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Article
Publication date: 1 June 2009

Zhang Feifei, Cai Jianming and Liu Gang

In Beijing, urban agriculture (UA) experienced a corkscrew development with its role changing in decades: It has evolved from the purely production mode to multi-functional urban…

Abstract

In Beijing, urban agriculture (UA) experienced a corkscrew development with its role changing in decades: It has evolved from the purely production mode to multi-functional urban agriculture, fulfilling both social and ecological demands. At present, the practice of UA as well as the number of rural to urban migrants is growing rapidly in peri-urban Beijing. Through Multi-stakeholder Process for Action planning and Policy Design (MPAP) methodology and four in-depth case studies, we can see that UA activities are playing very important roles in reshaping peri-urban Beijing. Socially, UA induces the emergence of new migrant communities. While migrants rebuild their social network, they are changed by the city as well, which has also changed the local community. The new comers are on their way to creating a new balance. Physically, urban and peri-urban farmland limits urban sprawl, supplies agricultural products for everyday life, and reserves urban green spaces for recreation and leisure for citizens in Beijing, which has changed the landscape and land use and land cover (LUCC) pattern greatly. Under Beijing's land policy, the concentric configuration spatial allocation through multi-functional UA is formed, which at the same time due to migrants' UA activities are creating harmful and low efficient land use pattern which should be of concern.

Details

Open House International, vol. 34 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Zhongcai Shao, Feifei Zhang, Zhiqiang Cai and Rong Hu

The purpose of the investigation was to research the best process of electroless nickel (EN) plating on AZ91D magnesium alloy and the performance of EN plating coating.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the investigation was to research the best process of electroless nickel (EN) plating on AZ91D magnesium alloy and the performance of EN plating coating.

Design/methodology/approach

Through single factor test and orthogonal test, EN plating on AZ91D magnesium alloy was researched. The plating rate and porosity were analyzed. The coating appearance of EN plating coating and magnesium alloy substrate was evaluated. The electrochemical properties of EN plating coating and substrate were researched using electrochemical workstation, and their compositions and structure were examined using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

The results made by combination of experimental and orthogonal test showed that the best formula of EN plating was 8.8 g·L−1 nickel ion, 25 g·L−1 lactic acid, 28 g·L−1 reducing agent, 1.8 ml·L−1 corrosion inhibitor, 1 mg·L−1 stabilizer, temperature at 85°C and pH value at 5.5. The plating was uniform, dense and with no cracks. The electrochemical tests showed that the corrosion resistance of EN plating was better than that of magnesium alloy substrate.

Originality/value

The results indicated that the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloy improved markedly after EN plating at the best formula and the plating covered magnesium alloy completely.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 64 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2016

Feifei Zhang, Jieshi Chen and Jun Chen

– The purpose of this paper is to analyze theoretically the influence of normal stress on the formability of aluminum alloy sheets in non-linear strain paths.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze theoretically the influence of normal stress on the formability of aluminum alloy sheets in non-linear strain paths.

Design/methodology/approach

Four loading modes of non-linear strain paths are investigated in detail to consider the effect of normal stress on formability of aluminum alloy sheets.

Findings

Results show that the influence of normal stress in the first stage can be ignored. However, the normal stress in the second stage enhances the formability of aluminum alloy sheets obviously. Besides, the normal stress in the second stage is found to have larger effect on forming limit stress than that in the first stage.

Research limitations/implications

Maybe more experiment data should be obtained to support the theoretical findings.

Originality/value

This current study provides a better understanding of normal stress effect on the formability of aluminum alloy sheets in non-linear strain paths. Since the reacting stage of normal stress play important roles in normal stress effect on the formability of aluminum alloy sheets, the insight obtained in this paper will help to judge the instability of aluminum alloy sheets in complex forming processes with normal stress reacting on the sheet or tube.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 33 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 June 2015

Linchi Kwok (Lingzhi Guo), Feifei Zhang, Yung-Kuei Huang, Bei Yu, Prabhukrishna Maharabhushanam and Kasturi Rangan

The purpose of this study is to document how restaurant’s business-to-consumer communication strategies evolved on Facebook over time and how consumers’ reactions to a variety of…

1752

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to document how restaurant’s business-to-consumer communication strategies evolved on Facebook over time and how consumers’ reactions to a variety of Facebook messages changed over time.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed 2,463 Facebook messages posted by seven quick-service restaurant chains and three casual-dining restaurant chains in the fourth quarter of 2010, 2012 and 2014. ANOVA and post hoc t-test were used to compare the differences among four media types (photo, status update, video and hyperlink) in terms of their usage by companies and Facebook users’ reactions to these messages (measured by number of “Likes”, number of comments and number of shares).

Findings

Over the three periods of time under observation, there is a substantial decrease of status updates by restaurants and a dramatic increase of photo updates. Photo remained as the most “popular” media type, receiving most “Likes”, comments and shares from consumers. Video was not considered “popular” in 2010 but experienced a slight increase in usage and slowly emerged in 2012 and 2014 as another “popular” media, which no longer had statistical difference with photo in number of comments and shares.

Research limitations/implications

Some limitations include an under representable sample and its longitudinal design, but the findings provide additional insight to current literature in social media.

Practical implications

A series of suggestions were advanced from the findings to help hospitality managers better engage Facebook users.

Originality/value

This is probably the first time-series or longitudinal-like analysis in social media research and yields meaningful findings.

Details

Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, vol. 7 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-4217

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 February 2024

Zhichuan Tang, Xuan Xu, Feifei Wang, Lekai Zhang and Min Zhu

Targeting the common functions of the Zhejiang Library website, elderly individuals were invited to complete six experimental tasks on the improved website interfaces, and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Targeting the common functions of the Zhejiang Library website, elderly individuals were invited to complete six experimental tasks on the improved website interfaces, and subjective data (PAD emotion scale and usability evaluation) and objective data (eye movement data) were recorded to verify the effects of graphic layout and navigation position on the information-seeking experience of elderly individuals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzes the effect of the graphic layout and navigation position of the Zhejiang Library’s website interface on the emotional state, perceived usability and information-seeking time of elderly individuals, with the aim of providing guidance and suggestions for the elderly-oriented reform of the public library website.

Findings

The experimental results show that the graphic layout has a significant effect on the emotional state and perceived usability of elderly individuals, and the navigation position has a significant effect on the information-seeking time; the interaction between graphic layout and navigation position exerts a significant effect on the information-seeking time of elderly individuals. The eye movement data show that elderly individuals have a better information-seeking experience when the top navigation bar and image-text matched arrangement are used for the interface layout.

Originality/value

This study adopts a new approach combining subjective data and eye movement data to evaluate the effect of the public library website’s interface layout on the information-seeking experience for older people. The findings can provide a theoretical basis and methodological support for the elderly-oriented reform of public library websites. They can also provide scientific design suggestions for age-friendly interface layouts of other Internet products and service applications.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 August 2021

Yong Li, Feifei Han, Xinzhe Zhang, Kai Peng and Li Dang

In this paper, with the goal of reducing the fuel consumption of UAV, the engine performance optimization is studied and on the basis of aircraft/engine integrated control, the…

Abstract

Purpose

In this paper, with the goal of reducing the fuel consumption of UAV, the engine performance optimization is studied and on the basis of aircraft/engine integrated control, the minimum fuel consumption optimization method of engine given thrust is proposed. In the case of keeping the given thrust of the engine unchanged, the main fuel flow of the engine without being connected to the afterburner is optimally controlled so as to minimize the fuel consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the reference model real-time optimization control method is adopted. The engine reference model uses a nonlinear real-time mathematical model of a certain engine component method. The quasi-Newton method is adopted in the optimization algorithm. According to the optimization variable nozzle area, the turbine drop-pressure ratio corresponding to the optimized nozzle area is calculated, which is superimposed with the difference of the drop-pressure ratio of the conventional control plan and output to the conventional nozzle controller of the engine. The nozzle area is controlled by the conventional nozzle controller.

Findings

The engine real-time minimum fuel consumption optimization control method studied in this study can significantly reduce the engine fuel consumption rate under a given thrust. At the work point, this is a low-altitude large Mach work point, which is relatively close to the edge of the flight envelope. Before turning on the optimization controller, the fuel consumption is 0.8124 kg/s. After turning on the optimization controller, you can see that the fuel supply has decreased by about 4%. At this time, the speed of the high-pressure rotor is about 94% and the temperature after the turbine can remain stable all the time.

Practical implications

The optimal control method of minimum fuel consumption for the given thrust of UAV is proposed in this paper and the optimal control is carried out for the nozzle area of the engine. At the same time, a method is proposed to indirectly control the nozzle area by changing the turbine pressure ratio. The relevant UAV and its power plant designers and developers may consider the results of this study to reach a feasible solution to reduce the fuel consumption of UAV.

Originality/value

Fuel consumption optimization can save fuel consumption during aircraft cruising, increase the economy of commercial aircraft and improve the combat radius of military aircraft. With the increasingly wide application of UAVs in military and civilian fields, the demand for energy-saving and emission reduction will promote the UAV industry to improve the awareness of environmental protection and reduce the cost of UAV use and operation.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 January 2025

Shibin Zhang, Qiying Yang and Feifei Yang

As tower cranes are highly dangerous, the problem of insufficient investment in tower safety needs to be solved urgently, and this study aims to solve the problem of insufficient…

Abstract

Purpose

As tower cranes are highly dangerous, the problem of insufficient investment in tower safety needs to be solved urgently, and this study aims to solve the problem of insufficient investment in safety caused by the imbalance of interests of tower safety-related subjects and to propose targeted solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Tower crane rental enterprises, contractors and government departments are selected to construct the game model, calculate the equilibrium point and stability and determine the optimal stabilization strategy. Finally, MATLAB software is used to model and simulate the impact of parameter changes on each party’s choice of strategies.

Findings

(1) The optimal combination of strategies is safety input by tower companies, leasing of qualified towers by contractors and providing non-financial incentives by the government. (2) The degree of synergistic coefficient γ, the level of government penalty coefficient α and the increase in accident probability p positively affect the adoption of proactive safety measures by tower crane leasing enterprises and contractors. (3) Excessive differences in safety costs may lead firms to adopt hostile safety measures.

Originality/value

This paper creatively uses safety input and tower crane leasing enterprises as the perspective and object of research on tower security. The research results are of great significance in guiding the government to formulate regulatory and incentive policies and in promoting enterprises to implement safety input to ensure construction safety collaboratively. It also provides new research cases for promoting the entire special equipment industry to realize adequate and effective safety input.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 January 2024

Yuanhong Hu, Feifei Huang, Pengling Liu and Shuyu Zhang

As China’s industrial structure continues to upgrade and optimize, the consumption capacity of rural residents gradually improves and the role of consumption in economic growth is…

Abstract

Purpose

As China’s industrial structure continues to upgrade and optimize, the consumption capacity of rural residents gradually improves and the role of consumption in economic growth is increasingly prominent. Against the background of weak external demand, the untapped potential of rural consumption has become a key force in expanding domestic demand. As one of the important means that the government has long relied on, fiscal support for agriculture has played a crucial role in activating the rural consumer market. This manuscript aims to explore the impact of local fiscal support for agricultural expenditure (FSAE) on rural consumption in China, as well as to examine the mediating role of the level of rural financial development.

Design/methodology/approach

In this manuscript, the authors use the provincial panel data of 31 provinces in China from 2000 to 2020. The data of all variables mainly come from China Statistical Yearbook and China Rural Statistical Yearbook. According to the variable selection above, 651 sample data of 31 provinces and cities across China from 2000 to 2020 are organized. In terms of methodology, multiple fixed-effects panel model is applied to regression.

Findings

Firstly, FSAE varies significantly, while rural consumption slowly but steadily rises, with a relatively stable consumption structure. Secondly, FSAE has a significant positive effect on rural consumption. Thirdly, mediation testing indicates that mechanisms such as income, uncertainty and financial development have significant positive mediating effects on rural consumption. Thirdly, there is evident regional heterogeneity in FSAE’s impact on rural consumption. The Western regions, under government fiscal support, show a more significant effect on the elevation of rural consumption levels, while the role of FSAE in optimizing the consumption structure of rural residents in eastern and central regions is more pronounced.

Originality/value

Firstly, a systematic examination of local FSAE and rural consumption has been conducted, enriching relevant theories. Secondly, utilizing econometric empirical methods to research the relationship between local FSAE and rural consumption provides an exploratory extension to empirical studies on rural consumption in China. This offers empirical evidence for local fiscal support in agricultural development and the promotion of rural consumption.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2023

Feifei Zhong, Guoping Liu, Zhenyu Lu, Lingyan Hu, Yangyang Han, Yusong Xiao and Xinrui Zhang

Robotic arms’ interactions with the external environment are growing more intricate, demanding higher control precision. This study aims to enhance control precision by…

Abstract

Purpose

Robotic arms’ interactions with the external environment are growing more intricate, demanding higher control precision. This study aims to enhance control precision by establishing a dynamic model through the identification of the dynamic parameters of a self-designed robotic arm.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes an improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) method for parameter identification, which comprehensively improves particle initialization diversity, dynamic adjustment of inertia weight, dynamic adjustment of local and global learning factors and global search capabilities. To reduce the number of particles and improve identification accuracy, a step-by-step dynamic parameter identification method was also proposed. Simultaneously, to fully unleash the dynamic characteristics of a robotic arm, and satisfy boundary conditions, a combination of high-order differentiable natural exponential functions and traditional Fourier series is used to develop an excitation trajectory. Finally, an arbitrary verification trajectory was planned using the IPSO to verify the accuracy of the dynamical parameter identification.

Findings

Experiments conducted on a self-designed robotic arm validate the proposed parameter identification method. By comparing it with IPSO1, IPSO2, IPSOd and least-square algorithms using the criteria of torque error and root mean square for each joint, the superiority of the IPSO algorithm in parameter identification becomes evident. In this case, the dynamic parameter results of each link are significantly improved.

Originality/value

A new parameter identification model was proposed and validated. Based on the experimental results, the stability of the identification results was improved, providing more accurate parameter identification for further applications.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 August 2019

Liang Zhong, Feifei Li, Yuxin Peng, Qiang Yang, Mingming Zhang and Jian Wang

This paper aims to propose a type of T-shaped two-axis force sensor for measuring the forces in x- and z-axes. The developed sensor has a simple structure and can be effectively…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a type of T-shaped two-axis force sensor for measuring the forces in x- and z-axes. The developed sensor has a simple structure and can be effectively assembled into compact devices.

Design/methodology/approach

A T-shaped plate, with both ends fixed on a base, is used as the substrate of the sensor. Eight strain gauges are placed in the root of the plate or near the sensor head, which can construct two full Wheatstone bridges on the upper and lower surfaces of the plate. When the x- or z-axes forces are applied to the sensor head, different deformation can be generated to the strain gauges. Therefore, the two Wheatstone bridges can be constructed with a different configuration for measuring the forces in x- or z-axes, respectively.

Findings

A prototype was designed and constructed and experiments were carried out to test the basic performance of the sensor. It has been verified that the developed sensor could measure the x- and z-axes forces independently with a high resolution of 2.5 and 5 mN, respectively.

Originality/value

Only one thin plate was used in the design, the forces in x- and z-axes could be measured independently and simultaneously, which made the sensor with a simple structure and compact size. Experiments were also verified that there was no crosstalk error occurred in one axis when the force was applied to the other axis.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 39 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

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