Bee Chin Ang, Norasikin Ahmad, Zhi Chao Ong, Shun Chi Cheok and Hui Fen Chan
The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of chicken eggshell (CES) and rice husk ash (RHA) as fillers on the mechanical and the thermal insulation properties of…
Abstract
Purpose
The main aim of this study was to examine the effects of chicken eggshell (CES) and rice husk ash (RHA) as fillers on the mechanical and the thermal insulation properties of polyurethane coatings.
Design/methodology/approach
CES and RHA were ground via ball milling set at different parameters, and the smallest particles size obtained were selected and used as fillers. Fillers of different weight proportions were mixed with other components such as binder, solvent and pigment to form various coating formulations and test samples were made via dip coating. A series of characterisations were conducted to analyse the thermal and mechanical properties of the coating.
Findings
The smallest particle size of CES and RHA was obtained after both of them had undergone grinding process at 400 rpm within 180 min. Morphological studies revealed that CES and RHA have irregular shape and high porosity. In crystallographic analysis, CES mainly composed of pure calcite crystal structure and RHA contained amorphous silica. Both of fillers were found thermally stable up to 520 and 710°C for RHA and CES, respectively. In RHA individual system, as the RHA proportion increases, the thermal conductivity of the coating declined. In contrast, in the CES coating system, the thermal conductivity demonstrated an opposite trend. Thermal gravimetric analysis results displayed that by adding hybrid fillers, the residue weight and the thermal stability of the coatings were increased. In addition, the adhesion strength of the coating was increased as the filler weight content increased.
Research limitations/implications
Fillers with nano-range size were expected to be produced in this research for better performance of the coating. However, the obtained fillers were limited to micron size through dry grinding method. Another drawback in this research was the coating technique which is dip coating. The coated substrates do not have uniform coating thickness and this subsequently influenced the performance.
Originality/value
A novel attempt has been made to study the formulation coating system by mixing CES and RHA as fillers which is also known as a hybrid system.
Details
Keywords
Zhaoling Sun, Jiaguang Meng, Yanning Yang, Lingjie Yu and Chao Zhi
The purpose of the paper is to study the dyeing process of three-dimensional-printed (3DP) fabrics, and then study the wearability of the fabrics before and after dyeing to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to study the dyeing process of three-dimensional-printed (3DP) fabrics, and then study the wearability of the fabrics before and after dyeing to provide a feasible dyeing method of 3DP clothes.
Design/methodology/approach
In this regard, the thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) was applied during the process of 3DP. Then, the imitation twill weave (ITW) was printed with fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology using TPU and the suspension of Disperse Blue 2BLN (as a dye) was prepared. After that, the single factor analysis and orthogonal experiment of dyeing were combined to obtain the optimized dyeing process. And then, ITW fabrics were dyed through the weak acid-low temperature dyeing method. In the end, in order to discuss the wearability of ITW fabrics, the dyeing experiments, including permeability, wrinkle recovery angle, bending rigidity, crock fastness and washing colorfastness were carried out.
Findings
The surface morphology of TPU before and after spinning was established by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), which was confirmed the surface of TPU getting smoother after spinning. The wearability of the fabric after dyeing was not affected compared with before dyeing. Moreover, both colorfastness grades were above 4–5 with high colorfastness.
Originality/value
The article provides a method for 3DP dyeing, which can solve the problem of a single color. And the wearability demonstrates that 3DP fabrics after dyeing-based TPU have more value for clothing than before dyeing.
Details
Keywords
Tian-Chao Guo and Zhi-Chao Cheng
Although novel posting is a universal phenomenon in virtual communities (VCs), few studies have addressed the benefits of novel posting for group members. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
Although novel posting is a universal phenomenon in virtual communities (VCs), few studies have addressed the benefits of novel posting for group members. The purpose of this paper is to identify the social and psychological outcomes of novel posting, particularly whether and how sense of belonging can be produced by it. Sense of belonging implies an individual’s integration or assimilation into virtual groups.
Design/methodology/approach
To assess the theoretical model, a survey was administered in an internet discussion community (Baidu Post Bar in China), and structural equation modeling was then used to test the model.
Findings
Novel posting can produce social and psychological outcomes, such as social interaction ties, group-based self-esteem and sense of belonging. Novel posting is an individualized behavior, which some studies consider to conflict with sense of belonging; however, via the mediating effects of social interaction ties and group-based self-esteem, sense of belonging can also arise based on novel posting.
Practical implications
VC operators should focus on differentiating between irrational posts and novel posts and encourage the latter. Additionally, to satisfy members’ needs, VC operators should strengthen the degree of social interaction ties and members’ self-esteem by providing attractive topics and virtual rankings.
Originality/value
This study contributes to a theoretical understanding of the social and psychological outcomes of novel posting and, more importantly, whether and how sense of belonging arises on the basis of individualized behavior.
Details
Keywords
Rodney A. Stewart and Sherif Mohamed
Leading organizations do not stop at the gathering and analysis of performance data; rather, these organizations use performance measurement to stimulate improvement efforts and…
Abstract
Leading organizations do not stop at the gathering and analysis of performance data; rather, these organizations use performance measurement to stimulate improvement efforts and successfully translate strategy into action. In other words, they use performance measurement for managing their organizations. The most commonly used performance evaluation tool, the balanced scorecard (BSC) has been used extensively in the manufacturing, government, banking, retail, insurance and financial services sectors. This paper looks at potential applications and benefits of using the BSC as a framework to evaluate the performance improvement resulting from IT/IS implementation by a construction organization. The paper firstly seeks to adapt the original BSC concept to construction and then attempts to develop a performance measurement framework in the form of a tiered “Construct IT” BSC. The developed framework allows for the measurement of IT/IS performance at three different decision‐making tiers (i.e., project, business unit and enterprise tiers). At each tier, a group of performance indicators are used to describe key aspects of activities that occur frequently enough to warrant meaningful measurement and comparison. The proposed framework applies the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and multi‐attribute utility theory (MAUT) to facilitate aggregating the obtained diverse performance measurements, thus giving rise to an overall IT/IS performance improvement measure (score) at each decision‐making tier. To illustrate the application of the proposed framework, a project tier example is provided.
Details
Keywords
Chemmalar Selvi G. and Lakshmi Priya G.G.
In today’s world, the recommender systems are very valuable systems for the online users, as the World Wide Web is loaded with plenty of available information causing the online…
Abstract
Purpose
In today’s world, the recommender systems are very valuable systems for the online users, as the World Wide Web is loaded with plenty of available information causing the online users to spend more time and money. The recommender systems suggest some possible and relevant recommendation to the online users by applying the recommendation filtering techniques to the available source of information. The recommendation filtering techniques take the input data denoted as the matrix representation which is generally very sparse and high dimensional data in nature. Hence, the sparse data matrix is completed by filling the unknown or missing entries by using many matrix completion techniques. One of the most popular techniques used is the matrix factorization (MF) which aims to decompose the sparse data matrix into two new and small dimensional data matrix and whose dot product completes the matrix by filling the logical values. However, the MF technique failed to retain the loss of original information when it tried to decompose the matrix, and the error rate is relatively high which clearly shows the loss of such valuable information.
Design/methodology/approach
To alleviate the problem of data loss and data sparsity, the new algorithm from formal concept analysis (FCA), a mathematical model, is proposed for matrix completion which aims at filling the unknown or missing entries without loss of valuable information to a greater extent. The proposed matrix completion algorithm uses the clustering technique where the users who have commonly rated the items and have not commonly rated the items are captured into two classes. The matrix completion algorithm fills the mean cluster value of the unknown entries which well completes the matrix without actually decomposing the matrix.
Findings
The experiment was conducted on the available public data set, MovieLens, whose result shows the prediction error rate is minimal, and the comparison with the existing algorithms is also studied. Thus, the application of FCA in recommender systems proves minimum or no data loss and improvement in the prediction accuracy of rating score.
Social implications
The proposed matrix completion algorithm using FCA performs good recommendation which will be more useful for today’s online users in making decision with regard to the online purchasing of products.
Originality/value
This paper presents the new technique of matrix completion adopting the vital properties from FCA which is applied in the recommender systems. Hence, the proposed algorithm performs well when compared to other existing algorithms in terms of prediction accuracy.
Details
Keywords
Wei-Chao Yang, Guo-Zhi Li, E Deng, De-Hui Ouyang and Zhi-Peng Lu
Sustainable urban rail transit requires noise barriers. However, these barriers’ durability varies due to the differing aerodynamic impacts they experience. The purpose of this…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainable urban rail transit requires noise barriers. However, these barriers’ durability varies due to the differing aerodynamic impacts they experience. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the aerodynamic discrepancies of trains when they meet within two types of rectangular noise barriers: fully enclosed (FERNB) and semi-enclosed with vertical plates (SERNBVB). The research also considers the sensitivity of the scale ratio in these scenarios.
Design/methodology/approach
A 1:16 scaled moving model test analyzed spatiotemporal patterns and discrepancies in aerodynamic pressures during train meetings. Three-dimensional computational fluid dynamics models, with scale ratios of 1:1, 1:8 and 1:16, used the improved delayed detached eddy simulation turbulence model and slip grid technique. Comparing scale ratios on aerodynamic pressure discrepancies between the two types of noise barriers and revealing the flow field mechanism were done. The goal is to establish the relationship between aerodynamic pressure at scale and in full scale.
Findings
The aerodynamic pressure on SERNBVB is influenced by the train’s head and tail waves, whereas for FERNB, it is affected by pressure wave and head-tail waves. Notably, SERNBVB's aerodynamic pressure is more sensitive to changes in scale ratio. As the scale ratio decreases, the aerodynamic pressure on the noise barrier gradually increases.
Originality/value
A train-meeting moving model test is conducted within the noise barrier. Comparison of aerodynamic discrepancies during train meets between two types of rectangular noise barriers and the relationship between the scale and the full scale are established considering the modeling scale ratio.
Details
Keywords
Lijun Chao, Zhi Xiong, Jianye Liu, Chuang Yang and Yudi Chen
To solve problems of low intelligence and poor robustness of traditional navigation systems, the purpose of this paper is to propose a brain-inspired localization method of the…
Abstract
Purpose
To solve problems of low intelligence and poor robustness of traditional navigation systems, the purpose of this paper is to propose a brain-inspired localization method of the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Design/methodology/approach
First, the yaw angle of the UAV is obtained by modeling head direction cells with one-dimension continuous attractor neural network (1 D-CANN) and then inputs into 3D grid cells. After that, the motion information of the UAV is encoded as the firing of 3 D grid cells using 3 D-CANN. Finally, the current position of the UAV can be decoded from the neuron firing through the period-adic method.
Findings
Simulation results suggest that continuous yaw and position information can be generated from the conjunctive model of head direction cells and grid cells.
Originality/value
The proposed period-adic cell decoding method can provide a UAV with the 3 D position, which is more intelligent and robust than traditional navigation methods.
Details
Keywords
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to propose a precise and standardized strategy for numerically simulating vehicle aerodynamics.
Design/methodology/approach
Error sources in computational fluid dynamics were analyzed. Additionally, controllable experiential and discretization errors, which significantly influence the calculated results, are expounded upon. Considering the airflow mechanism around a vehicle, the computational efficiency and accuracy of each solution strategy were compared and analyzed through numerous computational cases. Finally, the most suitable numerical strategy, including the turbulence model, simplified vehicle model, calculation domain, boundary conditions, grids and discretization scheme, was identified. Two simplified vehicle models were introduced, and relevant wind tunnel tests were performed to validate the selected strategy.
Findings
Errors in vehicle computational aerodynamics mainly stem from the unreasonable simplification of the vehicle model, calculation domain, definite solution conditions, grid strategy and discretization schemes. Using the proposed standardized numerical strategy, the simulated steady and transient aerodynamic characteristics agreed well with the experimental results.
Originality/value
Building upon the modified Low-Reynolds Number k-e model and Scale Adaptive Simulation model, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, a precise and standardized numerical simulation strategy for vehicle aerodynamics is proposed for the first time, which can be integrated into vehicle research and design.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to provide the historical background of genealogical records and analyze the value of Chinese genealogical research through the study of names and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide the historical background of genealogical records and analyze the value of Chinese genealogical research through the study of names and genealogical resources.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper examines the historical evolution and value of Chinese genealogical records, with the focus on researching the Islamic Chinese names used by the people living in Guilin. The highlight of this paper includes the analysis and evolution of the Islamic Chinese names commonly adopted by the local people in Guilin. It concludes with the recommendations on emphasizing and making the best use of genealogical records to enhance the research value of Chinese overseas studies.
Findings
The paper covers the history of Islam and describes how the religion was introduced into China, as well as Muslims' ethnicity and identity. It also places focus on the importance of building a research collection in Asian history and Chinese genealogy.
Research limitations/implications
This research study has a strong subject focus on Chinese genealogy, Asian history, and Islamic Chinese surnames. It is a narrow field that few researchers have delved into.
Practical implications
The results of this study will assist students, researchers, and the general public in tracing the origin of their surnames and developing their interest in the social and historical value of Chinese local history and genealogies.
Social implications
The study of Chinese surnames is, by itself, a particular field for researching the social and political implications of contemporary Chinese society during the time the family members lived.
Originality/value
Very little research has been done in the area of Chinese local history and genealogy. The paper would be of value to researchers such as historians, sociologists, ethnologists and archaeologists, as well as students and anyone interested in researching a surname origin, its history and evolution.
Details
Keywords
Xiao-feng Zhang, Xiao-juan Zhang, Lei Li, Gui-quan Li and You-min Xi
This study aims to focus on the authority formation process of Chinese enterprise leaders, with the purpose of finding out how an ordinary newly established firm leader develops…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the authority formation process of Chinese enterprise leaders, with the purpose of finding out how an ordinary newly established firm leader develops into a real top leader and achieves the status of legitimacy in a well-known enterprise.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on constructivist grounded theory, this paper investigates the formation mechanism of entrepreneurial authority in China by using the rich data of Liu Chuan-zhi’s leader activities.
Findings
In the “evolution” path of authority formation, leaders continually consolidate and improve their authority through two classes of exceptional management activities: “emergency rescue” and “promotion activities”. The successful realization of exceptional management activities benefits from a leader’s management experience accumulation and relationship maintenance with the government. In the “design” path of authority formation, leaders consolidate and improve their authority by exercising their position of power. Leaders’ legitimacy is reflected by making strategic decision and demonstrating discretion of position power. Additionally, passing on an inspiring leader’s thoughts and ideas to an organization’s members is accomplished through the construction of organization culture, institutionalization and convention.
Research limitations/implications
First, the findings are based on only Liu Chuan-zhi’s case. The authors still need more cases to compare and develop the findings and seek theoretical saturation in a broader sense. Second, the qualitative analysis is based on secondary data and future research could consider the introduction of interviews, video and other types of research data.
Originality/value
Under the parallel paths which are “evolution” and “design”, the dynamic leader authority formation model in China is founded.