Muhammad Subtain Raza, Qi Zhan and Sana Rubab
This paper aims to explain the role of money mules in money laundering and financial crimes through the discussion of case studies. The authors also explain the red flags of money…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explain the role of money mules in money laundering and financial crimes through the discussion of case studies. The authors also explain the red flags of money mules and provide advice.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a case analysis approach. The paper mainly discusses ten cases about the use of money mules in financial crimes.
Findings
It has been found that money mules help criminal syndicates to remain anonymous while moving funds around the world. The unemployment, internet usage involvement of teenagers and youth in money laundering-related crime around the world are on a rising trend, and criminals are constantly looking for their victims by exploiting their mental and financial condition.
Originality/value
This paper provides case studies to understand the role of money mules in money laundering and financial crime.
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Xiaolong Yang, Long Zheng, Da Lü, Jinhao Wang, Shukun Wang, Hang Su, Zhixin Wang and Luquan Ren
Snake-inspired robots are of great significance in many fields because of their great adaptability to the environment. This paper aims to systematically illustrate the research…
Abstract
Purpose
Snake-inspired robots are of great significance in many fields because of their great adaptability to the environment. This paper aims to systematically illustrate the research progress of snake-inspired robots according to their application environments. It classifies snake-inspired robots according to the numbers of degrees of freedom in each joint and briefly describes the modeling and control of snake-inspired robots. Finally, the application fields and future development trends of snake-inspired robots are analyzed and discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper summarizes the research progress of snake-inspired robots and clarifies the requirements of snake-inspired robots for self-adaptive environments and multi-functional tasks. By equipping various sensors and tool modules, snake-inspired robots are developed from fixed-point operation in a single environment to autonomous operation in an amphibious environment. Finally, it is pointed out that snake-inspired robots will be developed in terms of rigid and flexible deformable structure, long endurance and multi-function and intelligent autonomous control.
Findings
Inspired by the modular and reconfigurable concepts of biological snakes, snake-inspired robots are well adapted to unknown and changing environments. Therefore, snake-inspired robots will be widely used in industrial, military, medical, post-disaster search and rescue applications. Snake-inspired robots have become a hot research topic in the field of bionic robots.
Originality/value
This paper summarizes the research status of snake-inspired robots, which facilitates the reader to be a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the research progress of snake-inspired robots. This helps the reader to gain inspiration from biological perspectives.
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Pingping Hou, Zheng Qian, Meng Xin Hu, Ji Qi Liu, Jun Zhang, Wei Zhao, Xiao Li, Yong Wang, HongYan Huang and Qian Ping Ran
The purpose of this study is to explore the interfacial adhesion between superhydrophobic coatings FC-X (X = 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) and the concrete substrate, along with the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the interfacial adhesion between superhydrophobic coatings FC-X (X = 1%, 2%, 3%, 4% and 5%) and the concrete substrate, along with the impact of FC-X on the water repellency characteristics of the concrete substrate.
Design/methodology/approach
One synthetic step was adopted to prepare novel F-SiO2 NP hybrid fluororesin coating. The impact of varying mass fractions of F-SiO2 NPs on the superhydrophobicity of FC-X was analyzed and subsequently confirmed through water contact angle (WCA) measurements. Superhydrophobic coatings were simply applied to the concrete substrate using a one-step spraying method. The interfacial adhesion between FC-X and the concrete substrate was analyzed using tape pasting tests and abrasion resistance measurements. The influence of FC-X on the water repellency of the concrete substrate was investigated through measurements of water absorption, impermeability and electric flux.
Findings
FC-4% exhibits excellent superhydrophobicity, with a WCA of 157.5° and a sliding angle of 2.3°. Compared to control sample, FC-X exhibits better properties, including chemical durability, wear resistance, adhesion strength, abrasion resistance, water resistance and impermeability.
Practical implications
This study offers a thorough investigation into the practical implications of enhancing the durability and water repellency of concrete substrates by using superhydrophobic coatings, particularly FC-4%, which demonstrates exceptional superhydrophobicity alongside remarkable chemical durability, wear resistance, adhesion strength, abrasion resistance, water resistance and impermeability.
Originality/value
Through the examination of the interfacial adhesion between FC-X and the concrete substrate, along with an assessment of FC-X’s impact on the water repellency of the concrete, this paper provides valuable insights into the practical application of superhydrophobic coatings in enhancing the durability and performance of concrete materials.
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Sun Chengwen, Li Wei and Kong Dejun
This paper aims to investigate the effect of Ti3SiC2 on the high-temperature tribological behaviors of NiCr coating, which was beneficial to improve the friction-wear performance…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the effect of Ti3SiC2 on the high-temperature tribological behaviors of NiCr coating, which was beneficial to improve the friction-wear performance of hot work mold.
Design/methodology/approach
NiCr-Ti3SiC2 coatings were prepared on H13 steel substrate by laser cladding. The microstructure, phases and hardness of obtained coatings were analyzed using a super-depth of field microscope, X-ray diffraction and microhardness tester, respectively, and the tribological performance of obtained coatings at 500°C was investigated using a high-temperature tester.
Findings
The results show the NiCr-Ti3SiC2 coatings are comprised of γ-Ni solid, solution, TixNiy, TiC and Ti3SiC2 phases, and the coating hardness is increased with the increase of Ti3SiC2 mass fraction, which is contributed to the fine-grain and dispersion strengthening effect by the addition of Ti3SiC2. The NiCr-Ti3SiC2 coatings present excellent friction reduction and wear resistance by the synergetic action of Ti3SiC2 lubricant and hard phase, and the wear mechanism is predominated by abrasive wear and oxidation wear.
Originality/value
Ti3SiC2 phase was used to reinforce the tribological performance of H13 steel at high temperature, and the roles of friction reduction and wear resistance were discussed.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-01-2023-0004/
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Md Helal Miah, Dharmahinder Singh Chand, Gurmail Singh Malhi and Gongdong Wang
Regarding the broadening of the titanium alloy application field, the surface treatment coating of TC4 alloy has become an essential global research topic. This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Regarding the broadening of the titanium alloy application field, the surface treatment coating of TC4 alloy has become an essential global research topic. This study aims to illustrate the titanium-based composite coating is created by laser cladding TC4+Ni60/hBN composite powder onto the surface of the TC4 alloy.
Design/methodology/approach
Different laser scanning speeds were initially selected to prepare TC4+Ni60/hBN titanium-based composite coating on the surface of TC4 alloy using RFL-C1000 Raycus fiber laser. Second, the cladding layers with different laser scanning speeds are composed of Ti2Ni, TiN0.3, TiC, TiB, α-Ti and other phases. Finally, precision balances, friction and wear testing machines were used to analyze and test the structure, phase, hardness, wear amount and friction coefficient of the composite coating and to study the effect of laser scanning speed on the microstructure and properties of the titanium-based composite coating.
Findings
It is evident that at the low laser scanning speed, the reinforcing phase agglomeration area is distributed in the substrate as a network. Increasing the laser scanning speed can reduce the cladding layer's friction coefficient and improve the cladding layer's hardness and wear resistance. But too high a laser scanning speed will cause defects such as pores and cracks in the cladding layer and also affect the cladding layer. The bonding performance of the layer and the substrate is optimal in this research at a laser scanning speed of 10 mm/s.
Originality/value
This research has practical value in improving the quality of surface treatment coating in modern aerospace and automotive companies.
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Min Li, Wenyuan Huang, Chunyang Zhang and Zhengxi Yang
The purpose of this paper is to draw on triadic reciprocal determinism and social exchange theory to examine how “induced-type” and “compulsory-type” union participation influence…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to draw on triadic reciprocal determinism and social exchange theory to examine how “induced-type” and “compulsory-type” union participation influence union commitment and job involvement, and how union participation in the west differs from that in China. It also examines whether the role of both organizational justice and employee participation climate (EPC) functions in the Chinese context.
Design/methodology/approach
Cross-sectional data are collected from 694 employees in 46 non-publicly owned enterprises, both Chinese and foreign, in the Pearl River Delta region of China. A multi-level moderated mediation test is used to examine the model of this research.
Findings
Union participation is positively related to organizational justice, union commitment and job involvement. In addition, organizational justice acts as the mediator among union participation, union commitment and job involvement. Specifically, the mediating role of organizational justice between union participation and union commitment, and between union participation and job involvement, is stronger in high-EPC contexts than low-EPC contexts.
Originality/value
Instead of examining the impacts of attitudes on union participation, as per most studies in the western context, this research examines the impacts of union participation in the Chinese context on attitudes, including union commitment and job involvement. It also reveals the role of both organizational justice and EPC in the process through which union participation influences union commitment and job involvement.
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This study aims to examine the relationship between employees' perceived equity and their propensity to unionize in China and the moderating effect of tenure on the relationship.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between employees' perceived equity and their propensity to unionize in China and the moderating effect of tenure on the relationship.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey was administered to 160 employees in a foreign‐invested company in China which had experienced a spontaneous labor strike seven months before the study.
Findings
The results supported the hypothesis regarding the relationship between workers' perceived equity and their unionization propensity in China. In addition, employee tenure was found to moderate this relationship such that the longer the tenure, the weaker the relationship between perceived equity and unionization propensity.
Originality/value
This study provides evidence of the external validity of the relationship between perceived equity and workers' unionization propensity in China. It also demonstrates the different roles employee tenure plays in the relationship. Specifically, senior workers were less likely to join spontaneous unions in China than junior workers when treatment was perceived to be unfair, a noteworthy contrast to existing research findings that senior workers in Western societies are more eager to get involved in union activities than junior workers.
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Pingping Hou, HongYan Huang, Yong Wang, Jun Zhang and Dewen Sun
The purpose of this study is to prepare a robust superhydrophobic coating on concrete substrate with remarkable chemical and mechanical durability through “all-covalent” strategy.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to prepare a robust superhydrophobic coating on concrete substrate with remarkable chemical and mechanical durability through “all-covalent” strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
Amino-modified silica nano/micro-particles were prepared through two synthetic steps. “All-covalent” strategy was introduced to prepare a robust superhydrophobic coating on concrete surface via a “all-in-one” dispersion and a simple spraying method. The successful construction of the products was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, water contact angles (WCA), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The concrete protective properties were verified by solution immersion test, pull-off test and rapid chloride migration coefficient test. The mechanical durability was tested by falling sand impact.
Findings
Hierarchical structures combined with the low-surface-energy segments lead to typically superhydrophobic coating with a WCA of 156° and a sliding angle of 1.3°. The superhydrophobic coating prepared through “all-covalent” strategy not only improves chemical and mechanical durability but also achieves higher corrosion and wear resistance than the comparison sample prepared by physically blending strategy. More importantly, the robust superhydrophobic coating showed excellent adhesion and protective performance of concrete engineerings.
Practical implications
This new “all-covalent” superhydrophobic coating could be applied as a concrete protective layer with properties of self-cleaning, anti-graffiti, etc.
Originality/value
Introduction of both silica nanoparticles and silica microparticles to prepare a robust superhydrophobic coating on concrete surface through “all-covalent” strategy has not been systematically studied previously.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine several institutional and individual factors impacting business dynamics of domestic private companies in China.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine several institutional and individual factors impacting business dynamics of domestic private companies in China.
Design/methodology/approach
Basing the discussion on detailed interviews with business owners, the paper discusses recent and future effects of financial and legal systems, social networks, family support, informal institutions, and business people's educational and work experiences on domestic, private companies.
Findings
The unfolding interplay between formal and informal institutions appears to be crucial for the future of the private sector and the development of free market institutions. Business people, who benefit from the changing orders bring about by economic reform, now want formal institutions to provide stability and security. The Chinese state has played, and will continue to play, a central role in most institutionalization processes. In addition to further shaping and stabilizing their institutional framework, Chinese private companies appear to face the following challenges: acquiring more soft management skills, resolving the potential agency problem of companies with mixed ownership managed by families, and solving the latent succession problem for some family businesses that originate from the “one child policy.”
Originality/value
Although the paper focuses on institutional and individual factors that pertain to the Chinese private business environment and business owners, the findings of this study deepen the understanding of the development of private firms conducting business in transitional economies.
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Wenting Zhan, Wenmei Zhou, Jinchan Liu and Yubo Guo
Previous research has advanced in two-stage construction project productivity (CPP) evaluation by integrating site efficiency (SE) in the delivery and utilisation effectiveness…
Abstract
Purpose
Previous research has advanced in two-stage construction project productivity (CPP) evaluation by integrating site efficiency (SE) in the delivery and utilisation effectiveness (UE) in the post-delivery stages. The literature has separately addressed the factors affecting these three constructs. However, the interrelationships among them are rarely discussed together. This study aims to systematically identify the influencing factors of CPP, SE and UE and disentangle interrelationships among the three constructs.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper first reviews the literature about the two-stage project productivity evaluation framework for government construction projects. Then this paper proposes hypotheses regarding the relationships between the three constructs and identifies influencing factors associated with the constructs. Based on questionnaire survey from over 200 government construction project professionals in China, the structural equation modelling is adopted to validate the hypotheses.
Findings
The paper provides empirical insights that CPP can be directly influenced by UE to a large extent but indirectly impacted by SE through its effects on UE. The findings indicate that CPP is not a simple sum of SE and UE, and consequently reveals the complex, non-linear and indirect relationships between SE and CPP.
Research limitations/implications
Future research should further extend the timeframe boundary to merge the pre-delivery stage (e.g. design and planning), findings of which may propose a more generalised understanding and reduce the bias resulting from pre-delivery activities.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to construction facility management literature by explaining the mediating role of UE on the relationship between SE and CPP. Therefore, this paper offers practitioners an integrated management logic in strategically combining project and facility management into government project management.