Pingping Hou, Zheng Qian, Meng Xin Hu, Ji Qi Liu, Jun Zhang, Wei Zhao, Xiao Li, Yong Wang, HongYan Huang and Qian Ping Ran
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…
Abstract
Purpose
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.
Design/methodology/approach
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.
Findings
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.
Practical implications
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.
Originality/value
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.
Details
Keywords
Yangze Liang and Zhao Xu
Monitoring of the quality of precast concrete (PC) components is crucial for the success of prefabricated construction projects. Currently, quality monitoring of PC components…
Abstract
Purpose
Monitoring of the quality of precast concrete (PC) components is crucial for the success of prefabricated construction projects. Currently, quality monitoring of PC components during the construction phase is predominantly done manually, resulting in low efficiency and hindering the progress of intelligent construction. This paper presents an intelligent inspection method for assessing the appearance quality of PC components, utilizing an enhanced you look only once (YOLO) model and multi-source data. The aim of this research is to achieve automated management of the appearance quality of precast components in the prefabricated construction process through digital means.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper begins by establishing an improved YOLO model and an image dataset for evaluating appearance quality. Through object detection in the images, a preliminary and efficient assessment of the precast components' appearance quality is achieved. Moreover, the detection results are mapped onto the point cloud for high-precision quality inspection. In the case of precast components with quality defects, precise quality inspection is conducted by combining the three-dimensional model data obtained from forward design conversion with the captured point cloud data through registration. Additionally, the paper proposes a framework for an automated inspection platform dedicated to assessing appearance quality in prefabricated buildings, encompassing the platform's hardware network.
Findings
The improved YOLO model achieved a best mean average precision of 85.02% on the VOC2007 dataset, surpassing the performance of most similar models. After targeted training, the model exhibits excellent recognition capabilities for the four common appearance quality defects. When mapped onto the point cloud, the accuracy of quality inspection based on point cloud data and forward design is within 0.1 mm. The appearance quality inspection platform enables feedback and optimization of quality issues.
Originality/value
The proposed method in this study enables high-precision, visualized and automated detection of the appearance quality of PC components. It effectively meets the demand for quality inspection of precast components on construction sites of prefabricated buildings, providing technological support for the development of intelligent construction. The design of the appearance quality inspection platform's logic and framework facilitates the integration of the method, laying the foundation for efficient quality management in the future.
Details
Keywords
Kuo-Ning Liu, Clark Hu and Meng-Jun Hsu
This study aims to explore the perceptions of young consumers, a rapidly growing market segment in Taiwan’s restaurant industry, and analyze the composition and structure of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the perceptions of young consumers, a rapidly growing market segment in Taiwan’s restaurant industry, and analyze the composition and structure of background music alongside the physical environment in luxury restaurants. This study identifies key factors that significantly influence customer emotions and examine the moderating effect of service encounter pace on customer emotions and satisfaction for offering practitioners practical insights to enhance young consumers’ dining experiences.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) for hypothesis testing. The research model was evaluated within the context of luxury restaurants, and moderation analyses were conducted to assess the impact of service encounter pace on customer satisfaction.
Findings
The study reveals that luxury restaurants’ physical environment and background music significantly affect pleasure and arousal. Notably, arousal positively influences customer satisfaction, while pleasure does not. The findings also support that service encounter pace creates a fully moderated effect between customer emotion (pleasure and arousal) and customer satisfaction.
Practical implications
The findings assist luxury restaurant management in developing effective servicescapes that evoke positive customer emotions and establish an optimal service encounter pace, thereby enhancing overall customer satisfaction.
Originality/value
This study enriches our understanding of the dining experiences of Taiwanese Gen Y consumers in luxury restaurants. It also sheds light on emerging hospitality trends and explores the perceptions of younger generations, potentially including Generation Z.
Details
Keywords
Shuang Dong, Shaojin Xu and Yijia Zhang
Work–life conflict (WLC) is widely recognized as having a significant negative impact on construction management. This research seeks to pinpoint the factors contributing to WLC…
Abstract
Purpose
Work–life conflict (WLC) is widely recognized as having a significant negative impact on construction management. This research seeks to pinpoint the factors contributing to WLC and review how pandemics impact work–life balance specifically within the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review was carried out to establish a structured framework and theoretical model addressing WLC in construction. The Hunter–Schmidt meta-analysis paradigm, a robust technique based on the random-effects model, was employed to evaluate this framework due to its efficacy of correcting error.
Findings
The results indicate the significant relationships between WLC and several factors, including social support, work demands, job autonomy and schedule control, and role blurring. Conversely, the impact of co-worker support remains ambiguous, as evidenced by the broad confidence intervals.
Originality/value
This study introduces a novel theoretical framework for analyzing WLC within the construction sector, addressing sector-specific challenges such as irregular work hours and high-pressure environments. Moreover, it offers practical recommendations for improving health and safety performance in the construction industry.
Details
Keywords
An S-curve is an essential project-management tool. However, it is difficult to adjust S-curve to deal with a force majeure event. The present study develops four valuable…
Abstract
Purpose
An S-curve is an essential project-management tool. However, it is difficult to adjust S-curve to deal with a force majeure event. The present study develops four valuable adjustment approaches, designed to achieve a compromise between the views of the client and contractor. These can be used to control projects after a force majeure event.
Design/methodology/approach
The present study develops four adjustment approaches, which can be used to achieve a compromise between the views of the client and those of the contractor when controlling projects after a force majeure. To determine the S-curves during a force majeure event, two approaches can be selected: BCWS (budgeted cost of scheduled work)-base approach, or BCWP (budgeted cost of work performed)-base approach. To determine the rest of S-curves after a force majeure event, two approaches can be considered: maintaining the original curve of the remaining BCWS, or allocating the original curve of the remaining BCWS. Based on the validation of three empirical cases, drawn from a professional project-management website, this study confirms the feasibility of four proposed empirical approaches and a selection procedure for S-curve adjustment.
Findings
The S-curve-adjustment approaches presented here can be used to deal with cases that are ahead of, on and behind schedule. Using the proposed approaches and selection procedure, contractors can easily revise S-curves and control projects more effectively. To deal with a force majeure event, such as COVID-19, they are strongly advised to adopt the approaches labeled SA-A1 (to adjust the S-curve based on the extension ratio multiplied by the difference in progress during the force majeure) and SA-B1 (to maintain the original curve of the remaining BCWS) for the A/E and E/F curves, respectively.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed approaches can be used in cases of continuous construction during force majeure events. If construction work is totally suspended during such an event, it will be necessary to fine-tune the proposed approaches.
Originality/value
Previous studies have used case-oriented or mathematical-simulation approaches to forecast S-curves. The present study proposes simple approaches that allow the client and contractor to adjust the S-curve easily after a force majeure event. These approaches can be used to adjust work and project-completion targets within an extended duration. Selecting the right S-curve adjustment approach can help to control the remainder of the project, reducing the possibility of delay claims.
Details
Keywords
Chao Li, Mengjun Huo and Renhuai Liu
The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze the impact of directors’ and officers’ (D&O) liability insurance on enterprise strategic change. It also explores the mediating…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically analyze the impact of directors’ and officers’ (D&O) liability insurance on enterprise strategic change. It also explores the mediating role of litigation risk, the moderating roles of enterprise science and technology level and precipitation organizational slack between them. In addition, it examines the joint moderating roles of the top management team (TMT) external social network and enterprise science and technology level, and enterprise scale and precipitation organizational slack.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the unbalanced panel data of A-share listed companies in the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchanges of China from 2002 to 2020 as the research sample, this paper uses the ordinary least square method and fixed-effect model to study the relationship between D&O liability insurance and enterprise strategic change. The study also focuses on the mediating mechanism and moderating mechanisms between them.
Findings
The authors find that D&O liability insurance has an “incentive effect,” which can significantly promote enterprise strategic change. Litigation risk plays a partial mediating role between D&O liability insurance and enterprise strategic change. Enterprise science and technology level and precipitation organizational slack negatively moderate the relationship between D&O liability insurance and enterprise strategic change. TMT external social network and enterprise science and technology level, and enterprise-scale and precipitation organizational slack have joint moderating effects on the relationship between D&O liability insurance and enterprise strategic change.
Originality/value
This paper confirms the “incentive effect hypothesis” of the impact of D&O liability insurance on enterprise strategic change, which not only broadens the research perspective of enterprise strategic management but also further expands the research scope of D&O liability insurance. Besides, this paper thoroughly explores the influencing mechanisms between D&O liability insurance and enterprise strategic change, providing incremental contributions to the research literature in the field of enterprise risk management and corporate governance. The findings have practical guiding significance for expanding the coverage of D&O liability insurance, promoting the implementation of strategic changes and improving the level of corporate governance of Chinese enterprises.
Details
Keywords
Abstract
Purpose
Digitally driven virtual streamers are increasingly utilized in live-streaming commerce, possessing distinct advantages compared to human streamers. However, the applicable scenarios of virtual streamers are still unclear. Focusing on product attribute variances, this paper compares the livestreaming effects of virtual and human streamers to clarify the applicable scenarios for each and assist companies in strategically choosing suitable streamers.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted four experiments utilizing both images and video as stimulus materials, and each experiment employed different products. To test the proposed model, a total of 1,068 valid participants were recruited, encompassing a diverse group of individuals, including undergraduates and employed workers.
Findings
The results indicate no significant difference between virtual and human streamers in increasing consumers’ purchase intention for utilitarian products. In contrast, human streamers are more effective in enhancing consumer purchase intention for hedonic products, with a mediating role of mental imagery quality. Consumers’ implicit personality variances also influence their willingness to accept virtual streamers.
Originality/value
This paper is the first to compare the effects of virtual and human streamers in promoting different products to enhance our comprehension of virtual streamers. Given the potential risks associated with human streamers, a comprehensive understanding of the role of virtual streamers is imperative for brands when deploying live-streaming commerce activities.
Details
Keywords
Yi Ma, Lei Chen, Yixiao Xu, Xiangkai Meng and Xudong Peng
This study aims to evaluate the effects of the downhole environment and auxiliary rubber bellows on the contact mechanical characteristics and sealing performance of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate the effects of the downhole environment and auxiliary rubber bellows on the contact mechanical characteristics and sealing performance of rubber-bellows mechanical seals (RBMS) in electric submersible pumps (ESPs), considering the elastic support of the rubber bellows, multi-field coupling effect and actual operating conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
A thermal-fluid-solid multi-field coupling numerical model for RBMS in ESPs is developed using the finite element analysis and influence coefficient method. Based on the contact mechanical characteristics of RBMS, the interactions of multiple physical fields between the sealing rings and lubricating oil are accounted for to assess the liquid lubrication state and sealing performance of RBMS in ESPs.
Findings
The findings indicate the anti-leakage effects of rubber bellows, the transition of lubrication state of the sealing end face and the evolution law of sealing performance with environmental pressure, axial compression amount and contact widths of rubber bellows.
Originality/value
This study innovatively proposes a multi-field numerical research method to reveal the impact of the downhole environment and rubber bellows on RBMS in ESPs. These findings contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the sealing mechanism of RBMS and optimize the sealing design for ESPs in high-pressure environments.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0369/
Details
Keywords
Xin Liu, Lu Zhang, Michael S. Lin and Guangmei Jia
This paper aims to identify types of robot service failure stressors and explores its impact on emotional labor and recovery work engagement from the employees’ standpoint.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to identify types of robot service failure stressors and explores its impact on emotional labor and recovery work engagement from the employees’ standpoint.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopted a mixed-method approach in the hospitality industry in China, which included 25 hospitality workers participating in semi-structured interviews and 435 hospitality employees participating in a two-stage questionnaire survey.
Findings
Three types of robotic service failure stressors – illegitimate tasks, customer mistreatment and robotic instability – were identified. These stressors significantly influence emotional labor strategies in employee subsequently shaping their recovery work engagement through dual pathways. The sequential mediation effect of deep acting and service empathy serves to enhance recovery work engagement, whereas the sequential mediation effect of surface acting and workplace depersonalization diminishes this engagement. Human–robot collaborative climate moderates these effects in this context.
Practical implications
The findings from this study yield several implications for hospitality managers in managing employees and service robots to perform human–robot collaboration tasks.
Originality/value
Current research has primarily delved into how robot service failures impact customer experiences, leaving the effects on employees less explored. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first empirical study to explore the relationship between robot service failure and employee emotional responses and behaviors, enriching the literature on service robots in the hospitality industry and also proposing new directions and frameworks for future human–robot interaction research.
Details
Keywords
The online health community's success depends on doctors' active participation, so it is essential to understand the factors that affect doctors' knowledge contribution behavior…
Abstract
Purpose
The online health community's success depends on doctors' active participation, so it is essential to understand the factors that affect doctors' knowledge contribution behavior in the online health communities. From the perspective of peer effect, this paper discusses the influence of focal doctors' peers on focal doctors' knowledge contribution behavior and the mechanism behind it. This paper aims to solve these problems.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical data of 1,938 doctors were collected from a Chinese online health community, and propensity score matching and ordinary least squares were employed to verify the proposed theoretical model.
Findings
The results show that the presence of focal doctors' peers in online health communities has a positive effect on the knowledge contribution behavior of focal doctors, and the economic returns and social returns of focal doctors' peers have a significant mediating effect.
Originality/value
This paper discusses focal doctors' knowledge contribution behavior from the perspective of peer effect. It enhances the understanding of focal doctors' behavior in the online health communities by exploring the mediating role of their peers' economic and social returns. The results of this paper extend the research in the field of peer effect and online health and provide management implications and suggestions for online health platforms and doctors.