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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2024

Aneel Manan, Pu Zhang, Shoaib Ahmad and Jawad Ahmad

The purpose of this study is to assess the incorporation of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars in concrete as a reinforcement enhances the corrosion resistance in a concrete…

143

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the incorporation of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) bars in concrete as a reinforcement enhances the corrosion resistance in a concrete structure. However, FRP bars are not practically used due to a lack of standard codes. Various codes, including ACI-440-17 and CSA S806-12, have been established to provide guidelines for the incorporation of FRP bars in concrete as reinforcement. The application of these codes may result in over-reinforcement. Therefore, this research presents the use of a machine learning approach to predict the accurate flexural strength of the FRP beams with the use of 408 experimental results.

Design/methodology/approach

In this research, the input parameters are the width of the beam, effective depth of the beam, concrete compressive strength, FRP bar elastic modulus and FRP bar tensile strength. Three machine learning algorithms, namely, gene expression programming, multi-expression programming and artificial neural networks, are developed. The accuracy of the developed models was judged by R2, root means squared and mean absolute error. Finally, the study conducts prismatic analysis by considering different parameters. including depth and percentage of bottom reinforcement.

Findings

The artificial neural networks model result is the most accurate prediction (99%), with the lowest root mean squared error (2.66) and lowest mean absolute error (1.38). In addition, the result of SHapley Additive exPlanation analysis depicts that the effective depth and percentage of bottom reinforcement are the most influential parameters of FRP bars reinforced concrete beam. Therefore, the findings recommend that special attention should be given to the effective depth and percentage of bottom reinforcement.

Originality/value

Previous studies revealed that the flexural strength of concrete beams reinforced with FRP bars is significantly influenced by factors such as beam width, effective depth, concrete compressive strength, FRP bars’ elastic modulus and FRP bar tensile strength. Therefore, a substantial database comprising 408 experimental results considered for these parameters was compiled, and a simple and reliable model was proposed. The model developed in this research was compared with traditional codes, and it can be noted that the model developed in this study is much more accurate than the traditional codes.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 71 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

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Article
Publication date: 23 September 2021

Shoaib Ahmad and Ghulamul Hasnain

Steel fibers reinforced concrete (SFRC) is now widely accepted as a construction material for its added benefits. The proven increases in high shear capacity, toughness, bridging…

229

Abstract

Purpose

Steel fibers reinforced concrete (SFRC) is now widely accepted as a construction material for its added benefits. The proven increases in high shear capacity, toughness, bridging action of fibers and bond improvement from addition of steel fibers into mix design is a field yet to be explored, Therefore, Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC) beam-column joint with steel fibers was modeled and analyzed for cyclic loading.

Design/methodology/approach

Beam-column joint is the most critical section of a structure under mixed loading such as that during a seismic episode. Therefore, in this research a reinforced SFRC beam column joint is modeled and analyzed for cyclic earthquake loading with the help of finite element analysis (FEA) software ABAQUS to compare the results with the experimental study.

Findings

Nonlinear static and nonlinear dynamic analysis are carried out on the SFRC joint for the comparison of simulated results with the experimental analysis.

Originality/value

In this paper, Initially, modeling of SFRC joint was done. Then, the finite element analysis of beam-column joint with steel fibers was carried out. After number of simulations, obtained FEA results were compared with the experimental work on the based on the load vs deflection curve, shear stresses, plastic strain region and plastic strain pattern. After the comparison, it was found that the performance of the numeric model for cyclic loading verified the experimental study, and the results obtained were quite promising.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

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Article
Publication date: 25 December 2024

Shoaib Ahmad and Liusheng He

The application of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams is limited in practice, partially due to the lack of accurate shear strength prediction models. This study aims to…

40

Abstract

Purpose

The application of steel fiber reinforced concrete (SFRC) beams is limited in practice, partially due to the lack of accurate shear strength prediction models. This study aims to develop a reliable shear strength prediction model for SFRC beams.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, an artificial neural network was employed to predict the shear strength of SFRC beams, utilizing a comprehensive database of 562 experimental studies. Multiple neural networks were established with varying hyperparameters, and their performance was evaluated using statistical parameters.

Findings

The neural network with 11 neurons showed superior results than other networks. The performance evaluation, efficiency and accuracy of the selected neural network were examined using margin of deviation, k-fold cross-validation, Shapley analysis, sensitivity analysis and parametric analysis. The proposed artificial neural network model accurately predicts the shear strength and outperforms other existing equations.

Originality/value

This research contributes to overcoming the limitations of existing prediction models for shear strength of SFRC beams without stirrups by developing a highly accurate model based on ANN. Utilizing a comprehensive database and rigorous evaluation techniques enhances the reliability and applicability of the proposed model in practical engineering applications.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Case study
Publication date: 16 November 2022

Renuka Kamath, Pankaj Agrawal and Shoaib Ahmed

This case highlights the challenges faced by a young and inexperienced Area Sales Manager (ASM), early in her career. This is an often-encountered situation by fresh graduates…

Abstract

Learning outcomes

This case highlights the challenges faced by a young and inexperienced Area Sales Manager (ASM), early in her career. This is an often-encountered situation by fresh graduates. Through the analysis of the case, the students will be able to: ■ understand challenges a young manager faces in taking over a new, unfamiliar and underperforming territory; ■ analyze and learn to manage data and identify performance gaps in the territory, by selecting the right metrics; ■ learn the factors for evaluating the performance of current intermediaries (distributors); and ■ appreciate the importance of managing all stakeholders – internal team and building a strong relationship with the intermediaries – both distributors and retailers.

Case overview/synopsis

Kavita Kaur, the new Area Sales Manager at Broadway India Pvt. Ltd. (BIPL), had just taken over the Chhattisgarh sales territory in January 2020. Fresh out of a B-school, it was her first job, and her allotted territory was severely lagging growth at only 1%, compared to an all-India country growth at 13% in 2019, over the previous year. The territory was operated by established intermediaries (distributors) with long associations with BIPL. Based on her data analyses of distributors’ performance, Kaur started her retail visit with the highest selling distributor’s area (Sharda Agencies) to confirm her understanding of what the data had shown her. Following her retail visit and a meeting with Sharda Agencies, the situation turned for the worse. An email bordering to a threat from him took her aback. Kaur now had to make a choice to ensure growth in her new territory. Her options were between placating the current distributor or appointing a new one – should she retain or replace? Both had their own risks.

Complexity academic level

This case is intended for use at the postgraduate level in courses such as sales management, channel management and strategic marketing courses, as well as in executive management programs. The case is relevant from the context of channel management in India, where channel intermediaries can be very demanding. The case will give students a practical hands-on decision-making situation, where there are complexities of quantitative and qualitative nature. It will also help young graduates prepare for real life situations where the assigned territory is struggling in performance and a lot is expected from the new recruits.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 8: Marketing.

Details

Emerald Emerging Markets Case Studies, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Case Study
ISSN:

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Article
Publication date: 15 July 2020

The Nguyen Huynh and Nguyen Thuy An Hua

This study examines the relationship between task-oriented leadership style, psychological capital, job satisfaction and organizational commitment: evidence from Vietnamese small…

6037

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the relationship between task-oriented leadership style, psychological capital, job satisfaction and organizational commitment: evidence from Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

The method employed in the research is the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) for testing hypotheses of data collected from a sample of 800 employees working in small and medium-sized enterprises in Vietnam.

Findings

The results show that the task-oriented leadership style has a positive impact on organizational commitment, limits job satisfaction and no obvious association with the psychological capital of employees. Besides, job satisfaction and psychological capital play an important role in the organizational commitment of employees in small and medium-sized enterprises of Vietnam.

Originality/value

This paper aims to shed light on a less fully explored topic for organizational behavior in small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging markets like Vietnam. In contrast to extensive studies on the participative and supportive leader, this study focuses on task-oriented leadership style in the testing and analysis to understand the theory of leadership style, psychological capital, job satisfaction and organizational commitment in emerging markets and provides more knowledge on employee behavior management for companies in Vietnam. This is a unique contribution to the original value of this article.

Details

Journal of Advances in Management Research, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0972-7981

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Article
Publication date: 21 October 2024

N. Ameer Ahammad

This study aims to investigate entropy generation through natural convection and examine heat transfer properties within a partially heated and cooled enclosure influenced by an…

21

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate entropy generation through natural convection and examine heat transfer properties within a partially heated and cooled enclosure influenced by an angled magnetic field. The enclosure, subjected to consistent heat production or absorption, contains a porous medium saturated with a hybrid nanofluid blend of Cu-Fe3O4 and MoS2-Fe3O4.

Design/methodology/approach

The temperature and velocity equations are converted to a dimensionless form using suitable non-dimensional quantities, adhering to the imposed constraints. To solve these transformed dimensionless equations, the finite-difference method, based on the MAC (Marker and Cell) technique, is used. Comprehensive numerical simulations address various control parameters, including nanoparticle volume fraction, Rayleigh number, heat source or sink, Darcy number, Hartmann number and slit position. The results are illustrated through streamlines, isotherms, average Nusselt numbers and entropy generation plots, offering a clear visualization of the impact of these parameters across different scenarios.

Findings

Results obtained show that the Cu-Fe3O4hybrid nanofluid exhibits higher entropy generation than the MoS2-Fe3O4 hybrid nanofluid when comparing them at a Rayleigh number of 106 and a Darcy number of 10–1. The MoS2 hybrid nanofluid demonstrates a low permeability, as evidenced by an average Darcy number of 10–3, in comparison to the Cu hybrid nanofluid. The isothermal contours for a Rayleigh number of 104are positioned parallel to the vertical walls. Additionally, the quantity of each isotherm contour adjacent to the hot wall is being monitored. The Cu and MoS2 nanoparticles exhibit the highest average entropy generation at a Rayleigh number of 105 and a Darcy number of 10–1, respectively. When a uniform heat sink is present, the temperature gradient in the central part of the cavity decreases. In contrast, the absence of a heat source or sink leads to a more intense temperature distribution within the cavity. This differs significantly from the scenario where a uniform heat sink regulates the temperature.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is to examine the generation of entropy in natural convection within a partially heated and cooled enclosure that contains hybrid nanofluids. Partially heated corners are essential for optimizing heat transfer in a wide range of industrial applications. This enhancement is achieved by increasing the surface area, which improves convective heat transfer. These diverse applications encompass fields such as chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, surface research, energy production and heat recovery processes. Researchers have been working on improving the precision of heated and cold corners using various methods, such as numerical, experimental and analytical approaches. These efforts aim to enhance the broad utility of these corners further.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 18 November 2021

Akhlaq Ahmad, Muhammad Shoaib and Farooq Abdullah

This paper aimed to examine the sources of information and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. The…

120

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aimed to examine the sources of information and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the COVID-19 pandemic in the province of Punjab, Pakistan. The COVID-19 pandemic affected at a large level of all social institutions including the healthcare system of the countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in Pakistan by using an online survey technique. The rationale to opt for this method was based on the country’s lockdown situations, social distancing and the care of the respondents. A total of 847 individuals from different parts of the Punjab province participated in the study. An attitudinal scale was administered, which consisted of statements to measure (dis)agreement among the individuals on current situations of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ethical considerations and confidentiality of the respondents were opted by describing the purpose of research on the first page of the questionnaire.

Findings

The study findings revealed that peer group, signs and symptoms of COVID-19 pandemic and causes and consequences of COVID-19 pandemic had favourable positive effects on the use of PPE by individuals through the mediation of fear of infection during COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the study findings were interpreted as per the effects of current situations of COVID-19 on the sources of information and the use of PPE by individuals.

Originality/value

This study focused on an important gap in the research on COVID-19 pandemic in the country in terms of mass media, health practitioners, peer group, fear of infection and use of PPE.

Details

Health Education, vol. 122 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-4283

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Article
Publication date: 25 July 2022

Jane Garner, Simon Wakeling, Philip Hider, Hamid R. Jamali, Mary Anne Kennan, Yazdan Mansourian and Holly Randell-Moon

The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experiences of Australian public library staff during the COVID-19 library closures. The study examines the effect of mandated…

383

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the lived experiences of Australian public library staff during the COVID-19 library closures. The study examines the effect of mandated physical library closures on staff well-being, along with the challenges they faced as library operations moved to a remotely delivered model. The paper includes an examination of staff perceptions of their library's value in the lives of their users.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 Australian library staff from three library networks. A process of inductive coding resulted in a thematic description of the participants' experiences of continuing to work during a period of where their libraries were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Findings

Australian public library workers experienced many challenges that affected their well-being during the period of library closures. These included challenges relating to moving library programming to a virtual delivery model, managing significant change in their work lives, managing the emotions of self and others, and concern for the well-being of library users. Positive outcomes relating to skill development and innovative thinking were also reported.

Originality/value

The operational responses to the COVID-19 library closures in Australia and elsewhere have been well reported. This paper takes a different approach by examining the emotional and well-being outcomes for public library staff during these periods of closure.

Details

Library Management, vol. 43 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

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Article
Publication date: 3 September 2024

Sami Ul Haq, Muhammad Bilal Ashraf and Arooj Tanveer

The main focus is to provide a non-similar solution for the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of Casson fluid over a curved stretching surface through the novel technique of the…

43

Abstract

Purpose

The main focus is to provide a non-similar solution for the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) flow of Casson fluid over a curved stretching surface through the novel technique of the artificial intelligence (AI)-based Lavenberg–Marquardt scheme of an artificial neural network (ANN). The effects of joule heating, viscous dissipation and non-linear thermal radiation are discussed in relation to the thermal behavior of Casson fluid.

Design/methodology/approach

The non-linear coupled boundary layer equations are transformed into a non-linear dimensionless Partial Differential Equation (PDE) by using a non-similar transformation. The local non-similar technique is utilized to truncate the non-similar dimensionless system up to 2nd order, which is treated as coupled ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The coupled system of ODEs is solved numerically via bvp4c. The data sets are constructed numerically and then implemented by the ANN.

Findings

The results indicate that the non-linear radiation parameter increases the fluid temperature. The Casson parameter reduces the fluid velocity as well as the temperature. The mean squared error (MSE), regression plot, error histogram, error analysis of skin friction, and local Nusselt number are presented. Furthermore, the regression values of skin friction and local Nusselt number are obtained as 0.99993 and 0.99997, respectively. The ANN predicted values of skin friction and the local Nusselt number show stability and convergence with high accuracy.

Originality/value

AI-based ANNs have not been applied to non-similar solutions of curved stretching surfaces with Casson fluid model, with viscous dissipation. Moreover, the authors of this study employed Levenberg–Marquardt supervised learning to investigate the non-similar solution of the MHD Casson fluid model over a curved stretching surface with non-linear thermal radiation and joule heating. The governing boundary layer equations are transformed into a non-linear, dimensionless PDE by using a non-similar transformation. The local non-similar technique is utilized to truncate the non-similar dimensionless system up to 2nd order, which is treated as coupled ODEs. The coupled system of ODEs is solved numerically via bvp4c. The data sets are constructed numerically and then implemented by the ANN.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 20 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

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Article
Publication date: 5 December 2023

Muhammad Aamir Shaheen, Shoaib Aslam, Salman Mahmood, Mumtaz Ahmad and Sumaira Tabassum

The research examines how behavioral intentions, as a higher-order construct, indirectly affect financial inclusion through service trust, usage behavior and financial literacy in…

148

Abstract

Purpose

The research examines how behavioral intentions, as a higher-order construct, indirectly affect financial inclusion through service trust, usage behavior and financial literacy in mobile money adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

Following the positivist research philosophy, a cross-sectional study design was used to collect data through questionnaires comprised of scales adapted from prior studies. With a usable sample size of 340 respondents, this study employs partial least squares structural equation modeling to assess the model.

Findings

The study revealed the significant indirect role of behavioral intention on financial inclusion through use behavior, behavioral intentions on use behavior through service trust, and use behavior on financial inclusion through financial literacy. The role of behavioral intentions on financial inclusion through serial mediation of service trust, use behavior and financial literacy was also found to be significant.

Originality/value

This study's novelty resides in examining the indirect relationship between behavioral intentions and financial inclusion, specifically via the serial mediation of service trust, use behavior and financial literacy.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 54 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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