Madhuri Siddula, Fei Dai, Yanfang Ye and Jianping Fan
Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the construction industry. Due to factors such as lack of planning, training and use of precaution, roofing contractors and workers…
Abstract
Purpose
Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in the construction industry. Due to factors such as lack of planning, training and use of precaution, roofing contractors and workers continuously violate the fall protection standards enforced by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration. A preferable way to alleviate this situation is automating the process of non-compliance checking of safety standards through measurements conducted in site daily accumulated videos and photos. As a key component, the purpose of this paper is to devise a method to detect roofs in site images that is indispensable for such automation process.
Design/methodology/approach
This method represents roof objects through image segmentation and visual feature extraction. The visual features include colour, texture, compactness, contrast and the presence of roof corner. A classification algorithm is selected to use the derived representation for statistical learning and detection.
Findings
The experiments led to detection accuracy of 97.50 per cent, with over 15 per cent improvement in comparison to conventional classifiers, signifying the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Research limitations/implications
This study did not test on images of roofs in the following conditions: roofs initially built without apparent appearance (e.g. structural roof framing completed and undergoing the sheathing process) and flat, barrel and dome roofs. From a standpoint of construction safety, while the present work is vital, coupling with semantic representation and analysis is still needed to allow for risk analysis of fall violations on roof sites.
Originality/value
This study is the first to address roof detection in site images. Its findings provide a basis to enable semantic representation of roof site objects of interests (e.g. co-existence and correlation among roof site, roofer, guardrail and personal fall arrest system) that is needed to automate the non-compliance checking of safety standards on roof sites.
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Jibing Chen, Yanfang Yin, Jianping Ye and Yiping Wu
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the thermal fatigue behavior of a single Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC) lead-free and 63Sn-37Pb (SnPb) solder joint treated by rapidly…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the thermal fatigue behavior of a single Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC) lead-free and 63Sn-37Pb (SnPb) solder joint treated by rapidly alternating heating and cooling cycles.
Design/methodology/approach
With the application of electromagnetic-induced heating, the specimen was heated and cooled, controlled with a system that uses a fuzzy logic algorithm. The microstructure and morphology of the interface between the solder ball and Cu substrate was observed using scanning electron microscopy. The intermetallic compounds and the solder bump surface were analyzed by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, respectively.
Findings
The experimental results showed that rapid thermal cycling had an evident influence on the surface and interfacial microstructure of a single solder joint. The experiment revealed that microcracks originate and propagate on the superficial oxide of the solder bump after rapid thermal cycling.
Originality/value
Analysis, based on finite element modeling and metal thermal fatigue mechanism, determined that the rimous cracks can be explained by the heat deformation theory and the function of temperature distribution in materials physics.
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Jianping Hu, Xinjiang Ye and Shengyu Gu
The study advances an enhanced model encompassing psychological involvement, denoted as the psychological continuum model (PCM) and perceived customer service quality as…
Abstract
Purpose
The study advances an enhanced model encompassing psychological involvement, denoted as the psychological continuum model (PCM) and perceived customer service quality as intermediaries in the association between subjective customer knowledge (SCK) and behavioral loyalty. The purpose of this study is to assess the mediating role of psychological engagement and consumers' perceived service quality in the relationship between SCK and behavioral loyalty among members of nonprofit sports service organizations. Additionally, the study aims to examine the impact of membership duration on the relationship between consumer knowledge and behavioral loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a quantitative research design, and primary data were collected through a structured questionnaire from 527 members of nonprofit Chinese sports clubs who were selected using a simple random sampling technique. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaire was developed to measure all constructs in the intended research model. The suitability of the measurement model was analyzed by performing confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to analyze the data using AMOS-24.
Findings
The results of the overall direct effect indicate a significant influence of subjective knowledge on perceived service quality, perceived service quality significantly and positively influences psychological engagement; psychological engagement was found to be an important predictor of consumer behavioral loyalty.
Originality/value
The results offer information for nonprofit sports club (NPSC) managers who seek to increase the attractiveness and retention of their clubs' members by establishing the importance of subjective consumer knowledge.
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Wenzhu Lu, Jialiang Pei, Xiaolang Liu, Lixun Zheng and Jianping Zhang
Based on the stressor-detachment theory, this study aims to investigate the effect of daily customer mistreatment on proactive service performance and ego depletion, mediated by…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the stressor-detachment theory, this study aims to investigate the effect of daily customer mistreatment on proactive service performance and ego depletion, mediated by psychological detachment inhibition during the evening. Additionally, this study endeavors to investigate the dual moderating role of prosocial motivation.
Design/methodology/approach
A time-lagged, diary daily survey involving 74 participants over 8 consecutive workdays was conducted to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The findings indicate that the psychological detachment inhibition during the evening of Day t mediates the impact of Day t’s customer mistreatment on Day t + 1’s proactive service performance and ego depletion. Furthermore, although prosocial motivation was found to intensify the impact of customer mistreatment on psychological detachment inhibition, it alleviated the negative association between psychological detachment inhibition and proactive service performance.
Research limitations/implications
When employees experience customer mistreatment, hospitality managers should not only provide emotional reassurance and resolve any related issues promptly but also encourage employees to engage in activities that distract them and help them to relax and recharge, especially for those who exhibit high prosocial motivation. Moreover, hiring employees with high prosocial motivation is recommended for hospitality organizations to enable them to maintain high service performance.
Originality/value
This study focuses on psychological detachment inhibition during the evening linking within-person design and daily spill-over impact, enriching the mechanisms through which the repercussions of daily customer mistreatment extend beyond the immediate workday and affect individuals’ outcomes. This study also expands upon the existing literature by clarifying the dual aspects – both detrimental and beneficial – of prosocial motivation.
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Jianbin Gao, Qi Xia, Jianping Li and Mao Ye
The purpose of this paper is to present a symmetrical method to extract smooth signal from linear mixtures in the frequency domain; with experimentations, the method is thereafter…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a symmetrical method to extract smooth signal from linear mixtures in the frequency domain; with experimentations, the method is thereafter evaluated.
Design/methodology/approach
The Second‐order Frequency Identification (SOFI) algorithm has been presented to retrieve baseband signals which have inactive bands and different bandwidths in the frequency domain. However, the SOFI method will bring about accumulative error, therefore an improved method is proposed in this paper by using symmetric extraction mode. In contrast to the SOFI algorithm, the ISOFI method can extract simultaneously the signal with the highest degree of smoothness and the signal with the lowest degree of smoothness. This means that the signals are not extracted one by one; instead, they are extracted in parallel. Experimental results in both noise‐free and noisy scenarios verified that the proposed method has a significant improvement compared with the SOFI algorithm.
Findings
An improved SOFI (ISOFI) method is proposed to reduce the accumulated error encountered in the SOFI algorithm. In the proposed method, the symmetric mode is utilized to extract in parallel the signals with different smooth degrees. Experimental results demonstrated that the ISOFI has a higher accuracy and lower accumulated error compared to the original algorithm.
Originality/value
The paper demonstrates use of the symmetric extraction mode to overcome the disadvantage of accumulated errors existing in the SOFI algorithm.
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Nurnazerah Julayhe and Md Motiar Rahman
Greening existing buildings (GEB) considerably improves energy efficiency of old buildings, along with other benefits, but it is not widely practiced. As a part of a wider study…
Abstract
Purpose
Greening existing buildings (GEB) considerably improves energy efficiency of old buildings, along with other benefits, but it is not widely practiced. As a part of a wider study, this paper aims to evaluate the perception of building dwellers/owners on the challenges and motivators to GEB in Brunei Darussalam.
Design/methodology/approach
A structured questionnaire survey collected 109 responses from building owners/dwellers. Cronbach's alpha tested the reliability of the data collected. One-sample t-test examined if sample means are consistent with population means. ANOVA examined if different respondent groups significantly agreed on the importance levels of individual factors. Moreover, factor analysis narrowed down the long list of factors in to a smaller number of components.
Findings
A set of 30 challenges and 19 motivators of GEB was identified. “Lack of a GEB infrastructure” was identified as the collective key challenge, leading dwellers to recognize lack of support and knowledge and develop wrong perception on GEB. However, “framework of supports,” as a summative motivator, improves knowledge and awareness on GEB, which allows recognizing other benefits and developing a momentum of practicing GEB. Factor analysis suggested a consolidated approach for challenges through six interrelated components, but for motivators to focus on somewhat four independent areas.
Originality/value
House/building dweller/owners' decision is the key to undertake GEB. This study, apparently for the first time, contributes to identifying the challenges and motivators that influence their decision-making.
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John Dadzie, Goran Runeson and Grace Ding
Estimates show that close to 90% of the buildings we will need in 2050 are already built and occupied. The increase in the existing building stock has affected energy consumption…
Abstract
Purpose
Estimates show that close to 90% of the buildings we will need in 2050 are already built and occupied. The increase in the existing building stock has affected energy consumption thereby negatively impacting the environment. The purpose of this paper is to assess determinants of sustainable upgrade of existing buildings through the adoption and application of sustainable technologies. The study also ranks sustainable technologies adopted by the professionals who participated in the survey with an in-built case study.
Design/methodology/approach
As part of the overall methodology, a detailed literature review on the nature and characteristics of sustainable upgrade and the sustainable technologies adopted was undertaken. A survey questionnaire with an in-built case study was designed to examine all the sustainable technologies adopted to improve energy consumption in Australia. The survey was administered to sustainability consultants, architects, quantity surveyors, facility managers and engineers in Australia.
Findings
The results show a total of 24 technologies which are mostly adopted to improve energy consumption in existing buildings. A factor analysis shows the main components as: lighting and automation, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HAVC) systems and equipment, envelope, renewable energy and passive technologies.
Originality/value
The findings bridge the gap in the literature on the adoption and application of sustainable technologies to upgrade existing buildings. The technologies can be adopted to reduce the excessive energy consumption patterns in existing buildings.
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Xiaofeng Yao, Jinzhu Shen and Jianping Wang
The purpose of this paper is to define the evaluation criteria for Chinese female lower body shapes and simplify the evaluation process of shapewear, including girdles, shaping…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to define the evaluation criteria for Chinese female lower body shapes and simplify the evaluation process of shapewear, including girdles, shaping pants, etc.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized a machine learning algorithm based on support vector regression and optimized by a genetic algorithm to construct an evaluation model for the contour beauty of Chinese female lower body shapes. A total of 64 virtual 3D models of women were measured. These models were rated by 42 raters using the Likert 9 psychological scale and data was obtained from 310 female samples.
Findings
Eight factors were selected and used to create a regression prediction model. The model achieved an accuracy of 84.7% for the training samples and 86.6% for the test samples.
Originality/value
The model can be utilized to assess the aesthetic appeal of the female lower body and to evaluate the shaping impact of shapewear. The research and evaluation of shapewear for the female lower body are of great significance, particularly in enhancing production efficiency.
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Lamei He, Jianping Zha, Jianying Tang, Ting Tan and Qiao Yu
Tourism is a labor-intensive sector with extensive links to other industries and plays a vital role in creating employment. This study aims to propose a new framework to analyze…
Abstract
Purpose
Tourism is a labor-intensive sector with extensive links to other industries and plays a vital role in creating employment. This study aims to propose a new framework to analyze the intrinsic structure of the employment effects of tourism-related sectors and their drivers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses input–output and structural decomposition analysis (IO-SDA) to quantify the employment effects of tourism-related sectors and their driving mechanisms based on China’s I-O tables of 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017.
Findings
The results show a declining trend in the intensity of direct or indirect employment effects in tourism-related sectors, indicating a decreasing number of jobs directly or indirectly required to create a unit of tourism output. Among tourism-related sectors, catering has the highest intensity of indirect employment effects over the study period. Catering stimulates the indirect employment of agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, fishery and food and tobacco manufacturing. The decomposition analysis reveals that final demand is the largest contributor to the increase in tourism employment, while technological progress shifts from an employment-creation effect in 2002–2012 to an employment-destruction effect in 2012–2017.
Originality/value
This study proposes a new analytical framework to investigate the structural proportional relationship between the direct and indirect employment effects of various tourism-related sectors and their dynamic changes. Doing so, it provides valuable references for policymakers to promote tourism employment.
旅游相关部门就业效应的驱动因素:以中国为例
摘要
研究目的
旅游业是一个劳动密集型部门, 与其他国民经济部门有着广泛的联系, 这在创造就业方面发挥着重要作用。本研究旨在建立一个框架, 分析旅游相关部门就业效应的内在结构及其驱动因素。
研究设计
本研究基于中国2002年、2007年、2012年和2017年的投入产出表, 引入投入产出和结构分解分析(IO-SDA)法量化了旅游相关行业的就业效应及其变化的驱动机制。
研究结果
旅游相关部门的直接或间接就业强度呈下降趋势, 可见创造一个单位的旅游产出所需的直接或间接工作数量在减少。在旅游相关部门中, 餐饮部门在研究期内的间接就业效应强度最高, 主要带动了农、林、牧、渔业和食品及烟草制造业的间接就业。旅游就业效应变动的驱动因素中, 最终需求是旅游就业效应增加的最大贡献者, 技术效应从2002-2012年期间的就业创造效应转变为2012-2017年期间的就业破坏效应。
研究原创性
本研究建立了一个全新的分析框架, 可以揭示各个旅游相关部门的直接和间接就业效应之间的结构比例关系及其动态变化。对旅游就业效应的驱动因素分析可以为政策制定者提供针对性的建议, 以促进旅游就业。
Factores que impulsan los efectos del empleo en los sectores relacionados con el turismo: El caso de China continental
Resumen
Propósito
El turismo es un sector intensivo en mano de obra con amplios vínculos con otras industrias y desempeña un papel vital en la creación de empleo. Este estudio propone un nuevo marco para analizar la estructura intrínseca de los efectos en el empleo de los sectores relacionados con el turismo y sus impulsores.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Este estudio utiliza el análisis de entrada-salida (input-output) y de descomposición estructural (structural decomposition) (IO-SDA) para cuantificar los efectos sobre el empleo en los sectores relacionados con el turismo y sus mecanismos impulsores, basándose en las tablas input-output de China de 2002, 2007, 2012 y 2017.
Conclusiones
Los resultados muestran una tendencia a la baja en la intensidad de los efectos directos o indirectos del empleo en los sectores relacionados con el turismo, lo que indica un número cada vez menor de puestos de trabajo directos o indirectos necesarios para crear una unidad de producción turística. Entre los sectores relacionados con el turismo, la restauración tiene la mayor intensidad de efectos indirectos sobre el empleo durante el periodo de estudio. La restauración estimula el empleo indirecto de la agricultura, la silvicultura, la ganadería, la pesca y la fabricación de alimentos y tabaco. El análisis de descomposición revela que la demanda final es la que más contribuye al aumento del empleo turístico, mientras que el progreso tecnológico pasa de ser un efecto de creación de empleo en 2002-2012 a un efecto de destrucción de empleo en 2012-2017.
Originalidad/valor
Este estudio propone un nuevo marco analítico para investigar la relación estructural proporcional entre los efectos directos e indirectos del empleo de varios sectores relacionados con el turismo y sus cambios dinámicos. De este modo, proporciona valiosas referencias para que los responsables políticos promuevan el empleo en el sector turístico.
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Weihui Dai, Mingqi Chen and Nan Ye
The purpose of this paper is to define and analyze the innovation system of China's software industry in order to build its innovation capability.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to define and analyze the innovation system of China's software industry in order to build its innovation capability.
Design/methodology/approach
From a complex adaptive systems (CAS) perspective, the authors researched the constitution and operating mechanism of China's software industry innovation system. By using methods and theories of CAS theory, the innovation problems of the software industry in China were analyzed and valuable suggestions put forth for its future development.
Findings
Innovation system is one kind of complex systems and it has the characteristics of CAS.
Research limitations/implications
Quantitative analysis of the software industry innovation system should be emphasized in the next stage of research.
Practical implications
The paper provides a new perspective and useful advice for technology policymakers.
Originality/value
The paper applies CAS theory to the area of social management and provides a new approach to study industrial innovation systems.