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Article
Publication date: 6 May 2021

Ping Gui, Xiaotong Ji, Yanlan Mei and Zhicheng Quan

Community governance plays an important role in the prevention and control of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China. Community workers, the main executors in…

Abstract

Purpose

Community governance plays an important role in the prevention and control of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China. Community workers, the main executors in community governance, experience a huge amount of stress, which affects their physical and mental health. Thus, it is crucial to pay more attention to the stressors and stress responses of community workers and propose strategies to alleviate such responses. This paper aims to analyze the work stress of community workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a questionnaire survey of 602 community workers during COVID-19 in China, the four main stressors and 14 stress factors of community workers were identified and six factors at three levels of stress responses were defined. A stress analysis model is proposed that tests the mediating role of psychological capital and the moderating role of organizational climate.

Findings

The results show that stressors influence stress responses through the moderating role of psychological capital, organizational climate plays a negative mediator role between stressors and psychological capital and the main stressors for community workers are work, safety and performance stress.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to existing research because it offers suggestions for reducing the impact of stress on the community workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, it can promote the control and prevention of the COVID-19.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 51 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 April 2024

Xiaotong Zhang and Qiu Zhang

The purpose of this study is to develop a molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor for the specific detection of the anticancer drug amsacrine. The sensor used a composite of…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor for the specific detection of the anticancer drug amsacrine. The sensor used a composite of bacterial cellulose (BC) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a platform for the immobilization of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film. The main objective was to enhance the electrochemical properties of the sensor and achieve a high level of selectivity and sensitivity toward amsacrine molecules in complex biological samples.

Design/methodology/approach

The composite of BC-AgNPs was synthesized and characterized using FTIR, XRD and SEM techniques. The MIP film was molecularly imprinted to selectively bind amsacrine molecules. Electrochemical characterization, including cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, was performed to evaluate the modified electrode’s conductivity and electron transfer compared to the bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Differential pulse voltammetry was used for quantitative detection of amsacrine in the concentration range of 30–110 µM.

Findings

The developed molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor demonstrated significant improvements in conductivity and electron transfer compared to the bare GCE. The sensor exhibited a linear response to amsacrine concentrations between 30 and 110 µM, with a low limit of detection of 1.51 µM. The electrochemical response of the sensor showed remarkable changes before and after amsacrine binding, indicating the successful imprinting of amsacrine in the MIP film. The sensor displayed excellent selectivity for amsacrine in the presence of interfering substances, and it exhibited good stability and reproducibility.

Originality/value

This study presents a novel molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor design using a composite of BC and AgNPs as a platform for MIP film immobilization. The incorporation of BC-AgNPs improved the sensor’s electrochemical properties, leading to enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for amsacrine detection. The successful imprinting of amsacrine in the MIP film contributes to the sensor's specificity. The sensor's ability to detect amsacrine in a concentration range relevant to anticancer therapy and its excellent performance in complex sample matrices add significant value to the field of electrochemical sensing for pharmaceutical analysis.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2016

Zhaobin Fan, Ruohan Zhang, Xiaotong Liu and Lin Pan

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the China’s outward FDI efficiency and it determinants in 69 countries along the Belt and Road over the period of 2003-2013.

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the China’s outward FDI efficiency and it determinants in 69 countries along the Belt and Road over the period of 2003-2013.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper defines the extent of the Belt and Road in terms of geographical boundaries, justifying the application of the stochastic frontier gravity model to the FDI analysis, and then constructing a frontier regression model to assess the China’s outward FDI efficiency and it determinants in countries along the Belt and Road.

Findings

Regarding the core gravity parameter estimates, China’s outward FDI was highly consistent with the gravity model. As far as policy parameters are concerned, China’s outward FDI was significantly restricted by some man-made barriers in host countries. According to the estimated FDI efficiency scores, China has huge outward FDI potential in countries along the Belt and Road. In general, China’s outward FDI efficiency demonstrated a consistent uptrend from the perspectives of both FDI flows and stocks over the period of 2003-2013. Although China’s outward FDI performance indicated a very uneven pattern across different countries and periods, there were no significant performance differences between the Road and Belt.

Practical implications

The Belt and Road initiative can be largely beneficial to China’s outward FDI, but the specific framework of cooperation should be designed on the basis of determinants of China’s outward FDI. The regional cooperation with the Road countries should mainly focus on the removal of business barriers and financial barriers. The regional cooperation with the Belt countries should mainly concern the improvement of local intellectual property protection, the reduction of local tax burden, and removal of business barriers and financial barriers.

Originality/value

To the authors’ best knowledge, no existing literature has specifically examined the efficiency of China’s outward FDI in the countries along the Belt and Road and its determinants.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 8 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 October 2023

Ai Su, Xiaotong Cai, Xue-Song Liu, Xiang-Nan Tao, Lei Chen and Rui Wang

The development of an effective corporate vision is a necessary issue for corporate performance, and it is a key issue for corporate sustainable development as well. The…

Abstract

Purpose

The development of an effective corporate vision is a necessary issue for corporate performance, and it is a key issue for corporate sustainable development as well. The recognition of questions like “what is the role of corporate vision in corporate performance” is directly related to the attitude and practice of entrepreneurs and managers toward the development of corporate vision as well as the effectiveness of the corporate vision itself. To better answer the questions concerning the role of corporate vision development and effectively guide the practice of corporations, the authors study the pathways and mechanisms by which corporate visions operate to assist businesses in achieving high performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The article completes the construction of indicators to measure each dimension of the corporate vision in line with social cognitive theory and analyzes the relationship between corporate vision and corporate performance by combining qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) and necessary condition analysis (NCA) research methods. The article provides insights into the logic of constructing and adjusting corporate visions from a process perspective.

Findings

The mechanisms by which corporate visions can be articulated, accepted and transformed within the organization are also the means by which corporate visions can improve corporate performance. In a dynamic environment, the corporate vision setting and acceptance process integrates the requirements of various stakeholders, leading to the adjustment and acceptance of the corporate vision. As a result, the vision has continuous validity in a changing environment. Both start-ups and non-start-ups can benefit from the guidance provided by a strong corporate vision in overcoming a variety of issues and obstacles to produce strong business performance.

Originality/value

This is the first study that shows the relationship between corporate vision and corporate performance from a process perspective. The authors are interested in understanding which characteristics for building a corporate vision are more accepted by organizational members and, in turn, create high corporate performance. The authors also explore the conditions for corporate vision acceptance. This research has positive implications for shedding some light on the mechanisms by which corporate visions improve corporate performance.

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2020

Xiaoyu Yu, Xiaotong Meng, Gang Cao and Yingya Jia

Conflict between work and family is a significant issue for entrepreneurs. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of entrepreneurial failure on both family–work…

Abstract

Purpose

Conflict between work and family is a significant issue for entrepreneurs. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of entrepreneurial failure on both family–work conflict (FWC) and work–family conflict (WFC) and the moderating role of perceived control of time and organizational slack based on conservation of resources (COR) theory.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a questionnaire to explore the relationship between entrepreneurial failure, FWC/WFC, perceived control of time and organizational slack. Data were collected from the Chinese context in 2018 and as a result received 318 valid questionnaires, obtaining a response rate of 63.6 per cent.

Findings

The study finds that entrepreneurial failure has a significant relationship with FWC but a nonsignificant relationship with WFC and that perceived control of time and organizational slack moderate the relationship between entrepreneurial failure and FWC/WFC.

Originality/value

This study aligns the field of family–work (work–family) conflict and entrepreneurial failure. It addresses a research gap in the conflict literature by introducing one form of resource loss: entrepreneurial failure as a source of conflict between work and family based on COR theory and the work–home resources model. The study also enriches the literature on the social cost of entrepreneurial failure by exploring the crossover effect of entrepreneurial failure on conflicts in the family domain. Furthermore, the study advances the understanding of managing conflict between work and family after entrepreneurial failure.

Details

International Journal of Conflict Management, vol. 31 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1044-4068

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 September 2020

Lingyan Zhong and Ming Tan

Taking the streets of an old residential area in Chengdu, China, as an example, this study aims to analyse street as a transitional space that combines adjacent heterogeneous…

Abstract

Purpose

Taking the streets of an old residential area in Chengdu, China, as an example, this study aims to analyse street as a transitional space that combines adjacent heterogeneous spaces.

Design/methodology/approach

The study framework of this paper consists of two parts. The first part focusses on the methods of landscape pattern analysis. The street spatial attributes are analysed, including the geometric and data characteristics of the city space. The second part involves a study of the stated preferences. The social attributes of space and the preferences of respondents regarding landscape properties are studied.

Findings

The study reports that the streets in the old residential area have characteristics of a fringe zone. The mechanisms of their edge effect improve the comprehensive quality of the urban space, stimulate a value-added effect and promote the overall development of the district economy.

Originality/value

The use of the spatial synergy of the edge effect can help us identify problems more accurately, enable streets to become suitable as public spaces, safeguard the rights of local residents to develop and eliminate the factors of instability.

Article
Publication date: 25 November 2022

Ling Chen, Zhi Su, Xiaotong He, Xiang Chen and Lin Dong

Embroidery as a textile embellishment technique plays an important role in people's daily life. Esthetic embroidery artworks possess cultural values. With the development of…

Abstract

Purpose

Embroidery as a textile embellishment technique plays an important role in people's daily life. Esthetic embroidery artworks possess cultural values. With the development of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI), these technologies have been studied and applied in the embroidery process. This study aims to survey how these technologies facilitate embroidery from different aspects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper surveys how the technologies of robotics and AI are applied in the embroidery field. The applications are mainly reviewed from three aspects: computerized robotic embroidery systems has been widely used for the mass production of embroidered textiles, the advanced technological systems and techniques have greatly facilitated the development of smart textiles and the artificial intelligence plays an important role in the inheritance, innovation and protection of traditional handicraft artwork of embroidery.

Findings

The programmable robotic embroidery machines have greatly improved the production efficiency of embroidered textiles and promoted the development of electronic textiles. The AI, mainly the deep learning technology, brings significant benefits to esthetic embroidery creation. Technology-based embroidery has become a hot research topic in the field of textiles.

Originality/value

This paper summarizes the application of robotics and AI technologies in the field of embroidery, which provides readers a comprehensive and systematic understanding about the research progress of modern technology-oriented embroidery. This helps readers gain inspiration from the technology perspectives.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 42 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 May 2022

Hanliang Fu, Hong Zhu, Pengdong Xue, Xi Hu, Xiaotong Guo and Bingsheng Liu

This study applied eye-tracking techniques and questionnaires within the framework of the Stimulus-Organism-Response Model (SOR) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study applied eye-tracking techniques and questionnaires within the framework of the Stimulus-Organism-Response Model (SOR) and Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), to investigate the influencing factors of the public acceptance of 5G base stations.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a combination of eye-tracking experiments and questionnaires. The data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

(1) The Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) could be used to explain the effects on public acceptance of 5G base stations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. The public's perceived usefulness and ease of use of 5G base stations positively affects public acceptance of 5G base stations. (2) The public's perceived risk of 5G base stations has a negative influence on the public acceptance of 5G base stations. (3) The public's visual attention to the different valence information about 5G base stations positively impacts the perceived ease of use while having negative impacts on perceived risk. (4) Visual attention to various valence information of 5G base stations can indirectly influence public acceptance through the perceived risk.

Originality/value

Applying the SOR and TAM to data obtained from eye-tracking experiments and questionnaires, this study analyzed the factors and mechanisms influencing public acceptance of 5G base stations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2008

Shengliang Deng and Xiaotong Jin

Until now, traditional western consumption theories have not been able to adequately explain the consumption behavior of Chinese residents in the economic transitional period…

Abstract

Purpose

Until now, traditional western consumption theories have not been able to adequately explain the consumption behavior of Chinese residents in the economic transitional period. Based on annual data from 1986 to 2004, the purpose of this paper is to examine the excess sensitivity of consumption through a variable parameter model.

Design/methodology/approach

A regression model was used to analyse annual consumption data from 1986 to 2004 in China.

Findings

The analysis demonstrates excess sensitivity characteristic in Chinese residents' consumption in the economic transitional period.

Research limitations/implications

The paper concludes that in order to make the demand stimulation policy in China more effective, it is necessary to take a series of measures to correct the excess sensitivity of consumption, so as to establish a healthy cycle of national economy. The paper has only explained excess sensitivity of Chinese residents' consumption from the point of view of economics. While consumption is an economic problem as well as a social problem, those factors beyond economics should not be excluded from the analysis.

Originality/value

This paper differs from former studies in that previous scholars failed to take into consideration the special economic characteristics in China's transitional economy. The variable parameter model this paper employed takes full consideration of such unique factors as economic expectations and systems changes during the transitional period so as to better explain Chinese people's consumption behavior and provide a new perspective to make government policies stimulate domestic demand more effectively.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Min Zhang, Mingxing Zhu, Xiaotong Liu and Jun Yang

Because mobile phones offer a new, affordable and easy-to-use portal to reading material, mobile reading is emerging as the most ultra-modern reading approach. From the…

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Abstract

Purpose

Because mobile phones offer a new, affordable and easy-to-use portal to reading material, mobile reading is emerging as the most ultra-modern reading approach. From the perspective of mobile reading service providers, knowledge of customer purchase, and consumption behaviour is critical for their survival and success. This paper aims to provide insights into the factors that influence the purchase e-books.

Design/methodology/approach

Following means-end chain theory, the prospect theory and elaboration likelihood model, a structural equation model is proposed to investigate and identify key factors that drive the purchase intention of experienced mobile readers. In the theoretical model, utilitarian value (UV) and hedonic value (HV) are supposed as formative second-order constructs formed by related payoff.

Findings

Both UV and HV are positively associated with readers’ purchase intention. However, there are no big differences between these two path coefficients. People seem to perceive relatively low payment risk although perceived risk could still negatively affect purchase intention. As a predictor of purchase intention, UV is less important when risk perception increases or when involvement (IV) decreases. Furthermore, this study illustrates that uniqueness and convenience (CV) are significant components of UV, whereas curiosity and flow are components of HV.

Practical implications

Mobile reading providers should highlight the professional and specificity of app such as beautiful cover, page setup that similar to real books and so on. Readers should be allowed to post real-time reviews and communicate with others to improve their sense of satisfaction, participation and belonging. The payment process should be concise and simple through which readers can save their purchase time and effort. Mobile reading service providers should provide trustworthy payment approaches, especially third-party platform and guarantee the CV and safety of payment activity.

Originality value

By focusing on the impacts of relationships among UV, HV, perceived risk and IV to purchase intention, this paper not only provides a theoretical understanding of mobile reading purchase behaviour but also offers practical insights to reading material manufactures and app developers for promoting such a process.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 35 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

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