Ying-Yu Kerri Chen, Yi-Long Jaw and Bing-Li Wu
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the pilot implementation of an industry-specific web portal as an IT resource on textile SMEs organisational performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of the pilot implementation of an industry-specific web portal as an IT resource on textile SMEs organisational performance. Using a resource-based perspective, portal delivery functionalities, considered as non-physical IT resources, are analysed using the dimensions of portal usefulness, portal interface, and service-oriented portal functions on SMEs users’ perceived outcomes of organisational performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Qualitative and quantitative approaches are used to explore the research hypotheses. Data were collected using field interviews and survey from senior executives of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Taiwanese textile industry.
Findings
Results indicate that the service-oriented portal function dimension, consisting of portal maintenance service, B2B function, and cloud computing, significantly influences organisational performance. Unexpected findings, such as the negative impact of greater industry benchmark information on perceived SME performance, deserve further investigation.
Research limitations/implications
The study extends the theory and knowledge on the resource-based view and its implications on e-business organisational performance of SMEs. The study also offers findings relevant to the design of portal sites for SME administrators and information service providers. Limitations of the research include a small size and the industry-specific data limiting the generalisability of the findings.
Practical implications
Research results practically serve as informative indicators for policy makers, information service providers, and SMEs executives to evaluate feasible elements for web portal design in traditional industry. Findings from this study may help portal service providers in designing better web portal functionalities for SMEs.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the IT business value literature by identifying the linkages between industry-specific portal delivery functionalities and perceived organisational performance through the examination of portal usefulness, portal interface, and service-oriented portal function for textile SMEs.
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Xiong Liang, Bing Li, Xiaoyu Wu, Hongyan Shi, Kun Zeng and Yatao Wang
The purpose of this paper is to present a method for ultrasonically molding polymer powder in a micro plastic part mold. In the method, a printed circuit board (PCB) in which…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a method for ultrasonically molding polymer powder in a micro plastic part mold. In the method, a printed circuit board (PCB) in which micro‐hole arrays are drilled is used as a micro cavity insert. With the utilization of ultrasonic vibration, the polymer powder, which is prefilled and compacted in a micro cavity, mutually generates great sliding friction heat so as to be rapidly plasticized and molded.
Design/methodology/approach
Micro carbide drill bits of which the diameters are 100.0 μm, 150.0 μm and 200.0 μm, respectively, are used for drilling the PCB to form a micro‐hole array insert. Next, two kinds of various ultra‐high molecule weight polyethylene (UHMW‐PE) powder with various grain diameters are directly filled into a charging barrel and a mold cavity with the micro‐hole array insert. Proper process parameters are set on ultrasonic plasticizing and molding equipment so that a molding test can be performed. The melt of UHMW‐PE can be rapidly filled into the cavity. Finally, micro‐column array plastic parts are successfully prepared.
Findings
The micro‐hole array PCB is a mold insert which is quite applicable for the ultrasonic molding of the powder in the mold. When a molding material is the coarse UHMW‐PE powder with the grain diameter of about 350 μm, the diameter replication rates of the micro‐column array plastic parts become good in order with the increased micro‐hole diameter of the PCB. When the fine UHMW‐PE powder with the grain diameter of about 80 μm is adopted, the diameter replication rates of the micro‐column array plastic parts become good in order with the decreased micro‐hole diameter of the PCB.
Originality/value
In this paper, the micro‐column array plastic parts with good replicability are successfully prepared by a technique for ultrasonically plasticizing and molding in the cavity. The technique can be applied to the fields of medical treatment, communication, optics, chemistry and so on, such as biological micro needle arrays, micro biological chips, optical memories, and micro chemical reaction chips.
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Chao Xu, Peilin Zhang, Guoquan Ren, Bing Li, Dinghai Wu and Hongbo Fan
This paper aims to provide an effective method so that the ultrasonic technique can be applied to the online debris particle detection. It proposes utilizing the waveshape…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide an effective method so that the ultrasonic technique can be applied to the online debris particle detection. It proposes utilizing the waveshape features in discriminating the debris particle in lubricant.
Design/methodology/approach
The finite element model has been developed to investigate the scattering of the ultrasonic waves in lubricant containing single scatterer, such as the debris particle and the air bubble. The simulation results show that the results verify that different scatterers differ in the waveshape features. The static experiments were carried out on a specially fixture. The single spherical debris, long debris and air bubble were measured. The fast Fourier transform (FFT) method was applied to the analysis of the echo signals to obtain the features implicated in the waveshape.
Findings
The research of this paper verifies that different scatterers differ both in their shape features and in the FFT analysis features.
Research limitations/implications
The rapid movement of the debris particles as well as the lubricant temperature may influence the measuring signals. Besides, the measuring signals are usually corrupted by noise, especially for the tiny debris. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to solve those problems further.
Practical implications
The paper includes implications for the improvement in the online debris detection and the development of the ultrasonic technique applied in online debris detection.
Originality/value
The paper provides a promising way that the ultrasonic waveshape features can be utilized to the identify debris particle online.
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Xiong Liang, Bing Li, Lianyu Fu, Xiaoyu Wu, Hongyan Shi, Taijiang Peng and Bin Xu
This paper aims to present the main factors affecting the mechanical drilling of the printed circuit board (PCB for short) micro-holes and method of micro-ultrasonic powder…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present the main factors affecting the mechanical drilling of the printed circuit board (PCB for short) micro-holes and method of micro-ultrasonic powder molding (micro-UPM for short) by utilizing PCB micro-hole array.
Design/methodology/approach
To optimize the drilling process, the paper proposes the on-line monitoring methods for the drilling process including drilling force, drilling temperature, high-speed photography and vibration signals. Taking 0.10 and 0.15 mm micro-drilling as examples, the paper analyzes the drilling process of ultra-small micro-holes. Finally, by taking the PCBs with 0.10 and 0.15 mm micro-hole arrays as the micro-cavity inserts, utilizing ultra-high-molecule weight polyethylene powder with the average particle size of about 150 μm as raw material, two sizes of micro-cylinder array polymer parts are fabricated through micro-UPM process.
Findings
PCB micro-cavity inserts with micro-hole arrays fabricated by mechanical drilling has the advantages of low costs, high efficiency and good consistency. Taking 0.10 and 0.15 mm micro-drilling as examples, it is found that the both measured apertures are about 10.0 μm more than the diameter of the micro-drill bits on average. The average diameter of the micro-cylinders by micro-UPM process is smaller than that of the micro-hole with the same specification, while the value of the roughness of the cylinder surface is more than that of the hole-wall surface with the same specification.
Originality/value
This paper describes the challenges and the developments of mechanical drilling and by using PCB micro-cavity inserts with micro-hole arrays fabricated by mechanical drilling, two different micro-cylinder array polymer parts are successfully made and thus the application area of PCB micro-drilling is broadened.
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Xiaoxia Jia, Bing Li, Zhangxin (Frank) Liu and Cong Sun
As Chinese stock market develops and grows, mutual fund plays an increasingly important role for strong financial strength and good social resources. This paper aims to present an…
Abstract
Purpose
As Chinese stock market develops and grows, mutual fund plays an increasingly important role for strong financial strength and good social resources. This paper aims to present an overview of fund investment effect, identify the investment preference of institutional investors and explore the socially responsible investment value of mutual fund, especially green fund.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to test the green effects in the fund market, especially from the perspective of institutional shareholding, the authors build three panel data models to examine the attention, promotion and network effect respectively.
Findings
In general terms, the authors obtain a positive relationship between mutual funds and green firms (attention effect). This positive relationship is conducted by the comparison of institutional shareholding level between green firms and non-green firms by using two-sample t-test. The authors find that although all the coefficients of mutual funds' shareholding variables are positively related to social performance, only the number of mutual fund shareholders shows slight significance. The authors observe a stronger promotion effect of green funds on social performance than the other mutual funds (promotion effect). From a network perspective as well as previous social capital research, the mutual funds shareholding network shows a significant and positive effect on the firm's social performance in the firm–fund network (CFClose) as well as in the firm–firm network (CCClose), while the coefficients of closeness in the firm and green fund network are positive but non-significant (network effect).
Research limitations/implications
Although some valuable findings have been documented, there is a great potential to be further explored. For example, how to guide more green funds to solve the finance problem of middle and small-sized firms may be another crucial task for the point of view of government or industry level. While at the mutual fund level, it is essential to positively participate in and fulfill the environment duty of listed firms which can not only satisfy the expectation of environment value investment.
Practical implications
The fund market has witnessed unprecedented growth in China and plays an important role in promoting the development of green industries. This indicates the practice of mutual funds as socially responsible investment in China. Some effective measures should be taken to incentive the mutual funds to continually invest in environment-friendly firms, which would benefit to the promotion of social performance driven by financing innovation.
Social implications
The ESG issue is a global one that needs the participation of the countries worldwide. As one of the most important emerging markets, regulators in China should consider taking more action in promoting ESG concerns. To some extent, institutional investments can actually reflect how the responsible investments are going in this market.
Originality/value
This paper provides a systematic empirical analysis of Chinese fund market in the view of institutional investor preference. Three green effects, namely attention, promotion and network effects, are put forward, which have not been employed in previous studies. Our work is useful for understanding sustainable finance which has been elevating into national strategy.
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Hui Guo, Jinzhou Jiang, Suoting Hu, Chun Yang, Qiqi Xiang, Kou Luo, Xinxin Zhao, Bing Li, Ziquan Yan, Liubin Niu and Jianye Zhao
The bridge expansion joint (BEJ) is a key device for accommodating spatial displacement at the beam end, and for providing vertical support for running trains passing over the gap…
Abstract
Purpose
The bridge expansion joint (BEJ) is a key device for accommodating spatial displacement at the beam end, and for providing vertical support for running trains passing over the gap between the main bridge and the approach bridge. For long-span railway bridges, it must also be coordinated with rail expansion joint (REJ), which is necessary to accommodate the expansion and contraction of, and reducing longitudinal stress in, the rails. The main aim of this study is to present analysis of recent developments in the research and application of BEJs in high-speed railway (HSR) long-span bridges in China, and to propose a performance-based integral design method for BEJs used with REJs, from both theoretical and engineering perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
The study first presents a summary on the application and maintenance of BEJs in HSR long-span bridges in China representing an overview of their state of development. Results of a survey of typical BEJ faults were analyzed, and field testing was conducted on a railway cable-stayed bridge in order to obtain information on the major mechanical characteristics of its BEJ under train load. Based on the above, a performance-based integral design method for BEJs with maximum expansion range 1600 mm (±800 mm), was proposed, covering all stages from overall conceptual design to consideration of detailed structural design issues. The performance of the novel BEJ design thus derived was then verified via theoretical analysis under different scenarios, full-scale model testing, and field testing and commissioning.
Findings
Two major types of BEJs, deck-type and through-type, are used in HSR long-span bridges in China. Typical BEJ faults were found to mainly include skewness of steel sleepers at the bridge gap, abnormally large longitudinal frictional resistance, and flexural deformation of the scissor mechanisms. These faults influence BEJ functioning, and thus adversely affect track quality and train running performance at the beam end. Due to their simple and integral structure, deck-type BEJs with expansion range 1200 mm (± 600 mm) or less have been favored as a solution offering improved operational conditions, and have emerged as a standard design. However, when the expansion range exceeds the above-mentioned value, special design work becomes necessary. Therefore, based on engineering practice, a performance-based integral design method for BEJs used with REJs was proposed, taking into account four major categories of performance requirements, i.e., mechanical characteristics, train running quality, durability and insulation performance. Overall BEJ design must mainly consider component strength and the overall stiffness of BEJ; the latter factor in particular has a decisive influence on train running performance at the beam end. Detailed BEJ structural design must stress minimization of the frictional resistance of its sliding surface. The static and dynamic performance of the newly-designed BEJ with expansion range 1600 mm have been confirmed to be satisfactory, via numerical simulation, full-scale model testing, and field testing and commissioning.
Originality/value
This research provides a broad overview of the status of BEJs with large expansion range in HSR long-span bridges in China, along with novel insights into their design.
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Guocheng Lv, Dawei Jia, Changyou Li, Chunyu Zhao, Xiulu Zhang, Feng Yan, Hongzhuang Zhang and Bing Li
This study aims to investigate the effect of countersunk rivet head dimensions on the fatigue performance of the riveted specimens of 2024-T3 alloy.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effect of countersunk rivet head dimensions on the fatigue performance of the riveted specimens of 2024-T3 alloy.
Design/methodology/approach
The relationship between rivet head dimensions and fatigue behavior was investigated by finite element method and fatigue test. The fatigue fracture of the specimens was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy.
Findings
A change of the rivet head dimensions will cause a change in the stress concentration and residual normal stress, the stress concentration near the rivet hole causes the fatigue crack source to be located on the straight section of the countersunk rivet hole and the residual normal stress can effectively restrain the initiation and expansion of fatigue cracks. The fatigue cycle will cause the rivet holes to produce different degrees of surface wear.
Originality/value
The fatigue life of the specimens with the height of the rivet head of 2.28 mm and 2.00 mm are similar, but the specimens with the height of the rivet head of 1.72 mm were far higher than the other specimens.
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Hong Zhou, Binwei Gao, Shilong Tang, Bing Li and Shuyu Wang
The number of construction dispute cases has maintained a high growth trend in recent years. The effective exploration and management of construction contract risk can directly…
Abstract
Purpose
The number of construction dispute cases has maintained a high growth trend in recent years. The effective exploration and management of construction contract risk can directly promote the overall performance of the project life cycle. The miss of clauses may result in a failure to match with standard contracts. If the contract, modified by the owner, omits key clauses, potential disputes may lead to contractors paying substantial compensation. Therefore, the identification of construction project contract missing clauses has heavily relied on the manual review technique, which is inefficient and highly restricted by personnel experience. The existing intelligent means only work for the contract query and storage. It is urgent to raise the level of intelligence for contract clause management. Therefore, this paper aims to propose an intelligent method to detect construction project contract missing clauses based on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and deep learning technology.
Design/methodology/approach
A complete classification scheme of contract clauses is designed based on NLP. First, construction contract texts are pre-processed and converted from unstructured natural language into structured digital vector form. Following the initial categorization, a multi-label classification of long text construction contract clauses is designed to preliminary identify whether the clause labels are missing. After the multi-label clause missing detection, the authors implement a clause similarity algorithm by creatively integrating the image detection thought, MatchPyramid model, with BERT to identify missing substantial content in the contract clauses.
Findings
1,322 construction project contracts were tested. Results showed that the accuracy of multi-label classification could reach 93%, the accuracy of similarity matching can reach 83%, and the recall rate and F1 mean of both can reach more than 0.7. The experimental results verify the feasibility of intelligently detecting contract risk through the NLP-based method to some extent.
Originality/value
NLP is adept at recognizing textual content and has shown promising results in some contract processing applications. However, the mostly used approaches of its utilization for risk detection in construction contract clauses predominantly are rule-based, which encounter challenges when handling intricate and lengthy engineering contracts. This paper introduces an NLP technique based on deep learning which reduces manual intervention and can autonomously identify and tag types of contractual deficiencies, aligning with the evolving complexities anticipated in future construction contracts. Moreover, this method achieves the recognition of extended contract clause texts. Ultimately, this approach boasts versatility; users simply need to adjust parameters such as segmentation based on language categories to detect omissions in contract clauses of diverse languages.
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Bing Li, Zhihui Shi and Wei Guo
As foreign direct investment (FDI) plays an important role in economic globalization. This paper examines the structural features of the global FDI network based on FDI flows data…
Abstract
Purpose
As foreign direct investment (FDI) plays an important role in economic globalization. This paper examines the structural features of the global FDI network based on FDI flows data and changes in the position of countries within the network.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to study the structural characteristics of the global FDI network and the status and changes of countries in the global FDI network, the authors build the investment network and apply the QAP (Quadratic Assignment Procedure) analysis to examine the evolutionary characteristics of the network and its influencing factors.
Findings
The global FDI network becomes more interconnected and has a clear “core-periphery” structure. The network connections and volumes have increased dramatically and most countries spread their assets across multiple countries, while only a handful of countries have concentrated investments. The topological structure of the global FDI network has changed noticeably, although this process has been slow and stable and countries in the core position have remained largely intact. The authors find that trade relations between countries, geographic distance and differences in economic size, income levels and institutional environments all have a significant impact on the global FDI network.
Research limitations/implications
Although we find some valuable results, some aspects need further investigation. For example, how a country uses the investment network to boost its economy and how the different industries in the investment network change over time. It is important to get the industry-level details to understand the impact of the global investment network from a government's perspective.
Practical implications
FDI affects the distribution of international capital and contributes to the development of the global economy. Therefore, it is important to study the characteristics of the global FDI network and its development patterns. With more understanding about the network as well as its evolutionary pattern, the government can possibly carry out some policies to promote direct investments as well as economic development.
Social implications
All countries should actively engage in international direct investments and strengthen their economic ties. At the same time, they can put more emphasis on inward or outward FDI based on their own level of economic development to better establish the circulation channel for domestic and international capital.
Originality/value
This paper examines foreign direct investments through the lens of a global network. In contrast to traditional bilateral studies, this paper focuses on the network structure and evolution, reflecting the dynamics of the entire direct investment system as well as the changing positions of participating countries.
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Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a new method based on three-dimensional (3D) vision technologies and human skill integrated deep learning to solve assembly positioning task such as peg-in-hole.
Design/methodology/approach
Hybrid camera configuration was used to provide the global and local views. Eye-in-hand mode guided the peg to be in contact with the hole plate using 3D vision in global view. When the peg was in contact with the workpiece surface, eye-to-hand mode provided the local view to accomplish peg-hole positioning based on trained CNN.
Findings
The results of assembly positioning experiments proved that the proposed method successfully distinguished the target hole from the other same size holes according to the CNN. The robot planned the motion according to the depth images and human skill guide line. The final positioning precision was good enough for the robot to carry out force controlled assembly.
Practical implications
The developed framework can have an important impact on robotic assembly positioning process, which combine with the existing force-guidance assembly technology as to build a whole set of autonomous assembly technology.
Originality/value
This paper proposed a new approach to the robotic assembly positioning based on 3D visual technologies and human skill integrated deep learning. Dual cameras swapping mode was used to provide visual feedback for the entire assembly motion planning process. The proposed workpiece positioning method provided an effective disturbance rejection, autonomous motion planning and increased overall performance with depth images feedback. The proposed peg-hole positioning method with human skill integrated provided the capability of target perceptual aliasing avoiding and successive motion decision for the robotic assembly manipulation.