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Article
Publication date: 16 January 2024

Yuan Liang, Tung-Ju Wu and Yushu Wang

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated teleworking, which inadvertently led to an impaired communication between supervisors and employees, resulting in abusive supervision. Drawing…

Abstract

Purpose

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated teleworking, which inadvertently led to an impaired communication between supervisors and employees, resulting in abusive supervision. Drawing on the conservation of resources (COR) theory and the social identity theory, this study aims to address this negative association by examining the mediating role of state mindfulness and the moderating role of COVID-19 corporate social responsibility (CSR) in the relationship between abusive supervision and counterproductive work behaviors.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employs both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Data collection involved an experimental design with 117 participants (Study 1), a cross-sectional survey with 243 participants (Study 2) and semi-structured interviews with 24 full-time employees (Study 3).

Findings

The results reveal that state mindfulness acts as a mediator in the positive relationship between abusive supervision and counterproductive work behaviors (CWB). Furthermore, COVID-19 CSR mitigates the relationship between abusive supervision and CWB within the organization, but not with the supervisor. Additionally, COVID-19 CSR moderates the impact of abusive supervision on state mindfulness.

Practical implications

The results emphasize the crucial role of CSR when employees encounter abusive supervision during the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizations and managers should adopt appropriate strategies to enhance employees' perception of CSR. Prioritizing the cultivation of state mindfulness is also recommended, and organizations can provide short-term mindfulness training to improve employees' state mindfulness.

Originality/value

This research contributes to the understanding of abusive supervision and CWB in the context of forced teleworking.

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 January 2024

Qing Jiang, Yuhang Wan, Xiaoqian Li, Xueru Qu, Shengnan Ouyang, Yi Qin, Zhenyu Zhu, Yushu Wang, Hualing He and Zhicai Yu

This study aims to evaluate the thermal performance of sodium alginate (SA) aerogel attached to nano SiO2 and its radiative cooling effect on firefighting clothing without…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the thermal performance of sodium alginate (SA) aerogel attached to nano SiO2 and its radiative cooling effect on firefighting clothing without environmental pollution.

Design/methodology/approach

SA/SiO2 aerogel with refractory heat insulation and enhanced radiative cooling performance was fabricated by freeze-drying method, which can be used in firefighting clothing. The microstructure, chemical composition, thermal stability, and thermal emissivity were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analyzer and infrared emissivity measurement instrument. The radiative cooling effect of aerogel was studied using thermal infrared imager and thermocouple.

Findings

When the addition of SiO2 is 25% of SA, the prepared aerogel has excellent heat insulation and a high radiative cooling effect. Under a clear sky, the temperature of SA/SiO2 aerogel is 9.4°C lower than that of pure SA aerogel and 22.1°C lower than that of the simulated environment. In addition, aerogel has more exceptional heat insulation effect than other common fabrics in the heat insulation performance test.

Research limitations/implications

SA/SiO2 aerogel has passive radiative cooling function, which can efficaciously economize global energy, and it is paramount to environment-friendly cooling.

Practical implications

This method could pave the way for high-performance cooling materials designed for firefighting clothing to keep maintain the wearing comfort of firefighters.

Originality/value

SA/SiO2 aerogel used in firefighting clothing can release heat to the low-temperature outer space in the form of thermal radiation to achieve its own cooling purpose, without additional energy supply.

Graphical abstract

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2021

Hualing He, Yushu Wang, Jinru Liu, Ning Zhou, Yuhang Zhao and Zhicai Yu

This paper aims to investigate the dyeability of tussah silk fabric with lotus seedpod extract as the source of nontoxic and eco-friendly dyestuffs and functional agent.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the dyeability of tussah silk fabric with lotus seedpod extract as the source of nontoxic and eco-friendly dyestuffs and functional agent.

Design/methodology/approach

Mordant free dyeing method was carried out using citric acid (CA) as the cross-linking agent to link the fibre and dye molecules. First, the natural pigment of oligomeric procyanidins was extracted from the lotus seedpod and then used to dye the tussah silk fabric. After the dyeing process, the dyed samples were treated with CA solution under different concentrations to improve the colour fastness.

Findings

The tussah silk fabric was successfully coloured in reddish brown through the dyeing process and charactered by using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy spectrometer. Moreover, lotus seedpod extract could impart excellent UV protection ability to the dyed samples, and UPF values reached up to 2000. CA dosage influenced the colour characteristics, UV protection and anti-wrinkling performance. The optimum dosage of CA was 7% (Wt.%). In addition, dyed silk fabric showed good antibacterial activity and the calculated bacteriostatic rate against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus were 83.27 and 60.2%, respectively.

Practical implications

This bio-dyeing strategy provided a simple and effective method for sustainable tussah silk fabric dyeing process.

Originality/value

This paper provides a novel dyeing strategy for mordant free dyeing and functionalization of tussah silk fabric, with lotus seedpod extract as natural pigment and CA as cross-linking agent to link the fibre and dye molecules.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 50 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Zhe Ouyang, Jiuchang Wei, Yu Xiao and Fei Wang

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of media attention on corporate disaster relief.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of media attention on corporate disaster relief.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used a matched sample research design, which is considered more appropriate than a random sample design for studying events that have low-occurrence rates in general. For each donor firm in the Yushu earthquake, the authors matched the firm with a non-donor firm in the same industry and with a firm size of within ±30 percent of the total assets in the year prior to the year of the occurrence of the Yushu earthquake. Then, using the Baidu engine, which is the most popular Chinese search engine, the authors captured the online media attention to the donor firms and their disaster relief.

Findings

The authors found that media attention drove corporate disaster relief.

Research limitations/implications

Although the authors highlighted the role of the media as an important stakeholder in influencing corporate disaster relief, the authors did not fully explore the media’s influence. Future research should delve more deeply into the impact of the tenor of media coverage on corporate disaster relief.

Originality/value

This study reveals that the media, a particularly powerful stakeholder, can be a corporate disaster relief driver in China.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2023

Qi Kang, Carlos E. Carpio, Chenggang Wang and Zeng Tang

This research examined the impacts of diversified income from trading caterpillar fungus on pastoral households' livestock production and income. The specific objectives were to…

Abstract

Purpose

This research examined the impacts of diversified income from trading caterpillar fungus on pastoral households' livestock production and income. The specific objectives were to identify the main factors underlying participation in caterpillar fungus trade and to explore the impacts of a diversified income from trading fungus on livestock production activities and income.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a pastoral household survey (n = 503) in five Tibetan Autonomous Prefectures. The authors employed propensity score matching (PSM) procedures to estimate the effects of participation in trading caterpillar fungus.

Findings

Pastoral households participating in caterpillar fungus activities maintain smaller herds, sell fewer animals for profit, slaughter more livestock for family consumption and experience fewer livestock deaths compared to nonparticipants. There is also some evidence that pastoral households participating in caterpillar fungus activities have a higher annual income compared to nonparticipants.

Research limitations/implications

A direct measure of grassland degradation was not included due to the data limitation. The estimated average treatment effects could differ under different observed households' characteristics.

Originality/value

This study fills a gap in the literature on the impacts of diversified income on livestock production activities. The authors provide a new perspective on the controversy over the extraction of caterpillar fungus. This study contributes to exploring the dual role of income diversification in addressing poverty and grassland resource degradation for Tibetan pastoral communities.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 16 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 April 2022

Liwei Ju, Zhe Yin, Qingqing Zhou, Li Liu, Yushu Pan and Zhongfu Tan

This study aims to form a new concept of power-to-gas-based virtual power plant (GVPP) and propose a low-carbon economic scheduling optimization model for GVPP considering carbon…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to form a new concept of power-to-gas-based virtual power plant (GVPP) and propose a low-carbon economic scheduling optimization model for GVPP considering carbon emission trading.

Design/methodology/approach

In view of the strong uncertainty of wind power and photovoltaic power generation in GVPP, the information gap decision theory (IGDT) is used to measure the uncertainty tolerance threshold under different expected target deviations of the decision-makers. To verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model, nine-node energy hub was selected as the simulation system.

Findings

GVPP can coordinate and optimize the output of electricity-to-gas and gas turbines according to the difference in gas and electricity prices in the electricity market and the natural gas market at different times. The IGDT method can be used to describe the impact of wind and solar uncertainty in GVPP. Carbon emission rights trading can increase the operating space of power to gas (P2G) and reduce the operating cost of GVPP.

Research limitations/implications

This study considers the electrical conversion and spatio-temporal calming characteristics of P2G, integrates it with VPP into GVPP and uses the IGDT method to describe the impact of wind and solar uncertainty and then proposes a GVPP near-zero carbon random scheduling optimization model based on IGDT.

Originality/value

This study designed a novel structure of the GVPP integrating P2G, gas storage device into the VPP and proposed a basic near-zero carbon scheduling optimization model for GVPP under the optimization goal of minimizing operating costs. At last, this study constructed a stochastic scheduling optimization model for GVPP.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 July 1999

Hiroshi Ishida

What were the spinning industries like in the initial stage in Japan? From which class did the founders of these industries come, ex‐warrior or commoners (merchants or farmers)…

Abstract

What were the spinning industries like in the initial stage in Japan? From which class did the founders of these industries come, ex‐warrior or commoners (merchants or farmers)? This will interest readers. Viewed from a capital investment, it was most significant in Japan whether the government financed an industry or not. This article deals with Tanigawa Tatsumi, the founder president (presidency 1885‐1911) of Okayama Cotton Spinning Company (an enterprise for employing ex‐warriors). Whereas cotton spinning companies for employing ex‐warriors played an important role in the initial stages of the development of the cotton spinning industry, these became bankrupt before long. Under such circumstances, Tanigawa’s Spinning Company weathered many years. An examination of a brief history of Okayama Spinning Company with special reference to Tanigawa’s life history will reveal the significance of the entrepreneur’s learning and virtue, organizing ability, and leadership. Furthermore, it will make clear what otherwise might have been overlooked about the initial nature of industrialization in Japan.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 26 no. 7/8/9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Roman G. Bayer

Altitude illness can be a severe to even life-threatening condition for individuals ascending to altitudes higher than 2,500 m without proper acclimatization, a process that…

Abstract

Purpose

Altitude illness can be a severe to even life-threatening condition for individuals ascending to altitudes higher than 2,500 m without proper acclimatization, a process that requires at least a couple of days. Considering disaster scenarios in high-altitude settings where humanitarian aid workers need to be deployed immediately, altitude illness may pose a relevant risk factor. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Population data on people living in high-altitude risk areas worldwide were matched with data on natural hazards in these areas.

Findings

Globally, more than 140 million people live in the risk zone for altitude illness and at least 19 cities with a population of more than 100,000 people exist above 2,500 m. These cities are situated in countries that are highly vulnerable to various natural hazards, and most of these cities have already been affected by hazardous events in the past. The relevance of considering altitude illness is underlined by a report on the emergency operation after the 2010 earthquake in Yushu County, China, where at least 200 aid workers had to be withdrawn due to this condition.

Originality/value

There are possible disaster scenarios where altitude illness can become a serious issue for aid workers, however, the only available preventive measures are not feasible with proper acclimatization requiring a couple of days and chemoprophylaxis not being 100 percent efficient. Therefore, this work intends to raise awareness within the humanitarian community for and to proactively engage with the topic of altitude illness in order to ensure the security and well-being of staff.

Details

Disaster Prevention and Management: An International Journal, vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0965-3562

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2008

Zhihui Gao, Chao Yun and Yushu Bian

The purpose of this paper is to examine a new idea of vibration control which minimizes joint‐torques and suppresses vibration of the flexible redundant manipulator.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine a new idea of vibration control which minimizes joint‐torques and suppresses vibration of the flexible redundant manipulator.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the kinematics redundancy feature of the flexible redundant manipulator, the self‐motion in the joint space can be properly chosen to both suppress vibration and minimize joint‐torques.

Findings

The study shows that the flexible redundant manipulator still has the second optimization feature on the premise of vibration suppression. The second optimization feature can be used to minimize joint‐torques on the premise of vibration suppression.

Research limitations/implications

To a flexible redundant manipulator, its joint‐torques and vibration can be reduced simultaneously via its kinematics redundancy feature.

Practical implications

The method and algorithm discussed in the paper can be used to minimize joint‐torques and suppress vibration for the flexible redundant manipulator.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the study on improving dynamic performance of the flexible redundant manipulator via its kinematics redundancy feature. The second optimization capability of the flexible redundant manipulator is discovered and used to both minimize joint‐torques and suppress vibration.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 1 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 12 November 2016

Qihao He

Due to climate change and an increasing concentration of the world’s population in vulnerable areas, how to manage catastrophe risk efficiently and cover disaster losses fairly is…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to climate change and an increasing concentration of the world’s population in vulnerable areas, how to manage catastrophe risk efficiently and cover disaster losses fairly is still a universal dilemma.

Methodology

This paper applies a law and economic approach.

Findings

China’s mechanism for managing catastrophic disaster risk is in many ways unique. It emphasizes government responsibilities and works well in many respects, especially in disaster emergency relief. Nonetheless, China’s mechanism which has the vestige of a centrally planned economy needs reform.

Practical Implications

I propose a catastrophe insurance market-enhancing framework which marries the merits of both the market and government to manage catastrophe risks. There are three pillars of the framework: (i) sustaining a strong and capable government; (ii) government enhancement of the market, neither supplanting nor retarding it; (iii) legalizing the relationship between government and market to prevent government from undermining well-functioning market operations. A catastrophe insurance market-enhancing framework may provide insights for developing catastrophe insurance in China and other transitional nations.

Originality

First, this paper analyzes China’s mechanism for managing catastrophic disaster risks and China’s approach which emphasizes government responsibilities will shed light on solving how to manage catastrophe risk efficiently and cover disaster losses fairly. Second, this paper starts a broader discussion about government stimulation of developing catastrophe insurance and this framework can stimulate attention to solve the universal dilemma.

Details

The Political Economy of Chinese Finance
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78560-957-2

Keywords

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