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
Shuhao Li, Yuhang Zhang and Mimi Chen
This study aims to investigate the different effects of physical and social servicescapes on brand love for internet-famous restaurants, focusing on their pathways and strengths…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the different effects of physical and social servicescapes on brand love for internet-famous restaurants, focusing on their pathways and strengths of influence.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling was applied to analyze data from 387 online questionnaires in China.
Findings
Results indicate that social servicescape directly influences brand love for internet-famous restaurants, while physical servicescape does not. The effect of physical servicescape on brand love for internet-famous restaurants is mediated by perceived coolness and perceived enjoyment, whereas social servicescape’s influence is mediated solely by perceived enjoyment. Overall, physical servicescape has a stronger impact on brand love for internet-famous restaurants compared to social servicescape.
Practical implications
The findings help internet-famous restaurants create effective physical and social servicescapes to enhance brand love, underscoring that physical servicescape is more crucial than social servicescape for cultivating this love.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by analyzing the heterogeneous pathways and strengths of physical and social servicescapes influencing brand love for internet-famous restaurants, while highlighting the mediating role of perceived coolness and expanding the application scope of cognitive appraisal theory.
Details
Keywords
Ngoc Minh Nguyen, Hoang Huong Giang, Ngoc Thi Minh Vu and Son Anh Ta
This paper examines the moderating effects of online reviews on the relationship between country image, product image, and purchase intention of products from two developed…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the moderating effects of online reviews on the relationship between country image, product image, and purchase intention of products from two developed countries in Vietnam.
Design/methodology/approach
This current research used a cross-sectional design. Data was collected via questionnaires, and 305 responses were left after refining. The collected data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, structural equation modeling, and multi-group analysis methods.
Findings
Affective country images do not directly affect purchase intention when online review quality and positivity are high. Cognitive country images still directly affect purchase intention when online review positiveness is low. However, online review quantity does not moderate the effects of country images on product images and purchase intention.
Research limitations/implications
Cognitive country image consistently affects purchase intention through the central route independent of online reviews. In contrast, the affective country image will likely affect purchase intention through the peripheral route when online reviews are insufficient for customers.
Practical implications
Firms can mitigate the adverse effects of country image, especially cognitive country image, in foreign markets by improving online review quality and positiveness.
Originality/value
Our study extended existing literature by providing a better understanding of the nature of country image and the roles of country image dimensions in shaping product image and purchase intention in the context of the increasing popularity of online reviews.
Details
Keywords
Kai Wang, Xiang Wang, Chao Tan, Shijie Dong, Fang Zhao and Shiguo Lian
This study aims to streamline and enhance the assembly defect inspection process in diesel engine production. Traditional manual inspection methods are labor-intensive and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to streamline and enhance the assembly defect inspection process in diesel engine production. Traditional manual inspection methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming because of the complex structures of the engines and the noisy workshop environment. This study’s robotic system aims to alleviate these challenges by automating the inspection process and enabling easy remote inspection, thereby freeing workers from heavy fieldwork.
Design/methodology/approach
This study’s system uses a robotic arm to traverse and capture images of key components of the engine. This study uses anomaly detection algorithms to automatically identify defects in the captured images. Additionally, this system is enhanced by digital twin technology, which provides inspectors with various tools to designate components of interest in the engine and assist in defect checking and annotation. This integration facilitates smooth transitions from manual to automatic inspection within a short period.
Findings
Through evaluations and user studies conducted over a relatively long period, the authors found that the system accelerates and improves the accuracy of engine inspections. The results indicate that the system significantly enhances the efficiency of production processes for manufacturers.
Originality/value
The system represents a novel approach to engine inspection, leveraging robotic technology and digital twin enhancements to address the limitations of traditional manual inspection methods. By automating and enhancing the inspection process, the system offers manufacturers the opportunity to improve production efficiency and ensure the quality of diesel engines.
Details
Keywords
Pallavi Dhamak, Padmanabha Aital and Anand Daftardar
The purpose of this study is to examine Construction 4.0 trends, identify potential areas of growth, and explore the use of Industry 4.0 enabling technologies in the construction…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine Construction 4.0 trends, identify potential areas of growth, and explore the use of Industry 4.0 enabling technologies in the construction sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Research papers from referred international journals are reviewed to identify the use of Industry 4.0 enabling technologies in the construction sector. Then, Visualization of Similarities viewer software is used to analyze the keyword co-occurrence network, overlay and density visualization. Finally, the roadmap for the adoption of the Industry 4.0 concept in the construction sector is proposed.
Findings
Thirteen technologies of the Industry 4.0 concept have an impact on the construction sector. However, Digital Twins, the internet of things, Smart Sensors and 3D printing have the potential to support the Construction 4.0 concept, whereas applications of machine learning, autonomous robotics and augmented/virtual reality still offer plenty of opportunities for future applied research.
Practical implications
This research paper will help decision-makers in the construction sector to adopt the Industry 4.0 enabling technologies. Also, it will serve as a road map for future research in Construction 4.0.
Originality/value
The literature studied for the content analysis includes the years 2013 through 2023, which aids in the development of plans by policymakers for the adoption of the digital construction sector.
Details
Keywords
Ahmed Nazzal, Maria-Victòria Sánchez-Rebull and Angels Niñerola
This study introduces a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the foreign direct investment (FDI) literature by multinational corporations (MNCs) focusing on emerging economies…
Abstract
Purpose
This study introduces a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of the foreign direct investment (FDI) literature by multinational corporations (MNCs) focusing on emerging economies to identify the most influential authors, journals and articles in FDI research and reveals the fields' conceptual and intellectual structures. The purpose of this paper is to address these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The study analyzed 533 articles published between 1974 and 2020 in 226 academic journals indexed in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. We used the R language for statistical computing to map author collaboration, co-word and develop a conceptual and intellectual map of the field.
Findings
The results show that, although the FDI literature has many authors, few dominate the field. The International Business Review (IBR) and International Journal of Emerging Markets (IJoEM) are the main sources of the publications. Moreover, bibliometric laws show that our dataset follows the Lotka law of scientific productivity and Bradford law of scattering, identifying the core journals. Finally, FDI by MNCs in emerging economies research is divided into four sub-research themes related to (1) FDI determinants, (2) entry mode, (3) MNCs and FDI performance and (4) the internationalization process.
Originality/value
The current article provides several starting points for practitioners and researchers investigating FDI. It contributes to broadening the vision of the field and offers recommendations for future studies.
Details
Keywords
Ismail Abdi Changalima and Honest Fidelis Kimario
Despite the growing interest in bibliometric studies within tourism management, there remains a gap in understanding the current research trends within the domain of tourism…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the growing interest in bibliometric studies within tourism management, there remains a gap in understanding the current research trends within the domain of tourism supply chain management (SCM). Therefore, this study aims to examine the publication trends, identify the most active stakeholders and highlight the most influential publications and major themes in the field of tourism SCM during the period 2001–2023. The main results reveal several themes, including “exploring inclusive growth and poverty reduction through tourism supply chain and value chain analysis,” “sustainable SCM and competition in tourism: a tour operator’s perspective,” “tourism SCM in different facets,” and “sustainability and information technology in tourism SCM.” Additional themes include “competitive strategies and medical tourism SCM,” “culinary tourism and performance measurement in tourism value chains,” and “performance measurement in tourism SCM”.
Details
Keywords
Md Arif Iqbal and Jin Su
This study aims to examine the effects of the characteristics of apparel professionals on their attitude toward sustainability-related technology in the context of a developing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effects of the characteristics of apparel professionals on their attitude toward sustainability-related technology in the context of a developing country, Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was used to investigate the apparel professionals’ perception of sustainability-related technology. A survey was conducted, and 204 valid responses were used in data analysis. The structural equation modeling technique was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that apparel professionals’ personal innovativeness positively impacts their knowledge of apparel technology. Knowledge of apparel technology and environmental issues in apparel manufacturing both significantly and positively impact their level of awareness of sustainability-related technology in apparel manufacturing. The findings also suggest that managers’ level of awareness of sustainability-related technology has a significant positive impact on their attitude toward sustainability-related technology.
Originality/value
Fishbein’s attitude theory was applied to examine how the various characteristics of apparel professionals (i.e. personal innovativeness in technology, knowledge of apparel technology, knowledge of environmental issues of apparel manufacturing) affect their awareness of and attitude toward sustainability-related technology. This study expands our understanding of the causal flow among cognitive variables of apparel professionals, including their innovativeness, knowledge, awareness and attitudes. The findings of the study can be helpful to the apparel industry to improve apparel professionals’ adoption of sustainable technology.
Details
Keywords
Anastasia Griva and Angeliki Karagiannaki
Designing effective business analytics (BA) platforms that visualise data, provide deep insights and support data-driven decision-making is a challenging task. Understanding the…
Abstract
Purpose
Designing effective business analytics (BA) platforms that visualise data, provide deep insights and support data-driven decision-making is a challenging task. Understanding the elements shaping BA platform design is crucial for success. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of visualisation on usability (UI) and user experience (UX) while emphasising the importance of insights understanding in BA platform design.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a case study following a startup’s journey as it undergoes two redesign phases for its BA platform. A combination of quantitative and qualitative methods is used to assess UX/UI and insights understanding of the platform. Indicatively this included semi-structured interviews, observations, think-aloud techniques and surveys to monitor runtime per task, number of errors, users’ emotions and users’ understanding.
Findings
Our findings suggest that modifications in aesthetics and information visualisation positively influence overall usability, UX, and understanding of platform insights – a critical aspect for the success of the startup.
Research limitations/implications
Our goal is not to make a methodological contribution, but to illustrate how companies, constrained by time and pressure, navigate platform changes without meticulous design and provide learnings on important elements while designing BA platforms.
Practical implications
This paper concludes with suggested methods for assessing BA platforms and recommends practical practices to follow. These practices include recommendations on important elements for BA platform users, such as navigation and interactivity, user control and personalisation, visual consistency and effective visualisation.
Originality/value
This study contributes to practice as it presents a real-life case and offers valuable insights for practitioners.
Details
Keywords
Robert Kwame Dzogbenuku, Evans Sokro and Kwasi Dartey-Baah
This study seeks to assess how a humane leadership style affects customer service orientation among casual employees of financial service institutions in Ghana. Using job…
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to assess how a humane leadership style affects customer service orientation among casual employees of financial service institutions in Ghana. Using job satisfaction as a moderator, this study predicts that a humane leadership style influences casual employees’ customer service orientation.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey data were obtained from 328 frontline casual employees of financial service firms. The structural equation modelling technique of partial least squares was used to test the hypothesised relationships.
Findings
The study found that a humane leadership style positively and significantly drives customer service behaviour. Job satisfaction also had a positive effect on customer service orientation among casual employees.
Originality/value
The study appears to be the first of its kind to explore the moderating role of job satisfaction in the connection between humane leadership and customer service orientation from the perspective of casual employees. The study highlights insightful practical implications for corporate managers, HR practitioners and marketing academics.