International Banks in China： Theoretical and Empirical Data

The growth of international banks in China occurred after the ＂open-door＂ policy implemented. With the China accession to WTO, the effect of international banks to our economy and politics become more important. If international banks want to succeed in China over the next ten years so that the market as a whole develops and matures, they need the Chinese banks to be successful in their restructuring program. There is truly a win-win outcome here if all segments of the banking community recognize the benefit of improving the competitiveness of the Chinese banking industry as a whole. This article analyzes the pattern and strategy of expansion of international banks in China, for the purpose of showing some enlightenment to domestic banks.

The Approach of Major Players in Retail in Expanding Their Operations into Developing Markets-Taking Walmart as an Example

This research investigates the expansion behavior of international(giant)retailers,with a specific focus on the determinants of the entry mode choice in emerging markets based on the performance of Walmart in its venture into less developed markets.This research investigates the approach in which major players in retail are expanding their operations into other developing markets,specifically focusing on how the entry mode decisions of giant retailers moderate the risks and difficulties in making business in emerging countries.The objective of this study is to analyze and evaluate the potential causes and antecedents of large merchants's entry mode(EM)choices by assessing Walmart's business performance in less advanced nations in recent years.

A time−space porosity computational model for concrete under sulfate attack

The deterioration of the microscopic pore structure of concrete under external sulfate attack(ESA)is a primary cause of degradation.Nevertheless,little effort has been invested in exploring the temporal and spatial development of the porosity of concrete under ESA.This study proposes a mechanical–chemical model to simulate the spatiotemporal distribution of the porosity.A relationship between the corrosion damage and amount of ettringite is proposed based on the theory of volume expansion.In addition,the expansion strain at the macro-scale is obtained using a stress analysis model of composite concentric sphere elements and the micromechanical mean-field approach.Finally,considering the influence of corrosion damage and cement hydration on the diffusion of sulfate ions,the expansion deformation and porosity space−time distribution are obtained using the finite difference method.The results demonstrate that the expansion strains calculated using the suggested model agree well with previously reported experimental results.Moreover,the tricalcium aluminate concentration,initial elastic modulus of cement paste,corrosion damage,and continuous hydration of cement significantly affect concrete under ESA.The proposed model can forecast and assess the porosity of concrete covers and provide a credible approach for determining the residual life of concrete structures under ESA.