Ronan Hébert, Layla Beouch, Odile Fichet, Jean‐Philippe Bigas, Dominique Teyssié, Benoit Berthier and Jean‐Baptiste Prichystal
This paper aims to present a case study of some current disorders affecting the stone‐panels of façade claddings, i.e. cracking, spalling close to anchorage systems and staining…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a case study of some current disorders affecting the stone‐panels of façade claddings, i.e. cracking, spalling close to anchorage systems and staining. The purpose of this study is to identify the origin of the mechanical and chemical disorders of the carbonate rock thin panels of the “Les Chênes 1” building of the University of Cergy‐Pontoise (France).
Design/methodology/approach
Mapping of the disorders, anchorage system investigation at spallings, chemical analyses of oil‐like stains were performed in order to characterize both disorders. Porosity and capillarity properties of the rock were measured and compared between samples collected outside and within a stain.
Findings
Mechanical disorders result from vandalism or poor implementation. Spallings are disorders very likely in evolution. Their occurrence may increase through time. Stains are made of silicone destabilization products.
Originality/value
A model is proposed for the formation of oil‐like stains. Water is required to destabilize silicone sealant and to drive the migration of the degradation products through the porous media and towards the surface of the plate exposed to rainfall.
Details
Keywords
Music could be a challenger for mathematics and a potential candidate for the title “The Universal Language.” This paper aims to discuss the primary objectives of engaging with…
Abstract
Purpose
Music could be a challenger for mathematics and a potential candidate for the title “The Universal Language.” This paper aims to discuss the primary objectives of engaging with music, including the therapeutic benefits. Similarities, between mathematics and music and how studying one might enhance one’s abilities of the other are pointed out.
Design/methodology/approach
A formal definition for a universal language is given. A qualitative approach, supplemented with rigorous reasoning, is adopted. The narrative relies on the author’s experiences, teaching mathematical concepts and musical interactions, with students from several countries. A vast amount of literature is reviewed and the corresponding findings are connected toward the arguments made.
Findings
The paper demonstrates that one day, once we understand both mathematics and music better, we might see both of them as the same language. Until then, it is essential to supplement mathematics with music. The educational implications, for all fields, are to ensure that the future creators of knowledge are equally adept at both music and mathematics. The wider policy connotations are to create a blueprint for a society with a vibrant musical and artistic environment.
Originality/value
This study illuminates new ways of thinking about music and mathematics. The possibility that many seemingly complex entities (including our universe, virtual computer worlds, mathematical operations, etc.), are made up of combinations of much simpler building blocks is hinted at. Familiarity with any intricate element of life, without getting flustered, is bound to produce remarkable results in other such endeavors.
Details
Keywords
Pablo Zoghbi Manrique de Lara, Domingo Verano Tacoronte and Jyh‐Ming Ting Ding
This study aims to test the extent to which current coercive control strategies receive research support in controlling deviant workplace Internet behavior, also called…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to test the extent to which current coercive control strategies receive research support in controlling deviant workplace Internet behavior, also called cyberloafing. Consequently, it examines the relationship between cyberloafing and three classic coercive variables: perceived organizational control (POC), fear of formal punishment (FFP) and physical leadership proximity (LPP) as sensed by the employee. The model tested suggests that perceptions of leader physical proximity (LPP) antecede both the organizational amount of control (POC) and FFP and these both ones, in turn, affect cyberloafing. Additionally, the model suggests that POC increases FFP.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 147 (19.4 percent) of the 758 non‐teaching staff at a Spanish public university. Accessibility of individual e‐mail accounts was similar for all employees. E‐mails asking for collaboration were sent in two phases. A questionnaire was posted on the university intranet and could be accessed by clicking on a link in the e‐mails.
Findings
Structural equation modeling results show that LPP is a significant positively associated antecedent of POC and FFP. Moreover, POC, in turn, decreases cyberloafing, while FFP increases it.
Research limitations/implications
The researched employees have job conditions inherent to the peculiarities of the public sector which may limit the ability to extrapolate the findings in the private sector. The fear construct was assessed by a self‐supplied scale, and thus the presence of shades of other similar emotions could not be discounted. Findings provide a more understandable mechanism of the influence of supervisor proximity on cyberloafing.
Practical implications
These findings contribute to an understanding of the ways in which organizations can control cyberloafing and provide reservations about the intimidator strategy efficiency. Supervisor proximity through the employee's control senses appear as an effective strategy.
Originality/value
The study of the joint interaction of the cited coercive variables against cyberloafing is unprecedented.