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Article
Publication date: 7 August 2020

Yueling Lyu, Yangzhi Chen and Yulin Wan

Selective laser melting (SLM) is an important advanced additive manufacturing technology. The existing SLM printing technology cannot manufacture the mechanical parts that fully…

Abstract

Purpose

Selective laser melting (SLM) is an important advanced additive manufacturing technology. The existing SLM printing technology cannot manufacture the mechanical parts that fully meet the requirements of high precision and strength. This paper aims to explore a new post-processing method for SLM 316L specimen, namely, using of the TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating fabricated by multi-arc ion plating on the surface of SLM specimens, for improving the performance of SLM specimens. The other purpose of this paper is compared the performances of the TiAlN/TiN multilayer coating machined specimen and the TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating SLM specimen.

Design/methodology/approach

The TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating is fabricated by multi-arc ion plating on the surface of 316L specimens. The surface morphology and selected mechanical properties of TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating plating on the SLM substrate specimen and the machined substrate specimen were studied in this paper. The analyzed properties included surface topography, micro hardness, the adhesion, the thickness and the wear resistance of TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating plating on the SLM substrate specimen and the machined substrate specimen.

Findings

The electron microscope images reveal that surface morphology of TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating plating on the SLM specimens is relatively flat, and there are some micro-particles in different sizes and pin holes dispersed on them. After TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating, the performances of SLM samples, such as micro hardness, the thickness and the wear resistance, were significantly improved. The micro hardness of TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating machined specimen is higher than that of TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating SLM specimen. However, the adhesion of TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating machined specimen is less than that of TiN/TiAlN multilayer coating SLM specimen.

Originality/value

The study provides a new post-processing method for SLM 316L specimen to improve the performance of SLM specimens and to enable SLM specimens to be applied in the field of precision mechanical transmission.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 26 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 June 2022

Javed Ali, Ahmad Jusoh, Norhalimah Idris, Khalil Md Nor, Yulin Wan, Alhamzah F. Abbas and Ahmed H. Alsharif

The purpose of this study is to explore the literature of healthcare service quality for identifying and analyzing the healthcare service quality models and dimensions and to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the literature of healthcare service quality for identifying and analyzing the healthcare service quality models and dimensions and to present future research insights pertaining to the applications of these models and dimensions.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of healthcare service quality has been performed on 59 relevant studies after applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. Google Scholar and Scopus are the primary sources to find the relevant documents. Search was limited to keywords of “service quality,” “healthcare,” “models” and “dimensions.”

Findings

The results revealed that different models and dimensions have been evolved and developed after SERVQUAL in healthcare service quality literature. There is still a need to develop new models, add new contextual dimensions and items in existing models on different aspects of healthcare services. There is also a need to incorporate the perspective of service providers as respondents. Moreover, healthcare service quality models can be devolved or narrowed down at department and individual levels.

Originality/value

This study presents valuable research insights for the researchers and practitioners in ways that healthcare service quality models and dimensions can be developed, modified and tested further in different research contexts and settings. Besides, the literature on healthcare services can be enhanced and enriched.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 35 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 September 2022

Atif Saleem, Sarfraz Aslam, Guoyuan Sang, Philip Saagyum Dare and Tianxue Zhang

This study aims to understand the practices and perceptions of education for sustainable development (ESD) in the university classrooms of Malaysia, exploring how holistic…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to understand the practices and perceptions of education for sustainable development (ESD) in the university classrooms of Malaysia, exploring how holistic, pluralistic and action-oriented approaches to ESD were linked to their knowingness, attitudes and behavior regarding sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The perceptions of 2,678 students and 1,013 teachers from a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses at four Malaysian universities were surveyed. Their views of ESD and sustainability consciousness (SC) were recorded on five-point Likert-type scales, and the resulting data was investigated using descriptive and analytical statistics.

Findings

Holistic, pluralistic and action-oriented approaches to ESD teaching and learning were widespread in Malaysian universities, with significant associations found between ESD approaches and SC. While all three approaches enhanced each aspect of SC, the results indicated the need to develop action-oriented approaches more fully.

Originality/value

This research underlines the importance of sustainability education in the context of higher education. It provides empirical evidence for developing action-oriented approaches to ESD and confirms the utility of holistic content and pluralistic pedagogy to the teaching and learning of sustainability.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 24 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 November 2021

Xiaojing Zhang and Yulin Zhang

This study highlights the effect of an inductee's altruism on referral reward programs (RRPs) on an online shopping guide platform to determine the optimal RRP and referral reward…

Abstract

Purpose

This study highlights the effect of an inductee's altruism on referral reward programs (RRPs) on an online shopping guide platform to determine the optimal RRP and referral reward allocation under a Cashback and Referral RRP.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors consider a Stackelberg game with a platform, seller, inductor and inductee, where the inductee's altruism plays a vital role in determining the optimal RRP in equilibrium.

Findings

The authors show that the conditions under which it is optimal to reward the inductor only or reward both inductor and inductee are equal or unequal depending on the degree of the inductee's altruism. Suppose the platform is unable to dynamically decide the commission fee. In that case, the platform may not always be involved in RRPs and will gradually reduce the rewards for inductees as the altruism increases.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on a free-to-consumers model where sellers pay membership fees. Thus, this study has limitations regarding other pricing schemes such as a model in which consumers pay a fee while sellers do not or a model in which both types of users pay fees.

Practical implications

This analytical work can help platforms optimize referral reward strategies and referral reward allocation considering the influence of an inductee's altruism.

Originality/value

In a Cashback and Referral RRP on a shopping guide platform, the authors provide applicable conditions for the platform to involve in the RRPs when rewarding an equal bonus for the inductor and inductee first. Further, the authors show the optimal referral reward strategy and referral reward allocation when giving the different bonuses to the inductor and inductee.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 34 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2012

Yixiang Zhang, Yulin Fang, Kwok‐Kee Wei and Zhaohua Wang

Online forums are increasingly deployed as important e‐learning tools for facilitating student learning in classrooms. However, building an online forum does not guarantee…

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Abstract

Purpose

Online forums are increasingly deployed as important e‐learning tools for facilitating student learning in classrooms. However, building an online forum does not guarantee participation by students. The purpose of this paper is to advance our knowledge of facilitating student participation in this context by studying the role of communication environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The model was tested using data collected from a survey administered in a university in Hong Kong.

Findings

Results revealed that psychological safety communication climate influenced the intention of students to continue their participation both directly and indirectly through perceived responsiveness and self‐efficacy.

Originality/value

This study builds on social cognitive theory and extends the existing understanding of participation in e‐learning by highlighting the roles of psychological safety communication climate and perceived responsiveness, two communication environment factors critical to student learning but not yet addressed seriously in the e‐learning context.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 June 2013

Sheau‐yueh J. Chao

The purpose of this paper is to provide the historical background of genealogical records and analyze the value of Chinese genealogical research through the study of names and…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the historical background of genealogical records and analyze the value of Chinese genealogical research through the study of names and genealogical resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the historical evolution and value of Chinese genealogical records, with the focus on researching the Islamic Chinese names used by the people living in Guilin. The highlight of this paper includes the analysis and evolution of the Islamic Chinese names commonly adopted by the local people in Guilin. It concludes with the recommendations on emphasizing and making the best use of genealogical records to enhance the research value of Chinese overseas studies.

Findings

The paper covers the history of Islam and describes how the religion was introduced into China, as well as Muslims' ethnicity and identity. It also places focus on the importance of building a research collection in Asian history and Chinese genealogy.

Research limitations/implications

This research study has a strong subject focus on Chinese genealogy, Asian history, and Islamic Chinese surnames. It is a narrow field that few researchers have delved into.

Practical implications

The results of this study will assist students, researchers, and the general public in tracing the origin of their surnames and developing their interest in the social and historical value of Chinese local history and genealogies.

Social implications

The study of Chinese surnames is, by itself, a particular field for researching the social and political implications of contemporary Chinese society during the time the family members lived.

Originality/value

Very little research has been done in the area of Chinese local history and genealogy. The paper would be of value to researchers such as historians, sociologists, ethnologists and archaeologists, as well as students and anyone interested in researching a surname origin, its history and evolution.

Article
Publication date: 11 December 2023

Xiaojing Zhang and Yulin Zhang

This study highlights the impact of mental accounts on a user's decision-making regarding payment schemes and aims to determine the pricing strategy for the first-enjoy-after-pay…

Abstract

Purpose

This study highlights the impact of mental accounts on a user's decision-making regarding payment schemes and aims to determine the pricing strategy for the first-enjoy-after-pay service offered by the two-sided media platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study establishes a game-theoretic model and utilizes backward induction to derive the equilibrium price by maximizing the monopolist's profit.

Findings

The findings indicate that the conditions for a two-sided media platform to offer the first-enjoy-after-pay service depend on the trade-off between pleasure attenuation and pain buffering and the effect of time discounts. Moreover, the authors found that the time discount is a critical factor in determining pricing strategies under various payment schemes offered by the platform.

Research limitations/implications

This work adopts a uniform pricing strategy for users who opt for either immediate or post-payment schemes. Nevertheless, it is important to note that this approach has limitations in terms of offering discriminatory pricing for those who choose both payment schemes.

Practical implications

This analytical work provides valuable insights for two-sided media platforms to optimize their payment scheme strategies and pricing considering the influence of a user's mental account.

Originality/value

In a two-sided media platform, the authors provide applicable conditions for the platform to offer first-enjoy-after-pay service considering the effect of mental accounts. Further, the authors show the optimal pricing strategy under different payment schemes provided by the platform.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 November 2022

Zhou Shi, Jiachang Gu, Yongcong Zhou and Ying Zhang

This study aims to research the development trend, research status, research results and existing problems of the steel–concrete composite joint of railway long-span hybrid girder…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to research the development trend, research status, research results and existing problems of the steel–concrete composite joint of railway long-span hybrid girder cable-stayed bridge.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the investigation and analysis of the development history, structure form, structural parameters, stress characteristics, shear connector stress state, force transmission mechanism, and fatigue performance, aiming at the steel–concrete composite joint of railway long-span hybrid girder cable-stayed bridge, the development trend, research status, research results and existing problems are expounded.

Findings

The shear-compression composite joint has become the main form in practice, featuring shortened length and simplified structure. The length of composite joints between 1.5 and 3.0 m has no significant effect on the stress and force transmission laws of the main girder. The reasonable thickness of the bearing plate is 40–70 mm. The calculation theory and simplified calculation formula of the overall bearing capacity, the nonuniformity and distribution laws of the shear connector, the force transferring ratio of steel and concrete components, the fatigue failure mechanism and structural parameters effects are the focus of the research study.

Originality/value

This study puts forward some suggestions and prospects for the structural design and theoretical research of the steel–concrete composite joint of railway long-span hybrid girder cable-stayed bridge.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 1 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 February 2022

Ziming Zeng, Shouqiang Sun, Jingjing Sun, Jie Yin and Yueyan Shen

Dunhuang murals are rich in cultural and artistic value. The purpose of this paper is to construct a novel mobile visual search (MVS) framework for Dunhuang murals, enabling users…

Abstract

Purpose

Dunhuang murals are rich in cultural and artistic value. The purpose of this paper is to construct a novel mobile visual search (MVS) framework for Dunhuang murals, enabling users to efficiently search for similar, relevant and diversified images.

Design/methodology/approach

The convolutional neural network (CNN) model is fine-tuned in the data set of Dunhuang murals. Image features are extracted through the fine-tuned CNN model, and the similarities between different candidate images and the query image are calculated by the dot product. Then, the candidate images are sorted by similarity, and semantic labels are extracted from the most similar image. Ontology semantic distance (OSD) is proposed to match relevant images using semantic labels. Furthermore, the improved DivScore is introduced to diversify search results.

Findings

The results illustrate that the fine-tuned ResNet152 is the best choice to search for similar images at the visual feature level, and OSD is the effective method to search for the relevant images at the semantic level. After re-ranking based on DivScore, the diversification of search results is improved.

Originality/value

This study collects and builds the Dunhuang mural data set and proposes an effective MVS framework for Dunhuang murals to protect and inherit Dunhuang cultural heritage. Similar, relevant and diversified Dunhuang murals are searched to meet different demands.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 40 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 July 2022

Xin Xia and Pengcheng Xiang

Managers of megaprojects face social risk management challenges throughout the various design, construction, and operation stages, owing to the various conflicts of interest among…

Abstract

Purpose

Managers of megaprojects face social risk management challenges throughout the various design, construction, and operation stages, owing to the various conflicts of interest among stakeholders, public skepticism, and opposition. However, most existing studies have not focused on the dynamic analysis of integrating social risks in these stages. This study developed a dynamic analysis approach to explore the dynamics of critical social risk factors and related stakeholders of megaprojects and built the managerial maps for various stakeholders.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the social analysis network (SNA), a dynamic network analysis approach for understanding the dynamics of social risk and related stakeholders has been developed by literature and case analysis. The approach comprises the following steps: (1) generating social risk–stakeholder networks in different stages; (2) analysis of the critical stakeholders and social risk factors; (3) dynamic analysis of social risk factors; and (4) developing social risk management maps for various stakeholders. To verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the approach, 40 megaprojects from China were analyzed.

Findings

According to the results, the local government is a critical stakeholder during all stages, inadequate information promotion (IIP) and imperfect communication and coordination mechanism (ICCM) are key social risk sources throughout the megaproject life cycle. Furthermore, the management maps for government organizations, project implementation groups, and external stakeholders were constructed.

Originality/value

This research has three contributions. First, a dynamic analysis approach of stakeholder-associated social risks in megaprojects is developed, which enriches the social risk management theory of megaprojects and provides inspiration for future research focus. Second, the social risk–stakeholder networks and critical social risks in different stages are confirmed to provide a more valid and accurate picture of social risk management in megaprojects. Third, the social risk managerial maps for different stakeholders built in this research will be beneficial for governments, project implementation groups, and external stakeholders to optimize management strategies.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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