mousa, Hala Abdelgaffar, Islam Elbayoumi Salem, Ahmed Mohamed Elbaz and Walid Chaouali
This study aims to investigate the perceptions of female tour guides’ lower and top levels of management in travel agencies about how misunderstanding Islam and its culture may…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the perceptions of female tour guides’ lower and top levels of management in travel agencies about how misunderstanding Islam and its culture may engender the poor representation of women in the tour guide profession.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research method is used, and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 32 full-time female tour guides working at several travel agencies in Egypt. Thematic analysis helped extract main ideas from the transcripts.
Findings
The representation of female tour guides in travel agencies is shaped by the following three determinants: religious (familial obligations and marital status), contextual (nature of tour guide activities, poor representation of women in senior tourism-related jobs, cronyism, sexual harassment and spread of foreign female tour guides) and media influence. Understanding these three factors may enable a more comprehensive representation of female tour guides.
Practical implications
Female tour guides could work closely with tourism policymakers in Egypt to shape the media messages about them. This might include elaborating on the main challenges faced by female tour guides. Social support from families and friends may allow female tour guides more freedom and empowerment.
Originality/value
This study contributes by filling a gap in tourism, human resources management and gender studies in which empirical studies on the representation of females in travel agencies have been limited so far.
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Raisa Tasneem Zaman and Md. Fazla Mohiuddin
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how menstruation specific stigma and behavior impacts female employee performance in Bangladesh. Besides, it aims to investigate if…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate how menstruation specific stigma and behavior impacts female employee performance in Bangladesh. Besides, it aims to investigate if nonwork-related stress has any mediating role in the menstruation-related stigma–employee performance and menstruation-related behavior–employee performance relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual model is developed and tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) 25. A total of 400 respondents participated in a self-administered survey, of which 375 questionnaires were retained after discarding questionnaires with incomplete responses.
Findings
Stigma and behavior related to menstruation were found to have a significant negative effect on female employee performance. Menstruation specific nonwork-related stress was found to partially mediate between menstruation-related stigma–employee performance and menstruation-related behavior–employee performance relationship.
Originality/value
This is the first study to link menstruation specific stigma and behavior and female employee performance using SEM in the context of the Bangladeshi women employees. It is also the first study to investigate the mediating role of nonwork-related stress in the menstruation specific stigma–employee performance and menstruation specific behavior–employee performance relationship in the context of Bangladeshi women employees.
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Mohamed Mousa, Doaa Althalathini and Hala Abdelgaffar
The purpose of this study is to investigate how cronyism is employed by some married female faculty to secure workplace rights and privileges.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate how cronyism is employed by some married female faculty to secure workplace rights and privileges.
Design/methodology/approach
A qualitative research design is employed and interviews were conducted with 32 female academics working at four different universities.
Findings
The narrative demonstrates the gendered use of cronyism at work – pre-COVID-19, during which female academics had to work full-time and be present on school campuses, and after COVID-19 pandemic, when academic working conditions changed due to the lockdown of university campuses and the reliance on remote online protocols to fulfil academic duties. The paper shows an increased use of cronyism as a mechanism to reduce heavy workloads. This type of cronyism is known as the expectation of mutual favour cronyism, which means that benefits are exchanged between a female academic and the chair of her department and/or the school rector, but the interests of the university they work in are not taken into consideration.
Originality/value
Virtually, no research exists on the sociocultural determinants of nepotism that undermine the professional performance of female academics at work. The authors draw on social exchange theory and the norm of negative reciprocity to identify the conditions under which social capital is undermined. The results have important implications for theory, practice and future research.