Zhou Yang, Minghe Chi, Xiaorui Zhang, Jiahao Shi, Xue Sun, Xiaoman Zhang and Qingguo Chen
Epoxy resin (EP) is a thermosetting resin commonly characterized by its inherent brittleness, which limits its widespread application. To overcome this limitation, a novel…
Abstract
Purpose
Epoxy resin (EP) is a thermosetting resin commonly characterized by its inherent brittleness, which limits its widespread application. To overcome this limitation, a novel flexible chain-blocking hyperbranched polyester (HBP) was conceptualized and synthesized to enhance the toughness and dielectric properties of EP.
Design/methodology/approach
Using P-toluene sulfonic acid (p-TSA) as the catalyst and Bis(hydroxymethyl)propionic acid (DMPA) as the branching unit with pentaerythritol (PER) as the core, an experimental synthesis was conducted. Subsequently, n-hexanoic acid was introduced separately to produce hyperbranched polyester with n-hexanoic acid capped structures. Microstructural, mechanical, insulating and dielectric analyses of the composite were performed to determine the optimal proportion of HBP.
Findings
Recent research has demonstrated that the flexible segments within hyperbranched polyester create an interpenetrating network structure with the molecular chains of epoxy resin, thereby effectively augmenting the toughness of the epoxy resin. Additionally, HBP has reduced the ε and tgδ values of the epoxy-anhydride cured product by decreasing the number of polar groups per unit volume of EP through the introduction of free volumes.
Originality/value
Currently, HBP serves as an innovative toughening strategy and modifier for epoxy resin. The toughening mechanism involves the generation of free volume by HBP, providing space for EP molecules to maneuver under load. Additionally, the free volume contributes to a reduction in the dielectric constant of EP by diminishing the polarizable group content. Simultaneously, the incorporation of HBP features flexible chains grafted onto the epoxy resin.
Details
Keywords
James F. Petrick and Xiaoxu Wang
The purpose of this study is to examine the state of the literature related to the psychophysiological effects of travel, to identify gaps in the literature and to propose a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the state of the literature related to the psychophysiological effects of travel, to identify gaps in the literature and to propose a vision to guide research between now and 2050.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was guided by a systematic literature review which started with more than 2,100 papers. The extant review and its findings are written in a conceptual nature with the concluding propositions, for the year 2050, guided by the systematic review and the authors’ personal knowledge.
Findings
It was found that research related to the psychophysiological effects of travel has greatly progressed over the past two decades. Findings include evidence that travel reduces both perceived and actual stresses and that taking more vacations has the ability to make people healthier. The study also revealed that travel can have negative effects on physiological health. The overall results led to a call for research on the psychophysiological benefits of travel between now and 2050.
Research limitations/implications
The systematic review of literature was limited to studies conducted in English and to studies that included the words “travel” or “tourism” and “benefits”, stress, “health” and “wellness”. Results provide a discussion of theories that should guide the research agenda.
Practical implications
The review and proposed vision for research provide a detailed guide for researchers to follow. Should the proposed research come to fruition, tourism practitioners globally will have results to aid in engineering tourism experiences that could provide health benefits to visitors.
Social implications
The proposed vision could have profound social implications, as the understanding of the positive and negative effects of travel should make travel experiences healthier for all. The study also proposes a call for research to determine ways to make the benefits of travel available to both the “haves” and “have nots” so that the benefits of travel can be more inclusive.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this manuscript is that it proposes 11 propositions for research between now and 2050 based on a thorough review of gaps related to the psychophysiological benefits of travel. The resultant propositions provide a clear and unique call for research in this area of inquiry.
目的
本研究的主要目标是检查与旅行的心理生理益处相关的文献状况, 找出文献中的空白, 并提出从现在到2050年指导研究的愿景。
设计/方法/途径
这项研究以一项系统的文献综述为指导, 该综述从2100多篇论文开始。现有的综述及其研究结果是在系统综述和作者个人知识的指导下, 以概念性的形式撰写的, 并附有2050年的结论性命题。
结果
研究发现, 在过去的二十年里, 与旅行的心理生理益处相关的研究取得了长足的进步。研究结果包括有证据表明, 旅行可以减轻感知和实际的压力, 多度假可以使人们更健康。该研究还表明, 旅行会对生理健康产生负面影响。总体结果促使人们呼吁研究从现在到2050年旅行的心理生理益处。
独创性
本文的主要贡献是, 它根据对旅行的心理生理益处相关差距的全面回顾, 提出了从现在到2050年的11个研究主题。由此产生的主题为这一研究领域的研究提供了明确而独特的呼吁。
Objetivo
Los objetivos principales del presente estudio eran examinar el estado de la literatura relacionada con los beneficios psicofisiológicos de los viajes, identificar lagunas en la bibliografía y proponer una visión que guíe la investigación de aquí a 2050.
Diseño/Metodología/Enfoque
El estudio se guió por una revisión bibliográfica sistemática que partió de más de 2.100 artículos. La revisión existente y sus hallazgos están redactados de forma conceptual con las proposiciones finales para el año 2050, guiadas por la revisión sistemática y el conocimiento personal de los autores.
Resultados
Se encontró que la investigación relacionada con los beneficios psicofisiológicos de los viajes ha progresado mucho en las dos últimas décadas. Resultados incluyen pruebas de que viajar reduce tanto el estrés percibido como el real y de que tomar más vacaciones tiene la capacidad de hacer que las personas estén más sanas. El estudio también reveló que viajar puede tener efectos negativos sobre la salud fisiológica. Los resultados globales condujeron a una llamada a la investigación sobre los beneficios psicofisiológicos de los viajes de aquí a 2050.
Originalidad
La principal aportación de este manuscrito es que propone once proposiciones para la investigación de aquí a 2050 basadas en una revisión exhaustiva de las lagunas relacionadas con los beneficios psicofisiológicos de los viajes. Las proposiciones resultantes constituyen un llamamiento claro y único a la investigación en este ámbito de estudio.
Details
Keywords
Haniyeh Ehsani Far, Siyamak Nayyeri Fallah and Akram Khalili
This research aims to examine the relationship between the physical environment and neuropsychological perception in children with Asperger’s disorder.
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to examine the relationship between the physical environment and neuropsychological perception in children with Asperger’s disorder.
Design/methodology/approach
This study through mixed qualitative–quantitative approaches conducted strategies including a survey and case study. Accordingly, multiple methods were applied to collect data including semi-structured expert interviews (20 persons) and questionnaires (N = 400). The sampling strategy of questionnaire participants was random clustering and the target population was children with Asperger from Iran Asperger Support Associations. Besides, the sampling strategy for the participants of semi-structured expert interviews was non-random and purposeful. The collected data from the participant’s questionnaires and interviews were analyzed by Porsline and Excel software and content analysis, respectively.
Findings
Based on the relationship between the physical environment and neuropsychological perception, the results of the research indicate that despite all existing differences between the two spectra of hyper-sensitive and hypo-sensitive behaviors, it is possible to design architectural spaces responding to their common needs and satisfy both spectra.
Originality/value
This research on to healing aspect is quite new and contributes significant information about health issues in building design. This study tries to derive and examine the supportive characteristics of architectural spaces that integrate special physical and effective designs to improve the healing process of children with Asperger’s disorder.
Details
Keywords
Ayman Ahmed Ezzat Othman and Rodayna Ehab Hegazy
This research aims to develop and validate a framework for eradicating women’s discrimination in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt and propose strategies for prospective…
Abstract
Purpose
This research aims to develop and validate a framework for eradicating women’s discrimination in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt and propose strategies for prospective adoption in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to increase the transformational impact of women on the architectural and urban developments of the Gulf region.
Design/methodology/approach
A combined qualitative and quantitative research approach was designed to accomplish four objectives. Firstly, to investigate the nature of business in ADFs, women’s discrimination and policies for gender equity (PGE) in architecture. Secondly, to analyse three case studies to validate the identified causes and impacts of women’s discrimination and examine the role of PGE towards eradicating women’s discrimination in ADFs. Thirdly, to conduct a survey questionnaire with a representative sample of ADFs to investigate their perception of women’s discrimination and the correlation between PGE towards eradicating women’s discrimination in ADFs. Based on the above, the research developed and validated a framework to eradicate women’s discrimination in ADFs in Egypt and suggested strategies for potential application in the GCC countries to increase the transformational role of women in the architectural and urban developments of the Gulf region.
Findings
Through literature review and case studies, the research identified and validated the causes and impacts of women’s discrimination as well as PGE in Architecture. The findings of data analysis showed that the highest-ranked causes of women discrimination in ADFs were “customs and beliefs” followed by “Underestimating women’s work” and “Recruiting males more than females”. Moreover, the highest-ranked impacts of women’s discrimination were “career shift and leaving the profession” followed by “decrease in creativity and innovation” and “decrease in economic growth”. Furthermore, the Spearman correlation test showed that while some PGE were correlated, others were not. These findings helped in the development of the proposed framework and proposed strategies.
Practical implications
This research presents a practical framework to eliminate women’s discrimination in ADFs in Egypt based on the findings of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire. The framework explained in a workable way the objectives of the framework functions; activities; tools and techniques; involved personnel and needed resources as well as enforcing mechanisms. It was validated by a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to ensure its practicability and viability and suggested strategies for implementation in the GCC countries to increase women’s role in architectural and urban development.
Originality/value
The research identified and validated the causes and impacts of women’s discrimination as well as PGE in Architecture. Moreover, the research investigated the perception of women’s discrimination and the correlation between PGE through conducting a survey questionnaire with a representative of ADFs in Egypt. The research tackled a topic that received scant attention in construction literature, especially in Egypt and the GCC countries. The research developed and validated a framework to eradicate women’s discrimination in ADFs in Egypt. It represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value to the knowledge in a manner that has not previously occurred. The research suggested several strategies for the prospective implementation of the framework in the GCC countries as an approach to enhancing the transformational role of women in the architectural and urban developments of the Gulf region.
Details
Keywords
This paper proposes a structural model that explores the relationship between game/esports streamers’ credibility dimensions and viewers’ willingness to spend money (WTP) on…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes a structural model that explores the relationship between game/esports streamers’ credibility dimensions and viewers’ willingness to spend money (WTP) on online games. The study seeks to uncover the underlying mechanisms in this relationship by drawing on the source credibility model, social identity theory and S-O-R framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized an online survey conducted through Qualtrics survey software to validate the proposed framework. The sample (N = 612) consisted of viewers of a Turkish esports live streamer with a substantial following on both Twitch and YouTube. The main research framework was tested using AMOS 22, and the serial mediation analyses were done using Process v3.0 on SPSS.
Findings
The findings of this study are significant, revealing that streamer credibility (SC) factors – trustworthiness, attractiveness and expertise – have a profound impact on the response variables purchase intention (PI) and WTP through streamer identification (STI). Moreover, the study uncovers that the time spent watching the streamer significantly influences WTP for games, a crucial insight for the gaming industry.
Practical implications
By bridging the realms of social identity theory and the source credibility model within the context of game streaming, this study charts new territory in understanding the intricate web of factors shaping consumer behaviour in live-stream gaming environments. It highlights the multifaceted nature of viewer-streamer interactions and their implications for marketers and industry stakeholders seeking to navigate the expanding landscape of live stream commerce.
Originality/value
This paper offers a novel structural framework that synthesizes multiple perspectives to investigate the relationship between esports streamers’ credibility and viewers’ spending behaviour. By incorporating concepts from the source credibility model, social identity theory and S-O-R framework, the study not only expands upon existing theories of identity in the streaming domain but also provides a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing consumer behaviour in online gaming environments.
Details
Keywords
Seema Singh, Neha Aggarwal, Prince and Devika Dabas
In recent years, both homeowners and the research community have shown a growing interest in home automation devices and smart homes. About one-third of all primary energy…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent years, both homeowners and the research community have shown a growing interest in home automation devices and smart homes. About one-third of all primary energy resources are used by homes worldwide, which consume significant energy. This has raised concerns regarding energy accessibility and the quick depletion of energy sources, the growing need for building services, the improvement of comfortable lifestyles and the increased time spent at home. This study aims to offer a comprehensive and significant examination of state-of-the-art intelligent control systems used for managing energy and ensuring comfort in smart homes.
Design/methodology/approach
After conducting a comprehensive search in the Scopus database, a total of 55 articles were carefully selected. Using the Scientific Procedures and Rationales for Systematic Literature Reviews (SPAR-4 SLR) technique for systematic reviews, the current study synthesized prior research on energy efficiency in smart homes and conducted a detailed descriptive analysis to describe the current state of knowledge.
Findings
Future research on energy efficiency in smart homes could delve into various prospective areas that would strengthen existing knowledge and practices. Using innovative technologies in smart homes can reduce energy consumption in residential areas by offering convenience and improved features.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first systematic literature review focused on intelligent control systems for energy and comfort management in smart homes, as well as residents’ interaction with indoor comfort.