Zhiming Ma, Tiejun Zhao, Jianzhuang Xiao and Ting Guan
Rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete is the major reason for the durability degradation, especially under harsh environment. This paper presents an experiment conducted to…
Abstract
Purpose
Rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete is the major reason for the durability degradation, especially under harsh environment. This paper presents an experiment conducted to investigate the influence of freeze-thaw cycles on the rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete. The purpose of this paper is to provide fundamental information about rebar corrosion under frost environment and improvement measures.
Design/methodology/approach
The related elastic modulus and compressive strength of different concrete specimens were measured after different freeze-thaw cycles. The accelerated rebar corrosion test was carried out after different freeze-thaw cycles; additionally, the value of calomel half-cell potential was determined. The actual rebar corrosion appearance was checked to prove the accuracy of the results of calomel half-cell potential.
Findings
The results show that frost damage aggravates the rebar corrosion rate and degree under freeze-thaw environment; furthermore, the results become more obvious with the freeze-thaw cycles increasing. Mixing the air-entrained agent into fresh concrete to prepare air-entrained concrete, increasing the cover thickness and processing the surface of concrete with a waterproofing agent can significantly improve the resistance to rebar corrosion. From the actual appearance of rebar corrosion, the results of calomel half-cell potential can well reflect the actual rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete.
Originality/value
The durability of reinforced concrete is mainly determined on chloride penetration that brings about rebar corrosion in chloride environments. Furthermore, the degradation of concrete durability becomes more serious in the harsh environment. As the concrete exposure to the freeze-thaw cycles environment, the freeze-thaw cycles accelerate the concrete damage, and the penetration of chloride into the concrete becomes easier because of the growing pore and crack sizes. In addition, rebar corrosion caused by chloride is one of the major forms of environmental attack on reinforced concrete. The tests conducted in this paper will describe the rebar corrosion in reinforced concrete under freeze-thaw environment.
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Dwi Prasetyani, Malik Cahyadin, Ratna Malisa Indriawati and Awan Santosa
This study aims to introduce a better knowledge mapping of the technology adoption for small-medium enterprises by referring to the literature reviews from the Scopus Database…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to introduce a better knowledge mapping of the technology adoption for small-medium enterprises by referring to the literature reviews from the Scopus Database during 2009–2023.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a Bibliometric approach to reveal the causality’s direction between (1) digital and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and (2) technology adoption and SMEs. This causality direction has a far-reaching impact on public policy, entrepreneurship and economic development. The Bibliometric approach provides analysis overviews of time, journal, co-authorship, keyword, citation, country and institution.
Findings
The findings have a substantial impact on the field. From 2009 to 2017, there was a lack of literature on technology adoption (digitalization) and SMEs, while from 2018 to 2023, the literature increased rapidly. The journal analysis shows that sustainability (Switzerland) contributes the most to the literature. In addition, journals that focus on business, management and accounting have published the most literature on technology adoption and SMEs. The significance is often judged by how the research could change current understanding, lead to practical applications or open new avenues for further research. Therefore, this study presents new perspectives that developed countries, in the case is Germany, still dominate technology adoption in SMEs and the relationship between business, management and accounting.
Research limitations/implications
This study suggests that collaboration among countries can stimulate research and publication on technology adoption (digitalization) and SMEs.
Practical implications
This study suggests that collaboration among countries can stimulate research and publication on technology adoption (digitalization) and SMEs. Besides, this study leads future studies to develop empirical studies on technology adoption (digital business/entrepreneurship) and SMEs at both country and cross-country levels. The author’s findings can be recommendations for public policy and economic development through digital adoption in entrepreneurship.
Originality/value
This study provides a better understanding and mapping about the technology adoption for SMEs. The literature of technology adoption for SMEs has grown rapidly during the last five years. However, there is a lack of technology adoption mapping for SMEs in the current literature.
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Ming-Chang Huang, Ming-Kun Tsai, Tzu-Ting Chen, Ya-Ping Chiu and Wan-Jhu You
This study aims to empirically investigate how knowledge paradox affects collaboration performance. Knowledge paradox, which arises from the simultaneous need for knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to empirically investigate how knowledge paradox affects collaboration performance. Knowledge paradox, which arises from the simultaneous need for knowledge sharing and protection, is common in interorganizational collaboration. Using the ambidexterity perspective, this paper aims to reexamine the effect of the knowledge paradox on collaborative performance to explore the moderating roles of structural and contextual ambidexterity.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a sample of 153 firms involved in vertical and horizontal collaboration, collected via questionnaires. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis.
Findings
This study demonstrates that the stronger the knowledge paradox is, the higher the potential for value creation. Thus, knowledge paradox has a positive impact on collaborative performance. The functions of structural ambidexterity and contextual ambidexterity strengthen this positive relationship.
Originality/value
This paper not only expands the theoretical application of the knowledge paradox and ambidexterity theory in the context of interorganizational relationships but also provides significant managerial implications. By comprehending the dynamics of the knowledge paradox and the role of ambidexterity, managers can make well-informed decisions to enhance their collaborative performance.
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There is significant amount of literature tackling different issues related to the port industry. The present chapter focuses on a single business unit of seaports aiming at the…
Abstract
There is significant amount of literature tackling different issues related to the port industry. The present chapter focuses on a single business unit of seaports aiming at the documentation of works related to container terminals.
An effort to review, collect and present the majority of the works present in the last 30 years, between 1980 and 2010, has been made in order to picture the problems dealt and methods used by the authors in the specific research field. To facilitate the reader, studies have been grouped under five categories of addressed problems (productivity and competitiveness, yard and equipment utilization, equipment scheduling, berth planning, loading/unloading) and four modelling methodologies (mathematics and operations research, management and economics, simulation, stochastic modelling).
The analysis shows that most works focus on productivity and competitiveness issues followed by yard and equipment utilisation and equipment scheduling. In reference to the methodologies used managerial and economic approaches lead, followed by mathematics and operations research.
In reference to future research, two fields have been identified where there is scope of significant contribution by the academic community: container terminal security and container terminal supply chain integration.
The present chapter provides the framework for researchers in the field of port container terminals to picture the so far works in this research area and enables the identification of gaps at both research question and methodology level for further research.
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Frank Nana Kweku Otoo, Prince Nti Adjei Junior, George Aboagye Agyeman and Regina Bekoe
Learning capability improves knowledge resources fosters innovative capabilities and firm competitiveness. The study aims to examine the human resource management (HRM) practice…
Abstract
Purpose
Learning capability improves knowledge resources fosters innovative capabilities and firm competitiveness. The study aims to examine the human resource management (HRM) practice and employee creativity relationship using organizational learning capability (OLC) as a mediating variable.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 67 small-sized and 96 medium-sized firms. Confirmatory factor analysis was applied to establish construct validity and reliability. Structural equation modeling was used to evaluate the proposed model and hypotheses.
Findings
The results show that performance appraisal and employee creativity were positively related. Employee participation and employee creativity were positively related. Compensation and employee creativity were nonsignificantly related. OLC mediates the performance appraisal and employee creativity relationship. Similarly, OLC mediates the employee participation and employee creativity relationship. However, OLC did not mediate the compensation and employee creativity relationship.
Research limitations/implications
Due to the research’s SME focus and cross-sectional data, the finding’s generalizability will be constrained.
Practical implications
The findings of the study would be useful to policymakers, stakeholders and management of SMEs in developing a supportive learning climate that promotes experiential and continuous learning cultures to ensure strategic capabilities, sustainable competitive advantage and innovativeness.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the extant literature on OLC, HRM practices and employee creativity by empirically evidencing that OLC mediates the performance appraisal, employee participation and employee creativity relationship.
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Bharathi Gamgula and Bhanu Prakash Saripalli
Accurate solar photovoltaic models (SPVM) are critical for optimizing solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity to convert sunlight into electricity. The simulation and design of PV…
Abstract
Purpose
Accurate solar photovoltaic models (SPVM) are critical for optimizing solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity to convert sunlight into electricity. The simulation and design of PV systems rely on estimating unknown constraints from solar photovoltaic (SPV) cells. Each parameter plays a crucial task in the output properties of an SPV under actual environmental conditions. Optimizing the unknown constraints of the SPVM is not an easy task due to the nonlinear characteristics of the PV cell. This study aims to develop a novel metaheuristic algorithm, enhanced dynamic inertia particle swarm optimization (EDIPSO) algorithm with velocity clamping, to establish all the seven and five constraints of the two-diode model (TDM) and one-diode model (ODM).
Design/methodology/approach
In complex parameter spaces, the conventional particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach typically leads to poor convergence because it fails to balance exploration and exploitation. The proposed approach is an EDIPSO with velocity clamping to minimize the possibility of overshooting possible solutions and improve stability. Velocity clamping is also used to prevent particle velocities from rising over specified limitations. Beginning the process with a large inertia weight to promote exploration and progressively decreasing it to improve exploitation, leading to a thorough analysis of the search space. The algorithm is implemented to investigate the accuracy of estimated constraint values of RTC-France (RTC-F) solar cell, Photo watt-PWP 201 SPV module (PWP 201 SPV), KC 200GT SPV module (KC 200 GT SPV) for ODM and TDM.
Findings
The proposed approach is used to extract the seven and five constraints of the TDM and ODM under standard test conditions for three different SPV modules. Thorough simulation and statistical analysis indicate that the EDIPSO with velocity clamping may outperform other cutting-edge optimization algorithms exclusively regarding accuracy, computational time and reliability.
Originality/value
An enhanced dynamic inertia PSO is suggested for determining the parameters of the TDM and ODM in SPV modules. This method specifically accounts for the recombination saturation current within the p–n junction’s depletion region, without overlooking or assuming away any parameters, thereby achieving greater accuracy. When comparing the estimated constraints of TDM and ODM for various SPVs, EDIPSO almost precisely aligns the data from the proposed model with the practical data. Thus, the proposed method for calculating the SPV model parameter may exhibit to be a feasible and efficient solution.
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Leon Kluiters, Mohit Srivastava and Ladislav Tyll
This study aims to investigate the effects of firm- and governance-specific characteristics on digital trust (DT) and firm value. Firm-specific factors include return on assets…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effects of firm- and governance-specific characteristics on digital trust (DT) and firm value. Firm-specific factors include return on assets (ROA), market-to-book ratio (M/B ratio), size and leverage, whilst governance-related factors comprise board size, percentage of female board members, board independence and institutional ownership. All listed US firms over the period of 2011–2016 were analysed in this study.
Design/methodology/approach
This study provides a novel method to empirically measure DT by combining multiple variables to create a combined DT score. The variables include security and privacy scores, security rankings and data breaches, amongst others. Subsequently, a linear regression was performed to evaluate the effect of firm- and governance-specific characteristics on DT, as well as the effect of DT on firm value.
Findings
By using signalling theory, this study finds significant evidence that a firm’s profitability (ROA) decreases whilst its size increases DT. This could be due to the fact that firms with lower DT monetise data more actively, decrease DT and increase short-term profitability. Significant evidence also shows that increasing DT leads to an increase in firm value.
Originality/value
Although numerous studies have been conducted on developing customers’ trust by incorporating corporate social responsibility to improve firm value, the literature remains still on its digital analogue. Therefore, this study extends the knowledge of corporate digital responsibility (CDR) by providing a novel method for calculating DT across industries as an antecedent of CDR. Specifically, it sheds light on how firms can enhance DT by utilising firm- and governance-level factors. This enhanced DT can subsequently increase firm value. The study provides important managerial implications by providing empirical evidence that cybersecurity investments increase firm value. This value increase is related to the rise in shareholder value amongst investors and the increase in the organisation’s consumer perceptions as the latter’s interests are better managed.
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Yi Zhu and Mary Jiang Bresnahan
Group criticism plays an important role in intergroup relations and conflicts, but few studies have related group criticism to intercultural communication contexts. This study…
Abstract
Purpose
Group criticism plays an important role in intergroup relations and conflicts, but few studies have related group criticism to intercultural communication contexts. This study aims to explore two cultural groups’ (Chinese international students in the USA and American domestic students) collective face concern as a unique experience in intercultural communication and other psychological responses while encountering group criticism targeting their country image.
Design/methodology/approach
A laboratory experiment was conducted assessing Chinese international students (n = 115) and American domestic students’ (n = 100) responses to a research-confederate critic (whose group membership was manipulated) criticizing participants’ country image such as blaming China and the USA for air pollution or using drugs in the Olympics. analysis of covariance, correlational analysis and regression analysis were adopted to analyze the data.
Findings
Chinese international students reported higher collective face concerns and lower liking toward the critic compared with American students. When criticism specifically targeted participants’ country image, Chinese international students reported more discomfort feelings than American students; and while responding to the critic who identified as participants’ ingroup member, Chinese international students’ discomfort feelings were more susceptible to their collective face than American students in the same condition.
Originality/value
This study illustrates cultural differences in collective face concerns and psychological reactions in responding to criticism targeting a country image in intercultural communication contexts.
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Arunima Krishna and Soojin Kim
This study seeks to understand Trump supporters’ behaviors on social media in the wake of a political controversy: US President Trump’s continued support for Judge Roy Moore’s…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to understand Trump supporters’ behaviors on social media in the wake of a political controversy: US President Trump’s continued support for Judge Roy Moore’s candidacy for the US Senate representing the state of Alabama despite several allegations of sexual assault against him.
Design/methodology/approach
Few days before the special election was held in Alabama, an online survey was conducted among 325 supporters of President Trump to explore Trump supporters’ social media behaviors, including the unfriending/unfollowing contacts and speaking out about the controversy.
Findings
We found a negative presidential image to influence individuals’ loss of face, and such loss of face to impact unfriending/unfollowing behaviors on social media, as well as outspokenness. Furthermore, the differences between strong issue supporters and weak issue supporters’ opinions of climate perceptions and outspokenness were investigated.
Originality/value
Rather than using fear of isolation as the mediator between opinion climate and willingness to speak out, as is generally the case in the spiral of silence model (Moy et al., 2001), this study investigated the role of another affective indicator, loss of face on two social media behaviors, outspokenness, and unfollowing/unfriending contacts on social media.