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1 – 10 of over 2000
Article
Publication date: 2 January 2018

Xue Lian Wu, Chuan Peng Yang, Yu Qin Guo and Hong Yu Wang

This paper aims to focus on achieving triple-shape memory effect (triple-SME) of a commercial poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film with the thickness of 100 µm.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on achieving triple-shape memory effect (triple-SME) of a commercial poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) film with the thickness of 100 µm.

Design/methodology/approach

The thermal characteristics and microstructure of PET film were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and wide-angle X-ray diffraction analysis. The dual-shape memory effect (dual-SME) of the PET film was then systematically investigated, and based on that, triple-SME in thin PET film was achieved.

Findings

Investigation of the dual-SME in PET film revealed the difference between recovery temperature and programming temperature reduced with increasing programming temperature. An obvious intermediate shape shifting between the original and final programmed shape was observed during shape recovery in triple-shape memory behaviors.

Research limitations/implications

Compared with dual-SME in polymer, relatively less work has been done on multi-SME in polymer, especially in thin polymer film. In this study, triple-SME in a PET film was investigated based on the results of dual-SME of the film. The main implication of the study is on how to achieve a watermark between the final programmed pattern and the original pattern, for the application of shape memory polymer in anti-counterfeiting label.

Originality/value

Dual- and triple-SMEs were achieved in a PET film that is only 100 µm in thickness, and the underlying mechanism for the difference between programming temperature and recovery temperature was discussed. For the novel application of triple-SME in anti-counterfeit label, the watermark during shape recovery in triple-SME can effectively prevent duplication.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 47 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 June 2017

Xin-juan Zhu, Xue Wu, Xin Shi and Bu-gao Xu

The Web 3D virtual display technology for personalized clothing based on Unity3D is studied in this paper. The framework of the technology is described. The development steps…

Abstract

Purpose

The Web 3D virtual display technology for personalized clothing based on Unity3D is studied in this paper. The framework of the technology is described. The development steps including personalized clothing design and modeling, interaction and virtual display technology based on Unity3D are given out. The purpose of this paper is to provide a feasible technical route and support for the virtual display for the customized products.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper opted for an exploratory study using the open-ended approach of grounded theory, including the Web 3D virtual display technology for personalized clothing based on Unity3D.

Findings

A feasible technical route for the virtual display of the customized products is provides in this paper.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills a software and has practical use.

Details

International Journal of Clothing Science and Technology, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0955-6222

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 October 2017

Xue Wu and An-Jin Shie

Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, this study aims to apply the emotional labour concept to illustrate about the relationship between customer orientation (CO) and…

1551

Abstract

Purpose

Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, this study aims to apply the emotional labour concept to illustrate about the relationship between customer orientation (CO) and job burnout, further demonstrating how the relationship is established in the hospitality industry. This study intends to find that emotional intelligence moderates the relationship between CO and emotional labour.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses descriptive statistical analysis and reliability analysis. Then, the study uses confirmatory factor analyses to ensure the model fit and discriminant validity of the measures. Finally, the hypothesised relationship model is tested and analysed via regression analysis.

Findings

The study finds three dimensions of emotional labour all partially mediated the relationship between CO and job burnout. Meanwhile, the study finds that emotional intelligence would moderate the relationship between CO and three dimensions of emotional labour.

Research limitations/implications

First, the respondents in this study come from five-star hotels in Beijing, China. As the results of this study are based on a sample of Chinese five-star hotel employees, the selection of a single service setting and a single country may raise concerns for the issue of generalisability. Thus, the findings of this study may not generalise to other hospitality contexts, other cultures or other times; research in other settings, geographical areas or times might yield different results.

Practical implications

High employee job burnout is a thorny problem in the hospitality industry, so it is a great challenge for hospitality management to solve high employee job burnout. As a personality resource, CO will decrease job burnout. Emotional labour is a common issue in hospitality. The study intends to explore the lived experiences of the frontline employees in hospitality industry to explain the role of CO directives on employee job burnout in an emotional labour perspective. The results give suggestions for the hospitality management.

Social implications

After reviewing of relevant literature, two research gaps are found. First, despite the amount of research showing a negative relationship between CO and job burnout, remarkably little is known about how these relationships are established. Second, a more important gap lies in overlooking the emotional nature of hospitality service work. The results of the study can fill the theoretical gap.

Originality/value

First, the recruitment and selection of frontline employees should incorporate an assessment of the level of CO. Second, hospitality management should teach and train the employees about the proper control of emotional labour. Third, the recruitment and selection of frontline employees should incorporate an assessment of the level of emotional intelligence; meanwhile, it is necessary to strengthen the emotional intelligence training.

Details

Journal of Chinese Human Resource Management, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8005

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2017

Xue Wu, An-Jin Shie and David Gordon

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the frontline employees’ emotional labour can illustrate the relationship between customer orientation (CO) and turnover intention…

1501

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the frontline employees’ emotional labour can illustrate the relationship between customer orientation (CO) and turnover intention in the hospitality industry. The study applies the job demands and resources (JD-R) theory to explain the relationship between variables in the proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper surveys a sample of 378 frontline employees in the hospitality industry.

Findings

The findings of this study show that the CO is strongly and positively associated with turnover intention. The three dimensions of emotional labour are all partially mediated with the relationship between CO and turnover intention.

Research limitations/implications

The limitations of this study include the sample came from seven five-star hotels in Beijing, China. This study used perceptual self-reported measures, which may generate exaggerated relationships among variables. These issues are addressed in the analysis.

Practical implications

First, the recruitment and selection of frontline employees should incorporate an assessment of the level of CO. Second, hospitality management should train employees in the proper control of emotional labour.

Social implications

Hospitality should make efforts to supply job resources, such as providing delicious food; more promotion opportunities; better training and recreation programs; more clarified job definitions; and position autonomy. Moreover, good interpersonal relationships, regular recreational activities and sharing working experiences with colleagues may be applied to cope with job demands.

Originality/value

This study is to explain the roles of the three dimensions of emotional labour (surface acting, genuine emotion and deep acting) in the relationship between CO and turnover intention. More specifically, this study demonstrates why hospitality employees with high (or low) CO have low (or high) levels of turnover intention applying the concept of emotional labour based on JD-R theory.

Details

International Journal of Organizational Analysis, vol. 25 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1934-8835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 October 2021

Mario Iván Tarride and Mario Italo Contreras

The paper aims to propose a model and a comprehensive diagnostic method of organizational health status based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to propose a model and a comprehensive diagnostic method of organizational health status based on traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology is qualitative/interpretive and uses of the concept of functional homomorphism of WR Ashby is used, establishing similarities between the way in which this ancient medicine considers the human being and their condition as healthy to transfer it to an organization that produces goods and/or services.

Findings

A healthy organization is conceived as one constituted by an association of people regulated by a set of norms based on certain purposes in a state of harmonious balance of their physical and energetic dimensions. In that the physical refers to storage functions, regulation and allocation of resources; transformation of raw materials and inputs into goods and services; waste disposal, distribution and coordination and with information systems for management control, while energy is associated with the ability to act with its management and policies.

Research limitations/implications

The current paper is a first theoretical proposal, which should be enriched with practical applications that feedback its conceptual formulation, thus contributing to its validation.

Practical implications

A comprehensive organizational diagnostic method is made available.

Social implications

The proposed method allows a comprehensive organizational diagnosis, considering the participation of all the actors that make up this type of social systems.

Originality/value

Although the methodological resource is old, the way it is used here is considered original, and it is also part of an original investigative process by the authors, oriented toward the search for comprehensive organizational diagnostic methods.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2021

Yudan Dou, Xiaolong Xue, Yuna Wang, Weirui Xue and Wenbo Huangfu

This study aims to evaluate enterprise technology innovation capability in prefabricated construction (PC) from an input-output perspective, using six integrated enterprises in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate enterprise technology innovation capability in prefabricated construction (PC) from an input-output perspective, using six integrated enterprises in China as cases.

Design/methodology/approach

An evaluation system for enterprise technology innovation capability in PC was constructed, including total input, technology output (TO) and project output. All the evaluation indexes were quantified, and the subject and object indexes weights were determined using the fuzzy cognitive map and information entropy, respectively. The final scores and ranks were evaluated through gray relational analysis (GRA) based on the combined weights.

Findings

It was found that enterprise technology innovation capability in PC was low in China, with its unbalanced development in different dimensions and the poorest performance in TO, currently.

Originality/value

This research has developed an evaluation system for technology innovation capability in PC at the enterprise level and scientifically quantified all the indexes, which is a breakthrough over existing studies. The GRA model based on the combined weights proposed in this study can be applied to other comparable fields and regions, with its easy operation.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 22 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 September 2022

Lidong Wu, Qingyun Wang and Kunkun Xue

Shareholder heterogeneity reflects the interactive relationship between shareholder groups of different industries and ownership types. This paper aims to discuss the impact of…

Abstract

Purpose

Shareholder heterogeneity reflects the interactive relationship between shareholder groups of different industries and ownership types. This paper aims to discuss the impact of shareholder heterogeneity on ambidextrous corporate innovation.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining questionnaire and database data, this study empirically analyzes the internal mechanisms of the impact of shareholder heterogeneity on ambidextrous corporate innovation.

Findings

The authors find that shareholder heterogeneity can promote ambidextrous corporate innovation and that board’s decision-making processes play an intermediary role. Specifically, shareholder industry-type heterogeneity promotes ambidextrous corporate innovation by improving procedural rationality in board’s decision-making process, and shareholder ownership-type heterogeneity promotes ambidextrous corporate innovation by improving political behavior in board’s decision-making process. The analysis of the impact degree shows that shareholder industry-type heterogeneity has a greater impact on exploitation innovation, while shareholder ownership-type heterogeneity has a greater impact on exploratory innovation. In addition, the research also shows that shareholder groups dominated by industry-type heterogeneity have an impact on corporate innovation by shaping an engaged board with higher procedural rationality and lower political behavior. Shareholder groups dominated by ownership-type heterogeneity have an impact on corporate innovation by shaping a contested board with higher political behavior and lower procedural rationality.

Originality/value

This study not only enriches the research on shareholder heterogeneity and corporate innovation in the context of transformation but also provides an analytical framework for research on board’s decision-making process.

Details

Nankai Business Review International, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8749

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 April 2012

Min Wang, Yongsheng Qian and Xiaoping Guang

Shortest path problem has always been a hot topic in the study of graph theory, because of its wide application field, extending from operational research to the disciplines of…

416

Abstract

Purpose

Shortest path problem has always been a hot topic in the study of graph theory, because of its wide application field, extending from operational research to the disciplines of geography, automatic control, computer science and traffic. According to its concrete application, scholars in the relevant field have presented many algorithms, but most of them are solely improvements based on Dijkstra algorithm. The purpose of this paper is to enrich the kinds of (and improve the efficiency of) the shortest path algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper puts forward an improved calculation method of shortest path using cellular automata model, which is designed to search the shortest path from one node to another node. Cellular state set is adjusted with combination of breeding and mature states. Evolution rule is improved to enhance its parallelism. At the same time, recording manner of cellular state turnover is modified to record all information sources.

Findings

The result indicates that the improved algorithm is correct and more efficient, in that it could reduce the times of cellular state turnover; meanwhile, it can solve multi‐paths problem.

Originality/value

In this paper, cellular state set in exiting shortest path algorithm based on cellular automata theory is adjusted; evolution rule is improved; and recording manner of cellular state turnover is modified to record all information sources. All of which make the parallelism of this algorithm enhanced and the multi‐paths problem solved.

Article
Publication date: 8 October 2021

Fengqi Qian

The paper aims to contribute to the current research on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from a historical point of view. The paper investigates why the history of the Silk…

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to contribute to the current research on China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) from a historical point of view. The paper investigates why the history of the Silk Roads is important to the BRI, what is in the guiding thought underpinning China's Silk Roads narrative and how this narrative is presented transnationally, through an insightful analysis of the Communist Party of China's (CPC) view of the Silk Roads history, as well as its perception of the connections between the Silk Roads history and the BRI.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper sits in the interface between history, heritage and state power. The argument is framed in concepts of historical constructionism and soft power. It is based on the discourse analysis of China's official narrative of Silk Roads and a case study of the planning for the World Heritage nomination of the Maritime Silk Routes (MSR) (China section). The case study is conducted through a qualitative analysis of academic publications, media reports and programs, official speeches and documents that are available to the public in hardcopy or on the Internet.

Findings

The paper reveals the relationship between the state-endorsed Silk Roads narrative and the BRI. The paper argues that the state-backed Silk Roads narrative as well as the planning for the World Heritage nomination of the MSR (China section) is guided by the Chinese Communist Party's perception of the BRI. In this respect, the Silk Roads-associated history, heritage and memory are shaped and deployed to serve as a convenient platform for the promotion of the BRI. The Party leaders' perception of the BRI is in large part about the revival of China's past glory, its national rejuvenation and the demonstration of China's soft power.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the existing literature on the BRI through its enquiries into how the CPC reconcile nationalist ambitions with notions of peace, harmony and cosmopolitanism and how CPC's view of the Silk Roads history shapes its vision of the BRI. The paper examines the role of the state in the construction and articulation of the Silk Roads-associated history, heritage and memory. It investigates how China's official interpretation of the Silk Road heritage serves China's BRI.

Details

Journal of Cultural Heritage Management and Sustainable Development, vol. 12 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1266

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 14 September 2023

Jiyang Yu, Hua Zhong and Marzia Bolpagni

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current state of research on the integration of blockchain and building information modelling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyse the current state of research on the integration of blockchain and building information modelling (BIM) in the Architecture, Engineering, Construction and Operations (AECO) industry as a means of identifying gaps between the existing paradigm and practical applications for determining future research directions and improving the industry. The study aims to provide clear guidance on areas that need attention for further research and funding and to draw academic attention to factors beyond the technical dimension.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-method systematic review is used, considering multiple literature types and using a sociotechnical perspective-based framework that covers three dimensions (technic, process and context) and three research elements (why, what and how). Data are retrieved and analysed from the Web of Science and Scopus databases for the 2017–2023 period.

Findings

While blockchain has the potential to address security, traceability and transparency and complement the system by integrating supporting applications, significant gaps still exist between these potentials and widespread industry adoption. Current limitations and further research needs are identified, including designing fully integrated prototypes, empirical research to identify operational processes, testing and analysing operational-level models or applications and developing and applying a technology acceptance model for the integration paradigm. Previous research lacks contextual settings, real-world tests or empirical investigations and is primarily conceptual.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive, critical systematic review of the integration of blockchain with BIM in the construction industry, using a sociotechnical perspective-based framework which can be applied in future reviews. The study provides insight into the current state and future opportunities for policymakers and practitioners in the AECO industry to prepare for the transition in this disruptive paradigm. It also provides a phased plan along with a clear direction for the transition to more advanced applications.

Details

Construction Innovation , vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-4175

Keywords

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