The Effects of Unfulfilled Preferential Treatment and Review Dispersion on Airbnb Guests’ Attitudes and Behavior

In sharing accommodation business such as Airbnb, while the provision of personalized amenities and services may seem like good business, hosts should be aware of the potential unintended consequences when they are not able to deliver what they promise. The present research examines how expectation gaps created by guest reviews interact with different types of preferential services to subsequently affect consumer behavior in the peer-to-peer accommodation economy. Grounded in attribution theory, this study offers new insights on customer responses to unfulfilled preferential treatment. The results suggest that in the condition of utilitarian services (e.g., airport transportation), participants in the low dispersion condition exhibited more negative attitudes, a lower level of repurchase intention, and a decreased willingness to write an online review. Conversely, in the condition of hedonic services (e.g., perform a talent show), expectation discrepancy did not result in different consumer evaluations across the dispersion conditions.

Study on Dispersion Stability Characteristics of TiO2 Nanoparticles in PCM for Use in Cold Storage Air-Conditioning

A new organic phase change materials (PCM) for cool storage was developed for use in cold storage air-conditioning. The thermal properties of the new organic PCM were measured with a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). To improve the thermal conductivity of the new organic PCM, the further research of using nanocomposite technology to the organic PCM SSW-4 was made. The effects of nanoparticles concentration on dispersion, ultrasonic time and consistence of dispersant in the best ultrasonic time on the dispersion were investigated by experiment. The results showed that the thermal conductivity of the nanocomposite PCM TiO2 /SSW-4 increased by approximately 16.27% compared to that of the organic PCM SSW-4. The best dispersion condition of preparation for TiO2 /SSW-4 was confirmed.

Graphite/Bio-Based Epoxy Composites: The Mechanical Properties Interface

Graphite reinforced bio-based epoxy composites with different particulate fractions of graphite were investigated for mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elastic modulus and elongation at break. The graphite content was varied from 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, 15 wt.%, 20 wt.%, 25 wt.%, 30 wt.% by weight percent in the composites. The results showed that the mechanical properties of the composites mainly depend on dispersion condition of the treated graphite filler, aggregate structure and strong interfacial bonding between treated graphite in the bio-based epoxy matrix. The composites showed improved tensile strength and elastic modulus with increase treated graphite weight loading. This also revealed the composites with increasing filler content was decreasing the elongation at break.

Disperse SiO2 Nanoparticles in Nonaqueous Solvents by Shear Emulsification and Surface Functionalization

Spheric SiO2 nanoparticles with the sizes distribution between 20-80 nm dispersed in nonaqueous solvent were prepared under the assistance of surfactant. Shear emulsification time was a key role for the dispersion of nanoparticles and the optimal value was 30 min with the smallest median size of 51 nm. The relationship between fluid viscosity and dispersion condition was researched, and the results demonstrated that the additional volume arising from aggregation interspaces enhanced shear fore and opposite resistance and finally the viscosity increased.

Applications of Nanostructured Carbon Materials in Constructions: The State of the Art

The most recent studies on the applications of nanostructured carbon materials, including carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, and graphene oxides, in constructions are presented. First, the preparation of nanostructured carbon/infrastructure material composites is summarized. This part is mainly focused on how the nanostructured carbon materials were mixed with cementitious or asphalt matrix to realize a good dispersion condition. Several methods, including high speed melting mixing, surface treatment, and aqueous solution with surfactants and sonication, were introduced. Second, the applications of the carbon nanostructured materials in constructions such as mechanical reinforcement, self-sensing detectors, self-heating element for deicing, and electromagnetic shielding component were systematically reviewed. This paper not only helps the readers understand the preparation process of the carbon nanostructured materials/infrastructure material composites but also sheds some light on the state-of-the-art applications of carbon nanostructured materials in constructions.