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1 – 6 of 6Xiaoyu Yu, Wenjing Zhao and Yida Tao
The entrepreneurial process often cannot be explained by a single entrepreneurial theory. Instead, it is more likely the result of the interaction between various entrepreneurial…
Abstract
Purpose
The entrepreneurial process often cannot be explained by a single entrepreneurial theory. Instead, it is more likely the result of the interaction between various entrepreneurial behavior patterns and different environmental conditions. However, existing research has frequently overlooked the complexity inherent in the entrepreneurial phenomenon. Building on a configurational perspective, this study aims to examine how new ventures can use different behavioral configurations to achieve high performance amid various uncertain environments.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the survey data from 143 new start-ups in China’s software industry, this study uses fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA).
Findings
This study jointly considers multiple entrepreneurial behaviors − causation, effectuation and entrepreneurial bricolage and different types of environmental uncertainty − state uncertainty, effect uncertainty and response uncertainty. The findings reveal three behavioral configurations for high/nonhigh new venture performance.
Originality/value
This study expands previous insights into the relationship between entrepreneurial behaviors and new venture performance from the perspective of configurational theory. Moreover, it offers new insights into the types of uncertainty, further refining our understanding of the uncertainties inherent in entrepreneurial activities.
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This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
The study identifies three entrepreneurial behavioral configurations that combine causation, effectuation, and entrepreneurial bricolage, alongside different types of environmental uncertainty, to achieve high startup performance.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives, strategists, and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
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Meng-Hsiun Tsai and Ya-Chun Tang
The purpose of this paper is to present the design and implementation of a blended problem-based learning (PBL) teaching model and corresponding teaching materials for a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the design and implementation of a blended problem-based learning (PBL) teaching model and corresponding teaching materials for a university-level bioinformatics course. The effects of this teaching model on student performance in terms of problem solving and learning attitudes were investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
Students in both groups completed assessments of problem-solving attitudes and learning attitudes both one week both before and after experimental instruction. Collected data were analyzed using one-way ANCOVA. Group discussions and student interviews were recorded and treated as part of the data analysis.
Findings
The study produced the following findings: the experimental group was found to perform better than the control group in terms of learning attitudes, but the results were not statistically significant; the experimental group was found to outperform the control group in terms of problem-solving attitudes, and the difference was statistically significant; lesson plan contents need to be designed based on problem-based learning theory, and reflect real-world conditions; participants in the experimental group approved of the blended PBL and group discussion approach.
Originality/value
Results are expected to provide a useful reference for educators and researchers. These findings can be applied to relevant instructional fields to enhance learner motivation and engagement, thus improving learning outcomes.
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Jia Xu, Jing Yu Zhang, Jiahan Xu, Yuqi Chang, Feilong Shi, Zhanzhu Zhang and Huanxia Zhang
One of the intensively developed in recent years new materials are hybrid textiles modified with carbon nanotubes (CNT). In this paper, CNTs was modified by grafting dimethyl…
Abstract
Purpose
One of the intensively developed in recent years new materials are hybrid textiles modified with carbon nanotubes (CNT). In this paper, CNTs was modified by grafting dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl iodine. It was applied to the cotton to obtain the flame-retardant, water-repellent, ultraviolet-resistant and conductive multifunctional fabric.
Design/methodology/approach
The modified CNTs were loaded onto cotton fabric by impregnation and drying. The CNTs-multi was synthesized by grafted dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl chain and applied to the cotton by dipping-drying method. The surface chemistry of functionalized CNTs was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The combustion properties were evaluated using a microscale combustion calorimeter, match test and TGA analysis. Surface hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of fabric surface was characterized by static contact angle, and the UV resistance of the fabric was represented by the UPF value.
Findings
Dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl chain were grafted on the surface of CNTs successively. The quantity of each component on the surface of CNTs was calculated according to XPS results. According to miniature combustion calorimeter data, both the value of maximum heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of CNTs -multi/cotton was about 65% lower than that of untreated cotton fabric. The residue after combustion of CNTs -multi/ cotton in the match test was more compact. The electrical conductivity of multi/ cotton is 225.6 kΩ/□, which is better than that of untreated cotton fabric. The UPF value of CNTs-multi/cotton reached 121, which was indicated that the anti-ultraviolet performance of CNTs-multi was greatly improved.
Research limitations/implications
Modifying method to increase the functional component amuount on the CNTs surface still need to be explored, which could increase the hydrophobicity. How to further improve the functional effect and the general synthetic steps will be of great significance to the preparation of multifunctional modified cotton fabric.
Practical implications
This modifying method can be used in any of multifunctional textile preparation process. The UV-resistant and flame retardant cotton fabric was revealed as a sample for use in outdoor sports such as clothes and tents.
Originality/value
To meet the needs of multifunctional cotton fabric, the modification of CNTs with dimethyl phosphite and perfluorohexyl iodine has not been reported. The modified fabric has flame-retardant, UV-resistant conductive and conductive properties.
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Chenchen Hua, Zhigeng Fang, Yanhua Zhang, Shujun Nan, Shuang Wu, Xirui Qiu, Lu Zhao and Shuyu Xiao
This paper aims to implement quality of service(QoS) dynamic optimization for the integrated satellite-terrestrial network(STN) of the fifth-generation Inmarsat system(Inmarsat-5).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to implement quality of service(QoS) dynamic optimization for the integrated satellite-terrestrial network(STN) of the fifth-generation Inmarsat system(Inmarsat-5).
Design/methodology/approach
The structure and operational logic of Inmarsat-5 STN are introduced to build the graphic evaluation and review technique(GERT) model. Thus, the equivalent network QoS metrics can be derived from the analytical algorithm of GERT. The center–point mixed possibility functions of average delay and delay variation are constructed considering users' experiences. Then, the grey clustering evaluation of link QoS is obtained combined with the two-stage decision model to give suitable rewards for the agent of GERT-Q-learning, which realizes the intelligent optimization mechanism under real-time monitoring data.
Findings
A case study based on five time periods of monitoring data verifies the adaptability of the proposed method. On the one hand, grey clustering based on possibility function enables a more effective measurement of link QoS from the users' perspective. On the other hand, the method comparison intuitively shows that the proposed method performs better.
Originality/value
With the development trend of integrated communication, STN has become an important research object in satellite communications. This paper establishes a modular and extensible optimization framework whose loose coupling structure and flexibility facilitate management and development. The grey-clustering-based GERT-Q-Learning model has the potential to maximize design and application benefits of STN throughout its life cycle.
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The purpose of this study is to use polybenzoxazine (Pbz) functionalized ZrO2 nanoparticles to synthesize polyurethane (PU)-PbZ/ZrO2 nanocomposite. The results derived from the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to use polybenzoxazine (Pbz) functionalized ZrO2 nanoparticles to synthesize polyurethane (PU)-PbZ/ZrO2 nanocomposite. The results derived from the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and polarization studies indicated the superior anticorrosive activity of PU-Pbz/ZrO2 nanocomposite coatings compared to those of plain PU coatings. The decreased corrosion current was detected on the scratch of the PU-Pbz/ZrO2 nanocomposite-coated mild steel surface by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) compared to other studied coatings. The superior anticorrosive and mechanical properties of the proposed nanocomposite coatings provide a new horizon in the development of high-performance anticorrosive coatings for various industries.
Design/methodology/approach
The Pbz functionalized ZrO2 nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) in terms of the structural, morphological and thermal properties of these coatings. A different formulation of coatings such as PU, PU-Pbz, PU-ZrO2 and PU-Pbz/ZrO2 were prepared and investigated for their corrosion protection performance on mild steel in natural seawater by electrochemical techniques. The surface morphological studies were done by SEM/EDX and XRD analysis.
Findings
The superior anticorrosive property of the proposed nanocomposite coatings provides a new horizon in the development of high-performance anticorrosive coatings for various industries. Addition of Pbz wrapped ZrO2 nanoparticles into the PU coating resulted in the blockage of charge transfer at the metal/electrolyte interface, which reduced the dissolution of mild steel. It was revealed from the SEM/EDX analysis that the formation of the corrosion products at the metal/electrolyte interface behaved as the passive layer which reduced the dissolution of steel.
Originality/value
The inclusion of polybenzoxazine functionalized ZrO2 nanoparticles to the polyurethane coating reinforces the barrier and mechanical properties of PU-Pbz/ZrO2 nanocomposite, which is due to the synergistic effect of ZrO2 and Pbz.
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