Jian Li Hao, Martyn James Hill and Li Yin Shen
The purpose of this paper is to provide a decision support tool for construction waste on‐site to achieve better construction and demolition waste management.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a decision support tool for construction waste on‐site to achieve better construction and demolition waste management.
Design/methodology/approach
System dynamics methodology is adopted for developing the model.
Findings
The model of managing construction waste on‐site is established. The interconnections of the main activities are included into the model with focus on planning and management where information about the future trend is for better decision making.
Practical implications
Construction waste generation is dynamic and interactive. Therefore, the model developed can be used as a flexible tool to help practitioners to understand the causes and effects.
Originality/value
Since the model allows the users to fine‐tune the input parameters, it is flexible to adjust the model to better reflect the reality according to different conditions. This is an advantage over other static models.
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Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study examined the effect of developmental human resource (HR) practices on employee workplace procrastination and…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study examined the effect of developmental human resource (HR) practices on employee workplace procrastination and investigated the mediation effect of boredom at work and the moderation effects of exploitative leadership and self-leadership.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 443 employees across companies in China. Hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analysis and indirect effect testing via bootstrapping in SPSS and Mplus.
Findings
This study found that developmental HR practices were negatively related to employee workplace procrastination and that boredom at work mediated the relationship between developmental HR practices and employee workplace procrastination. Moreover, exploitative leadership strengthened the negative relationship between developmental HR practices and boredom at work, whereas self-leadership weakened the positive relationship between boredom at work and employee workplace procrastination. The indirect relationship between developmental HR practices and employee workplace procrastination through boredom at work was moderated by exploitative leadership and self-leadership.
Originality/value
This study extended the literature on the antecedents of employee workplace procrastination. Moreover, by investigating the mediation effect of boredom at work, this study extended the underlying mechanism by which developmental HR practices affect subsequent employee outcomes. Finally, by testing the moderation effect of exploitative leadership and self-leadership, respectively, this study offered insights into the boundary conditions resultant from developmental HR practices.
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Mengmeng Li, Jian Chen, Jingtao Sun, Long Hao, Di Wu, Jianqiu Wang and Wei Ke
The purpose of this study is to investigate the initial corrosion behavior of pure Mg, AZ31 and AZ91 alloys in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and to characterize the features in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the initial corrosion behavior of pure Mg, AZ31 and AZ91 alloys in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) and to characterize the features in corrosion type and resistance of the corrosion product layer.
Design/methodology/approach
The scanning electron microscopy, equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy have been used to characterize the as-corroded samples. Besides, the Mg2+ concentration in PBSs has been determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrum.
Findings
It has been found that pure Mg suffers pit corrosion, and AZ31 initially undergoes pit corrosion and then uniform corrosion dominates with an extended immersion duration. However, AZ91 exhibits the uniform corrosion with the highest corrosion rate among the three materials. Besides, the corrosion product layer on AZ31 has the best compactness and corrosion resistance.
Originality/value
The findings add depth in understanding the corrosion of pure Mg and its alloys in PBS and also have guiding significance in exploring the effects by alloyed elements to develop new biomaterials with better performance.
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Ruihan Zhang, Bing Sun, Mingyao Liu and Jian Hou
This paper aims to analyze the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of regional total factor productivity (TFP) growth and explores how haze pollution and different levels of new-type…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of regional total factor productivity (TFP) growth and explores how haze pollution and different levels of new-type urbanization affect China’s economic growth.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper constructs an index for evaluating the TFP growth of China’s 31 provinces by integrating slack-based measures and the Global Malmquist (GM) productivity index. Meanwhile, the panel threshold estimation method is used to examine the complex relationships among haze pollution, new-type urbanization and TFP growth.
Findings
The results reflect conspicuous spatiotemporal heterogeneity in TFP growth in China. Interestingly, the influence of haze pollution on TFP growth is limited by the “critical mass” of new-type urbanization in China. When new-type urbanization does not cross the first threshold, haze pollution has a negative but non-significant effect on TFP growth. When new-type urbanization crosses the first threshold but not the second, haze pollution has a significant positive impact on TFP growth. When new-type urbanization crosses the second threshold, haze pollution significantly and positively affects TFP growth with the strongest positive effect.
Originality/value
This study innovates by combining haze pollution and TFP growth and proposing an integrated framework from the perspective of new-type urbanization, providing insight into how different degrees of new-type urbanization impact the mechanism between haze pollution and TFP growth. Using panel data in China and emphasizing green development, a sustainable economy and new-type urbanization, this study contributes to the current studies on haze pollution and economic development based on developed countries.
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Jian Zhong Qiao, Hao Wu, Yukai Zhu, Jianwei Xu and Wenshuo Li
This paper is concerned with the repetitive trajectory tracking control for space manipulators under model uncertainties and vibration disturbances.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is concerned with the repetitive trajectory tracking control for space manipulators under model uncertainties and vibration disturbances.
Design/methodology/approach
The model uncertainties and link vibration of manipulators will degrade the tracking performance of space manipulators; in this paper, a new hybrid control scheme that consists of a composite hierarchical anti-disturbance controller and an iterative learning controller is developed to solve this problem.
Findings
The composite hierarchical controller can effectively attenuate model uncertainties and reject vibration disturbances, whereas the iterative learning controller is able to improve the tracking accuracy for repetitive reference trajectory.
Originality/value
The proposed scheme compensates for the shortcomings of iterative learning control which can only deal with repetitive disturbances, ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of space manipulators under model uncertainties and random disturbances.
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Jian Gao, Hao Wen, Zhiyuan Lin, Haidong Wu, Si Li, Xin Chen, Yun Chen and Yunbo He
Remanufacturing of worn blades with various defects normally requires processes such as scanning, regenerating a geometrical reference model, additive manufacturing (AM) through…
Abstract
Purpose
Remanufacturing of worn blades with various defects normally requires processes such as scanning, regenerating a geometrical reference model, additive manufacturing (AM) through laser cladding, adaptive machining and polishing and quality inspection. Unlike the manufacturing process of a new part, the most difficult problem for remanufacturing such a complex surface part is that the reference model adaptive to the worn part is no longer available or useful. The worn parts may suffer from geometrical deformation, distortion and other defects because of the effects of harsh operating conditions, thereby making their original computer aided design (CAD) models inadequate for the repair process. This paper aims to regenerate the geometric models for the worn parts, which is a key issue for implementing AM to build up the parts and adaptive machining to reform the parts. Unlike straight blades with similar cross sections, the tip geometry of the worn tip of a twist blade needs to be regenerated by a different method.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes a surface extension algorithm for the reconstruction of a twist blade tip through the extremum parameterization of a B-spline basis function. Based on the cross sections of the scanned worn blade model, the given control points and knot vectors are firstly reconstructed into a B-spline curve D. After the extremum of each control point is calculated by extremum parameterization of a B-spline basis function, the unknown control points are calculated by substituting the extremum into the curve D. Once all control points are determined, the B-spline surface of the worn blade tip can be regenerated. Finally, the extension algorithm is implemented and validated with several examples.
Findings
The proposed algorithm was implemented and verified through the exampled blades. Through the extension algorithm, the tip geometry of the worn tip of a twist blade can be regenerated. This method solved a key problem for the repair of a twist blade tip. It provides an appropriate reference model for repairing worn blade tips through AM to build up the blade tip and adaptive machining/polishing processes to reform the blade geometry.
Research limitations/implications
The extension errors for different repair models are compared and analyzed. The authors found that there are several factors affecting the accuracy of the regenerated model. When the cross-section interval and the extension length are set properly, the restoration accuracy for the blade tip can be improved, which is acceptable for the repairing.
Practical implications
The lack of a reference geometric model for worn blades is a significant problem when implementing blade repair through AM and adaptive machining processes. Because the geometric reference model is unavailable for the repair process, reconstruction of the geometry of a worn blade tip is the first crucial step. The authors proposed a surface extension algorithm for the reconstruction of a twist blade tip. Through the implementation of the proposed algorithm, the blade tip model can be regenerated.
Social implications
Remanufacturing of worn blades with various defects is highly demeaned for the aerospace enterprises considering sustainable development. Unlike straight blades, repair of twist blades encountered a very difficult problem because the geometric reference model is unavailable for the repair processes. This paper proposed a different method to generate the reference model for the repair of a twist blade tip. With this model, repair of twist blades can be implemented through AM to build up the blade tip and adaptive machining to subtract the extra material.
Originality/value
The authors proposed a surface extension algorithm to reconstruct the geometric model for repair of twist blades.
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Mao-Feng Kao, Cih-Huei Jian and Chien-Hao Tseng
The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of managerial ability on voluntary environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure and assurance. By focusing on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of managerial ability on voluntary environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure and assurance. By focusing on managerial ability, this study provides a more nuanced understanding of the factors influencing a firm’s ESG disclosure and assurance practices. This study contributes to a relatively unexplored area of study regarding the role of top management in promoting ESG reporting.
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws on a sample of publicly listed firms from 2014 to 2019 in Taiwan and applies the data envelopment analysis method to measure managerial ability. Heckman’s (1979) two-step model is used to estimate the primary models to prevent the results from being affected by possible bias because of self-selection.
Findings
The empirical evidence suggests that managerial ability is positively related to voluntary ESG disclosure and intention to seek third-party assurance of the report. Overall, managerial ability determines whether a firm will use voluntary ESG disclosure and assurance as a corporate strategy to respond effectively to stakeholders’ needs. The findings are robust after using alternative measures of managerial ability.
Practical implications
Investors and other stakeholders keen on seeking ESG information offered by companies could find the findings of this study valuable. By better comprehending how managerial competence impacts voluntary ESG disclosure and assurance, stakeholders may be better equipped to hold companies responsible for their ESG disclosure practices and make informed investment decisions.
Social implications
In the ESG decision-making process, managers with better abilities have a higher tendency to use voluntary disclosure and assurance as a part of the company’s sustainable policy.
Originality/value
Unlike previous studies of the determinant factors of ESG disclosure, which mainly explore factors at the national or corporate level, this study focuses on factors at the individual level (i.e. managerial ability) to fill the gap in the literature. This study also presents empirical evidence that corroborates the idea that managerial competence can influence not only ESG disclosure but also the voluntary assurance of ESG information.
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This chapter examines China’s corporate governance and accounting environment that shapes the adoption of internationally acceptable principles and standards. Specifically, it…
Abstract
This chapter examines China’s corporate governance and accounting environment that shapes the adoption of internationally acceptable principles and standards. Specifically, it examines international influences, including supranational organizations; foreign investors and international accounting firms; domestic institutional influences, including the political system, economic system, legal system, and cultural system; and accounting infrastructure. China’s convergence is driven by desired efficiency of the corporate sector and legitimacy of participating in the global market. Influenced heavily by international forces in the context of globalization, corporate governance and accounting practices are increasingly becoming in line with internationally acceptable standards and codes. While convergence assists China in obtaining legitimacy, improving efficiency is likely to be adversely affected given that corporate governance and accounting in China operate in an environment that differs considerably from those of Anglo-American countries. An examination of the corporate governance and accounting environment in China suggests heavy government involvement within underdeveloped institutions. While the Chinese government has made impressive progress in developing the corporate governance and accounting environment for the market economy, China’s unique institutional setting is likely to affect how the imported concepts are interpreted and implemented.
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Jian Kang, Libei Zhong, Bin Hao, Yuelong Su, Yitao Zhao, Xianfeng Yan and Shuanghui Hao
Most of the linear encoders are based on optics. The accuracy and reliability of these encoders are greatly reduced in polluted and noisy environments. Moreover, these encoders…
Abstract
Purpose
Most of the linear encoders are based on optics. The accuracy and reliability of these encoders are greatly reduced in polluted and noisy environments. Moreover, these encoders have a complex structure and large sensor volume and are thus not suited to small application scenarios and do not have universality. This paper aims to present a new absolute magnetic linear encoder, which has a simple structure, small size and wide application range.
Design/methodology/approach
The effect of swing error is analyzed for the sensor structural arrangement. A double-threshold interval algorithm is then proposed to synthesize multiple interval electrical angles into absolute angles and convert them into actual displacement distances.
Findings
The final linear encoder measurement range is 15.57 mm, and the resolution reaches ± 2 µm. The effectiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated experimentally.
Originality/value
The linear encoder has good robustness, and high measurement accuracy, which is suitable for industrial production. The linear encoder has been mass-produced and used in an electric power-assisted braking system.