Dian Wang, Chuanjin Huang, Ning Hu and Qiang Wei
The purpose of this paper is to clarify the influence of low earth orbit space environment on the wear mechanism of TC4 alloy material and crank rocker mechanism.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to clarify the influence of low earth orbit space environment on the wear mechanism of TC4 alloy material and crank rocker mechanism.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, friction experiments were carried out on TC4 alloy friction discs and crank rocker mechanisms, both before and after exposure to atomic oxygen and proton irradiation. Nanoindentation, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to systematically characterize alterations in mechanical properties, surface phase, and chemical composition.
Findings
The results show that the wear mechanism of TC4 alloy friction disc is mainly adhesive wear in vacuum environment, while the wear mechanism of crank rocker mechanism includes not only adhesive wear but also abrasive wear. Atomic oxygen exposure leads to the formation of more oxides on the surface of TC4 alloy, which form abrasive particles during the friction process. Proton irradiation will lead to a decrease in fatigue performance and an increase in hardness on the surface of TC4 alloy, thus causing fatigue wear on the surface of TC4 alloy, and more furrows appear on the crank rocker mechanism after proton irradiation. In the three environments, the characteristics of abrasive wear of the crank rocker mechanism are more obvious than those of the TC4 alloy friction disc.
Originality/value
These results highlight the importance of understanding the subtle effects of atomic oxygen and proton irradiation on the wear behavior of TC4 alloy and provide some insights for optimizing its performance in space applications.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0051/
Details
Keywords
Dian Tjondronegoro, Lei Wang and Adrien Joly
Affordable mobile devices with video playback functionality are rapidly growing in the market. Current wireless and third generation communication networks enable smoother and…
Abstract
Affordable mobile devices with video playback functionality are rapidly growing in the market. Current wireless and third generation communication networks enable smoother and higher quality streaming video. With the support of these technologies, most participants in telecom value‐added service chain are planning to shift their business focus to a more profitable and appealing area, mobile TV. Previous work that survey on users' behavior while consuming mobile TV has indicated that users normally watch brief and casual contents, and not the full program. However, most of the current services adopt a “push” approach since users passively receive pre‐defined contents, rather than pulling the interesting topics and segments. In order to promote a more enjoyable and rewarding watching experience, this paper will propose a framework to support a fully interactive mobile TV. The main goal is to enable users to: 1) visually locate interesting topics across multiple genres (such as news, sports and entertainment) and 2) fully control the playback flow of the multimedia items while selecting the most interesting segments. A web‐based system has been developed to implement and test the effectiveness of the proposed framework in a wireless and mobile setting.
Details
Keywords
Bowen Zhang, Frank J. Mulhern, Yingying Wu, Margaret Xu, Wenqi Wang and Liang Gao
Recognizing the differences between generations Y and Z, this exploratory study uses generational cohort theory as a framework to examine the brand perception of McDonald's, an…
Abstract
Purpose
Recognizing the differences between generations Y and Z, this exploratory study uses generational cohort theory as a framework to examine the brand perception of McDonald's, an international brand which has grown up with consumers for over 30 years in China. The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
Measures of brand perception was built based on Aaker's brand personality model. A total 1,103 valid questionnaires were collected through an online survey platform. Factor analysis is the primary method to analysis the data.
Findings
The findings of this study reveal a favourable brand perception of McDonald's among young Chinese consumers which is consistent with Aaker's brand personality model and support the use of generational cohort theory as a market segmentation tool for brand perception. The differences between the two generational cohorts are not shown to be significant.
Originality/value
The most important contribution of this study is the evaluation of the personality of a major brand in China for Gen Z, a topic with very little existing research. Also, this research suggests future in-depth research into generational cohort theory in a Chinese context by recognizing homogeneity and heterogeneity exist simultaneously between generational cohorts.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to describe the Lane–Emden equation by the fractal derivative and establish its variational principle by using the semi-inverse method. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the Lane–Emden equation by the fractal derivative and establish its variational principle by using the semi-inverse method. The variational principle is helpful to research the structure of the solution. The approximate analytical solution of the fractal Lane–Emden equation is obtained by the variational iteration method. The example illustrates that the suggested scheme is efficient and accurate for fractal models.
Design/methodology/approach
The author establishes the variational principle for fractal Lane–Emden equation, and its approximate analytical solution is obtained by the variational iteration method.
Findings
The variational iteration method is very fascinating in solving fractal differential equation.
Originality/value
The author first proposes the variational iteration method for solving fractal differential equation. The example shows the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method. The variational iteration method is valid for other nonlinear fractal models as well.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is the coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is defined by using fractal derivative, and its variational principle is constructed by the fractal…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is the coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is defined by using fractal derivative, and its variational principle is constructed by the fractal semi-inverse method. The approximate analytical solution of the coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is obtained by the fractal variational iteration transform method based on the proposed variational theory and fractal two-scales transform method. Finally, an example illustrates the proposed method is efficient to deal with complex nonlinear fractal systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The coupled nonlinear fractal Schrödinger system is described by using the fractal derivative, and its fractal variational principle is obtained by the fractal semi-inverse method. A novel approach is proposed to solve the fractal model based on the variational theory.
Findings
The fractal variational iteration transform method is an excellent method to solve the fractal differential equation system.
Originality/value
The author first presents the fractal variational iteration transform method to find the approximate analytical solution for fractal differential equation system. The example illustrates the accuracy and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Details
Keywords
On a microgravity condition, a motion of soliton might be subject to a microgravity-induced motion. There is no theory so far to study the effect of air density and gravity on the…
Abstract
Purpose
On a microgravity condition, a motion of soliton might be subject to a microgravity-induced motion. There is no theory so far to study the effect of air density and gravity on the motion property. Here, the author considers the air as discrete molecules and a motion of a soliton is modeled based on He’s fractal derivative in a microgravity space. The variational principle of the alternative model is constructed by semi-inverse method. The variational principle can be used to establish the conservation laws and reveal the structure of the solution. Finally, its approximate analytical solution is found by using two-scale method and homotopy perturbation method (HPM).
Design/methodology/approach
The author establishes a new fractal model based on He’s fractal derivative in a microgravity space and its variational principle is obtained via the semi-inverse method. The approximate analytical solution of the fractal model is obtained by using two-scale method and HPM.
Findings
He’s fractal derivative is a powerful tool to establish a mathematical model in microgravity space. The variational principle of the fractal model can be used to establish the conservation laws and reveal the structure of the solution.
Originality/value
The author proposes the first fractal model for the soliton motion in a microgravtity space and obtains its variational principle and approximate solution.
Details
Keywords
Linhai Wu, Qipeng Hu, Jianhua Wang and Dian Zhu
In China, a major grain producer, rice losses during harvest cannot be ignored. The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent of rice harvest losses in major grain-producing…
Abstract
Purpose
In China, a major grain producer, rice losses during harvest cannot be ignored. The purpose of this paper is to assess the extent of rice harvest losses in major grain-producing areas in China by a sampling survey, and to further analyze the main factors influencing rice harvest losses using an ordered multinomial logistic model.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, data were collected using a multi-stage sampling method from ten major rice-producing provinces/regions in China. On this basis, five counties were selected from each of these provinces/regions. In the actual survey, house numbers were randomly selected, and then corresponding farmer households were visited by trained investigators.
Findings
The survey found that 56.22 percent of respondents believed that rice harvest losses were 4 percent or lower in China, though there were differences among the provinces. The proportion of family business income, planting scale, mechanization level, timely harvest, and operational meticulousness had negative effects on rice harvest losses. On the other hand, farmers’ experience of employment as migrant workers had a positive effect on rice harvest losses. In addition, bad weather and short handedness during harvest significantly increased rice harvest losses.
Originality/value
The meaning of rice harvest losses was defined based on previous research findings on the definition of grain harvest losses and the realities in China. The current rice harvest losses in different areas in China were analyzed based on sampling survey data from 957 farmers in ten provinces in China.
Details
Keywords
Seyi S. Stephen, Ayodeji E. Oke, Clinton O. Aigbavboa, Opeoluwa I. Akinradewo, Pelumi E. Adetoro and Matthew Ikuabe
The chapter explored integrating smart construction techniques in achieving stealth construction objectives, emphasising the development of building cross-sections, visibility…
Abstract
The chapter explored integrating smart construction techniques in achieving stealth construction objectives, emphasising the development of building cross-sections, visibility management, energy transmission optimisation, and countermeasure implementation. It delved into the multifaceted aspects of smart construction towards achieving stealth construction goals, including environmental protection, enhanced construction safety, accelerated construction duration, cost-effectiveness, and aesthetic considerations. Furthermore, the chapter underscores the importance of leveraging innovative approaches and advanced technologies to meet the evolving demands of stealth construction projects and pave the way for sustainable, safe, and aesthetically pleasing built environments.
Details
Keywords
Xu Huang and Yuanyuan Gu
Compared to other areas in China, Chaoshan region in Guangdong province has a more developed clan system set within a rural landscape. This paper aims to explore the relationship…
Abstract
Purpose
Compared to other areas in China, Chaoshan region in Guangdong province has a more developed clan system set within a rural landscape. This paper aims to explore the relationship between the social structure (family–clan) and spatial form (housing settlement) of clan-organized rural China to understand the spatial form represented by “family and clan.”
Design/methodology/approach
By examining Dongli village and Huayao village, this paper outlines the typical path of spatial representation: dwelling of individual’s core family → mansion of the big family → settlement of a single clan → co-settlement of several clans. Moreover, it identifies three critical elements of the spatial representation: prototype (the spatial representation of the etiquette system); order (a hierarchical space set by the patriarchal system); and boundary (constructed on both physical and mental facts).
Findings
All elements indicate that descendants of migrants from the North maintain their self-identity and discipline clan members by planning the ideal space.
Research limitations/implications
The findings contribute to the ongoing discussions regarding how local cultural and historical experiences can influence renewed designs of traditional settlement areas (Aksulu and Eryildiz, 2003) and how digital means can facilitate updating designs of traditional buildings (Han et al., 2017). Such planning and design should involve greater public participation, considering the impact on residents’ daily lives (Pandya, 2005).
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the understanding of the relationship between cultural values and the spatial form of residential settlements in Chinese history.
Details
Keywords
Nadia Abdelhamid Abdelmegeed Abdelwahed and Safia Bano
Digital technology (DT) is a massive and robust tool for organizational success. This paper aims to examine the roles of digitalization and digital innovation (DI) in developing…
Abstract
Purpose
Digital technology (DT) is a massive and robust tool for organizational success. This paper aims to examine the roles of digitalization and digital innovation (DI) in developing the capability of a digital economy.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a cross-sectional study to collect the data from the managers of Egyptian SME manufacturing firms. This study utilized 322 samples.
Findings
From applying the structural equation model (SEM), this study’s findings show that digital capability (DC) and digital orientation (DO) exert a positive effect on the firm’s digital economy capability (DEC). In addition, DC has a positive impact on DI. In contrast, digital technology self-efficacy (DTSE) negatively predicts DEC. This study’s results also confirm DO’s negative effect on DI. The DTSE is a positive enabler of DI that has also positively affected the DEC. The mediating results demonstrate that DI reinforces the positive connection between DO and DEC. On the other hand, DI does not mediate the connection between DO and DEC and between DTSE and DEC.
Practical implications
This study’s outcomes support policymakers and manufacturing organizations in employing DT to improve DEC and, thereby, develop firm performance and success. The study’s findings also encourage organizations to invest in bringing about a digital culture within them. Finally, by developing DT and DI, firms can nurture a conducive culture of creativity and forward-thinking.
Originality/value
This study directly overcomes the need for an integrated framework of all DI, DTSE, DO, DC and DEC. Furthermore, DI’s mediating contribution between DC and DEC, between DO and DEC and between DTSE and DEC adds fresh insights to the existing literature.