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Article
Publication date: 8 March 2021

Xin Feng, Liangxuan Li, Jiapei Li, Meiru Cui, Liming Sun and Ye Wu

This paper aims to study the characteristics and evolution rules of tagging knowledge network for users with different activity levels in question-and-answer (Q&A) community…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to study the characteristics and evolution rules of tagging knowledge network for users with different activity levels in question-and-answer (Q&A) community represented by Zhihu.

Design/methodology/approach

A random sample of issue tag data generated by topics in the Zhihu network environment is selected. By defining user quality and selecting the top 20% and bottom 20% of users to focus on, i.e. top users and bot users, the authors apply time slicing for both types of data to construct label knowledge networks, use Q-Q diagrams and ARIMA models to analyze network indicators and introduce the theory and methods of network motif.

Findings

This study shows that when the power index of degree distribution is less than or equal to 3.1, the ARIMA model with rank index of label network has a higher fitting degree. With the development of the community, the correlation between tags in the tagging knowledge network is very weak.

Research limitations/implications

It is not comprehensive and sufficient to classify users only according to their activity levels. And traditional statistical analysis is not applicable to large data sets. In the follow-up work, the authors will further explore the characteristics of the network at a larger scale and longer timescale and consider adding more node features, including some edge features. Then, users are statistically classified according to the attributes of nodes and edges to construct complex networks, and algorithms such as machine learning and deep learning are used to calculate large-scale data sets to deeply study the evolution of knowledge networks.

Practical implications

This paper uses the real data of the Zhihu community to divide users according to user activity and combines the theoretical methods of statistical testing, time series and network motifs to carry out the time series evolution of the knowledge network of the Q&A community. And these research methods provide other network problems with some new ideas. Research has found that user activity has a certain impact on the evolution of the tagging network. The tagging network followed by users with high activity level tends to be stable, and the tagging network followed by users with low activity level gradually fluctuates.

Social implications

Research has found that user activity has a certain impact on the evolution of the tagging network. The tagging network followed by users with high activity level tends to be stable, and the tagging network followed by users with low activity level gradually fluctuates. For the community, understanding the formation mechanism of its network structure and key nodes in the network is conducive to improving the knowledge system of the content, finding user behavior preferences and improving user experience. Future research work will focus on identifying outbreak points from a large number of topics, predicting topical trends and conducting timely public opinion guidance and control.

Originality/value

In terms of data selection, the user quality is defined; the Zhihu tags are divided into two categories for time slicing; and network indicators and network motifs are compared and analyzed. In addition, statistical tests, time series analysis and network modality theory are used to analyze the tags.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. 49 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 May 2021

Xin Feng, Hanshui Zhang, Yue Zhang, Liming Sun, Jiapei Li and Ye Wu

The emergence of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has had a tremendous impact on the world, and the characteristics of its evolution need to be better understood.

Abstract

Purpose

The emergence of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic has had a tremendous impact on the world, and the characteristics of its evolution need to be better understood.

Design/methodology/approach

To explore the changes of cases and control them effectively, this paper analyzes and models the fluctuation and dynamic characteristics of the daily growth rate based on the data of newly confirmed cases around the world. Based on the data, the authors identify the inflection points and analyze the causes of the new daily confirmed cases and deaths worldwide.

Findings

The study found that the growth sequence of the number of new confirmed COVID-19 cases per day has a significant cluster of fluctuations. The impact of previous fluctuations in the future is gradually attenuated and shows a relatively gentle long-term downward trend. There are four inflection points in the global time series of new confirmed cases and the number of deaths per day. And these inflection points show the state of an accelerated rise, a slowdown in the rate of decline, a slowdown in the rate of growth and an accelerated decline in turn.

Originality/value

This paper has a certain guiding and innovative significance for the dynamic research of COVID-19 cases in the world.

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2021

Xin Feng, Liming Sun, Yuehao Liu, Jiapei Li and Ye Wu

This paper aims to explore the development trend of OA articles and their advantages and disadvantages in the process of fighting the pandemic, and conduct a multi-level and…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the development trend of OA articles and their advantages and disadvantages in the process of fighting the pandemic, and conduct a multi-level and multi-angle analysis of the relationship between publishing costs and the influence of OA articles.

Design/methodology/approach

This study first compares the total number of articles in Web of Science with the number of OA articles, and the total number of COVID-19 related articles with the total number of OA articles. Subsequently, using the methods of institutional cooperation co-occurrence network, keyword co-occurrence and multidimensional scale analysis, and using the literature on the topic of COVID-19 in CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure) as the data set, we generate visualized maps of research results distribution and keyword co-occurrence network with the help of the Statistical Analysis Toolkit for Infometrics (SATI)

Findings

The research results show that the citation frequency and use frequency of OA articles related to COVID-19 are significantly higher than that of non-OA articles. OA articles dominate in the anti-pandemic process, with a series of advantages such as short review cycle, timeliness, high social benefit, high participation and fast dissemination playing an important role. Under the model of author's non-payment for OA article, the degree of institutional cooperation and author cooperation is enhanced, which improves the fluidity of knowledge, strengthens close links between keywords and enhances significant academic influence; OA articles will continue to promote research in the field of COVID-19, but the lack of quality of some OA articles may hinder their development. Then OA articles will further focus on clinical medicine, and related results will continue to promote the development and communication of OA articles in this field.

Originality/value

Corresponding measures are also proposed for the existing problems of OA articles, to provide a reference for the publication and dissemination of OA articles in public health emergencies in the future.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 June 2021

Jiapei Li, Liming Sun, Xin Feng, Peiyi He and Yue Zhang

This paper takes the current COVID-19 pandemic raging around the world as a realistic background and uses the informal scientific communication mode in social media as the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper takes the current COVID-19 pandemic raging around the world as a realistic background and uses the informal scientific communication mode in social media as the theoretical basis. It aims to explore the characteristics and rules of scientific communication in social media under emergency events, grasp the potential and risks of scientific communication in social media in special times and provide a perspective of academic communication for the scientific response.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors select the enumeration data of the early COVID-19 theme papers spread on social media networks as the research object, apply descriptive statistical analysis to the basic statistical distribution of variables and use factor analysis and visualization methods to explore the law and characteristics of the spread of scientific papers on social media platforms.

Findings

It was found that users of the COVID-19 paper are mainly in North America, Europe and South America, followed by those in East Asia, Southeast Asia and Oceania. The users are mainly public figures, doctors and other practitioners, science communicators and scientists. The process of social media communication reflects three ways of knowledge construction, social interaction and academic communication, and there are three ways of communication law and changing trend of cross transition and integration.

Originality/value

This study observes the function and role of science communication in social media in a special period from a unique perspective of academic communication, so as to promote academic means to fight against the epidemic.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 39 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 1990

Allan J. Magrath

Middlemen can make or break a strategy. Here are two case studies that show the pivotal role that these marketers play.

Abstract

Middlemen can make or break a strategy. Here are two case studies that show the pivotal role that these marketers play.

Details

Journal of Business Strategy, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0275-6668

Article
Publication date: 4 November 2014

Mica Grujicic, Ramin Yavari, Jennifer Snipes, S. Ramaswami and Roshdy Barsoum

The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanical response of polyurea, soda-lime glass (glass, for short), polyurea/glass/polyurea and glass/polyurea/glass sandwich structures…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the mechanical response of polyurea, soda-lime glass (glass, for short), polyurea/glass/polyurea and glass/polyurea/glass sandwich structures under dynamic-loading conditions involving propagation of planar longitudinal shockwaves.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem of shockwave generation, propagation and interaction with material boundaries is investigated using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics. The results obtained are used to construct basic shock Hugoniot relationships associated with the propagation of shockwaves through a homogeneous material (polyurea or glass, in the present case). The fidelity of these relations is established by comparing them with their experimental counterparts, and the observed differences are rationalized in terms of the microstructural changes experienced by the shockwave-swept material. The relationships are subsequently used to predict the outcome of the interactions of shockwaves with polyurea/glass or glass/polyurea material boundaries. Molecular-level simulations are next used to directly analyze the same shockwave/material-boundary interactions.

Findings

The molecular-level simulations suggested, and the subsequent detailed microstructural analyses confirmed, the formation of topologically altered interfacial regions, i.e. polyurea/glass and glass/polyurea interphases.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge, the present work is a first attempt to analyze, using molecular-level simulation methods, the interaction of shockwaves with material boundaries.

Details

Multidiscipline Modeling in Materials and Structures, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1573-6105

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2006

Olusola Omueti and Olayinka Jaiyeola

This study seeks to investigate the comparative effects of local and imported coagulants on tofu yield and quality.

1087

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to investigate the comparative effects of local and imported coagulants on tofu yield and quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Soymilk was extracted from soybean variety, TGX‐923‐24 using cold water extraction method. The milk extract was coagulated to tofu using fermented maize liquor (FML), Alum solution (AS), lime‐juice (LJ), lime solution (LS), Calotropis procera stem extract (BSE) and calcium sulphate solution (CSS) fresh yields of tofu ranged from 318 to 380 per 200 g of bean, moisture content 60 to 72 per cent and protein 51 to 62 per cent. Yield of tofu coagulated with CSS was the highest (p < 0.05). Tofu coagulated with LS, AS, and FML gave similar yields which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher than LJ and BSE coagulated tofu. The moisture content ranged from 60 to 72 per cent.

Findings

LS coagulated tofu had highest moisture content (p < 0.001) while AS coagulated tofu gave the lowest moisture content (p < 0.001). Protein content was significantly highest in LS coagulated tofu and closely followed by the value for FML coagulated tofu (p < 0.001). Sensory scores for both fresh and fried tofu showed that FML coagulated tofu was the most preferred by tasters in all parameters tested.

Originality/value

Fermented maize liquor is recommended for use in tofu production where available, based on its comparative yield, protein content and the superior acceptability attributes of tofu produced from it. The production of tofu using FML as coagulant could be easily achieved from an enterprise that only involves low capital input, thus making tofu a cheap and affordable source of protein for combating protein malnutrition.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 November 2011

A.M. Forster and K. Carter

The selection of lime mortars for masonry structures can be an important component of a repair or new build project. This selection is considered difficult due to the number of…

1290

Abstract

Purpose

The selection of lime mortars for masonry structures can be an important component of a repair or new build project. This selection is considered difficult due to the number of variables to consider during the decision‐making process and the perceived inherent complexity of the materials. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the selection process for determining suitable natural hydraulic lime repair mortars for masonry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a conceptual and practical framework for the determination of suitable lime mortars for repair and construction of masonry structures, drawing and building on relevant, literature and existing best practice guidance on specification.

Findings

The use of various relatively newly produced data sets pertaining to durability can aid in the appropriate selection of lime mortars. These determinants must however, be correlated with traditional evaluation of exposure levels, building detailing and moisture handling performance. Building condition survey of the existing fabric is essential to enable refinement of the selection process of these mortars. The adjustment of the initially identified mortars highlighted in the best practice guide may potentially benefit from modification based on the aforementioned factors.

Originality/value

Whilst data exist to help the practitioner select hydraulic lime mortars they have never been correlated with the tacit and expressed protocols for survey and the evaluation of the performance of structures.

Details

Structural Survey, vol. 29 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-080X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2021

Amine Zaidi, Ouarda Izemmouren, Bachir Taallah and Abdelhamid Guettala

Earthen construction does not meet today’s requirements due to certain limitations such as low water resistance and its high vulnerability to cracking damage. The purpose of this…

Abstract

Purpose

Earthen construction does not meet today’s requirements due to certain limitations such as low water resistance and its high vulnerability to cracking damage. The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical properties and low durability of adobe blocks by incorporating date palm wastes as a natural reinforcement and lime as a stabilizer.

Design/methodology/approach

Soil from the region of Biskra in Algeria was mixed with sand and lime in suitable ratios. Then, date palm wastes were added to the previous mixture at different ratios (0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9%) by dry mix weight to manufacture adobes. Cubical and cylindrical specimens were prepared and tested in a laboratory to investigate the curing time, mechanical and durability characteristics of the formulated blocks. In addition, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) tests were used to identify the materials.

Findings

It has been observed that the addition of lime to the soil is very beneficial for its stabilization, in particular for an optimum of 12%. The presence of date palm waste in the mixture (soil + lime) generated a significant improvement in tensile strength reaching a rate of about 67%. The same observation was made for the tests of resistance to dry abrasion, resistance to erosion, attack by external sulphate and wetting/drying. However, for cases of compressive strength, water absorption and swelling an unfavorable effect was recorded.

Originality/value

Based on the above-mentioned findings, this paper presents a novel solution to increase the durability of adobe materials using date palm wastes with oven curing at 65°C for about nine days. Adopting such an approach would certainly encourage building durable mud housing on a large scale. This can contribute to solving the acute housing shortage, particularly in poor countries.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 19 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Manuel Jesus, Ana Sofia Guimarães, Bárbara Rangel and Jorge Lino Alves

The paper seeks to bridge the already familiar benefits of 3D printing (3DP) to the rehabilitation of cultural heritage, still based on the use of complex and expensive…

2226

Abstract

Purpose

The paper seeks to bridge the already familiar benefits of 3D printing (3DP) to the rehabilitation of cultural heritage, still based on the use of complex and expensive handcrafted techniques and scarce materials.

Design/methodology/approach

A compilation of different information on frequent anomalies in cultural heritage buildings and commonly used materials is conducted; subsequently, some innovative techniques used in the construction sector (3DP and 3D scanning) are addressed, as well as some case studies related to the rehabilitation of cultural heritage building elements, leading to a reflection on the opportunities and challenges of this application within these types of buildings.

Findings

The compilation of information summarised in the paper provided a clear reflection on the great potential of 3DP for cultural heritage rehabilitation, requiring the development of new mixtures (lime mortars, for example) compatible with the existing surface and, eventually, incorporating some residues that may improve interesting properties; the design of different extruders, compatible with the new mixtures developed and the articulation of 3D printers with the available mapping tools (photogrammetry and laser scanning) to reproduce the component as accurately as possible.

Originality/value

This paper sets the path for a new application of 3DP in construction, namely in the field of cultural heritage rehabilitation, by identifying some key opportunities, challenges and for designing the process flow associated with the different technologies involved.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

1 – 10 of 402