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Based on affective events theory, this research attempted to investigate how negative gossip about organizational change drives employees to experience negative emotions and direct their aggression toward customers.

We conducted a scenario-based experiment (Study 1) and a multiwave field survey (Study 2) to test our hypotheses.

The results show that (1) negative emotions mediate the relationship between change-related negative gossip and displaced aggression toward customers; (2) perceived organizational constraints strengthen the relationship between change-related negative gossip and negative emotions; (3) future work self-salience weakens the relationship between change-related negative gossip and negative emotions; and (4) change-related negative gossip has a strengthened (weakened) indirect effect on displaced aggression via negative emotions when employees have high perceived organizational constraints (future work self-salience).

The study expands research on organizational change and displaced aggression and provides practical implications for managing organizational change.

This study aims to investigate the information-seeking behaviours of home buyers – primarily owner-occupants – using digital real estate platforms, a key element in the industry’s shift towards digital services. It focuses on first-time buyers and repurchasers to examine how these platforms assist in the home-buying process and influence buyer behaviour in Taiwan.

A mixed methods approach was adopted, combining quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to gather comprehensive data on user experiences and preferences.

The research identifies brand perception, search functionality and search results as critical factors influencing platform usage. Furthermore, it reveals an increasing demand for innovative artificial intelligence-driven search features to enhance user experience and platform convenience, reflecting evolving user expectations.

By addressing the specific context of Taiwan’s real estate market, this study provides novel insights into the interplay between digital platform features and user behaviour. The findings offer practical recommendations for improving platform design to better align with user needs.

Traditional visual simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) systems are primarily based on the assumption that the environment is static, which makes them struggle with the interference caused by dynamic objects in complex industrial production environments. This paper aims to improve the stability of visual SLAM in complex dynamic environments through semantic segmentation and its optimization.

This paper proposes a real-time visual SLAM system for complex dynamic environments based on YOLOv5s semantic segmentation, named YLS-SLAM. The system combines semantic segmentation results and the boundary semantic enhancement algorithm. By recognizing and completing the semantic masks of dynamic objects from coarse to fine, it effectively eliminates the interference of dynamic feature points on the pose estimation and enhances the retention and extraction of prominent features in the background, thereby achieving stable operation of the system in complex dynamic environments.

Experiments on the Technische Universität München and Bonn data sets show that, under monocular and Red, Green, Blue - Depth modes, the localization accuracy of YLS-SLAM is significantly better than existing advanced dynamic SLAM methods, effectively improving the robustness of visual SLAM. Additionally, the authors also conducted tests using a monocular camera in a real industrial production environment, successfully validating its effectiveness and application potential in complex dynamic environment.

This paper combines semantic segmentation algorithms with boundary semantic enhancement algorithms to effectively achieve precise removal of dynamic objects and their edges, while ensuring the system's real-time performance, offering significant application value.

The purpose of this paper is to study the corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in saturated acidic red and yellow soils.

The corrosion behavior of Q235 steel in saturated red and yellow soils was compared by weight-loss, SEM/EDS, 3D ultra-depth microscopy and electrochemical measurements.

R_p of the steel gradually increases and i_corr gradually decreases in both the red and yellow soils with time. The R_p of the steel in the red soil is lower, but its i_corr is higher than that in the yellow soil. The uniform corrosion rate, diameter and density of the corrosion pit on the steel surface in the red soil are greater than those in the yellow soil. Lower pH, higher contents of corrosive anions and high-valence Fe oxides in the red soil are responsible for its higher corrosion rates and local corrosion susceptibility.

This paper investigates the difference in corrosion behavior of carbon steel in saturated acidic red and yellow soils, which can help to understand the mechanism of soil corrosion.

The purpose of this study is to explore the interfacial adhesion between superhydrophobic coatings FC-X (X = 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) and the concrete substrate, along with the impact of FC-X on the water repellency characteristics of the concrete substrate.

One synthetic step was adopted to prepare novel F-SiO₂ NP hybrid fluororesin coating. The impact of varying mass fractions of F-SiO₂ NPs on the superhydrophobicity of FC-X was analyzed and subsequently confirmed through water contact angle (WCA) measurements. Superhydrophobic coatings were simply applied to the concrete substrate using a one-step spraying method. The interfacial adhesion between FC-X and the concrete substrate was analyzed using tape pasting tests and abrasion resistance measurements. The influence of FC-X on the water repellency of the concrete substrate was investigated through measurements of water absorption, impermeability and electric flux.

FC-4% exhibits excellent superhydrophobicity, with a WCA of 157.5° and a sliding angle of 2.3°. Compared to control sample, FC-X exhibits better properties, including chemical durability, wear resistance, adhesion strength, abrasion resistance, water resistance and impermeability.

This study offers a thorough investigation into the practical implications of enhancing the durability and water repellency of concrete substrates by using superhydrophobic coatings, particularly FC-4%, which demonstrates exceptional superhydrophobicity alongside remarkable chemical durability, wear resistance, adhesion strength, abrasion resistance, water resistance and impermeability.

Through the examination of the interfacial adhesion between FC-X and the concrete substrate, along with an assessment of FC-X’s impact on the water repellency of the concrete, this paper provides valuable insights into the practical application of superhydrophobic coatings in enhancing the durability and performance of concrete materials.

Amid rising concerns over unhealthy dietary habits and their impact on public health, this study aims to explore the role of avatars in promoting healthier eating and enhancing customer satisfaction in restaurants. By leveraging the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and nudge theory, this research sought to gain insights into consumer behavior and assess how digital innovations can encourage healthier food choices.

This study recruited 672 participants in the USA. Participants viewed a video featuring an avatar that informed them about available healthy food options, simulating a restaurant ordering scenario. Following the video, participants completed comprehensive online surveys. The collected data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling to assess the effectiveness and implications of the intervention.

The findings revealed that health consciousness, environmental awareness, social norms and perceived behavioral control significantly influence dietary habits. Restaurant health initiatives and avatar persuasiveness were found to encourage healthier food choices, improve customer satisfaction and loyalty and enhance electronic word-of-mouth. The study confirmed that avatars equipped with attributes such as competence, warmth, trustworthiness and credibility can be an effective digital nudge for consumers toward healthier dietary decisions.

This study’s originality lies in its integration of TPB and nudge theory, bridging the gap between individual psychological factors and external cues. This comprehensive framework provides valuable insights for restaurant managers, artificial intelligence developers and policymakers, offering practical strategies to promote healthier eating and enhance customer experiences through digital innovation.

鉴于公众对不健康饮食习惯及其对公共健康影响的日益关注, 本研究旨在探索虚拟形象在促进更健康饮食和提升餐厅顾客满意度中的作用。通过利用计划行为理论（TPB）和劝导理论（Nudge Theory）, 本研究试图深入了解消费者行为, 并评估数字创新如何鼓励更健康的食品选择。

本研究在美国招募了672名参与者。参与者观看了一个展示虚拟形象的视频, 该虚拟形象向他们介绍了可供选择的健康食品选项, 模拟了餐厅点餐场景。观看视频后, 参与者完成了全面的在线调查。收集的数据通过偏最小二乘结构方程模型（PLS-SEM）分析, 以评估干预的有效性和影响。

研究发现, 健康意识、环境意识、社会规范和感知行为控制显著影响饮食习惯。餐厅健康倡议和虚拟形象的说服力被发现能够鼓励更健康的食品选择, 提高顾客满意度和忠诚度, 并增强电子口碑。研究证实, 具备能力、温暖、可信度和信誉等属性的虚拟形象可以成为有效的数字劝导工具, 引导消费者作出更健康的饮食决策。

本研究的原创性在于它将计划行为理论和劝导理论结合起来, 填补了个体心理因素和外部线索之间的差距。这一综合框架为餐厅经理、人工智能开发者和政策制定者提供了宝贵的洞见, 提供了推动更健康饮食和通过数字创新增强顾客体验的实用策略。

En medio de la creciente preocupación por los hábitos alimentarios poco saludables y su impacto en la salud pública, este estudio pretende explorar el papel de los avatares en la promoción de una alimentación más saludable y la mejora de la satisfacción del cliente en los restaurantes. Aprovechando la Teoría del Comportamiento Planificado (TPB) y la Teoría del Impulso, esta investigación trata de profundizar en el comportamiento del consumidor y evalúa cómo las innovaciones digitales pueden fomentar la elección de alimentos más saludables.

El estudio reclutó a 672 participantes en Estados Unidos. Los participantes visionaron un vídeo en el que un avatar les informaba sobre las opciones de comida saludable disponible, simulando una situación en la que solicitaban comida en un restaurante. Después del vídeo, los participantes rellenaron unas exhaustivas encuestas en línea. Los datos recogidos se analizaron mediante un modelo de ecuaciones estructurales por mínimos cuadrados parciales para evaluar la eficacia y las implicaciones de la intervención.

Los resultados revelaron que la conciencia saludable, la conciencia medioambiental, las normas sociales y el control conductual percibido influyen significativamente en los hábitos alimentarios. Se comprobó que las iniciativas relacionadas con la salud en los restaurantes y la capacidad de persuasión de los avatares fomentan la elección de alimentos más sanos, mejoran la satisfacción y la fidelidad de los clientes y potencian el boca a boca electrónico. El estudio confirmó que los avatares dotados de atributos como competencia, calidez, fiabilidad y credibilidad pueden ser un estímulo digital eficaz para que los consumidores tomen decisiones dietéticas más saludables.

La originalidad de este estudio radica en la integración de la TPB y la Teoría de los Estímulos, que tiende un puente entre los factores psicológicos individuales y las señales externas. Este marco integral aporta valiosas ideas a los gestores de restaurantes, desarrolladores de IA y responsables políticos, ofreciendo estrategias prácticas para promover una alimentación más sana y mejorar las experiencias de los clientes a través de la innovación digital.

Given the current friction and wear challenges faced by automobile parts and bearings, this study aims to identify a novel texture for creating anti-friction and wear-resistant surfaces. This includes detailing the preparation process with the objective of mitigating friction and wear in working conditions.

Femtosecond laser technology was used to create a mango-shaped texture on the surface of GCr15 bearing steel. The optimized processing technology of the texture surface was obtained through adjusting the laser scanning speed. The tribological behavior of the laser-textured surface was investigated using a reciprocating tribometer.

The friction coefficient of the mango-shaped texture surface is 25% lower than that of the conventional surface, this can be attributed to the reduced contact area between the friction ball and the micro-textured surface, leading to stress concentration at the extrusion edge and a larger stress distribution area on the contact part of the ball and disk compared to the conventional surface and the function of the micro-texture in storing wear chips during the sliding process, thereby reducing secondary wear.

The mango-shaped textured surface in this study demonstrates effective solutions for some of the friction and wear issues, offering significant benefits for equipment operation under light load conditions.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2024-0127/

Nano graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) is an emerging lubrication technology with excellent performance and significant potential for future applications. This study aims to investigate the effect of nano g-C₃N₄ as a lubricant additive on the wear performance of bearing steel disk.

Various mass fractions of g-C₃N₄ were introduced into the base oil. Combining tribological testing, rheological testing and surface analysis methods, the anti-wear properties and lubrication mechanisms were analyzed.

Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the size of the nanoparticles of g-C₃N₄ ranges from 10 to 100 nm. Phase analysis of the g-C₃N₄ sample was conducted using X-ray diffraction. Further, 1.0% mass fraction of g-C₃N₄ in the base oil provides excellent anti-wear and friction-reducing performance. Compared to the base oil alone, it reduces the average friction coefficient by 63.8% and decreases the wear rate by 43.1%, significantly reducing the depth and width of the wear scar. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the oil sample containing nano g-C₃N₄ can form a lubricating film on the sliding surface of bearing steel after wear, which enhances the lubricating properties of the base oil.

The synergistic effect of the base oil and nanoparticles reduces friction and wear and is expected to extend the service life of bearing steel. These findings suggest that incorporating nano g-C₃N₄ as a lubricant additive offers significant potential for improving the performance of mechanical components.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2024-0456/

The research purpose is to investigate how personal values influence home country consumers’ attitudes toward the brand engaging in cross-border philanthropy by analyzing the mediating role of perceived fairness. This research also examines the moderating factor of this effect to propose practical strategies for brand managers.

This research employed one survey (Study 1) and two experiments (Studies 2–3) by manipulating personal values to provide robust evidence for the impact of values on consumer attitudes toward the brand conducting cross-border philanthropy.

This research offers empirical insights into the positive effect of self-transcendence values on consumer attitudes toward the brand participating in cross-border philanthropy. Findings suggest that home country consumers with self-enhancement (vs self-transcendence) values exhibit lower perceived fairness for transnational philanthropy, which leads to less favorable attitudes toward the brand. Cause acuteness is identified as a boundary condition of these unfavorable responses.

This research yields guidance for brand managers and marketers seeking to improve consumers’ brand attitudes through cross-border philanthropy.

This research enriches the literature on corporate social responsibility with respect to cross-border philanthropy and reveals distinct consumer attitudes toward this brand behavior. Furthermore, this study makes meaningful contributions to the value and fairness literature.

This paper takes the Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect as a quasi-natural experiment and investigates the impact of capital market liberalization on the corporate debt maturity structure. It also aims to provide some policy implications for corporate debt financing and further liberalization of the capital market in China.

Employing the exogenous event of Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect and using the data of Chinese A-share firms from 2010 to 2020, this study constructs a difference-in-differences model to examine the relationship between capital market liberalization and corporate debt maturity structure. To validate the results, this study performed several robustness tests, including the parallel test, the placebo test, the Heckman two-stage regression and the propensity score matching.

This paper finds that capital market liberalization has significantly increased the proportion of long-term debt of target firms. Further analyses suggest that the impact of capital market liberalization on the debt maturity structure is more pronounced for firms with lower management ownership and non-Big 4 audit. Channel tests show that capital market liberalization improves firms’ information environment and curbs self-interested management behavior.

This research provides empirical evidence for the consequences of capital market liberalization and enriches the literature on the determinants of corporate debt maturity structure. Further this study makes a reference for regulators and financial institutions to improve corporate financing through the governance role of capital market liberalization.