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Article
Publication date: 28 April 2020

Lingling Meng, Xinmin Huang, Qufu Wei, Dandan Ji and Qianwen Wang

The paper aims to evaluate the influence of atmospheric environment on the conductivity of nanoscale copper films sputtered on polyester substrates; process parameters of optimal…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to evaluate the influence of atmospheric environment on the conductivity of nanoscale copper films sputtered on polyester substrates; process parameters of optimal conductivity were firstly analyzed by orthogonal test scheme design, and then the surface morphology, crystal structures and conductivity of samples were performed after samples were placed in the atmospheric conditions for some time according to the optimization of process parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

Nanoscale copper films was prepared by RF (radio frequency) magnetron sputtering and low-temperature plasma technology with polyester fabrics as substrates and metal copper as targets under the conditions of low temperature and high vacuum.

Findings

The experimental results showed that copper films were broken and the continuity of samples was destroyed after 60 days, while exposed in atmospheric environment for 90 days, cracks of copper films gradually expanded, there was no change in the atomic species for samples placed in the atmospheric conditions. However, the conductivity of the samples hardly had changed with the ambient temperature, humidity and degree of water washing, which is mainly decided by the internal structures of substrates.

Originality/value

This paper has some theoretical and applicable value to the functional textile.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2018

An Yu, Xianwu Luo, Dandan Yang and Jiajian Zhou

This paper aims to gain a clear understanding of the ventilated cavity evolution around an NACA0015 hydrofoil by using both experimental and numerical investigation.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to gain a clear understanding of the ventilated cavity evolution around an NACA0015 hydrofoil by using both experimental and numerical investigation.

Design/methodology/approach

The bubble evolution around an NACA0015 hydrofoil with or without air injection was observed in a water tunnel, and the simulation was conducted using a modified turbulence model and homogeneous cavitation model.

Findings

The present simulation method can successfully predict the bubble evolutions around the NACA0015 hydrofoil with or without air injection. Air injection can alleviate the nature cavitation oscillation, and the suppression effect on nature cavitation depends on the air-entrant coefficient. It is confirmed that the air and vapor cavity have the same shedding frequency. It is seen that the air sheet closely attaches to the hydrofoil surface and is surrounded by the vapor sheet. Thus, the injected air promotes vapor growth and results in an increase in the cavity shedding frequency. Further, with a large air-entrant coefficient, the pressure fluctuation is suppressed completely.

Originality/value

The new simulation method is adopted to explore the mechanism of ventilated cavitation. The bubble evolutions with and without air injection have been comprehensively studied by experimental and numerical investigation. The effects of air injection on natural cavity oscillations and pressure fluctuations have been revealed in the present study.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2019

Zhining Wang, Dandan Liu and Shaohan Cai

This paper aims to examine the effect of self-reflection on employee creativity in China. The authors identify individual intellectual capital (IIC) as a mediator and concerns for…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the effect of self-reflection on employee creativity in China. The authors identify individual intellectual capital (IIC) as a mediator and concerns for face as a moderator for this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 351 dyads of full-time employees and their immediate supervisors from various Chinese companies were surveyed. Regression analysis and structural equation modeling were used to test the research model.

Findings

Three dimensions of self-reflection significantly affect IIC and subsequently lead to employee creativity; IIC mediates the relationship between three dimensions of self-reflection and employee creativity; concern for face negatively moderates the effect of IIC on employee creativity.

Practical implications

Managers can facilitate employees’ creativity by motivating them to conduct self-reflection and develop IIC, and by nurturing a safe atmosphere that allows individuals to take risks without losing face.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical studies to investigate the mediating effects of IIC and the moderating effects of concerns for face on the relationship between self-reflection and creativity.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1997

Jaroslav Mackerle

Gives a bibliographical review of the finite element methods (FEMs) applied for the linear and nonlinear, static and dynamic analyses of basic structural elements from the…

6055

Abstract

Gives a bibliographical review of the finite element methods (FEMs) applied for the linear and nonlinear, static and dynamic analyses of basic structural elements from the theoretical as well as practical points of view. The range of applications of FEMs in this area is wide and cannot be presented in a single paper; therefore aims to give the reader an encyclopaedic view on the subject. The bibliography at the end of the paper contains 2,025 references to papers, conference proceedings and theses/dissertations dealing with the analysis of beams, columns, rods, bars, cables, discs, blades, shafts, membranes, plates and shells that were published in 1992‐1995.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 January 2024

Heba Al Kailani, Ghaleb J. Sweis, Farouq Sammour, Wasan Omar Maaitah, Rateb J. Sweis and Mohammad Alkailani

The process of predicting construction costs and forecasting price fluctuations is a significant and challenging undertaking for project managers. This study aims to develop a…

Abstract

Purpose

The process of predicting construction costs and forecasting price fluctuations is a significant and challenging undertaking for project managers. This study aims to develop a construction cost index (CCI) for Jordan’s construction industry using fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) and predict future CCI values using traditional and machine learning (ML) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The most influential cost items were selected by conducting a literature review and confirmatory expert interviews. The cost items’ weights were calculated using FAHP to develop the CCI formula.

Findings

The results showed that the random forest model had the lowest mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 1.09%, followed by Extreme Gradient Boosting and K-nearest neighbours with MAPEs of 1.41% and 1.46%, respectively.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study lies within the use of FAHP to address the ambiguity of the impact of various cost items on CCI. The developed CCI equation and ML models are expected to significantly benefit construction managers, investors and policymakers in making informed decisions by enhancing their understanding of cost trends in the construction industry.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 6 April 2023

Michael Adesi, Degraft Owusu-Manu, Frank Boateng, Michael Nii Addy and Ernest Kissi

The purpose of this study is to investigate the challenges of pricing quantity surveying (QS) professional services to enhance the understanding of practitioners in developing…

1348

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the challenges of pricing quantity surveying (QS) professional services to enhance the understanding of practitioners in developing strategies for the determination of fees for their services.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts the quantitative approach by administering 150 survey questionnaires QS professionals out of which 79 questionnaires were retrieved for analysis using the mean, standard deviation, standard error and the Chi-Square test.

Findings

The study identified the challenges that continue to hamper the successful pricing of QS services as the inability to respond to changing contractual arrangements; lack of appropriate response to emerging services; slow response to changes in information and communication technology.

Research limitations/implications

This paper focused on QS professionals. Hence, a future study to encompass other professionals in the built environment will be novel.

Practical implications

The findings of this paper have the potential to motivate QS firms to develop solutions that address the challenges identified to improve the efficiency of their service delivery to clients. The paper also has the practical importance of opening up new frontiers of research that focus on pricing of professional services in the built environment in general.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the awareness and understanding of QS professionals about the challenges that continue to hamper effective pricing of their services.

Details

Frontiers in Engineering and Built Environment, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2634-2499

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2024

Shufeng Tang, Yongsheng Kou, Guoqing Zhao, Huijie Zhang, Hong Chang, Xuewei Zhang and Yunhe Zou

The purpose of this paper is to design a climbing robot connected by a connecting rod mechanism to achieve multi-functional tasks such as obstacles crossing and climbing of power…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a climbing robot connected by a connecting rod mechanism to achieve multi-functional tasks such as obstacles crossing and climbing of power transmission towers.

Design/methodology/approach

A connecting rod type gripper has been designed to achieve stable grasping of angle steel. Before grasping, use coordination between structures to achieve stable docking and grasping. By using the alternating movements of two claws and the middle climbing mechanism, the climbing and obstacle crossing of the angle steel were achieved.

Findings

Through a simple linkage mechanism, a climbing robot has been designed, greatly reducing the overall mass of the robot. It can also carry a load of 1 kg, and the climbing mechanism can perform stable climbing. The maximum step distance of the climbing robot is 543 mm, which can achieve the crossing of angle steel obstacles.

Originality/value

A transmission tower climbing mechanism was proposed by analyzing the working environment. Through the locking ability of the screw nut, stable clamping of the angle steel is achieved, and a pitch mechanism is designed to adjust the posture of the hand claw.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Le Wang

During the service condition of residential constructions with concrete structure, the influence of inside and exterior factors will result in different degrees of harm to…

Abstract

Purpose

During the service condition of residential constructions with concrete structure, the influence of inside and exterior factors will result in different degrees of harm to concrete engineering. Therefore, it is very necessary to continue engineering work toward the concrete structure. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the influence of the factors on the comprehensive performance of the concrete structure engineering.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying a mathematics method to establish the comprehensive evaluation model of the concrete structure engineering performance, qualitative and quantitative methods were adopted for reinforced concrete structural performance analysis.

Findings

The key to a safe construction project is to require all bidders to submit a written safety plan with their bids. The instruction to bidders must include guidelines for an acceptable safety plan and state clearly that the substance of the safety plan will be reviewed, and its adequacy will be a determining factor in who shall be selected as the contractor.

Originality/value

Based on the characteristics of concrete structure, applying the analytic hierarchy process to evaluate the concrete structure engineering comprehensive performance, an evaluation index system was built. The research combines quantitative method with qualitative method evaluation was made.

Details

Journal of Engineering, Design and Technology, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1726-0531

Keywords

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