In the face of growing disruptions within the unconventional business environment, this study focuses on enhancing supply chain resilience through strategically reforming resources. It highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics and interactions of resources to tackle supply chain vulnerability (SCV) in the manufacturing sector. Employing the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology alongside an adapted Analytic Network Process (ANP), the research investigates supply chain vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s large-scale manufacturing (LSM) public sector firms. The DANP method, through expert questionnaires, helps validate a theoretical framework by assessing the interconnectedness of supply chain readiness dimensions and criteria. Findings underscore Resource Reformation (RR) as a critical dimension, with the positive restructuring of resources identified as pivotal for public sector firms to align their operations with disruption magnitudes, advocating for a detailed analysis of resource utilization.
The achievement of sustainable development in Kenya has been hindered by the prevalence of HIV. The effects of HIV on sustainable development have been given less academic attention. HIV prevalence prevents people from achieving good health and well-being, which then makes them unable to conduct activities that lead to sustainable economic growth. The paper found that the prevalence of HIV causes economic hardship, destroys human capital development and human resources by reducing life expectancy and increasing mortality rates. It was equally found that the prevalence of HIV undermines social stability and mobility, reduces economic investments, influences food insecurity and makes people vulnerable. The paper found that the prevalence of HIV reduces labor supply and productivity, increases the cost of health services, promote inequality and poverty. The paper found that the prevalence of HIV was caused by the failure to integrate religion, culture and science infrastructure to achieve a holistic treatment acceptance and adherence that would overcome all misconceptions people have towards the disease. The paper found that while science provides effective HIV treatments, religious and cultural perspectives often shape community attitudes toward the disease. It was found that engaging religious and cultural as well as health workers or health advocates can help reduce stigma and promote ART adherence by aligning treatment messages with faith-based principles. The paper found that the integration that incorporates religion, culture, and science into HIV interventions would promote a more inclusive healthcare system that respects diverse beliefs while ensuring evidence-based treatment is accessible and widely accepted. The study was conducted through a qualitative methodology. Data was collected from secondary sources that included published articles, books and occasional papers as well as reports. Collected data was interpreted and analyzed through document analysis techniques.
This work investigated the photocatalytic properties of polymorphic nanostructures based on silica (SiO2) and magnetite (Fe3O4) for the photodegradation of tartrazine yellow dye. In this sense, a fast, easy, and cheap synthesis route was proposed that used sugarcane bagasse biomass as a precursor material for silica. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy results showed a decrease in organic content due to the chemical treatment with NaOH solution. This was confirmed through the changes promoted in the bonds of chromophores belonging to lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. This treated biomass was calcined at 800 ℃, and FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD) also confirmed the biomass ash profile. The FTIR spectrum showed the formation of silica through stretching of the chemical bonds of the silicate group (Si-O-Si), which was confirmed by DXR with the predominance of peaks associated with the quartz phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the morphological and chemical changes due to the chemical and thermal treatments applied to this biomass. Using the coprecipitation method, we synthesized Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Np) in the presence of SiO2, generating the material Fe3O4/SiO2-Np. The result was the formation of nanostructures with cubic, spherical, and octahedral geometries with a size of 200 nm. The SEM images showed that the few heterojunctions formed in the mixed material increased the photocatalytic efficiency of the photodegradation of tartrazine yellow dye by more than two times. The degradation percentage reached 45% in 120 min of reaction time. This mixed material can effectively decontaminate effluents composed of organic pollutants containing azo groups.
The use of infrastructure as a catalyst for Indonesia’s economic growth faces significant challenges. One example is the construction projects, which have not reached the intended goal and have led to an increase in investment cost compared to the original plan. Additionally, the interaction between the government and companies involved in toll-road construction projects under the public-private partnerships (PPP) mechanism has yet to produce good quality project governance and expected project performance. This study aimed to find empirical data on the determination of project intellectual capital and project ownership structure through good project governance on toll-road project performance in Indonesia. This study adopted a quantitative approach that involved data collected through a survey conducted among toll-road projects from 2015 to 2019. The data was analyzed with Structural Equation Modeling Partial Least Square (SEM-PLS). The results showed that project intellectual capital and project ownership structure significantly affected good project governance. Good project governance Practices significantly affected project performance. Project intellectual capital and project ownership structure influenced project performance through the mediation of good project governance. Conversely, two hypotheses were not supported by the data, i.e., the effect of project intellectual capital and project ownership structure on project performance. The findings of this research contributed to the literature regarding the implementation of collaborative governance in PPPs toll road development projects in Indonesia by providing a framework and assessment tools, which could be valuable for researchers and policymakers in analyzing and evaluating the governance and performance of toll road construction PPP projects.
The development and expansion of economies depend heavily on entrepreneurship, and Malaysia is no exception. Understanding the underlying elements that impact the success or failure of user adoption behaviour of online shopping activities is significant since entrepreneurship is critical in driving economic growth and innovation. The study includes 73 articles published from 2004 to the last of 2023 from Science Direct, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. We utilised qualitative methods and systematic review issues through the findings of “qualitative” studies as the last step inside a systematic review using Nvivo14. Our study’s result illustrated that applying the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) in Malaysian e-commerce validates the relevance of established theoretical frameworks. This study explores the relationship between 20 independent variables and five mediator factors, with dependent variables, e-commerce in Malaysia. The results highlight the intricate relationships between these variables and their importance for companies, decision-makers, and other stakeholders involved in Malaysian infrastructure financing. This review provides legislators, educators, researchers, and businesspeople with new knowledge in Malaysia so that decision-makers, investors, and aspiring entrepreneurs can make informed decisions.
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a versatile and widely used polymer that has gained significant attention in various industries due to its unique combination of properties and ease of processing. PMMA, also known as acrylic or plexiglass, is a transparent thermoplastic with exceptional optical clarity, high-impact resistance, and excellent weatherability. This scholarly article endeavors to offer an exhaustive examination of the composition, characteristics, and broad utilization of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the molecular composition and chemical attributes inherent to PMMA. Furthermore, it intends to examine the mechanical and physical attributes exhibited by PMMA meticulously. Additionally, an exploration of varied methodologies employed in the processing and fabrication of PMMA will be undertaken. The extensive array of applications of PMMA spanning multiple industries will be underscored, followed by a comprehensive discourse on its merits, constraints, contemporary advancements, and prospective avenues. Understanding the properties and applications of PMMA is crucial for engineers, scientists, and professionals working in fields such as automotive, aerospace, medical, and signage, where PMMA finds extensive use.
Copyright © by EnPress Publisher. All rights reserved.