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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/

This paper aims to focus on the research progress of intelligent self-healing anti-corrosion coatings in the aviation field in the past few years. The paper provides certain literature review supports and development direction suggestions for future research on intelligent self-healing coatings in aviation.

This mini-review uses a systematic literature review process to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date review of intelligent self-healing anti-corrosion coatings that have been researched and applied in the field of aviation in recent years. In total, 64 articles published in journals in this field in the last few years were analysed in this paper.

The authors conclude that the incorporation of multiple external stimulus-response mechanisms makes the coatings smarter in addition to their original self-healing corrosion protection function. In the future, further research is still needed in the research and development of new coating materials, the synergistic release of multiple self-healing mechanisms, coating preparation technology and corrosion monitoring technology.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the few systematic literature reviews on intelligent self-healing anti-corrosion coatings in aviation. The authors provide a comprehensive overview of the topical issues of such coatings and present their views and opinions by discussing the opportunities and challenges that self-healing coatings will face in future development.

This paper aims to explore how psychological perceptions and family situations drive women into necessity- or opportunity-based female entrepreneurship (NBFE or OBFE) and the moderating role of gender equality.

This study adopts multilevel logistic regression analysis to examine relationships based on a sample of 6,843 women across eight developing countries drawn from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM).

The findings suggest that capability and opportunity perceptions positively affect NBFE and OBFE. Family responsibility burden positively affects NBFE and has a U-shaped relationship with OBFE. Household income negatively affects NBFE but positively affects OBFE. Gender equality weakens the U-shaped relationship between family responsibility burden and OBFE but strengthens the positive relationship between capability perception and NBFE and between opportunity perception and NBFE.

The study highlights the need for targeted policies and support that consider the distinct antecedents and mechanisms of NBFE and OBFE, as well as the importance of promoting gender equality and entrepreneurial education to empower women in their entrepreneurial endeavors. A limitation of this study is the reliance on older data from the GEM, which may not fully capture the current dynamics of developing societies. While the study provides valuable insights, future research should incorporate more recent data to enhance the applicability of the results.

This study deepens the understanding of antecedents of NBFE and OBFE, breaking through the existing literature that neglects the heterogeneity of female entrepreneurship (FE).

This study aims to provide a comprehensive overview of thin-film temperature sensors (TTS), focusing on the interplay between material properties and fabrication techniques. It evaluates the current state of the art, addressing both low- and high-temperature sensors, and explores the potential applications across various fields. The study also identifies challenges and highlights emerging trends that may shape the future of this technology.

This study systematically examines existing literature on TTS, categorizing the materials and fabrication methods used. The study compares the performance metrics of different materials, addresses the challenges encountered in thin-film sensors and reviews the case studies to identify successful applications. Emerging trends and future directions are also analyzed.

This study finds that TTS are integral to various advanced technologies, particularly in high-performance and specialized applications. However, their development is constrained by challenges such as limited operational range, material degradation, fabrication complexities and long-term stability. The integration of nanostructured materials and the advancement of wireless, self-powered and multifunctional sensors are poised to drive significant advancements in this field.

This study offers a unique perspective by bridging the gap between material science and application engineering in TTS. By critically analyzing both established and emerging technologies, the study provides valuable insights into the current state of the field and proposes pathways for future innovation in terms of interdisciplinary approaches. The focus on emerging trends and multifunctional applications sets this review apart from existing literature.

Maritime transportation plays an important role in facilitating both the global and regional merchandise trade, where accurate trend prediction is crucial in assisting decision-making in the industry. This paper aims to conduct a macro-level study to predict world vessel supply and demand.

The automatic autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) is used for the univariate vessel supply and demand time-series forecasting based on the data records from 1980 to 2021.

For the future projection of the demand side, the predicted outcomes for total vessel demand and world dry cargo vessel demand until 2030 indicate upward trends. For the supply side, the predominant upward trends for world total vessel supply, oil tanker vessel supply, container vessel supply and other types of vessel supply are captured. The world bulk carrier vessel supply prediction results indicate an initial upward trend, followed by a slight decline, while the forecasted world general cargo vessel supply values remain relatively stable. By comparing the predicted percentage change rates, there is a gradual convergence between demand and supply change rates in the near future. We also find that the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the time-series prediction results is not statistically significant.

The results can provide policy implications in strategic planning and operation to various stakeholders in the shipping industry for vessel building, scrapping and deployment.

Lean construction (LC) consists of very effective techniques; however, its implementation varies considerably from one industry to another. Although numerous lean initiatives do exist in the construction industry, the research topic related to LC implementation is still unexplored due to the scarcity of validated assessment frameworks. This study aims to provide the first attempt in developing a structural model for successful LC implementation.

This study developed a Lean construction model (LCM) by critically reviewing seven previous LC frameworks from different countries, defining 18 subprinciples grouped into 6 major principles and formulating testable hypotheses. The questionnaire was pre-tested with 12 construction management experts and revised by 4 specialized academics. A pilot study with 20 construction units enhanced content reliability. Data from 307 Moroccan construction companies were collected to develop a measurement model. SPSS V. 26 was used for Exploratory Factor Analysis, followed by confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS version 23. Finally, a structural equation model statistically assessed each construct's contribution to the success of LC implementation.

This work led to the development of an original LCM based on valid and reliable LC constructs, consisting of 18 measurement items grouped into 6 LC principles: Process Transparency, People involvement, Waste elimination, Planning and Continuous improvement, Client Focus and Material/information flow and pull. According to the structural model, LC implementation success is positively influenced by Planning and Scheduling/continuous improvement (β = 0.930), followed by Elimination of waste (β = 0.896). Process transparency ranks third (β = 0.858). The study demonstrates that all these factors are mutually complementary, highlighting a positive relationship between LC implementation success and the holistic application of all LC principles.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first attempt to develop a statistically proven model of LC based on structural equation modelling analysis, which is promising for stimulating construction practitioners and researchers for more empirical studies in different countries to obtain a more accurate reflection of LC implementation. Moreover, the paper proposes recommendations to help policymakers, academics and practitioners anticipate the key success drivers for more successful LC implementation.

This paper aims to examine the impact of top executives’ military experience on the internationalisation process of firms, as well as the boundary conditions of this impact.

The hypotheses are tested using 8,759 imbalanced panel samples in 1,718 China’s A-share listed firms.

The findings show that the military experience of top executives has a positive impact on the internationalisation process (scope, speed and rhythm) of firms. The managerial discretion strengthens the influence of top executives’ military experience on the internationalisation scope and speed but weakens its influence on the internationalisation rhythm.

The study contributes to the literature by testing the relationships that among military experience of top executives, firm internationalisation process and managerial discretion. The authors also help practitioners to become aware of the importance that the military experience of top executives have on firm internationalisation process, and managerial discretion can exert contingent influence on this relationship.

The anti-friction and anti-wear properties of WS₂@GO composites on paraffin liquid were investigated with a four-ball tribometer.

A series of graphene oxide (GO) nano hybrid composites decorated with tungsten disulfide (WS₂) were prepared in-suit by hydrothermal strategy.

The results showed that compared to the virgin oil, friction coefficient and diameter of wear scare of lubricant oil containing W/G = 1:1 hybrid composite was reduced by 42.7% and 31.6%, respectively. At the microscopic, the excellent lubrication performance resulted from the tribo-chemical reaction on the sliding interface, which promotes the formation of tribo-film with a thickness of 8 nm. The carbonization compound, WO₃ and Fe₂O₃ in the tribo-film results from the tribo-chemical reactions at the sliding interface, which can improve the stability and strength of tribo-film. Thereby the metal surface was further protected from friction and wear.

A series of WS₂@GO composites were prepared in-suit by a hydrothermal strategy, and the tribo-film was analyzed by the transmission electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectrometer.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0397

This study aims to develop analytical models that consider product quality and production volume as essential drivers for profitability in the marketplace. It also considers product demand and price dynamics to understand related nuances backed by empirical validation.

The pricing mechanism is influenced by production quality, while product demand is influenced by both price and quality. The study considers cost elements, including production cost and quality loss cost which in turn are influenced by production volume and product quality. It establishes analytical conditions for optimal product quality and applies them to numerical analyses considering four distinct industry settings.

The study reveals that unique solutions exist for optimal product quality at each production level in four industry scenarios. The optimal production volume depends on product quality, and empirical research validates these findings from analytical models and numerical analysis.

This study represents a pioneering effort to investigate operational strategies in both analytical and empirical contexts, thus contributing to the existing body of knowledge in this area.

This study aimed to observe the effect of workplace spirituality (WPS) on employee silence. In addition, the study investigated the mediating role of workplace incivility on the relationship of WPS with employee silence. We further explored the WPS–workplace incivility link by testing the dark triad as the moderator.

We collected time-lagged data from 403 employees in the Indian hospitality industry. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Partial Least Squares - Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) were used to observe the linkages among the study variables.

The results revealed that WPS is associated negatively with employee silence. The dark triad moderated the association between WPS and workplace incivility. Workplace incivility significantly mediated the association between WPS and employee silence.

The study findings would help organizations in promoting WPS to alleviate the occurrences of uncivil behavior at work and comprehend the negative consequences of workplace incivility such as employee silence.

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study is the first of its kind to explore the linkage between WPS and employee silence. The paper makes a significant contribution by analyzing the interactive effect of personal (dark triad), environmental (WPS) and behavioral (workplace incivility) factors on employee silence.