Search results
1 – 10 of 26The emerging nonstandard employment (i.e. gig work) makes gig workers face a series of forms of labor insecurity. Prior studies focus on the linkage between gig work insecurity…
Abstract
Purpose
The emerging nonstandard employment (i.e. gig work) makes gig workers face a series of forms of labor insecurity. Prior studies focus on the linkage between gig work insecurity and precariousness. However, how gig workers and platforms jointly handle gig work insecurity has been so far overlooked. To this end, this study aims to explore how gig platforms and workers jointly cope with the insecurity of the gig work model.
Design/methodology/approach
Building upon the JD-R model, this study used a double-level perspective to hypothesize how gig platforms and workers jointly cope with gig work insecurity. Second, 248 questionnaire data were collected from workers who worked for several gig platforms (e.g. Meituan, Eleme, DidiTax, Zhihu and Credamo) in China. Third, the analysis method based on the partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the study theoretical model.
Findings
Empirical findings show that gig workers can cope with gig work insecurity by crafting their work; gig platforms' formalization governance not only reduces gig work insecurity but also helps gig workers address it by more easily crafting their work.
Practical implications
Gig workers do always have not enough job resources and motivation to work hard. Gig workers merely rely on job crafting to cope with the insecurity of the gig work model, which is insufficient. Gig platforms should also formalize their current governance mechanisms, which can supplement gig workers' job resources and reduce their job demands so as to help them cope with such gig work insecurity.
Originality/value
These results advance the understanding of the joint roles of gig platforms and workers in addressing gig work insecurity and improve governance effectiveness and value of gig platforms.
Details
Keywords
Dingyu Ye, Dongmin Cho, Jianyu Chen and Zhengzhi Jia
This study focuses on perceived overload from environmental stimuli and individual psychology and behavioral interactions. It constructs a theoretical model with overload as the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study focuses on perceived overload from environmental stimuli and individual psychology and behavioral interactions. It constructs a theoretical model with overload as the key stressor based on the stressor-strain-outcome (SSO) model. The authors argue that system feature overload (SFO), information overload, and social overload lead to two psychological strains: fear of missing out (FoMO) and fatigue among users of short video platforms, affecting their discontinuous usage intentions.
Design/methodology/approach
To test the hypotheses, the authors conducted a questionnaire survey on 412 users' short video platform usage and empirically tested the constructed model using the research tool SmartPLS 3.3.2.
Findings
The results of data analysis showed that most of the hypotheses were supported. Specifically, system feature overload, information overload and social overload all positively affected FoMO. However, SFO and information overload significantly affected fatigue. There was no significant relationship between social overload and fatigue. In addition, both FoMO and fatigue negatively influenced users' discontinuous usage intentions.
Originality/value
The current research on user behavior in information systems tends to focus on the influence in the positive direction and less on the negative direction. The research on discontinuous usage intention (DUI) is a very new research topic. This research studies the influencing factors of users' discontinuous behavior from the perspective of perceptual overload. It provides a unique view for future short video platform user behavior research, with significant theoretical contributions and essential practice for short video platform operators to improve services.
Details
Keywords
Hua Fang, Jianyu Zhang, Zhuan Hong, Weizhu Chen, Yiping Zhang and Meijuan Fang
Being interested in developing a natural preservative for the prolongation of shrimp shelf life, this study aims to evaluate the Sargassum horneri extracts for their antioxidant…
Abstract
Purpose
Being interested in developing a natural preservative for the prolongation of shrimp shelf life, this study aims to evaluate the Sargassum horneri extracts for their antioxidant effect, copper reducing power, copper chelating activity and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) inhibitory activity, as well as explored their potential preservative activity in white leg shrimp.
Design/methodology/approach
The antioxidant properties of Sargassum horneri 75% ethanol aqueous extracts were measured by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and PPO inhibitory activity. Sample III displayed the highest antioxidant activity, PPO inhibitory activity, copper reducing power and copper chelating activity, so it was selected for further studying its impact on shrimp's quality changes such as pH value, total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), melanosis and sensory score during storage at 4°C.
Findings
Among all three samples, sample III containing 49.88% total phenolic contents was selected for the further study on the prevention of quality loss and melanosis of shrimp, because it yielded the highest antioxidant activity, PPO inhibitory activity, copper reducing power and copper chelating activity than the other two samples (samples II and IV). It was found that shrimp treated with 0.2% sample III had the lowest melanosis scores throughout the storage (p < 0.05). During ten days of storage at 4°C, shrimp treated with 0.2% sample III had a higher score in sensory properties (color, segments, texture and odor), compared with the control, 0.1% kojic acid and 0.1% sample III treated shrimp (p < 0.05). The results indicated that the treatment of shrimp with 0.2% sample III could extend the shelf life to eight days at 4°C.
Social implications
The extracts of Sargassum horneri displayed potent PPO inhibition, antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Importantly, the 75% extracts of Sargassum horneri could extend the shelf life. Considering these results, the extracts of Sargassum horneri may be used as natural preservatives in the food industry after further evaluation of their other properties such as toxicity, as well as provide a choice target to source natural products intended for cosmetics.
Originality/value
The originality of this paper lies in the development and application of the extracts of edible algae. To extend the shelf life of seafood, the polyphenolic-rich extract of Sargassum horneri provided another possible selection.
Details
Keywords
Xiaochun Tian, Jiabin Chen, Yongqiang Han, Jianyu Shang and Nan Li
This study aims to design an optimized algorithm for low-cost pedestrian navigation system (PNS) to correct the heading drift and altitude error, thus achieving high-precise…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to design an optimized algorithm for low-cost pedestrian navigation system (PNS) to correct the heading drift and altitude error, thus achieving high-precise pedestrian location in both two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) space.
Design/methodology/approach
A novel heading correction algorithm based on smoothing filter at the terminal of zero velocity interval (ZVI) is proposed in the paper. This algorithm adopts the magnetic sensor to calculate all the heading angles in the ZVI and then applies a smoothing filter to obtain the optimal heading angle. Furthermore, heading correction is executed at the terminal moment of ZVI. Meanwhile, an altitude correction algorithm based on step height constraint is proposed to suppress the altitude channel divergence of strapdown inertial navigation system by using the step height as the measurement of the Kalman filter.
Findings
The verification experiments were carried out in 2-D and 3-D space to evaluate the performance of the proposed pedestrian navigation algorithm. The results show that the heading drift and altitude error were well corrected. Meanwhile, the path calculated by the novel algorithm has a higher match degree with the reference trajectory, and the positioning errors of the 2-D and 3-D trajectories are both less than 0.5 per cent.
Originality/value
Besides zero velocity update, another two problems, namely, heading drift and altitude error in the PNS, are solved, which ensures the high positioning precision of pedestrian in indoor and outdoor environments.
Details
Keywords
Jianyu Zhao, Jiang Wei, Lean Yu and Xi Xi
The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights for managing knowledge reuse in terms of the duality of innovator personality. Continuously developing new products is crucial…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide new insights for managing knowledge reuse in terms of the duality of innovator personality. Continuously developing new products is crucial for firms to maintain and enhance their competitive advantages. However, the limited and highly specialized knowledge can cause innovators of firms to face difficulties in the process of new product development (NPD). In this setting, knowledge reuse becomes a solution that may benefit innovators to overcome the innovation dilemma. Given the fact that innovators with different personality are likely to form incongruent cognitions and affection on knowledge reuse, thus subsequently affecting the performance of NPD, there is an urgent need to investigate the effects of innovator personality in the entire process of knowledge reuse.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper exploits five-factor model (FFM) of personality to comprehensively investigate the dual effects of innovator personality in managing knowledge reuse based on the two distinct sets of knowledge reuse initiation and implementation.
Findings
By using the data from 981 innovators of knowledge-intensive firms in China, this study finds that the FFM traits of conscientiousness and agreeableness had opposing effects on initiation and implementation of knowledge reuse. While the FFM traits of emotional stability and openness to experience both positively affect the knowledge reuse initiation and implementation. Moreover, the FFM traits of extraversion benefit the shaping of knowledge reuse initiation whereas encumbering the implementation of knowledge reuse.
Originality/value
First, this study reveals the different roles of cognitive and affective traits of personality in shaping knowledge reuse. Second, this study exposes the role of innovator personality in determining the performance effects of knowledge reuse implementation. Third, this study highlights the dual effects of innovator personality in managing knowledge reuse. This study offers evidence for arranging the innovators with appropriate FFM traits in various stages of knowledge reuse.
Details
Keywords
Jianyu Zhao and Cheng Fu
This paper aims to investigate the antecedents of recombinant innovation from the perspective of ego–network dynamics, and further disentangle whether ego–network stability or…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the antecedents of recombinant innovation from the perspective of ego–network dynamics, and further disentangle whether ego–network stability or ego–network expansion is more conducive to recombinant innovation under heterogeneous knowledge base.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses 1,801 patent data in China’s biotechnology field as a sample and adopts fixed effects regression model to examine the effects of ego–network dynamics on recombinant innovation and further uses the Wald tests to discern which ego–network dynamic is more conducive to recombinant innovation under heterogeneous knowledge base.
Findings
The empirical results indicate that ego–network dynamics have a positive impact on recombinant innovation. Specifically, for firms with high knowledge breadth and high knowledge depth as well as high knowledge breadth and low knowledge depth, ego–network stability is more conducive to recombinant innovation. By contrast, for firms with low knowledge breadth and high knowledge depth, recombinant innovation benefits more from ego–network expansion. As for firms with low knowledge breadth and low knowledge depth, both ego–network stability and ego–network expansion can promote recombinant innovation, while the effects are not significant.
Practical implications
This research may enlighten managers to choose suitable ego–network dynamics strategies for recombinant innovation based on their knowledge base.
Originality/value
This research not only contributes to the literature on recombinant innovation by revealing the impact of different ego–network dynamics on recombinant innovation but also contributes to network dynamics theory by exploring whether ego–network stability or ego–network expansion is more conducive to recombinant innovation under a heterogeneous knowledge base.
Details
Keywords
Han Jianyu, Chen Zhonghua, Tang Ying and Yu Fei
The purpose of this paper is to study the curing mechanisms, anticorrosive properties and protective mechanisms of three kinds of amine curing agents applied in a new kind of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the curing mechanisms, anticorrosive properties and protective mechanisms of three kinds of amine curing agents applied in a new kind of light colored water‐borne epoxy antistatic anticorrosive paint.
Design/methodology/approach
Using light color‐conductive mica, titanium oxides and environmentally‐friendly anticorrosive pigments in the two‐component water‐borne epoxy system, the light colored water‐borne antistatic anticorrosive paint was prepared. The molecular structure and curing mechanisms of the curing agents was analyzed by Fourier transform infra‐red spectroscopy, and the influence of the curing agents on anticorrosive properties and protective mechanisms was studied by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Findings
The paints cured by the modified amine curing agent possessed optimal integrated properties with a coating surface resistivity of 106 Ω and the best anticorrosive performance.
Originality/value
A novel light colored water‐borne epoxy antistatic anticorrosive paint cured by the optimal curing agent could be used in corrosion protection for oil tanks to replace the traditional oil‐based antistatic anticorrosive paints.
Details
Keywords
Yunhui Yang, Libin Zhao, Dexuan Qi, Meijuan Shan and Jianyu Zhang
This paper aims to present a multiscale fuzzy optimization (FO) method to optimize both the density distribution and macrotopology of a uniform octet-truss lattice structure.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present a multiscale fuzzy optimization (FO) method to optimize both the density distribution and macrotopology of a uniform octet-truss lattice structure.
Design/methodology/approach
The design formulae for the strut radii are presented based on the effective mechanical properties obtained from the representative volume element. The proposed basic lattice material is applied in a normalization process to determine the material model with penalization. The solid isotropic material with penalization (SIMP) method is extended to solve the minimum compliance problem using the optimality criteria. The evolutionary deletion process is proposed to delete elements corresponding to thin-strut unit cells and to obtain the optimal macrotopology.
Findings
Both numerical cases indicate that the FO results significantly improved in structural performance compared with the results of the conventional SIMP. The deleting threshold controls the macrotopology of the graded-density lattice structures with negligible effects on the mechanical properties.
Originality/value
This paper presents one of the first multiscale optimization methods to optimize both the relative density and macrotopology of uniform octet-truss lattices. The material model and corresponding optimality criteria of octet-truss lattices are proposed and implemented in the optimization.
Details
Keywords
Rui Chi, Jianyu Zhang and Guangkuan Deng
Considering strategic information sharing (SIS), this paper aims to develop a better understanding of how relation-specific investments (RSIs) influence cooperative innovation…
Abstract
Purpose
Considering strategic information sharing (SIS), this paper aims to develop a better understanding of how relation-specific investments (RSIs) influence cooperative innovation performance (CIP) in downstream channel relationships. Also examined was the moderating effect of relational trust in that the indigenous practice of guanxi is especially critical in China.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through a questionnaire in Chinese high-tech industries, with a valid response from 310 companies. A hierarchical regression analysis was used to test the conceptual model and hypotheses, combining mediation and moderation analysis.
Findings
Results show that the influences of specific investments vary according to the specificity dimensions examined. Specifically, human RSI influences CIP and SIS most significantly, and the impact of procedural RSI is, relatively, the weakest. Relational trust’s moderating role is confirmed, and SIS plays a partially mediating role in enhancing vertical cooperative innovation.
Practical implications
Managers should know clearly different roles of RSIs in inter-firm cooperative innovation and prioritize human RSI and brand RSI when investing into channels. More importantly, the findings reveal that strategy-level information sharing should be valued more. It is also recommended that relational ties are vital, especially in Chinese business context.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is among the first few to investigate how the effects of disaggregated RSIs in inter-firm cooperative innovation vary and the importance of SIS in vertical relationships. The results provide insightful guidance for researchers and managers in how to better manage RSIs to improve CIP.
Details
Keywords
Li Zhang, Haiyan Fang, Weimin Bao, Haifeng Sun, Lirong Shen, Jianyu Su and Liang Zhao
X-ray pulsar navigation (XPNAV) is an autonomous celestial navigation technology for deep space missions. The error in the pulse time of arrival used in pulsar navigation is large…
Abstract
Purpose
X-ray pulsar navigation (XPNAV) is an autonomous celestial navigation technology for deep space missions. The error in the pulse time of arrival used in pulsar navigation is large for various practical reasons and thus greatly reduces the navigation accuracy of spacecraft near the Earth and in deep space. This paper aims to propose a novel method based on ranging information that improves the performance of XPNAV.
Design/methodology/approach
This method replaces one pulsar observation with a satellite observation. The ranging information is the difference between the absolute distance of the satellite relative to the spacecraft and the estimated distance of the satellite relative to the spacecraft. The proposed method improves the accuracy of XPNAV by combining the ranging information with the observation data of two pulsars.
Findings
The simulation results show that the proposed method greatly improves the XPNAV accuracy by 70% compared with the conventional navigation method that combines the observations of three pulsars. This research also shows that a larger angle between the orbital plane of the satellite and that of the spacecraft provides higher navigation accuracy. In addition, a greater orbital altitude difference implies higher navigation accuracy. The position error and ranging error of the satellite have approximately linear relationships with the navigation accuracy.
Originality/value
The novelty of this study is that the satellite ranging information is integrated into the pulsar navigation by using mathematical geometry.
Details