Search results
1 – 10 of over 2000Wei Xia, Lingwen Kong, Jiahuan Zhang, Hui Hao, Yiping Wang, Xiaoqi Ni, Ming Wang and Dongmei Guo
The purpose of this study aims to modify a self-mixing laser mouse as an extremely cost-effective displacement sensor to measure the mechanical oscillation of a commercial shaker…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study aims to modify a self-mixing laser mouse as an extremely cost-effective displacement sensor to measure the mechanical oscillation of a commercial shaker and a nano-positioning stage.
Design/methodology/approach
This kind of laser mouse, mostly consisting of a pair of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, two photodiodes and an integrated signal processing unit, is capable of directly giving the x-axis and y-axis components of the measured vibrating displacement. Based on the laser self-mixing interference, the velocity of the object is coded into the Doppler frequency shift of the feedback light, which allows accurate determination of the vibration of the object.
Findings
A commercial shaker has been used to provide standard harmonic oscillation to test the displacement sensor. Within a vibrating frequency range of 110 Hz, the experimental results show that the micrometer scale resolution has been achieved at the velocity of up to 2 m/s, which is much improved compared with the image-based optical mouse. Furthermore, the measurements of the two dimensional displacement of a nano-positioning stage are performed as well. The minimum measurable velocity limit for this sensor has been discussed in detail, and the relative measurement error can be greatly reduced by appropriate selection of the modulation frequency of the triangular injection current.
Originality/value
These results demonstrate the feasibility of this device for the industrial vibration sensing applications.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this research is to explore how immigrant library users view Auckland Libraries as a multicultural bridge in New Zealand. The research explored the various factors…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to explore how immigrant library users view Auckland Libraries as a multicultural bridge in New Zealand. The research explored the various factors keeping different cultures apart in the New Zealand socio cultural systems and to find out the gaps in the provision of multicultural services in Auckland public libraries. The study also discusses the specific roles Auckland public libraries play in the development of multiculturalism in New Zealand from the perspective of immigrant users.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses a qualitative research approach. Semi-structured interviews conducted with 15 participants including five library staff members and ten users of the Auckland library. Thematic analysis (qualitative data analysis, where data is grouped into themes) was used for data analysis.
Findings
Participants perceive that the Auckland Library had an advantage over other citizen service institutions in the development and services of multiculturalism in New Zealand. The participants understand that language, cultural background, beliefs and values are some of the causes of gaps between different ethnic groups, and only by learning from each other can groups enhance mutual understanding between them. The services and programs Auckland Library offer to immigrant enable various interactions among different cultural groups and enhance learning from one another to facilitate their integration into the New Zealand society. The findings show that Auckland public libraries have some gaps in multicultural services. In particular, there are more than 200 different ethnicities in Auckland, but the Auckland library's website does not have the function of a multilingual search tab service, lacks a multicultural book collection and some of the existing collections of books are of low quality, low literary value and so on. The study suggests that these issues need to be improved.
Research limitations/implications
This was small-scale research involving the perspectives of only 15 participants. Nevertheless, the findings provide constructive insight into the development of multicultural services in Auckland libraries that can serve as a useful basis for a broader exploration of more immigrant groups in Auckland and New Zealand as a whole.
Practical implications
The results of this research will provide valuable information for the Auckland libraries to have a better plan for multicultural services in the future. The findings will also serve as a reference for improving multicultural services in the Auckland libraries.
Originality/value
Although other studies have looked at immigrants’ behavior and perception on various issues in New Zealand, this study is the first to look at how different immigrant groups percept Auckland libraries as a multicultural bridge to help integrate them.
Details
Keywords
Shiling Song and Ye Zhang
In a typical problem of allocating a fixed resource across a set of decision-making units (DMUs), the decision maker will decide how much resource to allocate to each DMU…
Abstract
Purpose
In a typical problem of allocating a fixed resource across a set of decision-making units (DMUs), the decision maker will decide how much resource to allocate to each DMU. Real-world decision-making contexts frequently pose challenges in precisely assessing each DMU’s performance on distinct parameters and in ascertaining the relative importance of these parameters, since resource allocation often precedes the decision-making process. Conventional decision-making approaches fall short in effectively addressing such complexities. In this paper, the authors propose a stochastic multi-attribute acceptability analysis (SMAA)-based model that can deal with the resource allocation problem with uncertain attribute values and unknown attribute weights.
Design/methodology/approach
The SMAA-based model first regards the resource to be allocated as an evaluation attribute and then proposes a fair resource allocation solution that minimizes the gap between the holistic acceptability of each DMU. To address the optimization of the SMAA-based model, two heuristic strategies were devised: a modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach and an adaptive algorithm, both designed to yield acceptable outcomes within a constrained time frame.
Findings
The resource allocation model based on SMAA can provide an effective analytical framework for the resource allocation problem of different DMUs in uncertain environments. Meanwhile, the PSO algorithm and adjustment algorithm proposed in this paper can help decision-makers quickly find a fair resource allocation plan.
Originality/value
Primarily, this study introduces a novel approach rooted in SMAA for tackling resource allocation dilemmas where attribute values are uncertain and weight information is absent. Secondly, a fairness-centric strategy that minimizes the disparity in overall acceptability among various DMUs is presented. Thirdly, two heuristic algorithms, namely, PSO algorithm and adjustment algorithm, are developed to solve the problem.
Details
Keywords
Ruhua Huang, Tong Lai and Lihong Zhou
This paper reports on a critical literature review, which aimed to identify, understand and qualify barriers that hinder the release of open government data (OGD) in China…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper reports on a critical literature review, which aimed to identify, understand and qualify barriers that hinder the release of open government data (OGD) in China. Moreover, the purpose of this paper is to develop and propose a theoretical framework, which can be adopted as a basis for empirical investigation in the future, and to articulate mitigating strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted an inductive qualitative approach, retrieving 42 academic articles from three main Chinese academic databases: CNKI, Wanfang and CQVIP. A thematic analysis approach was employed for the literature analysis.
Findings
The literature analysis pointed to 15 barriers to the release of OGD in China. Furthermore, the barriers emerged in the following three main themes: institutional barriers, data integrity and quality barriers, and user participation barriers.
Originality/value
This paper reports on one of the early research efforts into the problems of releasing OGD in China. Although this study focusses on Chinese context and issues, the findings and lessons learnt can be shared across international borders.
Details
Keywords
Ru Zhao, Da-Hai Xia, Shi-Zhe Song and Wenbin Hu
This paper aims to investigate the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) process of sensitized 304 stainless steel during the slow strain rate test by using the electrochemical noise…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the stress corrosion cracking (SCC) process of sensitized 304 stainless steel during the slow strain rate test by using the electrochemical noise (EN) technique.
Design/methodology/approach
EN data are interpreted based on chaos and wavelet analyses, and correlation dimension and wavelet energy distribution are used as indicators for SCC process identification.
Findings
Experimental results reveal that the corrosion potential abruptly decreases from 180 to 100 mV at 6,300 s and the current increases from 10 to 100 nA accordingly, which is attributed to passive film breakdown and crack initiation. Chaos and wavelet analyses results reveal that, as crack initiates, the correlation dimensions increase from 1.2 to 1.9, and the corresponding distribution frequencies of maximum relative wavelet energy change from high frequency to low frequency.
Originality/value
SCC is monitored in lab, and crack initiation and propagation are identified by chaos and wavelet analyses. This work lays the foundation for SCC detection in field using EN.
Details
Keywords
Jun Wen, Carol Chunfeng Wang, Edmund Goh, Zhaohui Su and Tianyu Ying
This paper explores the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a tourism recovery drawcard to boost China's inbound tourism after COVID-19.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper explores the role of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) as a tourism recovery drawcard to boost China's inbound tourism after COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper employed a mixed method involving a cross-disciplinary literature review along with reflections from experts in TCM and health communication to inform tourism management. Specifically, this paper examines TCM and its potential benefits as a medical tourism drawcard to combat COVID-19. The selected literature focusses on the image and merits of TCM to frame how this medical philosophy can be used to position China as a tourist destination. Reflections on the use of TCM as a tourism marketing tool can guide promotional strategies from the Chinese government and destination managers during and after COVID-19.
Findings
The Chinese government, the tourism industry (e.g. destination managers), the media and tourists must focus on three aspects of the role of TCM: to provide medical benefits to travellers amid COVID-19 and beyond, elevate China as a destination for global medical tourists and be leveraged as a tool for economic recovery.
Practical implications
The paper builds a tourism recovery framework for stakeholders to adopt tailored TCM communication strategies to boost its inbound tourism programme.
Originality/value
This paper is the first academic paper to review TCM comprehensively and critically in relation to China tourism and post-COVID-19 recovery measures.
Details
Keywords
The objectives of this study were to evaluate knowledge on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission, attitude toward the measures of COVID-19 prevention and control…
Abstract
Purpose
The objectives of this study were to evaluate knowledge on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission, attitude toward the measures of COVID-19 prevention and control, explore social responsibility behaviors and test for the association between variables and social responsibility among university students.
Design/methodology/approach
It was a cross-sectional study. The population was 7,754 students from a university in Yala province. The sample size was 370 students according to Krejcie and Morgan table. Google form was introduced to make the self-administered questionnaires. Content validity was evaluated by three experts, and for reliability of knowledge and attitude, the coefficient was 0.707 and 0.702. Data collection was done in the early April 2020. Descriptive statistics and χ² were used to analyze the data. Ethical approval number 095–63.
Findings
The results found that students' knowledge on COVID-19 transmission was in a moderate level, attitude toward the state measures for COVID-19 prevention and control was at a high level. Their social responsibility behaviors were at a high level. Their knowledge, attitude and payment were significant association with social responsibility behaviors among university students (p < 0.05).
Originality/value
University students' knowledge on disease transmission as well as positive attitude toward the measures of regulation led them to have cooperation. Social distancing and lockdown measures affected their lifestyle. However, they have responsibility behaviors to the society, especially in the pandemic situation.
Details
Keywords
Yuanfang Wang, He Tian and Yekun Xu
As China shifts from a “human capital demographic dividend” to a “demographic dividend” as a source of economic growth, this paper examines the influence of social security system…
Abstract
Purpose
As China shifts from a “human capital demographic dividend” to a “demographic dividend” as a source of economic growth, this paper examines the influence of social security system improvement on enterprises efforts to attract talent and enhance innovation ability.
Design/methodology/approach
This study uses a sample of Chinese listed firms from 2008 to 2019 to analyse the influences of social security contributions on enterprise innovation, and the mediating effect of human capital accumulation. The OLS, DID test, placebo test, 2SLS are used to test the research questions.
Findings
The authors find a significant positive correlation between social security contributions and enterprise innovation because social security contributions improve the accumulation of human capital, helping enterprises to attract talent, which in turn has a positive impact on corporate innovation. The positive correlation between social security contributions and enterprise innovation is more significant in private enterprises, STAR Market and GEM listed companies and labour-intensive enterprises.
Practical implications
These findings provide a theoretical basis for the formulation of relevant policies and the current reform of social security collection in China. The findings also have practical significance for the sustainable development of China's economy given its ageing population.
Originality/value
This study provides a new perspective, that is, from the perspective of human capital accumulation, to discuss the impact of social security contributions on enterprise innovation, and enriches the relevant literature on the economic consequences of social security contributions and the influencing factors of corporate innovation.
Details
Keywords
Tim Lu, Xia Wei and Kungchi Li
The paper aims to establish a causal relationship model that helps to realize how consumer involvement with the cause moderates the effect of company-cause fit on consumers’…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to establish a causal relationship model that helps to realize how consumer involvement with the cause moderates the effect of company-cause fit on consumers’ corporate associations, and how their corporate associations regarding a company’s social responsibility programs influence their satisfaction with the company and the company’s corporate image, in the backdrop that the use of corporate social responsibility initiatives to affect consumers’ preference has become a common strategy.
Design/methodology/approach
In the main study, the authors conducted a between-subjects factorial design to test the research model. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed, and a valid sample of 389 participants was obtained.
Findings
The results show that high-fit programs have a positive influence on the perceived corporate ability (CA) and corporate social responsibility (CSR) associations. CA associations directly influence corporate image and consumer satisfaction, while CSR associations indirectly impact consumer satisfaction through corporate image. Furthermore, consumers’ involvement with the cause increases the relationship between company-cause fit and CA associations.
Originality/value
These conclusions have important implications for a better understanding of consumer evaluation of CSR initiatives. Theoretically, this research increases understanding of the interaction effects of perceived company-cause fit and consumer involvement with the cause on consumer evaluation of a company engaged in CSR, and a richer insight into the role of CA and CSR associations in consumer evaluations of companies engaged in CSR campaigns. Managerially, this research shows how managers can choose CSR programs causes that are most likely to promote favorable customer CA and CSR associations, thereby improving the company’s corporate image and customer satisfaction.
Details
Keywords
Wei Xia, Sheng‐Rui Yu and Xiao‐Ping Liao
The purpose of this paper is to establish a paint deposition pattern model applied to robotic air spray painting in order to achieve the accuracy and uniformity of paint film…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to establish a paint deposition pattern model applied to robotic air spray painting in order to achieve the accuracy and uniformity of paint film thickness on free‐form surface.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper opts for an exploratory study using the curvature circle method for air spray painting on free‐form surface to construct a spray gun model. First, a paint deposition pattern model of ellipse dual‐β distribution is fitted on the basic of experimental data from robotic air spray painting. Second, a spray gun model is proposed using the curvature circle method for air spray painting on free‐form surface. The theoretical result is coincident with the film thickness in verification experiment spraying a cylinder surface. The biggest error of the sample points between the theoretical and experimental results is less than 4 μm, thereby the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed model is validated.
Findings
The paper provides a specific theoretical and methodological support for the realization of process planning and simulation system in surface spray manufacturing. It will make the future developed system meet the actual processing requirement. At the same time, it is more representative.
Originality/value
The paper finds an approach to solve paint deposition pattern model suitable to free‐form surface. The present method can be applied to the complex reality of topological relation for actual workpiece surface to be painted.
Details