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Article
Publication date: 22 August 2024

Geng Huang, Xi Lin and Ling-Yun He

Some existing studies have begun to discuss how trade will change the environment from a country or province perspective. However, so far, only a limited number of studies have…

64

Abstract

Purpose

Some existing studies have begun to discuss how trade will change the environment from a country or province perspective. However, so far, only a limited number of studies have provided evidence at the product level. This study aims to investigate the environmental impacts of trade at the product level.

Design/methodology/approach

The effects of importing intermediates and capital inputs on energy performance are examined using theoretical analysis. Empirical analyses are conducted using data on product trade, and the effects of importing intermediate inputs and capital inputs on energy efficiency are identified using a Propensity Score Matching-Difference in Difference (PSM-DID) estimation.

Findings

The results demonstrate that importing intermediates and capital inputs effectively enhance energy efficiency. Importing these inputs from foreign markets leads to increased productivity and ultimately improves energy performance.

Originality/value

This research provides new evidence on the relationship between importing and energy use at the product trade level. It offers insights into enterprise behaviors regarding importing intermediates and capital inputs, contributing to a deeper understanding of the environmental effects of trade. Additionally, a micro-theoretical model is developed to examine the impacts of imports on energy efficiency, complementing existing literature with theoretical insights.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

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Article
Publication date: 23 September 2024

Ying Geng, Huai-Ying Huang, Ching-Hui Chen and Pei-Hsuan Lin

This study is a pilot study exploring the usefulness and ease of use of a prototype VR PetCPR system and discusses the possibility of using it to facilitate pet healthcare skills…

74

Abstract

Purpose

This study is a pilot study exploring the usefulness and ease of use of a prototype VR PetCPR system and discusses the possibility of using it to facilitate pet healthcare skills acquisition. The designed VR PetCPR training system aims to provide pet healthcare professionals with an inexpensive, accessible and reliable CPR training tool and refine their skills in a controlled and simulated environment.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted in a one-day workshop. The workshop consisted of the morning section (Section A) and the afternoon section (Section B). Section A was the knowledge acquisition stage. Section B is the VR PetCPR stage. Trainees were then given 30 min to experience the VR PetCPR set. When trainees were ready, they were required to complete two trials of dog CPR practice. After the practice, trainees completed the questionnaire and reported their attitudes toward VR PetCPR practice.

Findings

Overall, trainees held positive attitudes toward the effectiveness and usefulness of the VR PetCPR. After practicing skills via VR CPR, over half of the trainees responded that the system is effective in helping them understand the essential knowledge (e.g. operation status, operation positions, etc.) of performing CPR skills on a 30-pound dog. A significantly positive attitude was reported on trainees’ perceptions toward the ease of use of practicing their chest compression skills with the PetCPR. The positive attitudes significantly outnumbered the negative attitudes on explicit instruction and guidance, accessibility, convenience in practice and straightforward interface.

Originality/value

From data collected from 16 animal hospitals in the United States, Europe and Australia with 709 cases, 147 dogs (28%) and 58 cats (30%) temporarily attained ROSC during CPR, and 14 dogs (3%) and four cats (2%) survived to hospital discharge. Training veterinary CPR techniques and implementing RECOVER guidelines still have a long way to go. However, recent virtual reality simulations for CPR training were mainly designed for human patients CPR (Issleib et al., 2021; Liu et al., 2022; Almousa et al., 2019; Wong et al., 2018). The VR PetCPR remains a missing puzzle in the current VR training designs.

Details

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

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Article
Publication date: 7 June 2019

Peng Geng and Jianhua Liu

The more precise decision map is important to generate better-fused image. Guided filter can preserve edge information effectively. The purpose of his study is to use guided…

76

Abstract

Purpose

The more precise decision map is important to generate better-fused image. Guided filter can preserve edge information effectively. The purpose of his study is to use guided filter to form the precise decision map and highly informatively fused image.

Design/methodology/approach

The dual tree complex wavelet transform is adopted to decompose the source images into high frequency and low frequency coefficients. Sum of modified Laplacian method is introduced as the focus metric in dual tree complex wavelet coefficients. The guided filter is guided by the dual tree complex wavelet coefficient when the sum of modified Laplacian is used as the input image. The output image of guided filter is used to produce the decision map to fuse dual tree complex wavelet coefficient of source images.

Findings

The sum of modified Laplacian of dual tree complex wavelet coefficient can be used as the guided image in guided filter to generate better decision map. Comparison with the other state-of-the-art methods illustrates that the proposed approach is more effective in fusing the multifocus images both visual performance and objective evaluation.

Originality/value

The sum of modified Laplacian of dual tree complex wavelet coefficient is introduced to be used as the guided image in guided filter to generate better decision map. This method is fast and effect to fuse the source images. Comparison with the other state-of-the-art methods illustrates that the proposed approach is more effective in fusing the multifocus images both visual performance and objective evaluation.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 46 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 1997

Jerssica Hu, Kuan‐Tsae Huang, JKazashi Kuse, Geng‐Wen Su and Ko‐Yang Wang

Information quality has become the number one issue a knowledge worker faces in today’s environment, due to the high noise‐to‐signal ratio of non‐essential content in knowledge…

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Abstract

Information quality has become the number one issue a knowledge worker faces in today’s environment, due to the high noise‐to‐signal ratio of non‐essential content in knowledge repositories and the lack of quality measurement for the information. This paper discusses information organization and retrieval technologies for improving the quality of knowledge by reducing the noise‐to‐signal ratio, and focusing on techniques to abstract data from search results into comprehensible knowledge for users. A case study concerning a customer management system is used to illustrate the ideas.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 1 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

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Article
Publication date: 19 September 2023

Xingbing Yang, Xinye Wang, Shuang Huang, Xin Liu, Xiang Huang and Ting Lei

In this study, solid formaldehyde, benzoguanamine and butanol were used to synthesize butylated benzo-amino resin by one-step-two-stage method.

47

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, solid formaldehyde, benzoguanamine and butanol were used to synthesize butylated benzo-amino resin by one-step-two-stage method.

Design/methodology/approach

This research first examined the influence of solid formaldehyde content on the hydroxymethylation phase. Subsequently, the effects of butanol content, etherification time and hydrochloric acid content on the formation of benzo-amino resin during the etherification stage were studied in detail. In addition, the reaction process was further analyzed through interval sampling withdrawing during the hydroxymethylation and etherification stages. Finally, the synthesized benzo-amino resins were used in the production of high solid content polyester and acrylic coatings and the properties of that were also evaluated.

Findings

Based on the experimental findings, the authors have successfully determined the optimal process conditions for the one-step-two-stage method in this study. The hydroxymethylation stage demonstrated the most favorable outcomes at a reaction temperature of 60°C and a pH of 8.5. Similarly, for the etherification stage, the optimal conditions were achieved at a temperature of 45°C and a pH of 4.5. Furthermore, the investigation revealed that a ratio of benzoguanamine to solid formaldehyde to n-butanol, specifically at 1:5.2:15, produced the best results. The performance of the resulting etherified benzo-amino resin was thoroughly evaluated in high solid content coatings, and it exhibited promising characteristics. Notably, there was a significant enhancement in the water resistance, solvent resistance and glossiness of canned iron printing varnish coatings.

Originality/value

Amino resin, a versatile chemical compound widely used in various industries, presents challenges in terms of sustainability and operational efficiency when synthesized using conventional methods, primarily relying on a 37% formaldehyde solution. To address these challenges, the authors propose a novel approach in this study that combines the advantages of the solid formaldehyde with a two-stage catalytic one-step synthesis process. The primary objective of this research is to minimize the environmental impact associated with amino resin synthesis, optimize resource utilization and enhance the economic feasibility for its industrial implementation. By adopting this alternative approach, the authors aim to contribute toward a more sustainable and efficient production of amino resin.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 53 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

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Article
Publication date: 5 August 2022

Sohail Anwar and Wilson Ozuem

This research conceptualizes service recovery process (SRPs) within pre-recovery, recovery and post-recovery. This study aims to provide a summary of factors and strategies with…

839

Abstract

Purpose

This research conceptualizes service recovery process (SRPs) within pre-recovery, recovery and post-recovery. This study aims to provide a summary of factors and strategies with respect to SRPs. Also, this research highlights different responses by organizations to SRPs. These responses are synthesized in this research in the context of SRPs.

Design/methodology/approach

This study provides a systemic literature review that considers only studies that have been published within the past 11 years to highlight the different response options used today. This study only selected papers that are included in a rigorous review process such that they explicitly contribute towards practice, theory and policy.

Findings

The pre-recovery is about the awareness of the problem whereby communication between the customer and organization is initiated to resolve the issue, and it provides a critical foundation for the recovery expectations. The recovery phase concluded with either a satisfactory resolution of the problem or when the customer gives up on his/her query due to another failure of the organization. Post-recovery encompasses the period in which the recovery efforts have concluded, and the customers have now started to evaluate their experience of preceding phases. A major contribution of this study is that it provides a summary of factors and strategies with respect to SRPs.

Research limitations/implications

The managers of service-providing organization can use this synthesis to evaluate the response of their organization to different instances of service failures along SRPs. They can then modify their responses. Managers can also use this synthesis as part of an employee training programme to ensure wide coverage of potential responses of the organization following a failure of service.

Originality/value

This research then highlights different questions that can be explored in future studies regarding the various phases involved in SRPs. Finally, this research outlines the recommendations for businesses looking to benefit from adopting SRPs by also considering the related managerial implications. This study will provide a conceptual framework as to the future direction of the overall study through highlighting gaps of understanding related to SRPs.

Details

Qualitative Market Research: An International Journal, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-2752

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Article
Publication date: 14 May 2019

Jianhua Liu, Peng Geng and Hongtao Ma

This study aims to obtain the more precise decision map to fuse the source images by Coefficient significance method. In the area of multifocus image fusion, the better decision…

67

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to obtain the more precise decision map to fuse the source images by Coefficient significance method. In the area of multifocus image fusion, the better decision map is very important the fusion results. In the processing of distinguishing the well-focus part with blur part in an image, the edge between the parts is more difficult to be processed. Coefficient significance is very effective in generating the better decision map to fuse the multifocus images.

Design/methodology/approach

The energy of Laplacian is used in the approximation coefficients of redundant discrete wavelet transform. On the other side, the coefficient significance based on statistic property of covariance is proposed to merge the detail coefficient.

Findings

Due to the shift-variance of the redundant discrete wavelet and the effectiveness of fusion rule, the presented fusion method is superior to the region energy in harmonic cosine wavelet domain, pixel significance with the cross bilateral filter and multiscale geometry analysis method of Ripplet transform.

Originality/value

In redundant discrete wavelet domain, the coefficient significance based on statistic property of covariance is proposed to merge the detail coefficient of source images.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 46 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 30 January 2024

Tony Yan and Michael R. Hyman

This study examines how informal business networks achieve marketing goals in socially uncertain contexts. Drawing from multiple historical sources, Shangbangs, a type of business…

115

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines how informal business networks achieve marketing goals in socially uncertain contexts. Drawing from multiple historical sources, Shangbangs, a type of business network that thrived in pre-1949 China, are analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

The Critical Historical Research Method (CHRM) undergirds a study of Shangbangs’ historicity (i.e. their socio-historically embedded multiplicity, including organizational forms, activities and connotations.

Findings

As informal regional, professional, project-based, special-product-based or mixed marketing networks, Shangbangs relied on “flexible specialization” and coupled multiple business needs to market goods and services, business organizations, specific social values and, when necessary, to debrand business rivals.

Research limitations/implications

This analysis extends theories about marketing networks by probing their subtypes, diverse marketing activities, multipronged channels and relationship building with social entities (including underground societies, business associations and guilds) in response to pre-1949 China’s market uncertainties. Substantiating an alternative approach to “flexible specialization” and marketing innovations within the pre-1949 Chinese economy shows how a parallel theoretical framework can complement western-based marketing theories.

Originality/value

This first comprehensive analysis of Shangbangs, an innovative historical Chinese marketing network outside the conventional market-corporate dichotomy, can inform theory building for marketing strategy-making and management conditioned by social contexts.

Details

Journal of Historical Research in Marketing, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1755-750X

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Article
Publication date: 25 September 2018

Enes Ünal, Andrea Urbinati and Davide Chiaroni

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the managerial practices that companies can implement in order to design a circular economy business model and how companies can create…

5258

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the managerial practices that companies can implement in order to design a circular economy business model and how companies can create and capture value from a circular economy business model.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts a single case study methodology with semi-structured interviews and company, supplier, and manufacturing site visits, conducted in a small-to-medium-size Italian company operating in the office supply industry.

Findings

The theoretical setting maps a set of managerial practices for a circular economy business model and sets the research gaps and questions in a research framework designed along three main dimensions: value network, customer value proposition and interface, and managerial commitment. Then, through an empirical analysis, the findings reveal that the proposed dimensions are interdependent and reinforce each other. Moreover, the managerial commitment as moderating factor between the value network and the customer value proposition and interface dimensions is identified as essential for reaching the intended goals of circular economy business models.

Research limitations/implications

This study maximizes the depth of the phenomenon under investigation by leveraging a single case study methodology, which ideally helps in a theory-testing approach as in the present case. Future research opportunities could be found in qualitative and quantitative studies to increase the generalizability of the findings of this paper.

Practical implications

The paper presents a set of relevant managerial practices for circular economy business models that can be used by managers who have the will to embrace in practice circular economy principles to support the design, change, or upgrade of the business model of companies within which they operate.

Originality/value

An interdisciplinary approach that integrates the research streams of circular economy, social psychology, organizational behavior, and business model design has been pursued to test the theoretical setting and the research framework for circular economy business models in a real-world context.

Details

Journal of Manufacturing Technology Management, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-038X

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Article
Publication date: 3 March 2020

Vitus Mwinteribo Tabie, Chong Li, Wang Saifu, Jianwei Li and Xiaojing Xu

This paper aims to present a broad review of near-a titanium alloys for high-temperature applications.

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a broad review of near-a titanium alloys for high-temperature applications.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a brief introduction of titanium (Ti) alloys, this paper considers the near-α group of Ti alloys, which are the most popular high-temperature Ti alloys developed for a high-temperature application, particularly in compressor disc and blades in aero-engines. The paper is relied on literature within the past decade to discuss phase stability and microstructural effect of alloying elements, plastic deformation and reinforcements used in the development of these alloys.

Findings

The near-a Ti alloys show high potential for high-temperature applications, and many researchers have explored the incorporation of TiC, TiB SiC, Y2O3, La2O3 and Al2O3 reinforcements for improved mechanical properties. Rolling, extrusion, forging and some severe plastic deformation (SPD) techniques, as well as heat treatment methods, have also been explored extensively. There is, however, a paucity of information on SiC, Y2O3 and carbon nanotube reinforcements and their combinations for improved mechanical properties. Information on some SPD techniques such as cyclic extrusion compression, multiaxial compression/forging and repeated corrugation and straightening for this class of alloys is also limited.

Originality/value

This paper provides a topical, technical insight into developments in near-a Ti alloys using literature from within the past decade. It also outlines the future developments of this class of Ti alloys.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 92 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

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