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This study investigates the relationship between local protectionism and performance of multinational corporation (MNC) subsidiaries in China. We integrate overarching theories (i.e., institutional theory and extended resource-based view) to investigate a model for identifying whether local protectionism at the subnational level is beneficial or detrimental for foreign subsidiary operations or functions as a double-edged sword. We also examine whether or not internal organizational capabilities and relational capital with government moderate the effects. On the basis of regression analyses, our empirical findings reveal that the positive or negative effects of subnational protectionism in China depend on performance types. Moreover, performance contribution is considerably moderated by various internal capabilities of MNC subsidiaries. Findings offer valuable and practical implications for MNCs intending to invest in emerging economies. Keywords Subnational protectionism * Performance * Technological capability * Marketing capability * Government--firm relationship, 1 Introduction Theory of multinational corporations (MNCs) proposes that firms investing overseas need to possess firm-specific advantages (FSAs), particularly to combat the liabilities of foreignness (LOF) and outperform their local [...]

Drawing on institutional theory, this study investigates how institutional pressure can affect digital platform risk. Specifically, it examines whether two types of institutional pressure--domestic market e-commerce policy uncertainty and foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainty--affect the perceived digital platform risk for international new ventures (INVs) and its relationship with their scope of internationalization. The recent crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has further impacted this new phenomenon, thus we examine its effects on the relationships between/among domestic and foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainties, digital platform risk, and the internationalization scope of INVs. We conduct four waves of a survey to test the Covid-19 effects as well as to minimize common method bias, analyzing the final sample of 394 responses from 260 Chinese INVs using structural equation modeling. The results show that domestic and foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainties positively affect the digital platform risk for INVs, with foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainty having a stronger positive impact. Moreover, we find that the Covid-19 pandemic interacts asymmetrically with the relationship between domestic vs. foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainty and the digital platform risk for INVs. In addition, the pandemic strengthens the negative relationship between digital platform risk and the internationalization scope of INVs. This research broadens and strengthens our understanding of e-commerce policy and international business in the context of INVs' internationalization. Keywords Domestic vs. foreign market e-commerce policy uncertainty * Digital platform risk * Internationalization scope * Covid-19 pandemic * International new ventures (INVs), 1 Introduction Cross-border e-commerce refers to cross-border transactions conducted by firms located in different countries through e-commerce, with transactions being made on websites or digital platforms (Qi et al., 2020). [...]

Background and Rationale for the Focused Issue Multinational enterprises (MNEs). particularly under pressure from stakeholders and institutions to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (Ghauri, 2022). have placed sustainability linked [...]

Although there is extensive research in the field of services and lately on the internationalization of services, the topic of how service firms interact with society and political organizations, during their internationalization process, remains almost untouched. As an answer to the call for further research on the interaction between service firms, society and policy makers, this paper aims to advance the knowledge by proposing an integrative theoretical view. Dissimilar to the earlier research where each study stands on a specific theoretical discipline (economic, behavioural or political science), the proposed theoretical view asserts the need for an interdisciplinary approach. The integration of these three perspectives is vital since business, policy and society have different legitimacy and dependency grounds and yet their goals and objectives have been converging over the years. Isolating these disciplines from each other is, thus, not very helpful in advancing the knowledge and understanding the conditions, motives and consequences of multinational enterprises in foreign markets. Moreover, the internationalization of services and the extent of heterogeneity in service products/solutions, from banking to retailing and e-commerce, create new challenges that need for interaction between these parties; the three pillars of our society. Keywords Internationalisation * Service firms * Socio-political actors * Interdisciplinary approach * Society and politics, 1 Settings the Research Arena The interplay between society and political organization in the internationalization process of multinational enterprises (MNEs) has become a crucial issue in international business (IB) research [...]

Although prior research has emphasized the importance of international strategic alliances, we have incomplete understanding of how and why some firms succeed in acquiring knowledge from foreign partners, but others fail. We advance understanding of this important issue by examining (1) two key antecedents of knowledge ambiguity (the perceived difficulty of understanding the causal effects of partner's knowledge and the use of such knowledge) and (2) by identifying how firms can partly overcome the negative effects of knowledge ambiguity on knowledge acquisition in international alliances. Drawing on organizational learning theory, our analysis not only shows (and explains how) knowledge ambiguity affects international knowledge acquisition through the interaction with absorptive capacity, but also identifies what alliance partners can do to reduce knowledge ambiguity and overcome some of its negative consequences, such as choosing foreign partners with a similar institutional context and building strong relationships with such partners. Keywords Knowledge ambiguity * Absorptive capacity * Knowledge acquisition * Institutional distance * International strategic alliances * Relational capital, 1 Introduction International knowledge acquisition helps firms develop new capabilities and provides the basis for innovation, strategic renewal and competitive advantage in the global economy (Ho 2013; Inkpen 1998). Knowledge [...]

This study's objective is to compare cluster economies and diseconomies for multinational enterprises (MNEs) and uninational enterprises (UNEs) within the London financial services cluster. In contrast to the implicit assumption of the cluster participation literature that the economies and diseconomies of clusters are valued similarly by all firms, we find that economies relating to social capital and labour market pooling are equally important to MNEs and UNEs, economies relating to local competition and diseconomies relating to congestion costs are more important to MNEs than to UNEs, and economies relating to the reputational effects of locating in a world-leading cluster and access to specialised suppliers are more important to UNEs than to MNEs. That MNEs and UNEs do not experience cluster economies and diseconomies in the same way indicates that both cluster participation theory and international business theory need augmentation to recognise that cluster incumbents benefit and suffer from cluster membership differently.Keywords Clusters * Location * FDI * MNEs * Uninational enterprises * Financial services, 1 IntroductionThe economies and diseconomies of industrial clustering have long been studied by economists and management scholars (Dunning 1998; Marshall 1890; Porter 1998; Swann et al. 1998). Recently, two special [...]

ObjectivesAdvance care planning (ACP) is the process of documenting a person’s preference for medical treatment in the event of future deterioration. This audit aimed to improve discussion and documentation of ACP in patients who die during a hospital admission.MethodsWe performed a clinical audit in 2021 of inpatients at a tertiary hospital in Sydney, Australia to evaluate the benefit of multimodal interventions to improve ACP compared with previous audits from 2016 and 2011.ResultsIn 2021, 97% of audited patients had a documented ACP prior to death compared with 80% in the 2016 audit. The completion of NFR documentation on admission in 2016 was 33%, while in 2021 65% of ACPs were completed within 24 hours of admission.In 2021, 94% of patients had a paper resuscitation form filled; however, identification stickers, which are associated with risk of error, were used in 64%; and 25% of forms were only partially completed. Palliative care was consulted for 44% of patients prior to death; 33% on the day of or prior to death.ConclusionsImprovement in prevalence and timing of ACP prior to death is seen in the postintervention audit. A repeat audit in 5 years will be conducted, with interventions focused on improving documentation of ACP.

The concept of political risk has been defined from the perspective of developed-country multinational enterprises (MNEs) and has mainly focused on the political and regulatory perils in developing host countries. However, we have limited understanding of how emerging market firms perceive political risk in international marketplaces. Adopting a case study method, we examine how Chinese MNEs perceive political risk when operating in developed and developing host countries, specifically, the European Union (EU) and Africa. Our findings show that Chinese MNEs regard their home-country origin and industry-specific restrictions as major political risks in the EU. By contrast, they consider the volatile political environment in some African countries as the main source of political risk. In addition to the sharp contrast in the political and regulatory environment between the EU and African states, Chinese MNEs commonly encounter political risks in both markets due to their own behaviour. Keywords Political risk * Chinese MNEs * The European Union * Africa, 1 Introduction Outward foreign direct investment (FDI) by emerging economy multinational enterprises (EEMNEs) has become one of the most researched topics in international business (IB). The political risk faced by [...]

X-chromosome inactivation (XCI) balances gene expression between the sexes in female mammals. Shortly after fertilization, upregulation of Xist RNA from one X chromosome initiates XCI, leading to chromosome-wide gene silencing. XCI is maintained in all cell types, except the germ line and the pluripotent state where XCI is reversed. The mechanisms triggering Xist upregulation have remained elusive. Here we identify GATA transcription factors as potent activators of Xist. Through a pooled CRISPR activation screen in murine embryonic stem cells, we demonstrate that GATA1, as well as other GATA transcription factors can drive ectopic Xist expression. Moreover, we describe GATA-responsive regulatory elements in the Xistlocus bound by different GATA factors. Finally, we show that GATA factors are essential for XCI induction in mouse preimplantation embryos. Deletion of GATA1/4/6 or GATA-responsive Xistenhancers in mouse zygotes effectively prevents Xist upregulation. We propose that the activity or complete absence of various GATA family members controls initial Xist upregulation, XCI maintenance in extra-embryonic lineages and XCI reversal in the epiblast.

Improvements in drilling operations are critical for the development of the petroleum sector. Compromising in any of the drilling constraints will ultimately give rise to some serious wellbore instability issues. In this study, the effect of various cationic biopolymer water-based drilling fluids on the rheology, filtration, shale stabilization and microbial action over shale was investigated. These ions are classified as monovalent cations (K+and Na+) and divalent cations (Mg2+). According to the rheological results, it was observed that all the three fluids showed pseudo plastic characteristics. Moreover, yield point, gel strength, apparent viscosity and YP/PV ratio for K+drilling mud were far superior than any other salt sample. These parameters clearly represent effective hole-cleaning behavior for potassium ion sample. Likewise, the filtration test for these samples shows that as the size of cations decreases an increase in filtrate volume was observed. As the ionic radius decreases from 1.33 pm for K+to 0.66 for Mg2+, loss of filtrate volume increases from 6.4 to 11.2 mL. The larger size potassium ion clogged the pore sizes in the filter paper and substantial reduction in filtrate loss was observed. Furthermore, the cationic solutions when interacted with shale samples obtained from the northern region of Pakistan to investigate the shale swelling and microbial activity. Results revealed three different mechanisms of reactions between the three cations and the shale formation. Microbial activity was witnessed in K+solution after 10 days, which intensified rapidly till Day 30th, thereby completely damaged the shale sample. In Na+sample, water evaporated from the solution, leaving behind the salt crystals deposits on the face of the shale sample. When Mg2+was investigated a surprising result was perceived. The water in the salt solution found it difficult to vaporize, and it remained in the shale sample even after 30 days. On the other hand, K+ion mud was most effective as shale inhibitor. Substantial reduction in shale swelling was perceived in this mud type. These results will be significant for a drilling engineer to avoid any unnecessary problem during drilling operations in the northern Pakistan region.

Abstract The aim is to deepen our understanding about the internationalisation--survival relationship in the case of new ventures in traditional manufacturing sectors. Hypotheses were tested through Cox's proportional hazard regressions [...]

The Pakistani government recently devised a national contingency energy-saving plan aimed at conserving energy and reducing the import bill to deal with the incumbent energy crisis. The endless spiral of import bills burgeoning the fiscal deficit of Pakistan is leading to somewhat draconian measures by the government, which one may argue are needed to address the import bill crisis. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: * Since Korea suffered the economic crisis, the economic and entrepreneurial atmosphere has been significantly changed in the country. Given the dramatic environmental turbulence, this paper raises key questions: [...]

Abstract: * Our aim with this focused issue was to look at the changing environments of international business and the new challenges faced by multinational enterprises from developed markets. We [...]

Abstract: * We apply information processing theory to investigate the evolution of regional management. * Based on a longitudinal case study of a European multinational we capture the overall structural [...]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2008.08.005 Byline: Harri Lorentz (a), Pervez N. Ghauri (b) Keywords: Supply chain management; Industrial networks; Opportunity development; Internationalization; Emerging markets; Russia Abstract: This paper aims to shed light on the management of supply chains, or rather, demand supply networks (DSN) in emerging markets by foreign companies. According to our definition, specific DSN opportunity development processes are directed towards better functionality and coordination of product, finance and information flows across the DSN. As a consequence, improved performance of the DSN may be achieved, in order to support and realize competitive business strategy and facilitate value creation for customers. To illustrate the concepts and the model, empirical evidence is presented that establishes the role of changing network structures and incumbent capabilities as constraints for DSN opportunity capture, especially in emerging markets. Our results show that DSN positioning strategies designed to overcome these constraints and facilitate opportunity capture, must be proactive, well-timed and innovative. Author Affiliation: (a) Turku School of Economics, Department of Marketing, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3, FIN-20500 Turku, Finland (b) King's College London, Department of Management, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, United Kingdom Article History: Received 11 June 2007; Revised 15 April 2008; Accepted 24 August 2008

Abstract and Key Results * Reliability, validity, generalisability and objectivity are fundamental concerns for quantitative researchers. For qualitative research, however, the role of these dimensions is blurred. Some researchers argue [...]

Abstract and Key Results * Research on the process of knowledge learning and absorption in acquisition context has emerged recently. Yet relatively less attention has been paid to the process [...]

To link to full-text access for this article, visit this link: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2006.02.011 Byline: Florence Crespin-Mazet (a), Pervez Ghauri (b) Keywords: Project marketing; Construction industry; Marketing strategy; Business-to-business marketing; Partnering; Co-development Abstract: This paper deals with a specific issue in project marketing, namely project co-development, presented as a relational and cooperative form of exchange in the project network. It endeavours to find out under what conditions project co-development is considered as a viable marketing strategy as opposed to competitive bidding. A model is developed, which is then used to analyze two cases of project co-development in the construction industry. Of the two cases, one is a successful case and the other is a failure case. This enabled us to analyze factors and conditions that can lead to a successful co-development strategy. Factors such as, project complexity, conflicting objectives, lack of compatibility, lack of trust and commitment and lack of coherence between the budget and the objectives turned out to influence a co-development strategy. The role played by the key decision-makers (project manager) also influenced the success/failure of co-development strategy. Author Affiliation: (a) E.M.LYON and Corporate Consultant, Mercadine, 23 avenue Guy de Collongue, 69 130 Ecully, France (b) Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester, P O Box 88, Manchester M60 1QD, UK Article History: Received 15 July 2005; Revised 2 December 2005; Accepted 20 February 2006

The software industry draws on Porters 'diamond' theory of competitive advantage of nations and the suggested improvements of the framework from relevant scholars to assess the growing competitiveness of China's software industry. The role of government policies and corporate strategies in shaping the competitiveness of the industry in China in comparison to top players in the world is demonstrated.

Background: Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides), a deciduous species plant, is widely distributed around the globe, and native to the cold-temperate regions of Europe and Asia. This medicinal herb contains several bioactive constituents including chlorogenic acid. The conventional methods used for the extraction of phenolic antioxidants from natural herbs often result in low yields, high toxicity, and pose environmental hazards limiting their effectiveness and scalability. Therefore, green extraction techniques using deep eutectic solvents, composed of natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable components were applied for extraction of chlorogenic acid from sea buckthorn weed. Fourteen deep eutectic solvent mixtures were prepared and evaluated for extraction yield of chlorogenic acid. Parameters such as hydrogen bond donor-to-hydrogen bond acceptor ratio, liquid-to-solid ratio, shaking speed, and shaking time were optimized for the best mixture. Results: The combination of lactic acid and maltose (1:1) was found to give best extraction yield using response surface methodology. The deep eutectic solvent system under optimum conditions produced 12.2 g/100 g of crude extract sea buckthorn containing 174.7 mg gallic acid equivalents (mg GA)/g) of extract. Moreover, the optimized extract exhibited appreciable radical scavenging capacity (91%), trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (11.2% of extract), and inhibition of peroxide in linoleic acid (80.6%). High-performance liquid chromatography-based characterization revealed the extracts contained chlorogenic acid (20.1 mg/g of extract) as the major constituent. Conclusions: In summary, the adoption of DES for the extraction of bioactive phenolic constituents from sea buckthorn offers multiple benefits, including economic efficiency, enhanced extraction performance, and environmental sustainability. The findings of this study not only advance the understanding of DES in phytochemical extraction but also pave the way for broader application of green solvents in the natural products industry. Future research should focus on further optimizing DES formulations and scaling up the extraction process to fully realize the potential of this innovative extraction method in commercial applications.

ABSTRACTConfronted with the rapid technological changes and increased global competition, training of employees now focused on self-directed development (SDD). Despite the recognition of self-directed development, only few empirical studies have investigated the combined relationship of both predictors and outcomes simultaneously. This research attempted to develop and test a conceptual model of SDD, which includes both individual and contextual factors as predictors and outcomes, following an input–process–output perspective. The model was validated through SEM analysis from a sample of 383 working business students. In general, results indicate that SDD is a mix of both individual and contextual factors that lead to positive outcomes. The findings offer new insights into the way organizations can improve employee development through SDD. However, unexpected findings were also noted. Job autonomy has an insignificant relationship, whereas empowerment and proactive personality were weakly associated with SDD.

Research indicates a direct relationship between the level of committed resources in an international joint venture and the level of familiarity between the partners. Studies were based on the formation and development of joint ventures between India and Sweden.

In this article, we analyze the impact of learning from internationalization on small and medium enterprises’ (SMEs) performance along different development paths. Drawing on the exploitation versus exploration logic, we use an alternative view of foreign operation modes (the learning perspective) to provide insights into the impact of such learning on technological and organizational innovation as well as overall performance. Our results, which are derived from a sample of 132 SMEs active in traditional manufacturing industries, point to a path to superior performance that entails resource-augmenting operation modes and organizational innovation.JEL CLASSIFICATION:O31; F23; L25; M10; M16

The United Nations put forward 17 Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 that were to be achieved by 2030. The objective was to alleviate inequalities and create a fair society for all. The contention of this paper is that multinational enterprises (MNEs) can play an important role in achieving these goals. It is also envisaged that collaborative efforts of governments, society, and MNEs are necessary to achieve these goals. The impact of new realities, particularly the COVID-19 pandemic, is discussed. Many companies are now claiming to pursue these goals. We call for more research to analyze these activities to separate rhetoric from the reality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACTThe digital economy has led to significant socio-economic transformations in all aspects of our society and livelihoods. While there is a growing literature on the effect of digital platforms on development, none consolidates the available evidence from a development perspective. In this systematic literature review, we grouped the available literature into three main themes and critically synthesize and analyse the role of digital technology and digital platforms on the development of the modern economy. To enable the inclusion of a wide array of published papers, we allowed for relevant quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods studies globally. This approach allows us to reflect on the role of digital platforms for development more broadly as well as discuss opportunities for future research.

Palliative care is best provided by a multidisciplinary team as they contribute to improve the care of patients with incurable illnesses in Australian hospitals. However, even though palliative medicine in the private sector has some advantages, specialists face specific challenges in relation to the cost of certain drugs, access to the multidisciplinary team and reimbursement issues.

Byline: Salim Ghauri Pakistan is in a very exciting and decisive stage. Decisions taken now will have a far-reaching impact on our future. Politically things can't be any better to [...]

Performance of the semiconductor devices is solicited by reliable metallic electrical connections. Any bad electrical connection may one of the major sources of noise and low mechanical strength, hence reducing the performance and life of the device. Apart from the successful synthesis or development of semiconductor devices or solders; the technique to carry out soldering process plays a vital role to attain reliable and reproducible electrical connections. This paper demonstrates the soldering process on gold thin films using In-3.0%Ag eutectic soldering alloys considering the three fundamental aspects of the process i.e. scavenging, wetting and aging. Scavenging and wetting behaviors of the solder were evaluated at various temperatures and different fluxes, respectively. Effect of aging was evaluated by shear testing after aging for various durations. It was observed that using the soldering temperature somewhere between 160-190 °C with 20 wt.% salicylic acid flux is favorable for better wetting and scavenging characteristics. A post solder aging (at 95 °C for 12 hours) seamed to facilitate improvement in mechanical strengths.

In this study, the effect of SBR concentration (10 Phr, 20 Phr & 30 Phr ) on the thermal behavior of EPDM/SBR blends was studied. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was used to check weight loss of samples as function of temperature by heating upto 600°C. X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed to determine quality and % crystallinity of the elastomer blends. It was seen that % crystallinity improved with an increase in the content of SBR in EPDM/SBR blends. TGA revealed that the thermal stability of EPDM/SBR blends has improved by 17% than neat EPDM. Carbon nano-coatings produced by sputtering have no beneficial influence on thermal behaviour of elastomers.

The aim of this study was to produce graphene oxide (GO) coatings on biodegradable AZ31B magnesium (Mg) alloy. GO was synthesized by improved Hummers’ method, and a suspension was prepared in deionized water by ultrasonication. GO coatings were developed on AZ31B Mg alloy by electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The EPD parameters, such as voltage and time, were optimized to obtain uniform GO coatings. Characterization was carried out using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy. GO was found to have a thickness of approximately 0.7–1 nm as determined by AFM. Electrochemical behavior of coatings was evaluated by Tafel analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in Ringer’s lactate solution. GO coatings improved the corrosion resistance of the AZ31B Mg alloy by 16× in Ringer’s lactate solution as compared to bare Mg alloy.

The purpose of this article is twofold: to bring back to discussion the importance of strategy as a key element for international new ventures (INVs) to achieve higher international performance and to assess the relevance of contingency perspective, particularly two organizational contingency factors (internationalization duration and internationalization preparation), in moderating the strategy–performance relationship. The framework developed addresses the effects of four competitive strategies (cost leadership and innovation-based, marketing-based, and quality- and service-based differentiation) as determinants of INVs’ international performance. In addition, internationalization duration and internationalization preparation are included as moderators of these relationships. The hypotheses were tested using a sample of 319 INVs. The findings show that marketing and quality and service differentiation strategies are associated with higher INVs’ international performance and that internationalization duration and internationalization preparation play relevant moderating effects.JEL CLASSIFICATION:M13; M16

This study explores both the individual impact of geographical diversification and its effect combined with product diversification on small and medium-sized enterprises’ (SMEs) performance. Unlike most prior studies, this study distinguishes between related and unrelated product diversification. The research setting is a sample of manufacturing SMEs (1994–2014). By using dynamic panel data models, the results provide statistical support for the existence of a horizontal S-shaped relationship between geographical diversification and performance. The findings also indicate that while related product diversification positively enhances the performance of those SMEs engaged in geographical diversification (albeit not indefinitely), unrelated product diversification may significantly impair it, especially for SMEs opting for low and high levels of international diversification. Our study reveals that product and international diversification strategies in the case of SMEs are complementary or substitutive strategies depending on the specific type of product diversification strategy and the level of geographical diversification adopted.JEL CLASSIFICATION: F23; L25; M16

This article deals with two important concepts in the prior literature on the internationalization process: age at entry and export experience. Against previous research, we analyze how both of them influence simultaneously international behavior in the early stages of the internationalization process as a trade-off. For that aim, we analyze the influence of both variables on international behavior in the early stages of the internationalization process, from a dynamic perspective, looking at initial export behavior and speed during this period. We analyze export development process of 106 Spanish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), most of them international new ventures, in their first 8 years of export activity, combining the effect of age at entry and experiential learning during this period, finding that age at entry and export experience exert not only a direct effect but also a moderation influence on initial export development, observing a trade-off between such influence as experience grows.JEL CLASSIFICATION:M16

This article examines the role of networks and global value chains (GVCs) and how they influence emerging economy small- and medium-sized enterprises’ (EE-SMEs) internationalization. Drawing on the insights, experiences, and perspectives of entrepreneurs and senior managers of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that have originated from China, the study adopts qualitative approach and examines nine firms’ internationalization. We find that Chinese born-global manufacturing SMEs benefit from networks with quick insidership position into GVCs, but suffer from various obstacles that hinder their further development. The findings further indicate that network ties substantially facilitate EE-SMEs’ internationalization, but also restrict their future global development, as their low position within the GVCs impedes further business development and capability building. The case firms’ lower position within the GVCs weakens the networks’ influence on their GVC upgrading. The research identifies key enablers of GVC engagement and obstacles of GVC upgrading of the case firms which play an important role in the EE-SMEs’ internationalization.JEL CLASSIFICATION:M10; M16

This study was conducted to analyze the adsorption efficiency of lignin/alginate/hydroxyapatite composite beads for the removal of copper Cu(II) and nickel Ni(II) ions from an aqueous solution. For this purpose, lignin, alginate and hydroxyapatite (HAp) composite was prepared in the form of lignin/alginate/hydroxyapatite composite beads. Adsorbents were synthesized in three different ratios by mixing lignin/alginate/hydroxyapatite and sodium alginate in distilled water (25–30 ml) which was then added dropwise to the calcium chloride (CaCl2) solution to form its lignin/alginate/hydroxyapatite composite beads. Synthesized beads were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The effect of various experimental parameters such as contact time, pH, the initial concentration of Cu(II) and Ni(II) and adsorbent dose on adsorption capacity was investigated. Kinetic and isotherm data confirmed that the pseudo-first-order model and Langmuir isotherm were best fitted to experimental data. An increase in the adsorption capacity of heavy metals from an aqueous solution was observed with the increase in lignin percentage in beads. The maximum adsorption capacity for Cu(II) and Ni(II) was 79.67 and 71.18 mg/g, respectively for C3 (60%) lignin.Reusability study of lignin/alginate/hydroxyapatite beads showed 79% removal efficacy after four successive adsorption-desorption cycles. The results showed that lignin/alginate/hydroxyapatite composite beads can be used as promising environmentally benign adsorbent for the removal of heavy metal ions from an aqueous solution.