The use of hydroxyethyl cellulose as a transparent filling material in finishing polish

2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 323-329 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jülide Erkmen

Purpose This study aims to propose a solution to decrease the environmental pollution caused by alkyd resins that harm the environment during their production and use. Design/methodology/approach A commercially produced polish formulation was used in the study. To reduce the use of this formulation in finishing polish, a water-saturated transparent solution of hydroxyethyl cellulose was used as a transparent filling material. Findings The use of hydroxyethyl cellulose at its optimum concentration in finishing polish only reduced the gloss by 0.027 per cent. The amount of alkyd was reduced by 24 per cent in weight. Research limitations/implications The literature contained highly limited information on this subject. No transparent filling material was found. Thus, no comparison can be made with other studies. Practical implications The results obtained from this study can help manufacturers in the polish industry to produce varnish in a more cost-effective and eco-friendly way. Originality/value Considerable amount of volatile organic compounds released into the atmosphere as a result of the use of solvent-based dye/varnishes in the woodworking industry alone proves the importance of water-based systems. The results of this study indicate both economic and environmental gain.

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Parisa Sadighara ◽  
Mohadeseh Pirhadi ◽  
Melina Sadighara ◽  
Parisa Shavaly-Gilani ◽  
Mohammad Reza Zirak ◽  
...  

Purpose Benzene contamination has been reported in some food groups. This study aims to identify high-risk foods groups to assess exposure to benzene. Design/methodology/approach Benzene is a hazardous volatile organic compound commonly used in the production of chemicals, detergents, paints and plastics. In addition, benzene is present in food and beverages. Findings Citrus juice-based beverages are usually more contaminated with benzene than other beverages. Benzene was also detected in carbonated beverages, fruit juices, pickles, lime juices, mayonnaise and salad dressing. Smoked and canned products have higher content of benzene. Aromas that are used in food contained benzene. Food packaging is one of the sources of benzene contamination of food. One of the reasons for its formation in food staff is due to the reaction of vitamin C (or similar acid) with benzoate, which is mainly used as a preservative in various foods. Practical implications Foods contaminated with benzene were determined. Moreover, mechanisms of its formation and some preventive measures were discussed. Originality/value This review determined the amount of benzene in foods, mechanism of formation and suggestion for prevention of benzene contamination in food.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 19-21

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 Using geographically-dispersed teams presents both opportunities and threats to firms. The option can be cost-effective and employees welcome the chance to operate more flexibly and achieve a better work-life balance. Separation of team members is an obvious problem but can be overcome through effective communication and building a sense of belonging that can generate perceptions of proximity. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives 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.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Md Sajjad Hosain

Purpose The main purpose of this conceptual paper is to identify and explain the technique of branding “Halal” as a marketing strategy to reach and capture a certain market segment (niche), particularly Muslims. Design/methodology/approach The approach of this paper is descriptive based on literature survey as well as the author’s own opinion, experience and judgment. Findings In many cases, particularly in food market, the term “Halal” is being used to attract the Muslim customers’ religious feelings rather than providing them cost-effective value products. Research limitations/implications The paper is expected to contribute to the theoretical base, as it focuses on the use of religious sentiments in marketing that is worth further research conduction. Practical implications The arguments of this paper can be used by the producers of “Halal” products in including certain features that might satisfy the demands of religious Muslims regarding food products. Social implications This paper can be contributive for the greater needs regarding societal and Islamic values. Originality/value This paper is one of the initial attempts to highlight the religious feelings to attract a specific market segment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (7) ◽  
pp. 967-985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tejumade Omowumi Siyanbola ◽  
Mark W. Gilman

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the magnitude of employee turnover (E-turnover) in Nigerian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with particular focus on the manufacturing and service firms adjudged as central to the growth and development of Nigerian economy. Design/methodology/approach Data from 602 employees and 94 owner/managers of SMEs located in three Southwestern Nigerian states were collected through survey questionnaire and analysed quantitatively. Findings Employees’ and management’s responses indicated that E-turnover still pervades the Nigerian SMEs surveyed with most employees leaving their jobs in less than a year of employment. Multiple exits also occurred; additionally, employees were more prone to exiting if they were male, older, had a smaller family size and/or worked in the manufacturing rather than service SMEs. Research limitations/implications More needs to be done to comprehend owner-managers’ apparent deliberate disguise of employee over-casualisation in the SMEs studied, an act that appeared to limit the interpretation of status-related turnover extent among employees. Practical implications Twenty-first century businesses need to stimulate sustainable cost-effective employment relationship capable of thwarting the threat accompanying high E-turnover in businesses. Originality/value Through this research, extant global E-turnover literature (largely on western businesses) is enriched by dedicated empirical data on Nigerian SMEs that this study offers.


2014 ◽  
Vol 22 (7) ◽  
pp. 21-22
Author(s):  
David Pollitt

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the views of the employees of GM Hellas, the subsidiary of the Opel car manufacturer in Greece, with regard to the training they receive from their employer. Design/methodology/approach – It explains that the conclusions are based on the responses of 114 employees and trainees to a survey at Opel’s 22 largest dealers in Greece. Findings – It reveals that the training provided by GM Hellas is viewed positively by most employees. Practical implications – It indicates that GM Hellas could make greater use of online training, which is both popular and cost-effective. Social implications – It highlights how staff development is contributing to the performance of a company that is flourishing, despite the severe economic downturn in Greece. Originality/value – Emphasizes the importance of in-company training for business growth and competitiveness.


Sensor Review ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 146-155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Riaan Stopforth ◽  
Andrew Mangezi

Purpose A contactless electromyography (EMG) electrodes design and development for prosthetics, particularly the Touch Hand 3, was the main objective of this paper. The correlation between EMG electrodes and patch antenna are described, with the problem relating to the dimensions of the covidien electrodes. The purpose of this paper is to improve the signal strength of the EMG electrodes and having them to not be in contact with the skin to cause irritation in the person. Design/methodology/approach A combination of the contact covidien electrodes and aluminium foil was used to develop electrodes that were in a similar configuration than a Yagi antenna. Different layers of patch elements were designed, developed and implemented. Findings Different layers of Yagi-patch electrodes are tested with different volunteers and compared with the average signal strengths obtained from the covidien electrodes. An improvement in signal strength with the Yagi-patch electrodes has been found. Practical implications The purpose of the work was to design, develop and test EMG electrodes that are cost-effective, reusable and able to improve the signal strengths that are recorded, for better functionality of prosthetic devices. Originality/value The integration of EMG and antennae theory to implement a Yagi-patch EMG electrode to improve on signal reception. The electrodes have the properties of being cheap, easy available, can eliminate direct contact and avoiding patches on the skin. Comparison of different layered electrodes with the contactless electrodes close to the skin. Comparison of the different electrodes on a silicone sleeve, which are commonly worn by amputees, placed between the skin and the prosthetic’s socket. Testing the Yagi-patch electrodes with an application with the prosthetic Touch Hand, to allow for the control of a system such as the Touch Hand.


2016 ◽  
Vol 50 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 301-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Byron Sharp ◽  
Nicole Hartnett

Purpose – This paper aims to reflect on the generalisability of the predictive validity test of the Persuasion Principles Index (PPI) conducted by Armstrong et al. (2016). Design/methodology/approach – Different aspects of the test are considered, such as the sample of ads, the dependent variable and the comparability of the methods used to predict effectiveness, in terms of how relevant these are to real-world advertising testing. Findings – The sample of ads and the testing procedure may have contributed to the success of the PPI predictions over the other copy-testing methods. The sample of print ads does not bear a close resemblance to current advertising. The competing copy tests do not represent modern advertising copy testing. Research/limitations/implications – More research is needed to test the validity of the principles and the predictive accuracy of the PPI across a range of conditions (e.g. different ads, media, products and cultures). Testing against advertising sales effectiveness would be the ideal next step. Practical/implications – It certainly seems the index method has the potential to help advertisers make better decisions regarding what executions to support, for high-involvement products at least. Given the accessibility of the software, it should be easy and cost effective for advertisers to trial the PPI. Originality/value – This commentary directs researchers to the real-world conditions under which advertising pre-tests need to be evaluated.


2019 ◽  
Vol 47 (2) ◽  
pp. 25-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Butner ◽  
Grace Ho

Purpose Machine learning is beginning to transform the way businesses organize their operations and benefit from technology investments. Design/methodology/approach To learn more about how far along organizations are in deploying intelligent automation and in developing plans and strategies for its adoption, the IBM Institute for Business Value, in collaboration with Oxford Economics surveyed and interviewed 550 technology and operations executives. Findings The primary purpose of intelligent automation is to augment employees’ skills, experience and expertise, extending the human mind in ways that allow for higher productivity, creative problem-solving and more engaging jobs for employees. Practical implications Automation is not a plug-and-play solution: companies cannot just buy the technology, flip the switch and watch robots run the business without any human intervention. Originality/value This recent survey of operations executive with specific knowledge of their companies plans provides insights into best practice. Executives believe that layering new technologies on top of old business processes is apt to be less productive ? and less cost-effective ? than rethinking processes to make the most of intelligent automation. Executives must optimize workflows for automation; this means envisioning the end result, enabling it through logical steps and prototyping the process ? then repairing as necessary before scaling.


2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (11) ◽  
pp. 25-27

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 – Succeeding in business often depends on having an outstanding leader at the helm. In these days, where many firms compete on an increasingly global scale, leadership has become even more important. Leading in a global context represents a step into the unknown. Unique challenges, different priorities, greater diversity of stakeholders and broader responsibilities are the norm. And that is not all. Those in charge of projects will typically have less direct authority and only limited information about the market they are operating in. Being a leader in unfamiliar territory is clearly not for the faint-hearted. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives 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.


Author(s):  
Dirk De Clercq ◽  
George Saridakis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the hitherto unexplored relationship between employees’ perceptions of informational injustice with respect to change and their negative workplace emotions, as well as how this relationship might be mitigated by structural and relational features of the organizational context. Design/methodology/approach – The paper draws on quantitative data collected through the 2011 Workplace Employment Relations Survey. The hypotheses are tested with ordered probit analysis using random effects. Findings – The findings show that informational injustice enhances the development of negative workplace emotions, yet this effect is attenuated at higher levels of job influence, reward interdependence, trust, and organizational commitment. Research limitations/implications – The findings contribute by identifying several contingencies that attenuate the harmful effect of informational injustice with respect to change on negative workplace emotions. The limitations of the study include the lack of data on change-specific outcomes and the reliance on the same respondents to assess the focal variables. Practical implications – The study suggests that organizations facing the challenge of sharing complete information about internal changes can counter the employee stress that comes with limited information provision by creating appropriate internal environments. Originality/value – The study adds to research on organizational change by providing a better understanding of an unexplored driver of negative workplace emotions (i.e. informational injustice with respect to change) and explicating when such informational injustice is more or less likely to enhance these emotions.


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