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Purpose
This study aimed to explore the spatial accessibility dynamics of urban parks and their driving forces from 1901 to 2010 in terms of the dynamic relationships between spatial morphology and road networks, taking Nanjing City as an example.
Design/methodology/approach
This study mapped and examined the spatiotemporal distribution of urban parks and road networks in four time points at Nanjing: the 1910s, 1930s, 1960s and 2010s, using the analysis methodology of spatial design network analysis, kernel density estimation and buffer analysis. Two approaches of spatial overlaying and data analysis were adopted to investigate the accessibility dynamics. The spatial overlaying compared the parks' layout and the road networks' core, subcore and noncore accessible areas; the data analysis clarified the average data on the city-wide and local scales of the road networks within the park buffer zone.
Findings
The analysis of the changing relationships between urban parks and the spatial morphology of road networks showed that the accessibility of urban parks has generally improved. This was influenced by six main factors: planning implementation, political policies, natural resources, historical heritage and cultural and economic levels.
Social implications
The results provide a reference for achieving spatial equity, improving urban park accessibility and supporting sustainable urban park planning.
Originality/value
An increasing number of studies have explored the spatial accessibility of urban parks through the relationships between their spatial distribution and road networks. However, few studies have investigated the dynamic changes in accessibility over time. Discussing parks' accessibility over relatively long-time scales has practical, innovative and theoretical values; because it can reveal correlational laws and internal influences not apparent in short term and provide reference and implications for parks' spatial equity.
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Abstract
Purpose
Compressing project timelines represents a prevalent temporal tactic aimed at accelerating the innovation process. However, empirical evidence on the impact of such time constraints on innovation remains inconclusive. This study aims to investigate the relationship between a prevalent organizational time mechanism—Performance Appraisal Interval (PAI)—and employee exploratory innovation behavior. Additionally, we explore the boundary conditions that may influence this relationship: the moderating effects of future work self salience and supervisory developmental feedback.
Design/methodology/approach
Using online survey data collected in two waves from 426 employees working in hi-tech companies in China, we tested all the hypotheses.
Findings
(1) PAI demonstrates an inverted U-shaped influence on employees exploratory innovation behavior; (2) Employees’ future work self salience serves as a moderator that enhances the positive nature of this inverted U-shaped relationship; (3) Supervisory developmental feedback amplifies the moderating role of future work self salience, and the synergistic effect of PAI, future work self salience, and supervisory developmental feedback significantly enhances exploratory innovation behavior.
Practical implications
By providing insights that are attuned to the temporal aspects of performance appraisal, this study aids organizations in making more informed, strategic decisions that enhance both the effectiveness of performance assessments and the cultivation of an environment that encourages exploratory innovation. Additionally, it is recommended that organizational leaders incorporate future-oriented interventions and developmental feedback into their management practices to further promote employees' engagement in exploratory innovation.
Originality/value
Drawing on the interactive theory of performance, this study introduces a novel perspective on how an organizational temporal mechanism influences exploratory innovation and advances our understanding of the non-linear link between time constraints and employees' innovative behaviors.
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Bin Zhao, Jürgen Seifried and Jost Sieweke
Learning from errors is important for employees, particularly at early stages of their career. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of perceived trainer responses…
Abstract
Purpose
Learning from errors is important for employees, particularly at early stages of their career. The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of perceived trainer responses to errors on trainee learning from errors in a workplace setting. In Study 1, the authors test a model that examines the associations between perceived trainer responses to errors and trainee learning from errors, which are mediated by affective-motivational adaptivity. In Study 2, the authors further hypothesize that the link between perceived trainer responses and affective-motivational adaptivity is moderated by perceived error climate.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors test the hypotheses using data from 213 Swiss apprentices (Study 1) and 1,012 German apprentices (Study 2) receiving dual vocational training.
Findings
Study 1 suggests that negative trainer reaction impedes trainee learning from errors by impairing trainees’ affective-motivational adaptability. Trainer tolerance of errors and trainer support following errors were not related to trainee learning from errors. Study 2 indicates that perceived error climate is an important boundary condition that affects the relationship between trainer responses and trainee learning from errors.
Originality/value
This study contributes to research on learning from errors in three ways. First, it enriches the understanding regarding the role of trainers in enhancing learning from errors in organizations. Second, it extends research on learning from errors by investigating the interaction effects between perceived trainer responses and error climate. Third, it refines knowledge about the role of positive affect in learning from errors. Findings of this study also offer practical insights to trainers and managers regarding what they should do to encourage trainee learning from errors.
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Bin Zhao, Haoquan Tan, Chi Zhou and Haiyang Feng
Information technology-enabled gig platforms connect freelancers with consumers to provide short-term services or asset sharing. The growth of gig economy, however, has been…
Abstract
Purpose
Information technology-enabled gig platforms connect freelancers with consumers to provide short-term services or asset sharing. The growth of gig economy, however, has been accompanied by controversy, and, recently, food delivery platforms have been criticized for using data-driven techniques to set strict delivery time limits, resulting in negative externality. This study aims to provide managerial implications on the decisions of delivery time and subsidy for food delivery platforms.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors develop an analytical framework to investigate the optimal delivery time and subsidy provided to delivery drivers to maximize the gig platform's profit and compare the results with those of a socially optimal outcome.
Findings
The study reveals that it is optimal for the platform to shorten the delivery time and raise the subsidy when the food price becomes higher; nevertheless, the platform should shorten the delivery time and lower the subsidy in response to a higher delivery fee. Increases in the food price or delivery fee have non-monotonic effects on the number of fulfilled orders and the platform's profit. In addition, the authors solve the socially optimal outcome and find that a socially optimal delivery time is longer than the platform's preferred length when the delivery fee is high and the negative externality is strong.
Originality/value
The food delivery platform's optimal decision on delivery time is derived after taking negative externality into account, which is rarely considered in the prior literature but is a practically important problem.
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Xiaohui Jia, Bin Zhao, Jinyue Liu and Shaolong Zhang
Traditional robot arm trajectory planning methods have problems such as insufficient generalization performance and low adaptability. This paper aims to propose a method to plan…
Abstract
Purpose
Traditional robot arm trajectory planning methods have problems such as insufficient generalization performance and low adaptability. This paper aims to propose a method to plan the robot arm’s trajectory using the trajectory learning and generalization characteristics of dynamic motion primitives (DMPs).
Design/methodology/approach
This study aligns multiple demonstration motion primitives using dynamic time warping; use the Gaussian mixture model and Gaussian mixture regression methods to obtain the ideal primitive trajectory actions. By establishing a system model that improves DMPs, the parameters of the nonlinear function are learned based on the ideal primitive trajectory actions of the robotic arm, and the robotic arm motion trajectory is reproduced and generalized.
Findings
Experiments have proven that the robot arm motion trajectory learned by the method proposed in this article can not only learn to generalize and demonstrate the movement trend of the primitive trajectory, but also can better generate ideal motion trajectories and avoid obstacles when there are obstacles. The maximum Euclidean distance between the generated trajectory and the demonstration primitive trajectory is reduced by 29.9%, and the average Euclidean distance is reduced by 54.2%. This illustrates the feasibility of this method for robot arm trajectory planning.
Originality/value
It provides a new method for the trajectory planning of robotic arms in unstructured environments while improving the adaptability and generalization performance of robotic arms in trajectory planning.
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Jean-Marc Franssen, Bin Zhao and Thomas Gernay
The purpose of this paper is to gain from experimental tests an insight into the failure mode of slender steel columns subjected to fire. The tests will also be used to validate a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to gain from experimental tests an insight into the failure mode of slender steel columns subjected to fire. The tests will also be used to validate a numerical model.
Design/methodology/approach
A series of experimental fire tests were conducted on eight full-scale steel columns made of slender I-shaped Class 4 sections. Six columns were made of welded sections (some prismatic and some tapered members), and two columns were made of hot rolled sections. The nominal length of the columns was 2.7 meters with the whole length being heated. The load was applied at ambient temperature after which the temperature was increased under constant load. The load was applied concentrically on some tests and with an eccentricity in other tests. Heating was applied by electrical resistances enclosed in ceramic pads. Numerical simulations were performed with the software SAFIR® using shell elements.
Findings
The tests have allowed determining the appropriate method of application of the electrical heating system for obtaining a uniform temperature distribution in the members. Failure of the columns during the tests occurred by combination of local and global buckling. The numerical model reproduced correctly the failure modes as well as the critical temperatures.
Originality/value
The numerical model that has been validated has been used in subsequent parametric analyses performed to derive design equations to be used in practice. This series of test results can be used by the scientific community to validate their own numerical or analytical models for the fire resistance of slender steel columns.
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Ting Yang, Ivan Ka Wai Lai, Zhao-Bin Fan and Qing-Min Mo
The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that explain the acceptance of self-service ordering systems (SOSs) for restaurants and to explore the effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that explain the acceptance of self-service ordering systems (SOSs) for restaurants and to explore the effects of “self-service system service quality” (SSQ) and “interpersonal service quality” (ISQ) on the acceptance factors extended from the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology model.
Design/methodology/approach
This study targets customers who have recently used SOSs to order foods in middle-class restaurants. In total, 402 valid survey samples were obtained. Partial least squares (PLS) analysis was used to examine the factors of user acceptance of using SOSs.
Findings
The results of the PLS-SEM analysis indicate that SSQ has a significant effect on accuracy expectancy, speed expectancy and effort expectancy; ISQ has a significant effect on accuracy expectancy, speed expectancy, effort expectancy and facilitating conditions; and accuracy expectancy, speed expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions and budget expectancy significantly influence user acceptance of SOSs. Furthermore, user experiences moderate the effect of speed expectancy and effort expectancy on user acceptance.
Originality/value
This study introduces three technology acceptance factors (accuracy, speed and budget) for researchers to consider in the future. It also extends the knowledge about the human service factor when middle-class restaurants adopt self-service technologies (SSTs). Recommendations are provided for system developers to improve the system quality of SSTs and service staff to rethink their roles in adopting SSTs in the service industry.
研究目的
本文研究目的有:(1)确认解释客人接受餐厅自助订餐系统(SOSs)的决定因素(2)探索自助系统服务质量(SSQ)和人机服务质量(ISQ)对于UTAUT模型科技接受因素的作用。
研究设计/方法/途径
本论文的目标受众为近期使用过SOSs在中等餐厅点餐过的客人。样本为402份有效问卷数据。本论文使用PLS分析检测用户接受SOSs的各项因素。
研究结果
PLS-SEM分析结果表明, SSQ对准确预期、速度预期、努力预期, 有显著作用; ISQ对于准确预期、速度预期、努力预期、以及辅助条件, 有显著作用; 准确预期、速度预期、努力预期、社会影响、辅助条件、以及预算预期对于SOSs用户接受有显著作用。此外, 用户体验调节速度预期和努力预期对于用户接受的作用。
研究原创性/价值
本论文新增了三种科技接受因子(准确度、速度、和预算), 为未来的科研创造土壤。本论文还扩展了我们对于人员服务因子在中等餐厅采用SSTs的认知。本论文建议系统开发者应该提高SST系统质量, 以及建议服务人员重新审视在服务产业采用SST中自己的位置。
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Zhixiong Yang, Bin Zhao, Liang Bo, Xiangyang Zhu and Kai Xu
Pick-and-place tasks are common across many industrial sectors, and many rigid-linked robots have been proposed for this application. This paper aims to alternatively present the…
Abstract
Purpose
Pick-and-place tasks are common across many industrial sectors, and many rigid-linked robots have been proposed for this application. This paper aims to alternatively present the development of a continuum robot for low-load medium-speed pick-and-place tasks.
Design/methodology/approach
An inversion of a previously proposed dual continuum mechanism, as a key design element, was used to realize the horizontal movements of the CurviPicker’s end effector. A flexible shaft was inserted to realize rotation and translation about a vertical axis. The design concept, kinematics, system descriptions and proof-of-concept experimental characterizations are elaborated.
Findings
Experimental characterizations show that the CurviPicker can achieve satisfactory accuracy after motion calibration. The CurviPicker is easy to control due to its simple kinematics, while its structural compliance makes it safe to work with, as well as less sensitive to possible target picking position errors to avoid damaging itself or the to-be-picked objects.
Research limitations/implications
The vertical translation of the CurviPicker is currently realized by moving the flexible shaft. Insertion of the flexible shaft introduces possible disturbances. It is desired to explore other form of variations to use structural deformation to realize the vertical translation.
Practical implications
The proposed CurviPicker realizes the Schöenflies motions via a simple structure. Such a robot can be used to increase robot presence and automation in small businesses for low-load medium-speed pick-and-place tasks.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the CurviPicker is the first continuum robot designed and constructed for pick-and-place tasks. The originality stems from the concept, kinematics, development and proof-of-concept experimental characterizations of the CurviPicker.
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Bin Zhao, Yawei Zhou, Junfeng Qu, Fei Yin, Shaoqing Yin, Yongwei Chang and Wu Zhang
Since carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were discovered by Iijima in 1991, they have gained more and more attention by people because of their unique physical and chemical properties. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Since carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were discovered by Iijima in 1991, they have gained more and more attention by people because of their unique physical and chemical properties. The CNTs have one-dimensional nanostructure, high surface adsorption capacity, good conductivity and electronic ballistic transmission characteristics and therefore have excellent mechanical, electrical, physical and chemical properties. CNTs are ideal basic materials to make nanometer gas sensors. Nanometallic materials function as to enhance electrode activity and promote the electron transfer, so if composite nanometallic materials M (such as Au, Pt, Cu and Pd) and CNTs are used, all kinds of their characters of components would have coeffect. Electrochemical sensors by use of such composite as electrode would have a higher detection sensitivity.
Design/methodology/approach
CNTs were synthesized via chemical vapor deposition technique and were purified afterward. CNTs-M(Pt,Au) suspension was prepared by chemical deposition using spinning disc processor (SDP) and was coated on gold electrode. The modified electrodes were constructed, based on immobilization of glucose oxidase on an Au electrode by electrostatic effect. CNTs-Pt/ glassy carbon electrodes (GCE) electrodes were made by electrochemically deposition of platinum particles on GCE modified by CNTs. The microstructures of the harvested CNTs, CNTs-M (M = Au, Pt) were analyzed under scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The application of the sensor in medical detection has been evaluated.
Findings
The results shown that CNTs-Au biosensors exhibit good reproducibility, stability and fast response to glucose detection, it can be used in the clinic detection of glucose concentration in human serum. Using CNTs-Pt/GCE for formaldehyde detection exhibited high sensitivity and good reproducibility.
Originality/value
This study modified CNTs by using self-assembled techniques through SDP with nano Pt and Au by electrodeposition for the first time. CNTs-Pt/GCE electrode was prepared by depositing platinum particles electrochemically on GCE modified by CNTs. CNTs-Au-modified electrode was prepared by immobilization of glucose oxidase on an Au electrode first by electrostatic effect. Electrochemical behaviors of glucose at CNTs-Au and formaldehyde at CNTs-Pt/GCE were investigated by cyclic voltammetry.
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Indentation tests performed in creep damage materials show that slopes of initial portions of unloading curves which are often used to calculate indented modulus can characterize…
Abstract
Indentation tests performed in creep damage materials show that slopes of initial portions of unloading curves which are often used to calculate indented modulus can characterize creep damage. To evaluate the influence of different indenters in determining creep damage, conical, spherical and cylindrical indenters which are all self‐similar in shape were considered by using the Finite Element Method (FEM). Indentation load (P)‐displacement (h) curves and equivalent elastic modulus ( E * )‐creep damage (ω) curves were given. Results show that the cylindrical indenter is appropriate for “soft” materials, the conical indenter is suitable for small creep damage materials, and the spherical indenter can be used in many other materials.
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