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1 – 10 of 33Xiaohui Dou, Yadong Li, Xinwei Zhang, Shengnan Wang, Yang Cheng, Wanpeng Yao, Dalei Zhang and Yan Li
The purpose of this study is to characterize the galvanic corrosion behavior of a simulated X80 pipeline steel welded joint (PSWJ) reconstructed by the wire beam electrode (WBE…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to characterize the galvanic corrosion behavior of a simulated X80 pipeline steel welded joint (PSWJ) reconstructed by the wire beam electrode (WBE) and numerical simulation methods.
Design/methodology/approach
The galvanic corrosion of an X80 PSWJ was studied using WBE and numerical simulation methods. The microstructures of the coarse-grained heat affected zone, fine-grained heat affected zone and intercritical heat affected zone were simulated in X80 pipeline steel via Gleeble thermomechanical simulation processing.
Findings
Comparing the corrosion current density of coupled and isolated weld metal (WM), base metal (BM) and heat-affected zone (HAZ), the coupled WM exhibited a higher corrosion current density than isolated WM; the coupled BM and HAZ exhibited lower corrosion current densities than isolated BM and HAZ. The results exhibited that the maximum anodic galvanic current fitted the Gumbel distribution. Moreover, the numerical simulation results agreed well with the experimental data.
Originality/value
This study provides insight into corrosion evaluation of heterogeneous welded joints by a combination of experiment and simulation. The method of reconstruction of the welded joint has been proven to be a feasible approach for studying the corrosion behavior of the X80 PSWJ with high spatial resolution.
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Jiaping Zhang and Xiaomei Gong
The research attempts to estimate how the use of WeChat, the most popular mobile social networking application in contemporary China, affects rural household income.
Abstract
Purpose
The research attempts to estimate how the use of WeChat, the most popular mobile social networking application in contemporary China, affects rural household income.
Design/methodology/approach
Our materials are 4,552 rural samples from the Chinese General Social Survey, and a treatment effect (TE) model is employed to address the endogeneity of WeChat usage.
Findings
The results prove that WeChat usage has a statistically significant and positive correlation with rural household income. This conclusion remains robust after using alternative variables to replace the explanatory and dependent variables. Our research provides two channels through which WeChat usage boosts rural household income, namely, it can promote their off-farm employment and participation in investment activities.
Originality/value
Theoretically, the study provides several micro-evidences for understanding the impact of mobile social networks on rural household welfare. Further, our findings may shed light on the importance of digital technology applications in rural poverty alleviation for developing countries.
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Sustainable building materials (SBMs) have recently been promoted to foster sustainable construction. While previous studies successfully presented the broad picture of SBM…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainable building materials (SBMs) have recently been promoted to foster sustainable construction. While previous studies successfully presented the broad picture of SBM adoption, the question ‘What is the current state of SBM adoption in construction firms?’ was unanswered. Moreover, there is a lack of studies that investigate the impact of firm size on the adoption of SBMs. Therefore, this study aims to examine the level of readiness for SBM adoption in construction firms of different sizes.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on theoretical lenses and a review of previous studies, the study identified 20 factors affecting the readiness for SBM adoption. These factors were then grouped into market, organization, and employee readiness. Using the questionnaire survey, 229 valid responses were collected. The multiple pairwise comparison test showed significant differences in readiness for SBM adoption in firms of different sizes. The Fuzzy Synthetic Evaluation (FSE) analysis was then used to assess the level of readiness for SBM adoption in construction firms of different sizes.
Findings
The analysis of FSE showed that large-sized companies demonstrated the highest level of readiness for SBM adoption, followed by medium-sized and small-sized firms, respectively. These findings imply that larger construction firms may have more resources and organizational capacity to adopt SBMs. Conversely, smaller firms may require additional support or incentives to enhance their readiness for SBM adoption. It also highlights the need for targeted interventions and policies to promote SBM adoption across medium-sized and small-sized firms. Moreover, while market readiness emerged as the least critical category, the findings highlight the pivotal role of employee readiness across all firm sizes.
Originality/value
These findings underscore the importance of prioritizing employee readiness initiatives to facilitate the successful adoption of SBMs. Policymakers and industry stakeholders may need to focus on developing training programs and awareness campaigns tailored to employees, ensuring they are equipped with the necessary knowledge and skills. Moreover, strategies to enhance market readiness should also be explored through regulatory measures and incentives to encourage the adoption of SBMs. Additionally, fostering collaboration and networking among stakeholders can further promote market readiness and accelerate the uptake of SBMs in the construction industry.
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Liliya Frolova and Olga Sergeyeva
This paper aims to develop a simple and efficient plasma technology for the production of copper (I) oxide with the ability to control the morphology and size of Cu2O particles…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a simple and efficient plasma technology for the production of copper (I) oxide with the ability to control the morphology and size of Cu2O particles. To achieve this goal, the phase composition of the precipitate formed was estimated, the composition and size of the obtained particles were determined and Pourbaix diagrams were constructed.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated approach combining thermodynamic calculations and experimental research methods is used. The constructed Pourbaix diagram makes it possible to suggest the phase composition of the sediment. The use of cyclic voltammetry made it possible to establish the mechanism of deposit formation on the cathode during the treatment of the solution with contact nonequilibrium low-temperature plasma. The resulting product was examined using X-ray phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy.
Findings
The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies on the synthesis of copper (II) oxide. The influence of the parameters of plasma-chemical synthesis on the shape and phase composition of the deposits formed has been studied.
Originality/value
A plasma-chemical technology for obtaining copper oxide in the form of single crystals of a regular faceted shape is proposed. The mechanism of formation of copper oxide has been established by cyclic voltammetry. The constructed Pourbaix diagrams show the area of existence of the product.
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Minh Van Nguyen and Khanh Duy Ha
Adopting sustainable building materials (SBMs) is one way to reduce the negative environmental impacts of the built environment. However, the adoption of SBMs is not as high as…
Abstract
Purpose
Adopting sustainable building materials (SBMs) is one way to reduce the negative environmental impacts of the built environment. However, the adoption of SBMs is not as high as expected. This study aims to investigate which factors affect the adoption of SBMs.
Design/methodology/approach
A literature review and discussions with professional practitioners formed an initial list of variables affecting readiness to adopt SBMs. A questionnaire survey was designed, and data from industrial practitioners were collected using the snowball sampling method. The data collected from 218 respondents were analyzed using the PLS-SEM technique.
Findings
The findings show that SBM adoption is critically influenced by readiness at different levels (market, organization, and employee). Specifically, market readiness enhances organization preparedness (beta = 0.628), and organization readiness positively affects employee readiness (beta = 0.510). Market, organization, and employee readiness positively impact the adoption of SBMs (beta = 0.386, 0.364, and 0.158, respectively). Moreover, the relationship between market and employee readiness is fully mediated by organization readiness (indirect effect = 0.320; p = 0.000). Organization readiness positively mediates the relationship between market readiness and SBM adoption (indirect effect = 0.050; p = 0.001). The relationship between organization readiness and SBM adoption is fully mediated by employee readiness (indirect effect = 0.229; p = 0.000). Additionally, employee readiness positively mediates the relationship between market readiness and SBM adoption through organization readiness (indirect effect = 0.080; p = 0.000).
Originality/value
While past studies have predominantly focused on human perception, this study recognizes the importance of contextual factors like market conditions, Organization readiness, and employee readiness in shaping the adoption of SBMs. Thus, it fills a notable void in the literature and highlights the need for a broader theoretical framework that incorporates both individual perceptions and external contextual influences.
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Rongrong Teng, Shuai Zhou, Wang Zheng and Chunhao Ma
This study aims to investigate whether and how artificial intelligence (AI) awareness affects work withdrawal.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate whether and how artificial intelligence (AI) awareness affects work withdrawal.
Design/methodology/approach
This survey garners participation from a total of 305 hotel employees in China. The proposed hypotheses are examined using Hayes’s PROCESS macro.
Findings
The results indicate that AI awareness could positively affect work withdrawal. Negative work-related rumination and emotional exhaustion respectively mediate this relationship. Furthermore, negative work-related rumination and emotional exhaustion act as chain mediators between AI awareness and work withdrawal.
Practical implications
Given the growing adoption of AI technology in the hospitality industry, it is imperative that managers intensify their scrutiny of the psychological changes experienced by frontline service employees and allocate more resources to mitigating the impact of AI on their work withdrawal.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the burgeoning literature on AI by elucidating the chain mediating roles of negative work-related rumination and emotional exhaustion. It also makes a significant forward in examining mediating mechanisms, notably the chain-mediated mechanism, through which AI awareness impacts employee outcomes.
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Mingming Hu, Lijing Lin, Minkun Liu and Shuai Ma
This study aims to explore image-based visual price determinants (image features and visual aesthetic perception) and how image features affect Airbnb listing price on a sharing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore image-based visual price determinants (image features and visual aesthetic perception) and how image features affect Airbnb listing price on a sharing accommodation platform.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses an SOR model and a hedonic price model to examine the connections between the characteristics of image features, visual aesthetic perception and Airbnb listing prices. The model is then examined by an econometric model using data from Insideairbnb.com.
Findings
Empirical results revealed that image features have a significant positive effect on visual aesthetic perception, visual aesthetic perception has a significant positive effect on Airbnb listing price and visual aesthetic perception has a significant mediating effect between image features and Airbnb listing price.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the relationship and effect mechanism among image features, visual aesthetic perception and Airbnb listing price and has some implications for both property operators and the sharing accommodation platform.
目的
本研究探讨了基于图像的视觉价格决定因素(图像特征和视觉美学感知)以及图像特征如何影响共享住宿平台Airbnb价格。
设计/方法/途径
本研究采用SOR模型和hedonic价格模型来检验图像特征特征、视觉美感与Airbnb房源价格之间的关系。然后使用Insideairbnb.com上的数据, 通过计量经济学模型对该模型进行检验。
研究结果
实证结果显示:1)图像特征对视觉美学感知有显著的正向影响; 2)视觉美学感知对Airbnb价格有显著的正向影响; 3)视觉美学感知在图像特征和Airbnb价格之间有显著的中介效应。
独创性/价值
本研究有助于探讨图像特征、视觉美学感知和Airbnb价格之间的关系和影响机制, 对房源经营者和共享住宿平台都有一定的借鉴意义。
Objetivo
Este estudio explora los determinantes visuales del precio basados en las imágenes (características de las imágenes y percepción estética visual) y cómo afectan las características de las imágenes al precio de los anuncios de Airbnb en una plataforma de alojamiento compartido.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
El estudio emplea un modelo SOR y un modelo de precios hedónicos para examinar las conexiones entre las características de los rasgos de la imagen, la percepción estética visual y los precios de Airbnb. A continuación, se examina el modelo mediante un modelo econométrico utilizando datos de Insideairbnb.com.
Resultados
Los resultados empíricos revelan que 1) las características de la imagen tienen un efecto positivo significativo sobre la percepción estética visual, 2) la percepción estética visual tiene un efecto positivo significativo sobre el precio de los anuncios de Airbnb, y 3) la percepción estética visual tiene un efecto mediador significativo entre las características de la imagen y el precio de los anuncios de Airbnb.
Originalidad/valor
Este estudio contribuye al mecanismo de relación y efecto entre las características de la imagen, la percepción estética visual y el precio del anuncio de Airbnb, y tiene algunas implicaciones tanto para los operadores inmobiliarios como para la plataforma de alojamiento compartido.
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Shuai Deng, Xin Cheng, Huachun Wu and Yefa Hu
The multi-objective optimization configuration strategy is proposed due to the configuration of EMAs in fault-tolerant control of active magnetic bearing with redundant…
Abstract
Purpose
The multi-objective optimization configuration strategy is proposed due to the configuration of EMAs in fault-tolerant control of active magnetic bearing with redundant electromagnetic actuators involving high-dimensional, nonlinear, conflicting goals.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-objective optimization model for bias current coefficients is established based on the nonlinear model of active magnetic bearings with redundant electromagnetic actuators. Based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III, a numerical method is used to obtain feasible and non-inferior sets for the bias current coefficient.
Findings
(1) The conflicting relationship among the three optimization objectives was analyzed for various failure modes of EAMs. (2) For different EMAs' failure modes, the multi-objective optimization configuration strategy can simultaneously achieve the optimal or sub-optimal effective EMF, flux margins, and stability of EMF. Moreover, the characteristics of the optimal Pareto front are consistent with the physical properties of the AMB. (3) Compared with the feasible configuration of C0, the non-inferior configurations can significantly improve the performance of AMB, and the advantages of the multi-objective optimization configuration strategy become more prominent as the asymmetry of the residual supporting structure intensifies.
Originality/value
i) Considering the variation of the rotor displacement during the support reconstruction, a decision-making model that can accurately characterize the dynamic performance of AMB is presented. (ii) The interaction law between AMB and rotor under different failure modes of EMAs is analyzed, and the configuration principles for redundant EMAs are proposed. (iii) Based on the dynamic characteristics of AMB during the support reconstruction, effective EMF, energy consumption, and the Pearson correlation coefficient between the desired EMFs and the decoupled control currents are used as objective functions. iv. The NSGA-III is combined with the decision-making model to address the multi-objective optimization configuration problem of C0.
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Jintian Yun, Deqiang Zhang, Weisheng Cui, Shuai Li and Guan Miao
The purpose of this paper is to improve the problem of kinematics incompatibility of human–exoskeleton in the existing rigid lower-limb exoskeleton (LLE).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to improve the problem of kinematics incompatibility of human–exoskeleton in the existing rigid lower-limb exoskeleton (LLE).
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, following an introduction, the motion characteristics of the human knee joint and the design method of the exoskeleton were introduced. A kinematics model of the LLE based on cross-four-bar linkage was obtained. The structural parameters of the LLE mechanism were optimized by the particle swarm optimization algorithm. The predefined trajectories used in the optimization process were derived from the ankle joint, not the instantaneous center of rotation of the knee joint. Finally, the motion deviation of the optimization result was simulated, and the human–exoskeleton coordination experiment was designed to compare with the traditional single-axis knee joint in terms of comfort and coordination.
Findings
The lower limb exoskeleton mechanism obtained in this paper has a good tracking effect on human movement and has been improved in terms of comfort and coordination compared with the traditional single-axis knee joint.
Originality/value
The customized exoskeleton design method introduced in this paper is relatively simple, and the obtained exoskeleton has better movement coordination than the traditional exoskeleton. It can provide a reference for the design of lower limb exoskeleton and lower limb orthosis.
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Xinmin Peng, Lumin He, Shuai Ma and Martin Lockett
An alliance portfolio can help latecomer firms to acquire the necessary knowledge and resources to catch up with market leaders. However, how latecomer firms construct an alliance…
Abstract
Purpose
An alliance portfolio can help latecomer firms to acquire the necessary knowledge and resources to catch up with market leaders. However, how latecomer firms construct an alliance portfolio in terms of the nature of windows of opportunity has not been fully analyzed. This paper aims to explore how latecomer firms can build appropriate coalitions according to the nature of the window of opportunity to achieve technological catch-up in different catch-up phases.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a longitudinal case study from 1984 to 2018 of Sunny Group, now a leading manufacturer of integrated optical components and products, this paper explores the process of technological catch-up of latecomer firms building different types of alliance portfolio in different windows of opportunity.
Findings
This paper finds that there is a sequence when latecomers build an alliance portfolio in the process of catch-up. When the uncertainty of opportunity increases, the governance mechanism of the alliance portfolio will change from contractual to equity-based. Also, latecomer firms build market-dominated and technology-dominated alliance portfolios to overcome their market and technology disadvantages, respectively.
Originality/value
These conclusions not only enrich the theory of latecomer catch-up from the perspective of windows of opportunity but also expand research on alliance portfolio processes from a temporal perspective.
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