Yunsheng Shi, Haibo Yu, Lei Gao, Muchuan Yang and Shanghao Song
With the rapid growth of the gig economy worldwide, gig workers’ perceived algorithmic control has been proven to have a crucial impact on the service performance, well-being and…
Abstract
Purpose
With the rapid growth of the gig economy worldwide, gig workers’ perceived algorithmic control has been proven to have a crucial impact on the service performance, well-being and mental health of gig workers. However, the literature suggests that gig workers’ perceived algorithmic control may be a double-edged sword. The purpose of this research is to explore how the perceived algorithmic control of gig workers can accelerate thriving at work.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the model of proactive motivation and work design literature, a three-wave survey was employed, yielding 281 completed responses. The structural equation modeling method was used to test the theoretical hypothesis.
Findings
The results indicate that gig workers’ perceived algorithmic control has positive and indirect effects on thriving at work through the mediating role of job crafting. In addition, job autonomy can moderate the mediated relationship; specifically, when job autonomy is high, this mediated relationship will be stronger.
Practical implications
The health and well-being of gig workers is a concern around the world. The findings provide insights for service platform enterprises and gig workers.
Originality/value
Perceived algorithmic control is critical to mental health and positive work experiences during a gig worker’s service process. However, the current literature focuses more on the negative aspects of algorithmic control. This paper provides a comprehensive research agenda for how to accelerate thriving at work for gig workers.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to examine the influence of financial inclusion (FI) on poverty, income inequality and financial stability from the perspective of public good (PG) theory in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the influence of financial inclusion (FI) on poverty, income inequality and financial stability from the perspective of public good (PG) theory in developing countries.
Design/methodology/approach
This study applies the fixed effects model (FEM), pooled ordinary least square (OLS) regression and generalized method of moment (GMM) across panal data of 69 developing countries from 2002 to 2020 inclusive.
Findings
Multiple regression analyses show that FI reduces poverty and income inequality while improving financial stability. Secondary enrolment ratio, GDP per capita, and trade openness reduce poverty and income inequality. However, a higher inflation rate increases poverty and income inequality while reducing financial stability. Finally, age dependency ratio and population do not affect poverty, income inequality or financial stability.
Research limitations/implications
The regulators and policymakers in developing countries should raise the level of formal FI by expanding the size of the formal financial sector and improving the access of the large unbanked population to financial products/services. Improving FI enables the unbanked population to take over productive activities and ease consumption, which in turn complementing economic growth.
Social implications
The increase in FI enables the developing countries to include the financially excluded population through formal financial products and services, which improve financial stability and eradicate poverty and income inequality in society. Thus, the FI enhances the social welfare of society.
Originality/value
This is the first study that examines the impact of FI poverty, income inequality and financial stability in the context of developing countries. This study contributes to the theoretical implications of the PG theory by examining the influence of FI on poverty, income inequality and financial stability in the context of developing countries.
Details
Keywords
Mengrui Wang, Shuting Zhang and Xiang Zhou
Understanding the restorative potential of built environments is essential for promoting mental well-being. However, existing studies often rely on static image-based methods…
Abstract
Purpose
Understanding the restorative potential of built environments is essential for promoting mental well-being. However, existing studies often rely on static image-based methods, which are inherently limited in capturing the temporal and spatial dynamics of environmental perception. These methods frequently introduce biases, such as selective framing and abrupt transitions, failing to reflect natural viewing behavior. Addressing these limitations, this study investigates the restorative qualities of campus environments using dynamic VR stimuli and eye-tracking technology. By providing continuous temporal and spatial information, dynamic VR stimuli offer a more immersive and ecologically valid approach to understanding how specific environmental features contribute to psychological restoration.
Design/methodology/approach
This study investigates the restorative qualities of campus environments using VR eye-tracking technology and dynamic stimuli. Campus environments were filmed through walking sequences and paired with PRS audio prompts. About 40 university students participated in the experiment, with eye-tracking data processed using computer vision-based semantic segmentation and the concept of relative areas of interest, followed by correlation analysis with restorative quality scores.
Findings
The results revealed that natural elements such as “sky,” “tree,” “waterscape” and “landscape corridor” were significantly positively correlated with the being-away and fascination dimensions, indicating their role in capturing attention and supporting psychological recovery. Conversely, architectural elements like “architectural corridor” and “building facade” were negatively correlated with the extent dimension, while “architectural open space” positively correlated, enhancing spatial perception and exploration.
Originality/value
These findings underscore the importance of natural elements and open spaces in built environments while also revealing the complex influence of architectural features. The study provides valuable insights for optimizing campus design to support students’ mental health and well-being.
Details
Keywords
Jingang Jiang, Yan Shuang Bai, Dian Hao Wu, Yan Xin Yu, Xue Feng Ma and Chuan Lin
The cable inspection robot is essential in maintaining bridge cables. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the maintenance methods of bridge cables. It summarizes the…
Abstract
Purpose
The cable inspection robot is essential in maintaining bridge cables. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the maintenance methods of bridge cables. It summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the critical structures of the external overall frame, intermediate adhesion device, attachment mechanism and driving method of the cable inspection robot. Finally, it discusses the challenges the cable inspection robot faces and the direction of future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper summarizes the research progress of the cable inspection robot and details the advantages and disadvantages of critical structures such as the external frame, intermediate adhesion device, attachment mechanism, driving method and safe return device of the robot. Finally, it points out the future direction of cable inspection robots, including lightweight design, hybrid design, multi-robot cooperative work, multi-technology integration and intelligent cable inspection digital twin model.
Findings
The cables are the main load-bearing components of a bridge, and their safety is crucial. However, subjected to varying loads and environmental influences over a long period, cables are prone to damage, threatening the bridge’s stability. Cable inspection robots can comprehensively detect and repair cable damage, significantly improving efficiency and safety.
Originality/value
This paper provides a comprehensive review of the current research on cable inspection robots, enabling readers to have a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the critical structures and key technologies of cable inspection robots and providing scientific references for researchers working on cable inspection robots.
Details
Keywords
Zhibo Ren and Xiaoyu Guan
This study aims to explore the environmental and easy-care benefits of diacetate fiber blended textiles, emphasizing their potential in enhancing sustainability and reducing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the environmental and easy-care benefits of diacetate fiber blended textiles, emphasizing their potential in enhancing sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the textile industry. It addresses the pressing need for innovative materials that combine functional advantages with reduced environmental impacts.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive series of experiments was conducted to assess the easy-care properties of fabrics blended with diacetate fibers. These properties include stain resistance, wash dimensional stability and antistatic performance, using standardized textile testing methods. The experimental setup involved a variety of fabric blends tested under simulated conditions that mimic real-world usage to evaluate the effectiveness of diacetate fibers in practical applications.
Findings
The inclusion of diacetate fibers significantly enhances several easy-care properties of the textiles. Fabrics containing these fibers showed improved stain resistance, particularly in blends with polyester and cotton, which also exhibited better dimensional stability after washing. Antistatic properties were notably better in diacetate-polyester blends compared to other fiber compositions. Furthermore, the research demonstrated that these fabrics require fewer wash cycles, effectively reducing water and energy consumption, thereby contributing to environmental sustainability.
Originality/value
This study is among the first to systematically quantify the multiple benefits of diacetate fiber blends in textiles, providing a dual focus on environmental impact and practical textile care. The findings offer new insights into the use of sustainable fiber technologies in reducing the ecological footprint of the textile industry while maintaining material performance, supporting the advancement toward a more sustainable fashion industry.
Details
Keywords
Lingyun Cao, Shuaibin Ren, ZhengHao Zhou, Xuening Fei and Changliang Huang
This study aims to fabricate a cool phthalocyanine green/TiO2 composite pigment (PGT) with high near-infrared (NIR) reflectance, good color performance and good heat-shielding…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to fabricate a cool phthalocyanine green/TiO2 composite pigment (PGT) with high near-infrared (NIR) reflectance, good color performance and good heat-shielding performance under sunlight and infrared irradiation.
Design/methodology/approach
With the help of anionic and cationic polyelectrolytes, the PGT composite pigment was prepared using a layer-by-layer assembly method under wet ball milling. Based on the light reflectance properties and color performance tested by ultraviolet-visible-NIR spectrophotometer and colorimeter, the preparation conditions were optimized and the properties of PGT pigment with different assembly layers (PGT-1, PGT-3, PGT-5 and PGT-7) were compared. In addition, their heat-shielding performance was evaluated and compared by temperature rise value for their coating under sunlight and infrared irradiation.
Findings
The PGT pigment had a core/shell structure, and the PG thickness increased with the self-assembly layers, which made the PGT-3 and PGT-7 pigment show higher color purity and saturation than PGT-1 pigment. In addition, the PGT-3 and PGT-7 pigment showed 11%–16% lower light reflectance in the visible region. However, their light reflectance in the NIR region was similar. Under infrared irradiation the PGT-5 and PGT-7 pigment coating showed 1.1°C–3.4°C and 1.3°C–4.7°C lower temperature rise value than PGT-1 pigment coating and physical mixture pigment coating, respectively. And under sunlight the PGT-3 pigment coating showed 1.5–2.6°C lower temperature rise value than the physical mixture pigment coating.
Originality/value
The layer-by-layer assembling makes the core/shell PGT composite pigment possess low visible light reflectance, high NIR reflectance and good heat-shielding performance.
Details
Keywords
Wenhai Tan, Yichen Zhang, Yuhao Song, Yanbo Ma, Chao Zhao and Youfeng Zhang
Aqueous zinc-ion battery has broad application prospects in smart grid energy storage, power tools and other fields. Co3O4 is one of the ideal cathode materials for water zinc-ion…
Abstract
Purpose
Aqueous zinc-ion battery has broad application prospects in smart grid energy storage, power tools and other fields. Co3O4 is one of the ideal cathode materials for water zinc-ion batteries due to their high theoretical capacity, simple synthesis, low cost and environmental friendliness. Many studies were concentrated on the synthesis, design and doping of cathodes, but the effect of process parameters on morphology and performance was rarely reported.
Design/methodology/approach
Herein, Co3O4 cathode material based on carbon cloth (Co3O4/CC) was prepared by different temperatures hydrothermal synthesis method. The temperatures of hydrothermal reaction are 100°C, 120°C, 130°C and 140°C, respectively. The influence of temperatures on the microstructures of the cathodes and electrochemical performance of zinc ion batteries were investigated by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, cyclic voltammetry curve, electrochemical charging and discharging behavior and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy test.
Findings
The results show that the Co3O4/CC material synthesized at 120°C has good performance. Co3O4/CC nanowire has a uniform distribution, regular surface and small size on carbon cloth. The zinc-ion battery has excellent rate performance and low reaction resistance. In the voltage range of 0.01–2.2 V, when the current density is 1 A/g, the specific capacity of the battery is 108.2 mAh/g for the first discharge and the specific capacity of the battery is 142.6 mAh/g after 60 charge and discharge cycles.
Originality/value
The study aims to investigate the effect of process parameters on the performance of zinc-ion batteries systematically and optimized applicable reaction temperature.
Details
Keywords
Ying Geng, Huai-Ying Huang, Ching-Hui Chen and Pei-Hsuan Lin
This study is a pilot study exploring the usefulness and ease of use of a prototype VR PetCPR system and discusses the possibility of using it to facilitate pet healthcare skills…
Abstract
Purpose
This study is a pilot study exploring the usefulness and ease of use of a prototype VR PetCPR system and discusses the possibility of using it to facilitate pet healthcare skills acquisition. The designed VR PetCPR training system aims to provide pet healthcare professionals with an inexpensive, accessible and reliable CPR training tool and refine their skills in a controlled and simulated environment.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was conducted in a one-day workshop. The workshop consisted of the morning section (Section A) and the afternoon section (Section B). Section A was the knowledge acquisition stage. Section B is the VR PetCPR stage. Trainees were then given 30 min to experience the VR PetCPR set. When trainees were ready, they were required to complete two trials of dog CPR practice. After the practice, trainees completed the questionnaire and reported their attitudes toward VR PetCPR practice.
Findings
Overall, trainees held positive attitudes toward the effectiveness and usefulness of the VR PetCPR. After practicing skills via VR CPR, over half of the trainees responded that the system is effective in helping them understand the essential knowledge (e.g. operation status, operation positions, etc.) of performing CPR skills on a 30-pound dog. A significantly positive attitude was reported on trainees’ perceptions toward the ease of use of practicing their chest compression skills with the PetCPR. The positive attitudes significantly outnumbered the negative attitudes on explicit instruction and guidance, accessibility, convenience in practice and straightforward interface.
Originality/value
From data collected from 16 animal hospitals in the United States, Europe and Australia with 709 cases, 147 dogs (28%) and 58 cats (30%) temporarily attained ROSC during CPR, and 14 dogs (3%) and four cats (2%) survived to hospital discharge. Training veterinary CPR techniques and implementing RECOVER guidelines still have a long way to go. However, recent virtual reality simulations for CPR training were mainly designed for human patients CPR (Issleib et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2022; Almousa et al., 2019; Wong et al., 2018). The VR PetCPR remains a missing puzzle in the current VR training designs.
Details
Keywords
Norhana Mohd Aripin, Suhaidah Hussain, Lee Khai Loon, Fatimah Mahmud and Nur Sofia Nabila Alimin
This study aims to review recent advancements in solar energy generation and identify future research trends, with a focus on integrating energy storage systems to enhance the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to review recent advancements in solar energy generation and identify future research trends, with a focus on integrating energy storage systems to enhance the reliability and efficiency of solar power.
Design/methodology/approach
This study involved conducting a review of 313 articles published between 2014 and 2024 in the Scopus database. The research applied bibliometric analysis techniques, which are bibliographic coupling and co-occurrence analysis, to examine recent advancements and future trends in solar energy generation.
Findings
This research highlights recent field contributions through bibliographic coupling, indicating that solar PV is the most environmentally sustainable renewable energy source, with energy storage systems, particularly hydrogen, critical for stability. In addition, co-occurrence analysis on the future research avenue highlights optimizing green hydrogen production and hybrid storage systems while exploring innovative financing models to enhance grid stability and facilitate a sustainable energy transition.
Research limitations/implications
This review recognizes some limitations in bibliometric analysis, such as relying solely on the Scopus database, subjective interpretations of themes and the challenge of distinguishing self-citations from external ones, which can give a misleading impression of a publication’s influence.
Originality/value
This study focuses on exploring how energy storage systems can be integrated with solar energy generation. Although there has been extensive research on renewable energy, this specific intersection has been largely overlooked. By using bibliometric analysis, this study aims to highlight recent developments and future directions in this critical area, ultimately providing valuable insights that can help shape both academic research and practical policy decisions.
Details
Keywords
Sou-Sen Leu, Kuang-Jen Huang, Cathy Chang-Wei Hung and Pei-Lin Wu
In recent years, cost overrun becomes a common problem in steel building construction projects. The average percentage can vary widely depending on the project type, size…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, cost overrun becomes a common problem in steel building construction projects. The average percentage can vary widely depending on the project type, size, complexity and location. The steel structure change ratio in Taiwan is from 1 to 18% in statistics. The contractors always put every possible effort into preventing or mitigating project cost overruns, and one of the approaches is an accurate cost overrun risk estimate. Traditional project cost overrun risk assessment models mainly focus on macro-level evaluation and may not function well for the project-specific level (micro-level). This study creates a network-like connection model between the outcome (i.e. cost overrun risk) and the associated root causes in which the project status evaluation checklists of design, manufacturing, construction and interfaces are used to evaluate the checklists' influences through the Bayesian network (BN) composed by intermediate causes.
Design/methodology/approach
Due to the constraint of data availability, BN nodes, relationships and conditional probabilities are defined to establish a BN-based steel building project cost overrun assessment model following the knowledge of experts. Because of the complexity of the BN, the construction of the BN structure is first to build BN's fault tree (FT) hierarchy. And then, basic BN framework is constructed by the transformation of the FT hierarchy. Furthermore, some worthwhile additional arcs among BN nodes are inserted if necessary. Furthermore, conditional probability tables (CPTs) among BN nodes are explored by experts following the concept of the ranked node. Finally, the BN-based model was validated against the final cost analysis reports of 15 steel building projects done in Taiwan and both were highly consistent. The overall BN-based model construction process consists of three steps: (1) FT construction and BN framework transformation, (2) CPT computation and (3) model validation.
Findings
This study established a network-like bridge model between the outcome (i.e. cost overrun risk) and the root causes in a network of which cost influences are evaluated through the project-specific status evaluation checklists of design, manufacturing, construction and interfaces. This study overcame several limitations of the previous cost overrun risk assessment models: (1) few past research support assessment of cost overrun based on real-time project-owned data and (2) the traditional causal models inadequately depict interdependencies among influence factors of cost overrun at the network. The main influence factors of the cost overrun risk at the steel building projects in Taiwan were also examined using sensitivity analysis. The main root causes of cost overrun in steel building projects are design management and interface integration.
Originality/value
The proposed model belongs to the project-specific causal assessment model using real-time project-owned status checklist data as input. Such a model was seldom surveyed in the past due to the complicated interdependence among causes in the network. For practical use, a convenient and simple regression equation was also developed to forecast the cost overrun risk of the steel building project based on the root causes as input. Based on the analysis of cost overrun risk and significant influence factors, proper tailor-made preventive strategies are established to reduce the occurrence of cost overrun at the project.