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Article
Publication date: 17 May 2024

Syam Narayanan S., Rajalakshmi Pachamuthu, Alex T. Biju and Srilekha Madupu

This study aims to discuss the mathematical modelling of a compliance-assisted flapping mechanism and morphable structures for an UAV.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to discuss the mathematical modelling of a compliance-assisted flapping mechanism and morphable structures for an UAV.

Design/methodology/approach

A compliance-assisted flapping wing was designed and modelled mathematically, and signals for the corresponding curves were calculated. The actual wing tip trace of a hummingbird was taken, and variables a, b, h and k were calculated from the image. This data was given to the mathematical model for plotting the graph, and the curve was compared with the input curve. The wing frame and mechanism for control surfaces using morphing is modelled along with single pivoted spine for centre of gravity augmentation and flight orientation control.

Findings

The model efficiently approximates the 2D path of the wing using line segments using the muscle and compliance mechanism.

Practical implications

Using a compliance-assisted flapping mechanism offers practical advantages. It allows us to synchronize the flapping frequency with the input signal frequency, ensuring efficient operation. Additionally, the authors can enhance the torque output by using multiple muscle strands, resulting in a substantial increase in the system’s torque-to-weight ratio. This approach proves to be more favourable when compared to conventional methods involving motors or servos, ultimately offering a more efficient and robust solution for practical application.

Social implications

This model focuses on creating a flexible and tunable mechanism that can at least trace four types of wing traces from the same design, for shifting from one mode of flight to another.

Originality/value

Conventional ornithopter flapping mechanisms are gear or servo driven and cannot trace a wing tip, but some can trace complicated curves, but only one at a time. This model can trace multiple curves using the same hardware, allowing the user to program the curve based on their needs or bird. The authors may vary the shape of the wing tip trace to switch between forward flight, hovering, backward flying, etc., which is not conceivable with any traditional flapping mechanism.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2024

Zhangtao Peng, Qian Fang, Qing Ai, Xiaomo Jiang, Hui Wang, Xingchun Huang and Yong Yuan

A risk-based method is proposed to identify the dominant influencing factors of secondary lining cracking in an operating mountain tunnel with weak surrounding rock.

Abstract

Purpose

A risk-based method is proposed to identify the dominant influencing factors of secondary lining cracking in an operating mountain tunnel with weak surrounding rock.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the inspection data from a mountain tunnel in Southwest China, a lognormal proportional hazard model is established to describe the statistical distribution of secondary lining cracks. Then, the model parameters are obtained by using the Bayesian regression method, and the importance of influencing factors can be sorted based on the absolute values of the parameters.

Findings

The results show that the order of importance of the influencing factors of secondary lining cracks is as follows: location of the crack on the tunnel profile, rock mass grade of the surrounding rock, time to completion of the secondary lining, and void behind the secondary lining. Accordingly, the location of the crack on the tunnel profile and rock mass grade of the surrounding rock are the two most important influencing factors of secondary lining cracks in the investigated mountain tunnel, and appropriate maintenance measures should be focused on these two aspects.

Originality/value

This study provides a general and effective reference for identifying the dominant influencing factors of secondary lining cracks to guide the targeted maintenance in mountain tunnels.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

Keywords

Open Access
Book part
Publication date: 6 June 2024

Sun Sun Lim and Yang Wang

Abstract

Details

Digital Parenting Burdens in China: Online Homework, Parent Chats and Punch-in Culture
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83797-758-1

Article
Publication date: 6 June 2023

Jiang Wang and Xiaohua Shen

This study investigated the moderating role of democracy in the relationship between corruption and foreign direct investment. The purpose of this study is to understand whether…

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigated the moderating role of democracy in the relationship between corruption and foreign direct investment. The purpose of this study is to understand whether corruption has different effects on the location decisions of multinational enterprises (MNEs) depending on the regime type.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explored how institutional context influenced the impacts of corruption on the location decisions of MNEs, specifically using a sample of Chinese cross-border mergers and acquisitions between 2000 and 2020.

Findings

This study assessed the role of democracy in the relationship between corruption and the location decisions of Chinese MNEs. In general, this study found that Chinese MNEs were hindered by host country corruption, but that these detrimental effects were weaker in the presence of more effective democratic institutions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on institutional factors in international business through its simultaneous investigation of the effects of both democracy and corruption on the location decisions of MNEs. Moreover, there is a prevailing view that Chinese MNEs are willing to enter countries with high corruption, but the results of this study indicate that they are risk-averse in ways similar to their Western counterparts.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 18 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 March 2024

Zhihong Tan, Mengxi Yang, Andrea C. Farro and Ling Yuan

Based on the cognitive appraisal theory of emotion and social comparison theory, this study explores the mediating mechanism and boundary conditions of supervisor bottom-line…

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the cognitive appraisal theory of emotion and social comparison theory, this study explores the mediating mechanism and boundary conditions of supervisor bottom-line mentality on employee presenteeism.

Design/methodology/approach

Using hierarchical regression and bootstrapping, we test the hypothesized relationships with three-stage data from 265 full-time employees in China.

Findings

Supervisor bottom-line mentality has a significant positive influence on employee presenteeism. Workplace fear of missing out plays a mediating role between supervisor bottom-line mentality and employee presenteeism. Employees’ status-striving motivation positively moderates the influence of supervisor bottom-line mentality on employees’ workplace fear of missing out and enhances the mediating effect of workplace fear of missing out.

Practical implications

Presenteeism can be detrimental to employees’ health, and ultimately leads to a decrease in organizational productivity. Research conclusions warn companies to be vigilant about supervisors’ bottom-line mentalities and to strengthen employee health management.

Originality/value

This study explains when and how supervisor bottom-line mentality affects employee health, contributing to the literature on the antecedents of presenteeism and enriching the research on supervisor bottom-line mentalities and employee and organizational outcomes. This study clarifies the emotional mechanisms and boundary conditions of supervisor bottom-line mentality affecting presenteeism.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 45 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 August 2023

Shiwei Shen, Fan Yang and Marios D. Sotiriadis

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of experience dimensions on the engagement in pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) within nature-based tourism in China. The focus…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of experience dimensions on the engagement in pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) within nature-based tourism in China. The focus was on sustainable/responsible consumer behaviour by the Chinese Gen Z (18–26 years).

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a conceptual model was suggested, drawn on experiential marketing approach. Secondly, an empirical study (online survey) with a sample of 580 young persons was conducted and data were analysed using structural equation modeling (SEM).

Findings

It was revealed that the act and feel dimensions significantly influence experiential value (EV), and EV positively affects satisfaction, significantly impacting arousal and memory. Positive outcomes of experience impact Gen Z members’ engagement in PEBs. Furthermore, arousal and memory play a similar and partial mediating role between satisfaction and engagement in PEB.

Practical implications

The insights gained give support and guidance to tourism destinations and suppliers to promote environmentally friendly behaviour among tourists. This understanding is valuable and useful to industry practitioners in elaborating and implementing the appropriate strategies to stimulate, motivate and promote tourists’ PEB.

Originality/value

This study elaborates an integrative framework, drawn on a marketing approach and establishing a relationship between experiential dimensions and engagement in PEB through the mediating factors of perceived EV, satisfaction, memory and arousal. It provides tourism researchers with new perspective and insights on tourism experience and consumption behaviour.

目的

本研究证实了体验维度对于中国自然旅游地游客的亲环境旅游行为(PEB)的影响。研究对象聚焦于中国Z世代(18 至26 岁)游客的亲环境行为。

设计/方法/途径

本研究基于体验营销, 提出了一个概念模型, 对580名Z世代游客进行了实证研究(在线调查), 并采用结构方程模型(SEM)对数据进行分析。

结果

结果表明, 行动维度和情感维度显著影响体验价值, 体验价值正向影响满意度, 满意度显著影响唤醒度和记忆。体验后的积极结果会影响Z世代游客的亲环境行为的参与。此外, 唤醒度和记忆在满意度和亲环境行为参与之间起平行的部分中介作用。

实践意义

研究结果可为旅游目的地的管理者和从业者提供借鉴和参考, 以促进游客的环保行为。这对于旅游业从业者制定和采取恰当的策略来促进和激励游客的亲环境行为也具有重要意义。

原创性/价值

本研究基于营销方法, 构建了一个整合框架, 并通过体验价值、满意度, 记忆和唤醒度等中介, 建构了体验维度和参与亲环境行为之间的关系, 拓展了旅游体验及消费行为的研究视角。

Propósito

El propósito de este estudio fue examinar el impacto de las dimensiones de la experiencia en el comportamiento turístico proambiental (CTP) en el turismo de naturaleza en China, centrándose en el comportamiento sostenible y responsable de la Generación Z china (entre 18 y 26 años).

Diseño/metodología/enfoque

Se propuso un modelo conceptual basado en el enfoque del marketing experiencial. Posteriormente, se llevó a cabo un estudio empírico mediante una encuesta en línea a 580 jóvenes, y los datos obtenidos se analizaron utilizando SEM (Modelado de Ecuaciones Estructurales).

Hallazgos

Se encontró que las dimensiones “actuar” y “sentir” tienen una influencia significativa en el valor experiencial, y este último impacta positivamente en la satisfacción, lo cual a su vez influye en la excitación y la memoria. Los resultados positivos de la experiencia turística tienen un efecto en el compromiso de los miembros de la Generación Z con el comportamiento turístico proambiental. Además, tanto la excitación como la memoria desempeñan un papel parcialmente mediador entre la satisfacción y el compromiso en el CTP.

Implicaciones practices

Los conocimientos obtenidos en este estudio brindan apoyo y orientación a los actores del sector turístico para fomentar un comportamiento respetuoso con el medio ambiente entre los turistas y visitantes. Esta comprensión es valiosa y útil para los profesionales del sector al diseñar e implementar estrategias adecuadas que estimulen, motiven y promuevan el comportamiento turístico proambiental.

Originalidad

Este estudio presenta un marco integrador basado en el enfoque del marketing experiencial, estableciendo una relación entre las dimensiones experienciales y el compromiso en el CTP a través de factores mediadores como el valor experiencial percibido, la satisfacción, la memoria y la excitación. Proporciona a los investigadores del turismo una nueva perspectiva y conocimientos sobre la experiencia turística y el comportamiento de consumo.

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2024

Zhenshuang Wang, Yanxin Zhou, Tao Wang and Ning Zhao

Reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry is crucial for the “dual carbon” goal. Evaluating the efficiency of reducing construction…

Abstract

Purpose

Reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry is crucial for the “dual carbon” goal. Evaluating the efficiency of reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry at the regional level is an important evaluation basis for the sustainable development of the construction industry. It provides a basis for formulating construction waste and carbon reduction policies tailored to local conditions and comprehensively promote the sustainable development of the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A three stage SBM-DEA model based on non-expected outputs is proposed by combining the SBM-DEA model with the SFA method. The proposed model is used to evaluate the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry in 30 regions of China from 2010 to 2020. Moreover, the study explores the impact of environmental variables such as urbanization level, proportion of construction industry employees, resident consumption level, and technological progress.

Findings

From 2010 to 2020, the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in China’s construction industry has been increasing year by year. Provinces with higher efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry are mainly concentrated in the eastern coastal areas, showing an overall pattern of “East>West>Northeast>Middle”. There is a clear correlation between the level of urbanization, the proportion of construction industry employees, residents’ consumption level, technological progress, labor input, machinery input, and capital investment. The construction waste and carbon emission efficiency of the construction industry in various provinces is greatly influenced by environmental factors.

Practical implications

The research results provide policy makers and business managers with effective policies for reducing construction waste generation and carbon emission in the construction industry, especially circular economy policies. To provide empirical support for further understanding the connotation of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, to create innovative models for construction waste and carbon reduction, and to promote the multiple benefits of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, and to provide empirical support for countries and enterprises with similar development backgrounds in China to formulate relevant policies and decision-making.

Originality/value

The construction industry is a high investment, high energy consumption, and high pollution industry. This study uses the three stage SBM-DEA model to explore the efficiency of construction waste and carbon reduction in the construction industry, providing a new perspective for the evaluation of sustainable development in the construction industry, enriching and improving the theory of sustainable development.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 June 2024

Zhaohu Dong, Peng Jiang, Zongli Dai and Rui Chi

Talent is a key resource for urban development, and building and disseminating urban brands have an important impact on attracting talent. This paper explores what kind of urban…

Abstract

Purpose

Talent is a key resource for urban development, and building and disseminating urban brands have an important impact on attracting talent. This paper explores what kind of urban brand ecology (UBE) can effectively enhance urban talent attraction (UTA). We explore this question using a novel grey quantitative configuration analysis (GQCA) model.

Design/methodology/approach

To develop the GQCA model, grey clustering is combined with qualitative configuration analysis (QCA). We conducted comparative configuration analysis of UTA using fuzzy set QCA (fsQCA) and the proposed GQCA.

Findings

We find that the empirical results of fsQCA may contradict the facts, and that the proposed GQCA effectively solves this problem.

Practical implications

Based on the theory of UBE, we identify bottleneck factors for improving UTA at different stages. Seven configuration paths are described for cities to enhance UTA. Theoretically, this study expands the application boundaries of UBE.

Originality/value

The proposed GQCA effectively solves the problem of inconsistent analysis and facts caused by the use of a binary threshold by the fsQCA. In practical case studies, the GQCA significantly improves the reliability of configuration comparisons and the sensitivity of QCA to cases, demonstrating excellent research performance.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 March 2022

Zifan Zhou, Yufeng Duan, Junping Qiu and Li Yang

This article intends to explore how organizational learning affects innovation in public library services, and the role of public librarians in innovation in library services.

Abstract

Purpose

This article intends to explore how organizational learning affects innovation in public library services, and the role of public librarians in innovation in library services.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected 375 valid questionnaires from 19 public libraries in Shanghai and Zhejiang based on organizational learning, organizational innovation and employee psychological empowerment theory. Additionally, SPSS and HLM are used to analyze the relationship among the three processes of organizational learning: knowledge acquisition, knowledge sharing and knowledge application, and public library service innovation.

Findings

Results show that organizational learning has a significant positive effect on the service innovation of public libraries. Knowledge acquisition and knowledge application in the process of organizational learning have a significant positive influence on the service innovation of public libraries, but the impact of knowledge sharing on service innovation is weak. Employee psychological empowerment has a negative regulating influence on knowledge sharing–public library service innovation, but no significant influence on knowledge application–public library service innovation and knowledge acquisition–public library service innovation.

Originality/value

This research explores the effectiveness of the theory of organizational learning in the field of public libraries and also confirms the role of librarians in the work of public libraries. Together, they promote the innovation of public libraries.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 42 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 April 2023

Edward Wang and Yu-Ting Liao

Facilitating members' continual participation in a community is crucial for ensuring the community's long-term survival. However, knowledge regarding whether member similarity is…

Abstract

Purpose

Facilitating members' continual participation in a community is crucial for ensuring the community's long-term survival. However, knowledge regarding whether member similarity is related to member participation and the mechanism underlying this relationship is limited. Drawing on similarity–attraction, social exchange and social identity theories, this study explored the influences of different facets of similarity (i.e. value, personality and goal similarity) on group norm conformity, group identity and social participation.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 444 Taiwanese members of social networking sites (SNSs), and structural equation modeling was employed to examine the hypothesized relationships.

Findings

The results revealed that value similarity directly affected group norm conformity but did not directly affect group identity; personality similarity influenced group identity but not group norm conformity. Goal similarity had positive influences on group norm conformity and group identity. Moreover, group norm conformity had direct and positive influences on group identity and social participation; group identity also had a positive influence on social participation.

Originality/value

On the basis of the aforementioned findings, this study contributes to the understanding of factors facilitating SNS members' participation from the perspective of similarity. These findings can serve as a reference for SNS administrators to facilitate social participation by emphasizing member similarity.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 34 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

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