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1 – 10 of 12Qingjun Ding, Bo Tian, Gai Zhao, Feng Wang, Huafeng Li and Yunlai Shi
This study systematically investigated the effect of the binary rare earth oxide of La2O3 and Sm2O3 on the properties of the Al2O3/TiO2 (AT) coating, including phase transform…
Abstract
Purpose
This study systematically investigated the effect of the binary rare earth oxide of La2O3 and Sm2O3 on the properties of the Al2O3/TiO2 (AT) coating, including phase transform, wear behavior, etc.
Design/methodology/approach
AT coatings mixed with different components of binary rare earth oxides of La2O3 and Sm2O3 are prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying. The adhesion strength, micro-hardness, phase transition and tribological behavior of coatings are systematically investigated.
Findings
The X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that phase transformation is obvious after spraying, and a-Al2O3 is almost translated into Îł-Al2O3 when La2O3 and Sm2O3 are doped together. Meanwhile, solid solution generated between rare earth oxide and Al2O3/TiO2 coatings results in disappearance of TiO2 and rare earth oxide phase. The photos under the scanning electron microscope (SEM) indicate that binary rare earth oxide could increase the melting degree of powder and decrease porosity of coatings.The increasing of Sm2O3 rarely affect micro-hardness and adhesion strength, and the coating with 4 per cent Sm2O3 and 1 per cent La2O3 exhibits the best wear resistance and lowest friction coefficient among all the samples.
Originality/value
AT coatings mixed with different components of binary rare earth oxide of La2O3 and Sm2O3 are prepared by atmospheric plasma spraying. Binary rare earth oxide could increase the melting degree of powder and decrease porosity of AT coatings.
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Bian Tian, Huafeng Li, Ning Yang, Yulong Zhao, Pei Chen and Hanyue Liu
It is significant to know the real-time indexes about the turbulence flow of the ocean system, which has a deep influence on ocean productivity, distribution of the ocean…
Abstract
Purpose
It is significant to know the real-time indexes about the turbulence flow of the ocean system, which has a deep influence on ocean productivity, distribution of the ocean populations and transmission of the ocean energy, especially the measurement of turbulence flow velocity. So, it is particularly urgent to provide a high-sensitivity, low-cost and reliable fluid flow sensor for industry and consumer product application. This paper aims to design a micro fluid flow sensor with a cross beam membrane structure. The designed sensor can detect the fluid flow velocity and has a low kinetic energy dissipation rate.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, a micro fluid flow sensor with a cross beam membrane structure is designed to measure the ocean turbulence flow velocity. The design, simulation, fabrication and measurement of the designed sensor are discussed. By testing the simply packaged sensor in the fluid flow and analyzing the experiments data, the results show that the designed sensor has favorable performance.
Findings
The paper describes the tests of the designed sensor, and the experimental results show that the designed sensor can measure the fluid flow velocity and has a sensitivity of 11.12 mV/V/(m/s)2 and a low kinetic energy dissipation rate in the range of 10-6-10-4 W/kg.
Originality/value
This paper provides a micro-electro-mechanical systems fluid flow sensor used to measure ocean turbulence flow velocity.
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Aiqi Wu, Shengxiao Li and Huafeng Wang
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) intermediary ties on new ventures’ product innovation. Product innovation is a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) intermediary ties on new ventures’ product innovation. Product innovation is a critical strategy for new ventures’ survival and growth. However, as a result of smallness and newness, new ventures usually face considerable difficulties in product innovation and require support to help their innovation search and innovation activities.
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey of 145 Chinese new ventures is used to test presented hypotheses empirically.
Findings
This study finds that the intensity of KIBS intermediary ties has a positive influence on innovation, while the diversity of KIBS intermediary ties has no influence on new ventures’ product innovation. Moreover, the relationship between the intensity of KIBS intermediary ties and new ventures’ product innovation is moderated by the degree of their international venturing and ties with other firms.
Originality/value
This study enriches understanding of the important roles of KIBS intermediary ties on new ventures’ product innovation.
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Mingyong Liu, Peidong Xu, Jinxi Zhang and Huafeng Ding
Power loss is an important index to evaluate the transmission performance of a gear pair. In some cases, the starved lubrication exists on the gear contact interface. The purpose…
Abstract
Purpose
Power loss is an important index to evaluate the transmission performance of a gear pair. In some cases, the starved lubrication exists on the gear contact interface. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the mechanical power loss of a helical gear pair under starved lubrication.
Design/methodology/approach
A starved thermal-elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) model is proposed to evaluate the tribological properties of a helical gear pair. The numerical result has been validated against the published simulation data. Based on the proposed model, the influence of thermal effect, working conditions, inlet oil-supply layer and surface roughness on the mechanical power loss and lubrication performance has been discussed.
Findings
Results show that the thermal effect has a significant effect on the tribological properties of helical gear pair, especially on mechanical power loss. For a specified working condition, there is an optimal oil supply for gear lubrication to obtain the state of full film lubrication. Meanwhile, it reveals that the mechanical power loss increases with the increase of the surface roughness amplitude.
Originality/value
In this paper, a starved thermal-EHL model has been developed for the helical gear pair based on the finite line contact theory. This model can be used to analyze the tribological properties of gear pair from full film lubrication to mixed lubrication. The results can provide the tribological guidance for design of a helical gear pair.
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Guo Huafeng, Xiang Changcheng and Chen Shiqiang
This study aims to reduce data bias during human activity and increase the accuracy of activity recognition.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to reduce data bias during human activity and increase the accuracy of activity recognition.
Design/methodology/approach
A convolutional neural network and a bidirectional long short-term memory model are used to automatically capture feature information of time series from raw sensor data and use a self-attention mechanism to learn select potential relationships of essential time points. The proposed model has been evaluated on six publicly available data sets and verified that the performance is significantly improved by combining the self-attentive mechanism with deep convolutional networks and recursive layers.
Findings
The proposed method significantly improves accuracy over the state-of-the-art method between different data sets, demonstrating the superiority of the proposed method in intelligent sensor systems.
Originality/value
Using deep learning frameworks, especially activity recognition using self-attention mechanisms, greatly improves recognition accuracy.
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Xiaoping Zhang, Yanhui Li, Meixiu Li, Qiuju Du, Hong Li, Yuqi Wang, Dechang Wang, Cuiping Wang, Kunyan Sui, Hongliang Li, Yanzhi Xia and Yuanhai Yu
In order to discover a new adsorbent that can be used to purify dye wastewater in the textile and apparel industry, a novel type of graphene oxide/gluten composite material using…
Abstract
Purpose
In order to discover a new adsorbent that can be used to purify dye wastewater in the textile and apparel industry, a novel type of graphene oxide/gluten composite material using an improved acid bath coagulation method was synthesized, which can remove methylene blue in an aqueous environment.
Design/methodology/approach
After experimentally compounding different ratios of graphene oxide and gluten, the graphene oxide/gluten composite material with 20% graphene oxide content and superlative adsorption effect was chosen. The synthesized material was characterized by different techniques such as FT-IR and SEM, indicating the microstructure of the material and the success of the composite. Various factors were considered, namely, the influence of temperature, dosage, pH and contact time. The isotherms, kinetics and thermodynamic parameters were successively discussed.
Findings
The qmax value of 214.29 mg/g of the material was higher compared to the general sorbent, thus, the graphene oxide/gluten composite material was a suitable sorbent for methylene blue removal. Overall, the graphene oxide/gluten composite material can be considered as an effectual and prospective adsorbent to remove methylene blue in the textile and apparel industrial effluent.
Originality/value
Graphene oxide is a potentially excellent sorbent. However, the high dispersibility of GO is detrimental to adsorption, it disperses rapidly in an aqueous solution making separation and recovery difficult. The high load capacity and recyclability of gluten as a colloid make it a suitable carrier for fixing GO. Studies on the combination of GO and GT into composite adsorption material and for the removal of dyes from dyeing wastewater have not been reported. The composite material research on GO and GT can provide new ideas for the research of these kinds of materials and contribute to its wider and convenient application in wastewater treatment.
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Bikash Barua, MM Obaidul Islam, Habiba Kibria and Rupam Barua
Creativity is widely recognized as a key driver of innovation and competitive advantage in today’s dynamic business landscape. As organizations strive to foster a culture of…
Abstract
Purpose
Creativity is widely recognized as a key driver of innovation and competitive advantage in today’s dynamic business landscape. As organizations strive to foster a culture of innovation, it becomes imperative to understand the factors that enhance creativity among employees. This study aims to explore the role of employee empowerment in promoting creativity at the workplace.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used empowerment measures to determine the impact of employee empowerment on employee creativity. Creativity was also measured based on constructs reviewed in literature. An online questionnaire survey was conducted among 170 faculty members of different private universities of Bangladesh. The sample was chosen based on a convenience method. The responses were analyzed using partial least square (PLS) approach with the help of software SmartPLS.
Findings
This study comes to the conclusion that employee empowerment plays a crucial role as a forerunner to creativity at work. The configuration process is mostly accelerated and facilitated by university officials.
Research limitations/implications
Because they are statistically significant in establishing a climate for employee creativity at work, it is necessary to empirically determine the percentage impact level of the constructs of employee engagement known as “Leadership and Organizational Culture” and “Internal and External Enhancement Factors.” In addition, employee engagement is not the sole element influencing creativity at work. This suggests the need to quantify the relative influence that employee engagement has on other workplace drivers of creativity and innovation.
Practical implications
This study will help university authorities to instill management development programs to enhance their understanding about employees’ different psychological needs and expectations. Moreover, university management can find ways to implement various teacher development programs to promote growth mindset among the teachers. Organizations can leverage these insights to design and implement strategies that empower employees, leading to a more innovative and adaptable workforce.
Social implications
The implications of this research extend beyond individual organizations to society as a whole, as fostering creativity has broader implications for economic growth, productivity and overall well-being. By nurturing employee empowerment, organizations can not only enhance their competitive advantage but also contribute to societal progress through the generation of novel ideas, products and services.
Originality/value
This study was conducted on the private university faculty members to understand how the empowerment works in imparting creativity. The context of this study was educational institutions in contrast to the commercial organizations.
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Guoda Chen, Huafeng Yang, Huiqiang Cao, Shiming Ji, Xi Zeng and Qian Wang
For the climbing rod object with large diameter variation and the need of obstacle crossing, this paper aims to propose a new embracing-type climbing robot named as EVOC-I robot.
Abstract
Purpose
For the climbing rod object with large diameter variation and the need of obstacle crossing, this paper aims to propose a new embracing-type climbing robot named as EVOC-I robot.
Design/methodology/approach
The design philosophy and structural scheme are introduced. The kinematic analysis of embracing and telescoping mechanisms is carried out to provide the theoretical foundation for the effective climbing of the robot. Based on the prototype robot, three preliminary experiments are carried out to verify the effectiveness of the designed robot.
Findings
The theoretical and experimental analyses have verified the reasonability and effectiveness of the proposed robot design.
Research limitations/implications
As the preliminary study, the prototype still need a lot of improvement. The experimental verification is also limited. Future work will focus on improving the design and increasing the theoretical analysis, especially increasing experimental study and designing the next generation of the rod climbing robot.
Practical implications
The designed climbing robot can be used for climbing the rod with variation diameter and flange obstacle, especially the lightening rod in the transformer substation.
Originality/value
The paper designs a new climbing robot that integrates the ability of large variation diameter adaptation and obstacle crossing.
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This study mainly explores how ESG performance (ESG stands for Environment, Social, and Governance) affects corporate downside risk through innovation input and innovation output…
Abstract
Purpose
This study mainly explores how ESG performance (ESG stands for Environment, Social, and Governance) affects corporate downside risk through innovation input and innovation output, thereby promoting sustainable development of enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
Using Chinese A-share listed companies from 2014 to 2022 as research samples, a stepwise regression method is used to empirically test the impact of ESG performance on corporate innovation and downside risk by constructing multiple multivariate primary regression models.
Findings
ESG performance is beneficial for obtaining external resources and alleviating principal-agent problems. It can promote enterprises to increase innovation input and improve innovation output, thereby enhancing their core competitiveness, and suppressing their downside risk. This inhibitory effect is more significant in non-state-owned enterprises, non-high-tech enterprises, and enterprises where the chairman and the general manager are not combined in one. Further additional analysis has found that equity concentration weakens the inhibitory effect of ESG performance on corporate downside risk, equity balance strengthens the inhibitory effect of ESG performance on corporate downside risk, indicating that a mutually restrictive equity structure is conducive to promoting enterprises to actively fulfill ESG responsibility, thereby improving corporate innovation level and resolving their downside risk.
Practical implications
Enterprise managers, policy makers, and other practitioners can clearly see the benefits of implementing ESG measures, further strengthen their confidence in sustainable development, actively apply ESG concepts to the entire production and operation process of enterprises, increase attention and implementation of ESG elements, and promote the healthy and vigorous development of enterprises and macroeconomics.
Originality/value
The research conclusions reveal the inherent mechanism by which ESG performance empowers enterprises to improve their innovation level and reverse their performance decline, effectively expanding the theoretical achievements of ESG performance in enterprise innovation and risk management.
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Rui Zhao, Lixia Niu and Shiquan Wang
In this study, we explore the impact of innovation failure on organizational strategy from a risk governance perspective, considering systems thinking as a mediating variable and…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, we explore the impact of innovation failure on organizational strategy from a risk governance perspective, considering systems thinking as a mediating variable and risk perception as an essential weighting variable.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper conducts questionnaire research using 364 survey data from high-tech small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in China. It uses a hierarchical regression approach to test an original model.
Findings
The results indicate that systems thinking mediates the effect of innovation failure on organizational strategy. The contingency analyses also revealed that the positive impact of systems thinking on imitation strategy is stronger at high levels of risk perception. However, the relationship between systems thinking and innovation strategy is weaker when the risk perception is high.
Originality/value
This paper constructs a theoretical research framework for risk governance to explore how innovation failure affects enterprises’ future organizational strategy, offering valuable insights for enterprise innovation management after innovation failure.
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