An experimental analysis of the effect of gamma and X-ray irradiation with dose rate 0.25-6mSv/h on low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and PMMA samples is presented. The focus of attention is on their DC conductivity as a dielectric of a capacitor. This system is based on the discharge of a capacitor by radioactive radiation through ionization of the dielectric consists of an inner electrode of the capacitor. The experimental setup contains a special electronic circuit in which polymer samples are placed as dielectric of parallel-plate capacitor which is connected to electrodes and a high voltage power supply is in series with other components of the circuit. It is understood that the resistance of polymers varies with the applied voltage and absorbed gamma ray dose from 137Cs with 0.661 MeV energy. The influences of this parameter on LDPE and PMMA electrical properties as a result of polarization of dielectric are also presented. The experimental results show elevation of LDPE and PMMA electric conduction properties as irradiation dose rate increases. Indications of predominance of charge accumulation are also observed.

The purpose of this research is to develop an integrated literature based TPM, TPS and TQM mod-el through PDCA cycle, and implementation guideline for the implementation of the model. At this time very few studies are available on this research area, even this research on integrated model of TPM, TPS and TQM practices, and implementation guideline are not corresponding. The method-ology to develop the model and the implementation guideline is based on identifying the uniqueness and common practices of TPM, TPS and TQM systems, existing practice of the integration and implementation guideline, identifying the existing gaps on the model and implementation guideline, developing new integrated TPM, TPS and TQM practice model, and implementation guideline. Previous very few studies of uniqueness, common practices and implementation guideline of the three systems are preserved. The findings of this research, an integrated cutting-edge model of TPM, TPS and TQM practices and implementation guidelines are developed. The originality / value of the developed model and implementation guideline enable manufacturing industries continuously to be competitive and profitable.

The present study investigates performance and feasibility of application of low cost cemented carbide insert in dry machining of AISI 52100 steel hardened to (55 ± 1 HRC) which is rarely researched as far as machining of bearing steel is concerned. Machinability studies i.e. flank wear, surface roughness and morphology analysis of chip has been investigated and statistical regression modeling has been developed. The test has been conducted based on Taguchi L16 OA taking machining parameters like cutting speed, feed and depth of cut. It is observed that uncoated cemented carbide insert performs well at some selected runs (Run 1, 5 and 9) which show its feasibility for hard turning applications. The developed serrated saw tooth chip of burnt blue colour adversely affects the surface quality. Adequacy of the developed statistical regression model has been checked using ANOVA analysis (depending on F value, P value and R2 value) and normal probability plot at 95% confidence level. The results of optimal parametric combinations may be adopted while turning hardened AISI 52100 steel under dry environment with uncoated cemented carbide insert.

Industries all throughout the world are preparing to understand the ramifications of the emerging metaverse, which is a merger of the virtual and physical worlds. Notably, the banking industry stands on the cusp of a monumental shift, with the metaverse offering unprecedented operational enhancements. While the potential transformations brought about by the metaverse are discussed in various sectors, there is a discernible gap in understanding its specific applications in banking, especially with respect to advanced technologies such as NFTs, blockchain, and smart contracts. The study adopts a comprehensive approach to bridge this knowledge gap, employing convenience non-probability sampling to engage 48 subject matter experts specializing in Metaverse-Enabled Innovation in Banking. Data was collected using both mailed and electronic questionnaires. The empirical analysis offers strong evidence supporting the pivotal role of technologies like Digital Twins, Artificial Intelligence, and Blockchain-Based Assets in the metaverse's preliminary stages. We discover a plethora of business potential for banks within the metaverse, including client communication, cross-border transactions, mortgages, digital assets, green loans, and data security.‎‎

Delay is one of the most common causes of construction projects failure in Iran. The larger sizes of the projects, the more risks and costs of delays. In this paper, the causes of delays in EPC contracts of nonindustrial buildings were excavated from the related previous research and several interviews with experts of this subject, and adjusted by the brainstorming technique, Delphi and reconciling the nature of these projects. Then, a questionnaire was distributed among 52 experts working in the South Pars project, and the data were analyzed by descriptive and factor analysis methods. Descriptive analysis revealed that “Inflation and escalation of material prices and human resources salaries”, “Unrealistic contract duration and requirements imposed” and “Political situation” were the most significant delay factors. Meanwhile, factor analysis indicates that “Improper construction methods”, “Shortage of experienced and skilled labor” and “Long acceptance process (shop drawings, permits, tests and samples)” were the most important causes of delay.

This study examined the market reaction to profitability by discussing the impact of dividends yield (DY) and earnings yield (EY) based on leverage (LVRG), as a control variable, on stocks’ prices (SP) of the industrial companies listed on Amman Stock Exchange (ASE), for the whole sample and the two subsamples (low and high leveraged companies). For this purpose, the data of the three samples were analyzed, for seven years from 2011 to 2017. The multiple regression analysis results showed that based on the leverage ratio (LVRG), as a control variable, there is a significant effect of DY on SP at 1% significance level, and an insignificant effect of EY on SP at 5% significance level, in the high leveraged sample. The impact of DY and EY on SP at 5% significance level in the whole and low leveraged samples is insignificant.

This paper investigates the impact of supply chain finance (SCF) and financial development on profitability of real estate firms in Vietnam over the 2013 - 2017 period. This is the first empirical research examining the impact of financial development on firm profitability. By employing GMM (generalized method of moment), this paper reveals the important role of supply chain finance (SCF) and financial development in profitability of real estate firms. Specifically, firm profitability (P) is influenced negatively by cash conversion cycle (CCC) and positively by financial development (FD). In addition, profitability is negatively correlated with control variable of financial leverage (LEV) and positively associated with control variable of firm size (SIZE). The findings reveal the role of supply chain finance and financial development in firm profitability which policymakers as well as managers at real estate firms can apply suitable methods in order to improve firms’ profits.

A new series of transition metal complexes of Co(III), Ni(II) and VO(IV) was synthesized with the bidentate Schiff base ligand (HL) derived from the condensation of 2-amino-3-benzyloxypyridine and 5-bromo salicylaldehyde. The synthesized Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes C1-C6 were structurally characterized by satisfactory elemental analysis, spectral studies such as (Mass, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, conductance measurement, UV-vis and magnetic measurements) and thermal studies. The structure of HL was authenticated by X-ray single-crystal analysis. Hirshfeld surface analysis was carried out to understand the nature of intermolecular contacts, the fingerprint plot provides the information about the percentage contribution. Square-pyramidal geometry is proposed for VO(IV) complexes whereas octahedral geometry for Co(III) and Ni(II) complexes. The Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes have been tested in vitro for their antibacterial activities by using well diffusion method against Gram positive bacteria B. subtilis, S. aureus and Gram negative bacteria S. typhi, E. coli and antifungal activities against A. niger, A. flavus, C. albicans and A. Solani. The antimicrobial activity data show that metal complexes are more potent than the parent ligand.

Growth of the volumes of dangerous and critical welded metal structures constructed under low temperatures imposes additional requirements on the mechanical properties of the weld joints, particularly, on the impact resistance of the weld joint and on the stability of its values. It can be achieved by using coated electrodes with ultradisperse powders of alloying elements in the coating. To develop new improved welding materials we need to optimize the systems of weld metal alloying to meet the increasingly stringent requirements to the welding-operational characteristics. Introduction of a complex ultradisperse powder (Al₂O₃, SiO₂, TiO₂, Ni) into the electrode coating applied for manual metal-arc welding ensures more stable process of electrode metal fusing and its transfer into the welding bath, improves the performance characteristics of the welded metal.

Growing environmental concerns and social responsibility push organizations into seriously considering their strategies in business operations. The implementation of green supply chain management (GSCM) is a vital strategy which enables organizations to focus on minimizing environmental issues, improving economic benefits and expanding social outcomes. The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between GSCM practices and sustainable performance in Vietnamese construction materials manufacturing enterprises. Based on the data collected from a sample of 218 construction materials manufacturers in Vietnam, the study examines the impact of GSCM elements on firm performance including economic, environmental and social using structural equation modeling. The study finds that green design and green manufacturing had positive and significant effects on three categories of outcomes, whereas green procurement impact on economic and social performance but had no influence on environmental performance. The results also empirically prove that there was a positive relationship between green distribution and environmental performance which is not supported for economic and social perspective. The study also contributes significantly to an on-going research associated with GSCM practices on sustainable performance in developing countries such as Vietnam where very few studies of GSCM have been revealed.