Muhammad Aamir Shafique Khan, Du Jianguo, Shuai Jin, Munazza Saeed and Adeel Khalid
Using the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the present study aims to examine the role of participative leadership in frontline service employees (FLEs)’ service recovery…
Abstract
Purpose
Using the conservation of resources (COR) theory, the present study aims to examine the role of participative leadership in frontline service employees (FLEs)’ service recovery performance. The present study also tests FLEs’ role breadth self-efficacy (RBSE) as a theoretically relevant mediator and FLE trait mindfulness as an important moderator.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected using time-lagged (three rounds, two weeks apart) from two sources (193 FLEs and 772 customers, who experienced a service failure). Structural equation modeling (Mplus, 8.6) was employed to analyze the data.
Findings
The results revealed that participative leadership was positively associated with FLEs service recovery performance, both directly and indirectly, via RBSE. The results also showed that FLE trait mindfulness moderated the link of participative leadership with RBSE and the indirect association of participative leadership with service recovery performance, via RBSE.
Practical implications
This study suggests that organizational leaders who exhibit participative leadership behavior are valuable for organizations. By demonstrating such behaviors, they boost FLEs' RBSE, which in turn improves their service recovery performance.
Originality/value
The present work makes important contributions to the literature on service recovery performance by foregrounding two important yet overlooked antecedents (participative leadership and RBSE) of FLE service recovery performance. The present work also contributes to the nascent literature on the antecedents and outcomes of RBSE in service contexts.
Details
Keywords
Shuai Jin and Xiaolu Gong
The weathering of hemp fiber influences their appearance and mechanical properties. The aim of this study is to better understand the mechanism of aging of hemp fiber exposed to…
Abstract
The weathering of hemp fiber influences their appearance and mechanical properties. The aim of this study is to better understand the mechanism of aging of hemp fiber exposed to different conditions (moisture, heat and UV aging). A xenon aging test machine was used to simulate and accelerate the natural ageing. The influence of each aging condition on the mechanical properties of hemp fiber is investigated by micro tensile tests. The microstructures and water absorption of these natural fibers were analyzed by means of SEM and gravimetric methods. Humidity absorption of hemp fibers depends on the relative humidity, not concerning the temperature. Temperature accelerates the saturation of fibers. All aging process reduced the mechanical properties of hemp fibers. After 4 weeks exposure, fibers aged by UV has the worst mechanical properties compared to humidity and temperature aging.
Details
Keywords
Xingzhong Jin, Stuart Alistair Kinner, Robyn Hopkins, Emily Stockings, Ryan James Courtney, Anthony Shakeshaft, Dennis Petrie, Timothy Dobbins, Cheneal Puljevic, Shuai Chang and Kate Dolan
This paper aims to determine whether a single session of a motivational interview (MI) reduces smoking relapse amongst people released from smoke-free prisons.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to determine whether a single session of a motivational interview (MI) reduces smoking relapse amongst people released from smoke-free prisons.
Design/methodology/approach
This study sought to recruit 824 ex-smokers from 2 smoke-free prisons in the Northern Territory, Australia. Participants were randomised to receive either one session (45–60 min) face-to-face MI intervention 4–6 weeks prior to release or usual care (UC) without smoking advice. The primary outcome was continuous smoking abstinence verified by exhaled carbon monoxide test (<5 ppm) at three months post-release. Secondary outcomes included seven-day point-prevalence, time to the first cigarette and the daily number of cigarettes smoked after release.
Findings
From April 2017 to March 2018, a total of 557 participants were randomised to receive the MI (n = 266) or UC (n = 291), with 75% and 77% being followed up, respectively. There was no significant between-group difference in continuous abstinence (MI 8.6% vs UC 7.4%, risk ratio = 1.16, 95%CI 0.67∼2.03). Of all participants, 66.9% relapsed on the day of release and 90.2% relapsed within three months. On average, participants in the MI group smoked one less cigarette daily than those in the UC within the three months after release (p < 0.01).
Research limitations/implications
A single-session of MI is insufficient to reduce relapse after release from a smoke-free prison. However, prison release remains an appealing time window to build on the public health benefit of smoke-free prisons. Further research is needed to develop both pre- and post-release interventions that provide continuity of care for relapse prevention.
Originality/value
This study is the first Australian randomised controlled trial to evaluate a pre-release MI intervention on smoking relapse prevention amongst people released from smoke-free prisons.
Details
Keywords
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the applications of metaverse-related technologies in US urban libraries, explore excellent cases of US urban libraries' practices in using metaverse-related technologies to serve patrons and try to find the factor that may affect the application of metaverse-related technologies in libraries at this stage.
Design/methodology/approach
To gather information about how and whether libraries use metaverse-related technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) technology, radio frequency identification (RFID), virtual reality augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) in their services. Firstly, the authors visit 150 US urban library websites that are members of the Urban Libraries Council. Secondly, the authors calculate the proportion of services provided by urban libraries that use metaverse-related technologies and introduce outstanding cases. Lastly, the authors discuss the factors that influence the application of metaverse-related technologies in urban libraries in the United States based on data published by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Findings
Metaverse-related technologies have been widely used in US urban libraries, but there are differences in the popularity of the applications of different technologies. In all, 84% of libraries use 3D technology, mainly in 3D printing services and 3D model building services; 76% of libraries use virtual and augmented reality technologies in their services, mainly concentrated in head-mounted VR device experiences, AR device experiences, virtual tours and virtual exhibitions; 62% of libraries use Internet of things (IoT) technology, mainly in self-checkout machines and book location services. However, AI technologies are less used in libraries, with 28% of libraries mentioning the applications of AI in their services, mainly focusing on intelligent search, virtual assistants and robot librarians. In addition, this study finds that library operating expenditures and population served do not affect the application of metaverse-related technologies in libraries.
Originality/value
This paper provides updated statistical data on the use of metaverse-related technologies in US urban libraries and aims to help library managers understand the overall applications and best practices. With this as an inspiration, they could formulate corresponding development plans to better serve their communities with metaverse-related technologies.
Details
Keywords
Bojun Hou, Yifan Zhu, Jin Hong, Jingjun Wei and Shuai Wang
Based on the density dependence theory, this paper attempts to explore how two types of interdependence among firms located in the same national high-tech zones (NHTZs) �…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the density dependence theory, this paper attempts to explore how two types of interdependence among firms located in the same national high-tech zones (NHTZs) – mutualism and competition – affect entrepreneurship in the NHTZs. The authors suggest that increasing firm density can help enhance legitimacy and form mutual networks. However, as the competition becomes fierce, the above positive relationship will weaken when the firm density exceeds a certain level. In addition, the authors are interested in whether the age of NHTZs would affect their sensitivity to legitimacy and competition and whether firm density affects entrepreneurship.
Design/methodology/approach
This article formulates two hypotheses from the theoretical deduction. The hypotheses are examined using the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression with a unique, unbalanced panel dataset of Chinese NHTZs spanning from 2014 to 2021. Considering potential endogeneity risk among the variables, the authors attempt to lag variables and ultimately find the results are still robust.
Findings
Drawing upon the density dependence theory, the empirical results show firm density is conducive to promoting entrepreneurship, while the positive relationship between community density and NHTZs' entrepreneurship gradually weakens as the firm density surpasses a certain level. The dynamics between mutualism and competition have different impacts on NHTZs' entrepreneurship. In addition, the results demonstrate that the linkage between firm interdependence and entrepreneurship is stronger for younger NHTZs. Firm density has an impact on entrepreneurship through legitimacy and excessive competition effects.
Research limitations/implications
On the one hand, the research period of this paper is 2014–2021, as the China Torch Statistical Yearbook only started to publish operating revenues in 2014, so the data period of this paper is relatively short. More research can be done in the future when more data is disclosed. On the other hand, the qualitative analysis cannot be conducted because of the limited data and materials. In future research, the qualitative analysis of entrepreneurial activities in NHTZs, such as questionnaires or case studies, needs to be supplemented, which will be an interesting direction.
Practical implications
Most existing research has not distinguished the differences between NHTZs (Wang et al., 2019), especially the differences in legitimacy and access to resources caused by the age of NHTZs. This article considers the heterogeneity between NHTZs, which helps to provide theoretical and practical evidence for a transition economy like China to make trade-off decisions on balancing absorbing new entrants with promoting the efficient allocation of resources based on the density and age of NHTZs.
Social implications
Drawing upon density dependency theory, this paper enriches the literature on agglomeration and entrepreneurship with a new perspective and extends the study to NHTZs.
Originality/value
First, this paper provides new evidence on how agglomeration affects entrepreneurship from an ecological perspective with the help of mutualism and competition interdependence. Most studies have explored the role of agglomeration in entrepreneurship, focussing on social networks, knowledge spillovers or resource endowments (Acs et al., 2013; Capozza et al., 2018; Yu, 2020). Drawing upon density dependency theory, this paper enriches the literature on agglomeration and entrepreneurship with a new perspective and extends the study to NHTZs. Second, the emphasis of science parks has been primarily on qualitative or case studies (Salvador et al., 2013; Guo and Verdini, 2015; Xie et al., 2018). We have diversified the quantitative research between agglomeration and entrepreneurship by using panel data from Chinese NHTZs from 2014 to 2021. Third, most existing research has not distinguished the differences between NHTZs (Wang et al., 2019), especially the differences in legitimacy and access to resources caused by the age of NHTZs. This article considers the heterogeneity between NHTZs, which helps to provide theoretical and practical evidence for a transition economy like China to make trade-off decisions on balancing absorbing new entrants with promoting the efficient allocation of resources based on the density and age of NHTZs. Finally, this paper meticulously investigates the profound influence and underlying mechanisms of firm density within NHTZs on entrepreneurship. It discerns two distinct mechanisms at play: the legitimacy effect and the impact of excessive competition resulting from firm density. This comprehensive analysis significantly contributes to our comprehension of the intricate interplay between firm density and entrepreneurship, shedding light on the dynamics of competition and mutual benefits.
Details
Keywords
Zheng Jin, Xiaomin Ren, Chuanli Qin, Bohong Li, Shuai Quan and Xuduo Bai
The purpose of this paper is to develop feasible composite electrodes with a long cycle life and large specific capacitance and to investigate optimal ratio between aniline and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop feasible composite electrodes with a long cycle life and large specific capacitance and to investigate optimal ratio between aniline and activated carbon materials.
Design/methodology/approach
PANI/AC composite electrode materials were synthesised by in situ polymerisation of aniline on activated carbon with ammonium persulphate as oxidant. Hybrid supercapacitors are assembled by putting Ni‐MH battery separator between positive and negative electrodes. The electrochemical performances of PANI/AC composite electrode materials and supercapacitors are studied.
Findings
The results show that the optimal ratio between aniline and activated carbon is 1:1.08. The specific capacitance of polyaniline electrode materials is 956 F g−1. The specific capacitance of supercapacitors is 159.37 F g−1. This result could be attributed to the pseudocapacitive effect of Ni(OH)2. What's more, the activated carbon addition reduced the resistance of polymer electrode materials thus improving the cyclic life.
Research limitations/implications
The supercapacitors can be used in the field of automobiles and can solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollutions.
Originality/value
A hybrid supercapacitor, which was immersed in alkaline solution, was assembled by putting Ni‐MH battery separator between two electrodes Ni(OH)2 as positive electrode and polyaniline composites as negative electrode. In the case of alkaline solution, the capacitive performance of hybrid supercapacitor was improved and excellent.
Details
Keywords
Mingming Hu, Lijing Lin, Minkun Liu and Shuai Ma
This study aims to explore image-based visual price determinants (image features and visual aesthetic perception) and how image features affect Airbnb listing price on a sharing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore image-based visual price determinants (image features and visual aesthetic perception) and how image features affect Airbnb listing price on a sharing accommodation platform.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses an SOR model and a hedonic price model to examine the connections between the characteristics of image features, visual aesthetic perception and Airbnb listing prices. The model is then examined by an econometric model using data from Insideairbnb.com.
Findings
Empirical results revealed that image features have a significant positive effect on visual aesthetic perception, visual aesthetic perception has a significant positive effect on Airbnb listing price and visual aesthetic perception has a significant mediating effect between image features and Airbnb listing price.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the relationship and effect mechanism among image features, visual aesthetic perception and Airbnb listing price and has some implications for both property operators and the sharing accommodation platform.
目的
本研究探讨了基于图像的视觉价格决定因素(图像特征和视觉美学感知)以及图像特征如何影响共享住宿平台Airbnb价格。
设计/方法/途径
本研究采用SOR模型和hedonic价格模型来检验图像特征特征、视觉美感与Airbnb房源价格之间的关系。然后使用Insideairbnb.com上的数据, 通过计量经济学模型对该模型进行检验。
研究结果
实证结果显示:1)图像特征对视觉美学感知有显著的正向影响; 2)视觉美学感知对Airbnb价格有显著的正向影响; 3)视觉美学感知在图像特征和Airbnb价格之间有显著的中介效应。
独创性/价值
本研究有助于探讨图像特征、视觉美学感知和Airbnb价格之间的关系和影响机制, 对房源经营者和共享住宿平台都有一定的借鉴意义。
Objetivo
Este estudio explora los determinantes visuales del precio basados en las imágenes (características de las imágenes y percepción estética visual) y cómo afectan las características de las imágenes al precio de los anuncios de Airbnb en una plataforma de alojamiento compartido.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
El estudio emplea un modelo SOR y un modelo de precios hedónicos para examinar las conexiones entre las características de los rasgos de la imagen, la percepción estética visual y los precios de Airbnb. A continuación, se examina el modelo mediante un modelo econométrico utilizando datos de Insideairbnb.com.
Resultados
Los resultados empíricos revelan que 1) las características de la imagen tienen un efecto positivo significativo sobre la percepción estética visual, 2) la percepción estética visual tiene un efecto positivo significativo sobre el precio de los anuncios de Airbnb, y 3) la percepción estética visual tiene un efecto mediador significativo entre las características de la imagen y el precio de los anuncios de Airbnb.
Originalidad/valor
Este estudio contribuye al mecanismo de relación y efecto entre las características de la imagen, la percepción estética visual y el precio del anuncio de Airbnb, y tiene algunas implicaciones tanto para los operadores inmobiliarios como para la plataforma de alojamiento compartido.
Details
Keywords
Li He, Shuai Zhang, Heng Zhang and Liang Yuan
The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem that mobile robots are still based on reactive collision avoidance in unknown dynamic environments leading to a lack of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to solve the problem that mobile robots are still based on reactive collision avoidance in unknown dynamic environments leading to a lack of interaction with obstacles and limiting the comprehensive performance of mobile robots. A dynamic window approach with multiple interaction strategies (DWA-MIS) is proposed to solve this problem.
Design/methodology/approach
The algorithm firstly classifies the moving obstacle movement intention, based on which a rule function is designed to incorporate positive incentives to motivate the robot to make correct avoidance actions. Then, the evaluation mechanism is improved by considering the time cost and future information of the environment to increase the motion states. Finally, the optimal objective function is designed based on genetic algorithm to adapt to different environments with time-varying multiparameter optimization.
Findings
Faced with obstacles in different states, the mobile robot can choose a suitable interaction strategy, which solves the limitations of the original DWA evaluation function and avoids the defects of reactive collision avoidance. Simulation results show that the algorithm can efficiently adapt to unknown dynamic environments, has less path length and iterations and has a high comprehensive performance.
Originality/value
A DWA-MIS is proposed, which increases the interaction capability between mobile robots and obstacles by improving the evaluation function mechanism and broadens the navigation strategy of DWA at a lower computational cost. After real machine verification, the algorithm has a high comprehensive performance based on real environment and provides a new idea for local path planning methods.
Details
Keywords
Shuai Deng, Xin Cheng, Huachun Wu and Yefa Hu
The multi-objective optimization configuration strategy is proposed due to the configuration of EMAs in fault-tolerant control of active magnetic bearing with redundant…
Abstract
Purpose
The multi-objective optimization configuration strategy is proposed due to the configuration of EMAs in fault-tolerant control of active magnetic bearing with redundant electromagnetic actuators involving high-dimensional, nonlinear, conflicting goals.
Design/methodology/approach
A multi-objective optimization model for bias current coefficients is established based on the nonlinear model of active magnetic bearings with redundant electromagnetic actuators. Based on the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm III, a numerical method is used to obtain feasible and non-inferior sets for the bias current coefficient.
Findings
(1) The conflicting relationship among the three optimization objectives was analyzed for various failure modes of EAMs. (2) For different EMAs' failure modes, the multi-objective optimization configuration strategy can simultaneously achieve the optimal or sub-optimal effective EMF, flux margins, and stability of EMF. Moreover, the characteristics of the optimal Pareto front are consistent with the physical properties of the AMB. (3) Compared with the feasible configuration of C0, the non-inferior configurations can significantly improve the performance of AMB, and the advantages of the multi-objective optimization configuration strategy become more prominent as the asymmetry of the residual supporting structure intensifies.
Originality/value
i) Considering the variation of the rotor displacement during the support reconstruction, a decision-making model that can accurately characterize the dynamic performance of AMB is presented. (ii) The interaction law between AMB and rotor under different failure modes of EMAs is analyzed, and the configuration principles for redundant EMAs are proposed. (iii) Based on the dynamic characteristics of AMB during the support reconstruction, effective EMF, energy consumption, and the Pearson correlation coefficient between the desired EMFs and the decoupled control currents are used as objective functions. iv. The NSGA-III is combined with the decision-making model to address the multi-objective optimization configuration problem of C0.
Details
Keywords
Dong Huan Shen, Shuai Guo, Hao Duan, Kehao Ji and Haili Jiang
The paper focuses on the issue of manual rebar-binding tasks in the construction industry, which are marked by high labor intensity, high costs and inefficient operations. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper focuses on the issue of manual rebar-binding tasks in the construction industry, which are marked by high labor intensity, high costs and inefficient operations. The rebar-binding robots that are currently available are not fully mature. Most of them can only bind one or two nodes in one position, which leads to significant time wastage in movement. Based on a new type of rebar-binding robot, this paper aims to propose a new movement and binding control that reduces manpower and enhances efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
The robot is combined with photoelectric sensors, travel switches and other sensors. It is supposed to move accurately and run in a limited area on the rebar mesh through logical judgment, speed control and position control. Machine vision is used by the robot to locate the rebar nodes and then adjusts the binding-gun position to ensure that multiple rebar nodes are bound sequentially.
Findings
By moving on the rebar mesh with accuracy, the robot meets the positioning accuracy requirements of the binding module, with experimental testing accuracy within 5 mm. Furthermore, its ability to bind four rebar nodes in one place results in a high efficiency and a binding effect that meets building standards.
Originality/value
The innovative design of the robot can adapt itself to the rebar mesh, move accurately to the target position and bind four nodes at that position, which reduces the number of movements on the mesh. Repetitive and heavy rebar-binding tasks can be efficiently completed by the robot, which saves human resources, reduces worker labor intensity and reduces construction overhead. It provides a more feasible and practical solution for using robots to bind rebar nodes.