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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 March 2024

Tao Wang, Shaoliang Wu, Hengqiong Jia, Shanqing Peng, Haiyan Li, Piyan Shao, Zhao Wei and Yi Shi

During the construction process of the China Railway Track System (CRTS) I type filling layer, the nonwoven fabric bags have been used as grouting templates for cement asphalt…

Abstract

Purpose

During the construction process of the China Railway Track System (CRTS) I type filling layer, the nonwoven fabric bags have been used as grouting templates for cement asphalt (CA) emulsified mortar. The porous structure of nonwoven fabrics endowed the templates with breathability and water permeability. The standard requires that the volume expansion rate of CA mortar must be controlled within 1%–3%, which can generate expansion pressure to ensure that the cavities under track slabs are filled fully. However, the expansion pressure caused some of the water to seep out from the periphery of the filling bag, and it would affect the actual mix proportion of CA mortar. The differences in physical and mechanical properties between the CA mortar under track slabs and the CA mortar formed in the laboratory were studied in this paper. The relevant results could provide important methods for the research of filling layer materials for CRTS I type and other types of ballastless tracks in China.

Design/methodology/approach

During the inspection of filling layer, the samples of CA mortar from different working conditions and raw materials were taken by uncovering the track slabs and drilling cores. The physical and mechanical properties of CA mortar under the filling layer of the slab were systematically analyzed by testing the electrical flux, compressive strength and density of mortar in different parts of the filling layer.

Findings

In this paper, the electric flux, the physical properties and mechanical properties of different parts of CA mortar under the track slab were investigated. The results showed that the density, electric flux and compressive strength of CA mortar were affected by the composition of raw materials for dry powders and different parts of the filling layer. In addition, the electrical flux of CA mortar gradually decreased within 90 days’ age. The electrical flux of samples with the thickness of 54 mm was lower than 500 C. Therefore, the impermeability and durability of CA mortar could be improved by increasing the thickness of filling layer. Besides, the results showed that the compressive strength of CA mortar increased, while the density and electric flux decreased gradually, with the prolongation of hardening time.

Originality/value

During 90 days' age, the electrical flux of the CA mortar gradually decreased with the increase of specimen thickness and the electrical flux of the specimens with the thickness of 54 mm was lower than 500 C. The impermeability and durability of the CA mortar could be improved by increasing the thickness of filling layer. The proposed method can provide reference for the further development and improvement of CRTS I and CRTS II type ballastless track in China.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 September 2023

Jia Li, Shengkang Ma, David C. Yen and Ling Ma

In the digital age, the spread of online behavior and real-world information leads to social contagion. This study aims to investigate the contagion phenomenon of online physician…

Abstract

Purpose

In the digital age, the spread of online behavior and real-world information leads to social contagion. This study aims to investigate the contagion phenomenon of online physician choice and then discuss its potential influence on the sub-specialization process in the healthcare service industry. In specific, this study aims to propose the basic mechanism of infection and immunity as follows – exposure to antigen may lead to an immune response, and the success of the immune response may depend on the provision of appropriate immune signaling.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from haodf.com including 4 disease types and 247 physicians from 2008 to 2015 were used to test the proposed hypotheses. Panel vector autoregression method was utilized to analyze the panel data.

Findings

The obtained result shows that social contagion of physician choice over disease type is salient on e-consultation platforms, indicating that physicians associated with/on haodf.com are concentrating on an even narrower type of disease. Disclosing more simple signals (physician history orders) results in more disease concentration for that physician in the future. In contrast, disclosing more detailed signals (physician-contributed knowledge or physician reviews) leads to less disease concentration.

Originality/value

This finding implies that physician-contributed knowledge and physician reviews may act as immune signal which will tend to trigger a success immune response. This study not only suggests managers should be careful about the double-edged sword effect of online physician choice contagion but also provides the useful approaches to promote or restrain such a contagion in a flexible way.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2023

Lujie Chen, Mengqi Jiang, Taiyu Li, Fu Jia and Ming K. Lim

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain learning (SCL)–performance relationship based on the existing empirical evidence.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain learning (SCL)–performance relationship based on the existing empirical evidence.

Design/methodology/approach

We sampled 54 empirical studies on the SCL–performance relationship. We proposed a conceptual research framework and adopted a meta-analytical approach to analyse the SCL–performance relationship.

Findings

The results of the meta-analysis confirm the positive effects of SCL on the performance of both firms and supply chains. In addition, building on the knowledge-based view, we found that learning from customers has a stronger positive effect on performance than does learning from suppliers, while joint learning has a stronger positive effect on performance than does absorptive learning. Business knowledge had a greater effect on performance than did general knowledge, process knowledge or technical knowledge, while explicit knowledge had a stronger effect than tacit knowledge. Moreover, the SCL–performance relationship is moderated by performance measure and industry type but not by regional economic development, highlighting the broad applicability of SCL.

Originality/value

This study is the first meta-analysis on the SCL–performance relationship. It differentiates between learning from customers and learning from suppliers, examines a more comprehensive list of performance measures and tests five moderators to the main effect, significantly contributing to the SCL literature.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 43 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 October 2023

Geraint Harvey, Jia Li and Daniel Wintersberger

The article explores the potential for self-employed personal trainers (SEPTs) to resist exploitation by gyms, with a focus on the attitudes of SEPTs towards trade unions and…

Abstract

Purpose

The article explores the potential for self-employed personal trainers (SEPTs) to resist exploitation by gyms, with a focus on the attitudes of SEPTs towards trade unions and collective action.

Design/methodology/approach

This article is based on a multiple-method study with qualitative data drawn from participant observation and interviews and quantitative data from a questionnaire survey. The data were collected in 2018.

Findings

The potential for individual resistance to exploitation among SEPTs is limited. However, attitudes towards a collective response were largely positive, albeit there is certainly no consensus agreement on the value of trade unions. The logic of coopetition is applied to explain the issues on which trade unions might organize SEPTs.

Research limitations/implications

The study suggests coopetition as an organizing logic for highly individualized self-employed workers in intense proximal competition with one another. However, the research presented in this article was undertaken with a unique group of solo self-employed workers. Further study is required to demonstrate the applicability of these findings.

Practical implications

The commercialization of work poses a threat to traditional employment and trade unions. It is crucial that trade unions represent the interests of all workers by focusing on workers who do not traditionally form the vanguard of its membership (e.g. dependent workers and the falsely self-employed). The study illustrates the way in which trade unions can organize micro-entrepreneurs.

Social implications

Coopetitive representation whereby micro-entrepreneurs collaborate to resist exploitation while remaining independent has the potential to change the perspectives and values of entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

The article assesses the potential of organizing a highly individualized and competitive self-employed worker. Coopetitive representation is presented as distinct from other approaches to representation and as a means of trade union revitalization.

Details

Employee Relations: The International Journal, vol. 45 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0142-5455

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 May 2024

Fang Sun, Jia Li and Fu-ping Bai

By exploring the microimplementation mechanism of common prosperity, this paper aims to offer a strategic direction for Chinese enterprises to achieve sustainable development. It…

Abstract

Purpose

By exploring the microimplementation mechanism of common prosperity, this paper aims to offer a strategic direction for Chinese enterprises to achieve sustainable development. It also provides theoretical support and practical guidance for the Chinese Government in exploring feasible paths to common prosperity, starting from the enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper takes the digital business model innovation of Rainbow Planet as a case study, systematically explicating the mechanism through which digital business model innovation fosters common prosperity by constructing a research framework of “digital business model innovation-resource orchestration-common prosperity.”

Findings

First, from a microperspective, the role of enterprises in promoting common prosperity in China is confirmed. Second, based on the theory of resource orchestration, it is concluded that digital resources can generate three types of digital effects, such as association, interaction and feedback, through effective resource orchestration under the support of the value elements of the business model. Finally, this paper emphasizes that enterprises should take actions such as demand aggregation, trust building and relationship reshaping to connect with relevant stakeholders, so as to achieve the win-win purpose of improving enterprise competitiveness and deepening common prosperity.

Originality/value

For Chinese enterprises, linking their development with the overall welfare of society is an essential path to sustainable development. Enterprises can promote the integration of their development with social welfare in three aspects: enhancing the efficiency and innovation capability of digital operations, strengthening cooperation with stakeholders and advancing sustainable business models. For the Chinese Government, it is important to encourage enterprises to play a positive role in the fields of economy, environment and society. The government can promote excellent practices in digital innovation, social responsibility and environmental protection among enterprises by publicizing successful cases, inspiring more enterprises to follow suit.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 31 March 2023

Chia-Ling Chang, Yen-Liang Chen and Jia-Shin Li

The purpose of this paper is to provide a cross-platform recommendation system that recommends the most suitable public Instagram accounts to Facebook users.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a cross-platform recommendation system that recommends the most suitable public Instagram accounts to Facebook users.

Design/methodology/approach

We collect data from both Facebook and Instagram and then propose a similarity matching mechanism for recommending the most appropriate Instagram accounts to Facebook users. By removing the data disparity between the two heterogeneous platforms and integrating them, the system is able to make more accurate recommendations.

Findings

The results show that the method proposed in this paper can recommend suitable public Instagram accounts to Facebook users with very high accuracy.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to propose a recommender system to recommend Instagram public accounts to Facebook users. Second, our proposed method can integrate heterogeneous data from two different platforms to generate collaborative recommendations. Furthermore, our cross-platform system reveals an innovative concept of how multiple platforms can promote their respective platforms in a unified, cooperative and collaborative manner.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 41 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 August 2022

Chyi Jaw, Kuei-Ju Chi and Guan-Jia Li

In the modern increasingly competitive milieu of cause marketing activities, both profit and nonprofit organizations expect their advocation of prosocial programs to gain the…

Abstract

Purpose

In the modern increasingly competitive milieu of cause marketing activities, both profit and nonprofit organizations expect their advocation of prosocial programs to gain the support of target customers. Previous research shows the effect from adding participant's personal attributes or social influence factors. This study considers the effects of benefit incentives and cost/reward influences to enhance prosocial behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

Three between-subject experiments were conducted and SPSS Statistics ANOVA was employed to analyze the experimental results.

Findings

Rewarding time delays and prosocial efforts have no significant impact on the relationship between other-benefit incentives and willingness to engage in prosocial behaviors, but do significantly impact the self-benefit incentives condition. However, the negative effect of self-benefit condition can be mitigated by high rewards.

Research limitations/implications

Since prosocial campaigns proposed by organizations in this study include both profit and nonprofit organizations, perhaps two category organization types should be attentively classified to evaluate the effects.

Practical implications

Under social marketing campaigns with self-benefit incentives conditions, the empirical findings of this study show that profit and nonprofit organizations can provide higher reward values to mitigate the adverse effects of high participating costs.

Social implications

Social marketing campaigns with other-benefit incentives are less affected by high participating costs and highlight the value of altruism.

Originality/value

This study provides valuable suggestions for both profit and nonprofit organizations to use self-benefit/other-benefit incentives under cost related factors influence to encourage customers' prosocial behaviors.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 35 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 June 2022

Xuan Liu, Shan Lin, Shan Jiang, Ming Chen and Jia Li

The authors empirically examined social capital factors affecting patients' social support acquisition with the aim of providing guidance to patients seeking social support online.

Abstract

Purpose

The authors empirically examined social capital factors affecting patients' social support acquisition with the aim of providing guidance to patients seeking social support online.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used social network analysis to extract data about social capital factors from online health communities and text mining to identify forms of informational support and emotional support grounded in online, text-based communication. Moreover, the authors employed a random coefficient model to understand the dynamic influence of social capital factors on both informational and emotional support.

Findings

The results from the empirical analyses show that structural connections have a lasting impact on the acquisition of both types of support; that is, social connections developed in the past will have an effect on the future. For relational capital, strong ties were less important; the quantity of connections mattered more than the quality when acquiring informational support. The use of health-related language increased the amount of informational support acquired. Over time, patients gained increasing social support, which primarily came from the patients' historical threads, likely via searches from peers facilitated by accumulated social capital.

Originality/value

The authors' research adds to the literature on social capital and social support in online health communities by exploring how the three dimensions of social capital affect social support acquisition. The authors' research also contributes to the online health care literature by examining social support from a dynamic perspective. Practically, the authors' findings provide guidance for patients on what decisions to make to acquire more social support.

Details

Internet Research, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 November 2023

Tao Wang, Shaoliang Wu, Hengqiong Jia, Zhao Wei, Haiyan Li, Piyan Shao, Shanqing Peng and Yi Shi

The construction of cement asphalt (CA) emulsified mortar can obviously disturb the slab status after the fine adjustment. To decrease or eliminate the influence of CA mortar…

155

Abstract

Purpose

The construction of cement asphalt (CA) emulsified mortar can obviously disturb the slab status after the fine adjustment. To decrease or eliminate the influence of CA mortar grouting on track slab geometry status, the effects of grouting funnel, slab pressing method, mortar expansion ratio, seepage ratio and grouting area on China Railway Track System Type (CRTS I) track slab geometry status were discussed in this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

Combined with engineering practice, this paper studied the expansion law of filling layer mortar, the liquid level height of the filling funnel, the pressure plate device and the amount of exudation water and systematically analyzed the influence of filling layer mortar construction on the state of track slab. Relevant precautions and countermeasures were put forward.

Findings

The results showed that the track slab floating values of four corners were different with the CA mortar grouting and the track slab corner near CA mortar grouting hole had the maximum floating values. The anti-floating effect of “7” shaped slab pressing device was more efficient than fixed-joint angle iron, and the slab floating value could be further decreased by increasing the amount of “7” shaped slab pressing devices. After CA mortar grouting, the track slab floating pattern had a close correlation with the expansion rate and water seepage rate of CA mortar over time and the expansion and water seepage rate of the mortar were faster when the temperature was high. Furthermore, the use of strip CA mortar filling under the rail bearing platform on both sides could effectively reduce the float under the track slab, and it could also save mortar consumption and reduce costs.

Originality/value

This study plays an important role in controlling the floating values, CA mortar dosage and the building cost of projects by grouting CA mortar at two flanks of filling space. The research results have guiding significance for the design and construction of China's CRTS I, CRTS II and CRTS III track slab.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 March 2021

Dongmin Li, Guofang Ma and Jia Li

It is essential to level the drilling platform across which a drilling robot travels in a slant underground coal mine tunnel to ensure smooth operation of the drill rod. However…

Abstract

Purpose

It is essential to level the drilling platform across which a drilling robot travels in a slant underground coal mine tunnel to ensure smooth operation of the drill rod. However, existing leveling methods do not provide dynamic performance under the drilling conditions of the underground coal mine. A four-point dynamic leveling algorithm is presented in this paper based on the platform attitude and support rod displacement (DLAAD). An experimental drilling robot demonstrates its dynamic leveling capability and ability to ensure smooth drill rod operations.

Design/methodology/approach

The attitude coordinate of the drilling robot is established according to its structure. A six-axis combined sensor is adopted to detect the platform attitude, thus revealing the three-axis Euler angles. The support rod displacement values are continuously detected by laser displacement sensors to obtain the displacement increment of each support rod as needed. The drilling robot is leveled according to the current support rod displacement and three-dimensional (3 D) attitude detected by the six-axis combined sensor dynamically.

Findings

Experimental results indicate that the DLAAD algorithm is correct and effectively levels the drilling platform dynamically. It can thus provide essential support in resolving drill rod sticking problems during actual underground coal mine drilling operations.

Practical implications

The DLAAD algorithm supports smooth drill rod operations in underground coal mines, which greatly enhances safety, reduces power consumption, and minimizes cost. The approach proposed here thus represents considerable benefits in terms of coal mine production and shows notable potential for application in similar fields.

Originality/value

The novel DLAAD algorithm and leveling control method are the key contributions of this work, they provide dynamical 3 D leveling and help to resolve drill rod sticking problems.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 41 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

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