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Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Jinming Zhen, Congcong Zhen, Min Yuan, Yingliang Liu, Li Wang, Lin Yuan, Yuhan Sun, Xinyue Zhang, Xiaoshu Yang and Haojian Huang

With the rapid development of the pipeline transportation and exploitation of mineral resources, it is urgent requirement for the high-performance polymer matrix composites with…

Abstract

Purpose

With the rapid development of the pipeline transportation and exploitation of mineral resources, it is urgent requirement for the high-performance polymer matrix composites with low friction and wear to meet the needs of solid material transportation. This paper aims to prepare high-performance ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) matrix composites and investigate the effect of service condition on frictional behavior for composite.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, UHMWPE matrix composites with different content of MoS2 were prepared and the tribological performance of the GCr15/composites friction pair in various sliding speeds (0.025–0.125 m/s) under dry friction conditions were studied by ball-on-disk tribology experiments.

Findings

Results show that the frictional behavior was shown to be sensitive to MoS2 concentration and sliding velocity. As the MoS2 content is 2 Wt.%, composites presented the best overall tribological performance. Besides, the friction coefficient fluctuates around 0.21 from 0.025 to 0.125 m/s sliding speed, while the wear rate increases gradually. Scanning electron microscopy images, energy-dispersive spectroscopy and Raman Spectrum analysis present that the main wear mechanisms were abrasive and fatigue wear.

Originality/value

The knowledge obtained herein will facilitate the design of UHMWPE matrix composites with promising self-lubrication performances which used in slag transport engineering field.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 76 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2024

Zhen Peng, Qihan Sun, Pei Li, Fengjiao Sun, Shaoyang Ren and Rui Guan

This study aims to assess carbon emissions in urban aged residential buildings in Qingdao, Shandong Province, constructed prior to 2000, and to evaluate retrofitting and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess carbon emissions in urban aged residential buildings in Qingdao, Shandong Province, constructed prior to 2000, and to evaluate retrofitting and rebuilding strategies for potential carbon reduction.

Design/methodology/approach

Field investigations and literature reviews were conducted to identify key factors influencing carbon emissions, such as shape coefficient, window-to-wall ratio and envelope structure. A combination of generalization and mathematical statistical methods was used to classify buildings based on construction year, form, structural type and energy-saving goals. Cluster analysis was employed to extract six typical building models.

Findings

Results demonstrate that building form complexity positively correlates with carbon emissions per unit area, while longer lifespans reduce emission intensity. Retrofitting exhibits shorter carbon payback periods (1.62–3.92 years) than rebuilding (18.7–49.94 years), indicating superior environmental performance. Pre-1986 buildings are advised for demolition/rebuilding due to limited retrofit benefits. For 1986–1995 buildings, retrofitting is recommended if structurally viable. Post-1996 buildings favor retrofitting over new construction for its shorter payback and lower emissions, enhancing long-term carbon reduction.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the understanding of carbon emissions in urban aged residential buildings by considering various factors and providing specific recommendations for retrofitting and rebuilding strategies tailored to different construction periods. Additionally, it highlights the importance of building form complexity and remaining lifespan in determining carbon emissions, offering insights for sustainable urban development and carbon reduction initiatives.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 October 2023

Xiaojing Zheng

This article aims to examine the role of boundaryless career orientation in influencing Internet professionals' strategies toward workplace problems in China's Internet companies…

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to examine the role of boundaryless career orientation in influencing Internet professionals' strategies toward workplace problems in China's Internet companies, which feature prominent problems including excessive overwork. It addresses one question: how do Chinese Internet professionals make grievance strategies?

Design/methodology/approach

This article draws on qualitative data based on semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 134 employees from 6 representative Chinese Internet companies. The data were collected during 2018-2021 and analyzed with a grounded theory approach.

Findings

This article highlights the role of boundaryless career orientation in explaining Chinese Internet professionals' strategies toward workplace grievances. The author develops a comprehensive model to illustrate how boundaryless career orientation influences four grievance strategies namely, strategic compliance, exit, dissent expression and resistance that correspond to four different motives to advance the professionals' boundaryless career: learning, transferring, relieving and resolving. Internet professionals choose different grievance strategies based on how each option can benefit their boundaryless career goals.

Originality/value

This article is one of the first to bring in boundaryless career orientation as a key factor in explaining Chinese Internet professionals' grievance strategies. It provides a fuller picture than previous studies by showing wide varieties of professionals' grievance behaviors. The finding of high-level boundaryless career orientation among Internet professionals offers insights on how companies can improve employment relations by improving career management practices.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 46 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Xiufeng Li, Shaojun Ma and Zhen Zhang

The Internet of Things (IoT) platform empowers the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry by providing information technology services. Simultaneously, it enters the…

Abstract

Purpose

The Internet of Things (IoT) platform empowers the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry by providing information technology services. Simultaneously, it enters the market by offering smart products to consumers. In light of different service fee scenarios, this article explores the optimal decision-making for the platform. It investigates the pricing models and entry decisions of IoT platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, we have formulated a game-theoretic model to scrutinize the influence of the IoT platform ventured into the smart device market on the pre-existing suppliers operating under subscription-based and usage-based pricing agreements.

Findings

Our outcome shows that introducing an IoT platform’s smart device has a differential effect on manufacturers depending on their contract type. Notably, our research indicates that introducing the platform’s own smart device within the subscription-based model does not negatively impact the profitability of incumbent manufacturers, so long as there is a noticeable discrepancy in the quality of the smart devices. However, our findings within the usage-based model demonstrate that despite the variance in smart device quality differentiation, the platform’s resolution to launch their device and impose their pricing agreements adversely affects established manufacturers. Additionally, we obtain valuable Intel regarding the platform’s entry strategies and contractual inclinations. We demonstrate that the platform is incentivized to present its smart device when reasonable entry costs remain. Furthermore, the platform prefers subscription-based contracts when the subscription fee is relatively high in non-platform entry and entry cases.

Originality/value

These findings hold significant practical implications for firms operating in an IoT-based supply chain.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 124 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2024

Zhen Wang and Huan Chen

Leader high performance expectation (LHPE) as a performance management practice is becoming more common in today’s business environment, with managers setting ambitious goals to…

Abstract

Purpose

Leader high performance expectation (LHPE) as a performance management practice is becoming more common in today’s business environment, with managers setting ambitious goals to motivate employees to excel at their jobs. This study aims to critically examine LHPE as a performance management practice within contemporary organizations, focusing on whether LHPE has opposing effects on employee performance and health, as well as how servant leadership can improve the benefits of LHPE while lowering its costs.

Design/methodology/approach

A path analysis of data from a three-wave survey of 416 full-time employees was used to test our hypotheses.

Findings

LHPE has opposing effects on employees via two distinct pathways: motivational effects on employee performance via harmonious work passion and strain effects on employee health via work strain. In the face of LHPE, servant leadership can assist in achieving a mutual gain between employee performance and health.

Originality/value

This study contributes uniquely to the field of employee relations by offering a comprehensive analysis of LHPE’s dual effects. It moves beyond traditional views that focus on singular outcomes, providing a deeper understanding of how LHPE can both motivate and strain employees. Highlighting servant leadership’s role signifies a novel approach to managing LHPE’s complexities, presenting valuable insights for HR practitioners and organizational leaders. This research underlines the importance of balancing performance expectations with employee well-being, aligning with modern perspectives on positive employment relationships.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 46 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 December 2022

Yi Ping Zhu, Yi Zhu and Li Zhen Fan

This study aimed to examine the research hotspots and evolution paths in the field of health information behavior (HIB) in China and abroad, and conduct comparative analysis to…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to examine the research hotspots and evolution paths in the field of health information behavior (HIB) in China and abroad, and conduct comparative analysis to better understand its development trajectory globally.

Design/methodology/approach

A keyword search of the relevant literature included in the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) database and Web of Science (WoS) core collection database was conducted, using the visualized analysis tool CiteSpace V for bibliometric analyses.

Findings

The common research hotspots in China and abroad can be divided into related research on HIB, research on its influencing factors and health information research. Among these, health information-seeking behavior has been the focus of domestic and foreign scholars. From the subdivision perspective, the focus of Chinese and foreign research hotspots differs. In terms of evolutionary path, the initial stage of HIB research in China and abroad revolves around health information and health information-seeking behavior, followed by the influencing factors of HIB; however, the research breakthrough point is the reverse. Then, domestic and foreign research was conducted on different types of HIBs. Regarding the selection of research objects, Chinese and foreign research objects were increasingly diversified.

Research limitations/implications

This study also has several limitations. First, the literature sample only selected the literature in the WoS and CNKI databases, and there may be many HIB-related works published in other databases. Therefore, future research should include other databases. Second, in terms of language, this study selected only Chinese and English literature, but in many countries, important research results on certain topics are usually published in native language, and future research should expand the language selection. Third, this study only conducted national and institutional collaboration network analysis, keyword co-occurrence analysis, cluster analysis and timeline chart analysis.

Practical implications

The implication of practice can be divided into the following three points. (1) Analyzing the domestic and foreign literature on HIB and identifying highly cooperative institutions and countries in the field of HIB can reveal the research situation of HIB and help researchers establish new research networks in the future. (2) Analyzing the research hotspots and evolutionary paths of HIB at home and abroad is helpful for quickly understanding the development context of this field and grasping the emerging research directions such as HIB of people in close contact with patients, health information exchange behavior, health information avoidance behavior and health information discontinuation behavior, which can help researchers to explore the future research direction in this field, so as to determine the topic and fill the research gap. (3) Combining the analysis of HIB-related research at home and abroad is helpful for professionals to understand the characteristics and rules of HIB of users, consumers and other groups to further optimize and improve health information services.

Originality/value

Comparing and summarizing the research status of HIB in China and globally, and presenting the findings visually, will help researchers better grasp the research overview and hotspot changes in this field, as well as provide a follow-up reference.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 42 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2023

Zhen Han, Yuheng Zhao and Mengjie Chen

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has made telecommuting widely valued, but different individuals have different degrees of acceptance of telecommuting. This article aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has made telecommuting widely valued, but different individuals have different degrees of acceptance of telecommuting. This article aims to identify suitable individuals for telework and to clarify which types of workers are suitable for what level of telework, set scientific, reasonable hybrid work ratios and processes and measure their suitability.

Design/methodology/approach

First, two working scenarios of different risk levels were established, and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) was used to introduce latent variables, constructing a multi-indicator multi-causal model (MIMIC) to identify suitable individuals, and second, constructing an integrated choice and latent variable (ICLV) model of the working method to determine the suitability of different types of people for telework by calculating their selection probabilities.

Findings

It is possible to clearly distinguish between two types of suitable individuals for telework or traditional work. Their behavior is significantly influenced by the work environment, which is influenced by variables such as age, income, attitude, perceived behavioral control, work–family balance and personnel exposure level. In low-risk scenarios, the influencing factors of the behavioral model for both types of people are relatively consistent, while in high-risk scenarios, significant differences arise. Furthermore, the suitability of telework for the telework-suitable group is less affected by the pandemic, while the suitability for the non-suitable group is greatly affected.

Originality/value

This study contributes to previous literature by: (1) determining the suitability of different population types for telework by calculating the probability of selection, (2) dividing telework and traditional populations into two categories, identifying the differences in factors that affect telework under different epidemic risks and (3) considering the impact of changes in the work scenario on the suitability of telework for employees and classifying the population based on the suitability of telework in order to avoid the potential negative impact of telework.

Details

International Journal of Manpower, vol. 45 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7720

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 April 2023

Huiqiang Ni, Wenlong Liu and Zhen Yang

Human capital is acquired not only through formal education (e.g. general skills) but also through training at the workplace. Prior studies have ignored the role of government…

Abstract

Purpose

Human capital is acquired not only through formal education (e.g. general skills) but also through training at the workplace. Prior studies have ignored the role of government subsidies explicitly for on-the-job training, which may influence firm training decisions and firm innovation performance. Hence, the authors establish a comprehensive theoretical framework to consider these issues and fill these gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the Chinese manufacturing firms listed in the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchange from 2010 to 2017, the authors investigate the influence of training investment on innovation performance by illustrating the role of human capital updating in enhancing firm innovation. The authors also explore serval mechanisms on how training investment influences innovation performance.

Findings

The authors propose that training investment promotes firm innovation performance, whereas government training subsidies negatively moderate this relationship. The authors also reveal how technicists' involvement and corporate culture mediate the relationship between training investment and innovation performance.

Practical implications

This study provides policy implications for stimulating firm innovation by improving learning and absorption ability, strengthening cultural identity and implementing system norms. Effective policies should be adopted to provide subsidies for on-the-job training of enterprises, particularly for firms with technical executives and firms in diversified life-cycle.

Originality/value

This work contributes to the literature on the role of on-the-job training in promoting firm innovation and reveals the crowding-out effect of subsidies. This study also shows the heterogeneous effects of training investment on firm innovation.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 53 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 September 2024

Xi Jin, Hui Xu, Qifeng Zhao, Hao Zeng, Bing Lin, Ying Xiao, Junlei Tang, Zhen Nie, Yan Yan, Zhigang Di and Rudong Zhou

This study aims to report the development and experimental evaluation of two kinds of PANI@semiconductor based photocathodic anti-corrosion coating, for application on stainless…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to report the development and experimental evaluation of two kinds of PANI@semiconductor based photocathodic anti-corrosion coating, for application on stainless steel substrates.

Design/methodology/approach

PANI was in situ chemical polymerized on TiO2 and BiVO4 particles, and FT-IR and SEM/EDS were used to understand the characteristics and elemental distribution of the composite particles. Composite coatings, which consisted of epoxy, PANI@TiO2 or PANI@BiVO4 and graphene, were prepared on the 304L stainless steel. Photoelectrochemical response measurement, electrochemical tests and immersion tests were used to assess the anti-corrosion performance of the prepared coatings in 45°C 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution. And the corrosion protection mechanism was further explained by combining with surface observation.

Findings

The photoelectrochemical response tests revealed the good photocathodic effect of the coatings, and the reversible oxidation-reduction properties of PANI (pseudocapacitive effect) leading to the repeated usage of the coatings. Consequently, the anti-corrosion mechanism of the composite coating is attributed to the physical barrier effect of the coating, the anodic protection effect of PANI and the photocathodic and energy store effect.

Originality/value

These kind coatings could prevent corrosion from day to night for stainless steel, which has great engineering application prospects on stainless steel corrosion protection.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2024

Qiqi Zhang, Weijun Zhen, Quansheng Ou, Yusufu Abulajiang and Gangshan Ma

The objective was to investigate the utility of cottonseed oil (CSO) as a raw material for the synthesis of CSO water-based alkyd resin. The synthesis involved the polymerization…

Abstract

Purpose

The objective was to investigate the utility of cottonseed oil (CSO) as a raw material for the synthesis of CSO water-based alkyd resin. The synthesis involved the polymerization of CSO, trimethylolpropane, phthalic anhydride (PA) and trimellitic anhydride (TMA). The prepared resin coating material was subsequently applied to the surface of steel structure material.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aimed to synthesize water-based alkyd resins using CSO. Therefore, the alkyd resin was introduced with TMA containing carboxyl groups and neutralized with triethylamine (TEA) to form a water-soluble salt. Then, the esterification kinetics of CSO water-based alkyd resin were investigated, and finally, the basic properties of CSO water-based alkyd resin coating were evaluated.

Findings

It was demonstrated that CSO water-based alkyd resin exhibited excellent water solubility and that the esterification kinetic of the synthesis reaction could be described by a second-order reaction. The coating properties of the material were investigated and found to have good basic properties, with 40% resin addition having the best corrosion resistance. Consequently, it could be effectively applied to the surface of steel structural materials.

Originality/value

This study not only met the requirement of environmentally friendly development but also expanded the application of CSO through the synthesis of CSO water-based alkyd resin via alcoholysis. Compared to fatty acid process, the alcoholysis reduced the need for fatty acid pre-extraction, simplifying the alkyd resin synthesis process. Thus, economic costs are effectively reduced.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

1 – 10 of 53