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Article
Publication date: 19 November 2019

Shen-cheng Wang, Kin-sun Chan and Ke-qing Han

Aiding employment is an important poverty reduction strategy in many countries’ social welfare systems, as this strategy can help empower the recipients with a better living…

6559

Abstract

Purpose

Aiding employment is an important poverty reduction strategy in many countries’ social welfare systems, as this strategy can help empower the recipients with a better living standard, development and social inclusion. The purpose of this paper is to identify the most significant individual and systematic variables for the employment status of low-income groups in urban China.

Design/methodology/approach

The data of this study are drawn from “Social Policy Support System for Poverty-stricken Families in Urban and Rural China 2015” report. The Ministry of Civil Affairs of the People’s Republic of China appointed and funded the Institute of Social Science Survey (ISSS) at Peking University to deliver the related project and organize a research team to write the report. Multiple binary logistic regression analysis is adopted to identify both individual and systematic factors that affect the employment status among low-income groups in urban China.

Findings

According to the results of the binary logistic regression model, individual factors, including: gender; householder status; education; and self-rated health status, play a significant role in determining the employment status of low-income groups in urban China. Clearly, the impacts of individual factors are more influential to marginal families than to families entitled to receive Basic Living Allowance. In contrast, compared with marginal families, systematic factors are more influential to families entitled to receive Basic Living Allowance.

Originality/value

This study highlights the importance of precise poverty reduction strategy and the issue of “welfare dependence” among low-income groups in urban China. Policy recommendations derived from the findings are hence given, including: the promotion of family-friendly policies; the introduction of a smart healthcare system; the establishment of a Basic Living Allowance adjustment mechanism; and the provision of related social services.

Details

Public Administration and Policy, vol. 22 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1727-2645

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Article
Publication date: 8 August 2018

Han Qing, LiangXi Xie, Lu Li and Chuang Jia

This paper aims to establish a numerical model to calculate contact pressure for rectangular vane sealing surface of hydraulic rotary actuator. Numerical model can be applied to…

138

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a numerical model to calculate contact pressure for rectangular vane sealing surface of hydraulic rotary actuator. Numerical model can be applied to solve the steady-state Reynolds equation after the oil film thickness and the contact pressure distribution curve of the vane sealing surface are obtained.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors established the numerical model of contact pressure base on the theory of elastic after, the Reynolds equation is solved by the inverse solution.

Findings

The relationship between the oil film thickness of vane sealing surface and the contact pressure on different sealing location for hydraulic rotary actuator is obtained. At the same time, the lubrication state on the surface of seal is also found when the hydraulic rotary actuator runs stably.

Originality/value

The study shows that the lubricating state of the vane sealing surface is mixed lubrication, when the rotor of the hydraulic rotary actuator is running stably at a certain speed. Meanwhile, this research will provide a theory basis for later experiment for the hydraulic rotary vane actuator.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 70 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

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Article
Publication date: 20 June 2022

Junguang Zhang and Qing Han

The activities using drum resources restrict the operation of multi-project systems. However, existing monitoring methods are not suitable for the characteristics of drum…

145

Abstract

Purpose

The activities using drum resources restrict the operation of multi-project systems. However, existing monitoring methods are not suitable for the characteristics of drum activities in the multi-project system. The authors therefore propose an adaptive capacity constraint buffer monitoring model based on the attributes of drum activities, aiming to build a high-efficiency progress control framework for multiple projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Considering the attributes and the interrelationship of drum activities, the monitoring reference points are determined on the basis of decentralized buffers. The authors next set action thresholds according to the relationship between the drum activities' interval margin and buffer consumption, and then the corresponding monitoring measures are taken.

Findings

The empirical results show that, compared to the classic methods, the proposed approach can effectively monitor the progress of the drum plan and realize the dual optimization of multi-project duration and cost.

Research limitations/implications

The buffer consumption at the follow-up monitoring time point is neglected when determining the action thresholds. Prediction methods can be introduced to present more all-sided monitoring.

Practical implications

This paper fulfils the dual optimization of multi-project duration and cost. It provides a reference guide for project managers.

Originality/value

A capacity constraint buffer monitoring method suitable for a multi-project environment is produced.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 52 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 18 April 2017

Qing Han, Yanguo Qin, Yun Zou, Chenyu Wang, Haotian Bai, Tao Yu, Lanfeng Huang and Jincheng Wang

Although proximal row carpectomy, wrist arthrodesis and even total wrist arthroplasty were developed to treat wrist disease using bone and cartilage of the wrist, severe and…

500

Abstract

Purpose

Although proximal row carpectomy, wrist arthrodesis and even total wrist arthroplasty were developed to treat wrist disease using bone and cartilage of the wrist, severe and complicated bone defects caused by ferocious trauma and bone tumors remain a stubborn problem for surgeons. Development and application of the three-dimensional (3D) printing technology may provide possible solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Computed tomography (CT) data of three cases with severe bone defects caused by either trauma or bone tumor were collected and converted into three-dimensional models. Prostheses were designed individually according to the residual anatomical structure of the wrist based on the models. Both the models and prostheses were produced using 3D printing technology. A preoperative design was prepared according to the models and prostheses. Then arthroplasty was performed after preoperative simulation with printed models and prostheses.

Findings

The diameter of the stem and radial medullary cavity, the direction and location of the prosthesis, and other components were checked during the preoperative design and simulation process phases. The three cases with 3D printed wrist all regained reconstruction of normal anatomy and part of the function after surgery. The average increasing Cooney score rate of Cases 2 and 3 was 133.34 ± 23.57 per cent, and that of Case 1 reached 85 per cent. The average declining rate of the Gartland and Werley Score in Cases 2 and 3 was 65.21 ± 18.89 per cent, and that of Case 1 dropped to 5 per cent in the last follow-up. The scores indicated that patients experienced pain relief and function regain. In addition, the degree of patient satisfaction improved.

Originality/value

3D printed wrist arthroplasty may provide an effective method for severe and complicated cases without sacrificing other bones. Personal customization can offer better anatomy and function than arthrodesis or other traditional surgical techniques.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 23 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 31 December 2015

Rene Dentiste Mueller, George Xun Wang, Guoli Liu and Charles Chi Cui

Marketing research has focussed more on in-group favoritism and out-group derogation (i.e. ethnocentrism) than out-group favoritism and in-group derogation (i.e. xenocentrism)…

2641

Abstract

Purpose

Marketing research has focussed more on in-group favoritism and out-group derogation (i.e. ethnocentrism) than out-group favoritism and in-group derogation (i.e. xenocentrism). The purpose of this paper is to explore the xenocentric behavior in the consumer sphere to explain why some consumers have a bias for foreign products even when domestic ones are qualitatively similar or better. As the Chinese economy has experienced more than three decades of near double-digit growth and increased openness to foreign products, it is important to examine phenomena related to the formation of Chinese attitudes toward foreign products with the rising tensions between the seemingly irreversible globalization and Chinese re-awakening nationalism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on a review of the extant literature and focus groups in three cities in China.

Findings

This study has found that consumer xenocentrism (CX) is prevalent in China, especially among the new emerging wealthy classes, younger consumers, and the local elite. It appears that Chinese consumers are psychologically or sociologically orientated or predisposed toward foreign (Western) goods. The findings from this study suggest that both consumer ethnocentrism and CX are possible or even expected. The short review of Chinese history presented here has shown that these phenomena can be explained by traditional in-group/out-group theories. Specifically, when there are too many xenocentrics, national esteem is threatened and this prompts many individuals to become more ethnocentric.

Research limitations/implications

This study is based on the literature and focus groups data, hence, the findings are not intended to be generalizable.

Practical implications

The findings from this study should be of interest to business practitioners and policy makers.

Social implications

The historical and cultural perspectives taken in this study indicate that understanding consumers’ xenocentric behavior entails knowledge and deep understanding of how cultural values and contemporary social-political forces interplay within consumers’ formation and change of attitudes toward the choice of domestic and foreign products.

Originality/value

This study shows that the ability of foreign products to meet the individual’s need or enhance his/her self-esteem more so than domestic products is indicative of something more than simply an international, cosmopolitan, or modern orientation. The fact that consumer foreign bias is found with both mundane and widely available products, expensive and inexpensive products, and conspicuous and non-conspicuous goods challenges the assumption that this phenomenon is simply traditional prestige-consumption behavior. Future research needs to be directed at measuring the CX construct and examine potential antecedents of such a behavior.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

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Article
Publication date: 25 October 2022

Wenping Xu, Jitao Xu, David Proverbs and Yuwan Zhang

In modern urban governance, rescue materials storage points (RMSP) are a vital role to be considered in responding to public emergencies and improving a city's emergency…

196

Abstract

Purpose

In modern urban governance, rescue materials storage points (RMSP) are a vital role to be considered in responding to public emergencies and improving a city's emergency management. This study analyzes the siting of community-centered relief supply facilities.

Design/methodology/approach

Combining grey relational analysis, complex network and relative entropy, a new multi criteria method is proposed. It pays more attention to the needs of the community, taking into account the use of community hospitals, fire centers and neighborhood offices to establish small RMSP.

Findings

The research results firstly found suitable areas for RMSP site selection, including Hanyang, Qiaokou, Jiangan and Wuchang. The top 10 nodes in each region are found as the location of emergency facilities, and the network parameters are higher than ordinary nodes in traffic networks. The proposed method was applied in Wuhan, China and the method was verified by us-ing a complex network model combined with multi-criteria decision-making for emergency facility location.

Practical implications

This method solves the problem of how to choose the optimal solution and reduces the difficulty for decision makers. This method will help emergency managers to locate and plan RMSP more simply, especially in improving emergency siting modeling techniques and additionally in providing a reference for future research.

Originality/value

The method proposed in this study is beneficial to improve the decision-making ability of urban emergency departments. Using complex networks and comprehensive evaluation techniques, RMSP is incorporated into the urban community emergency network as a critical rescue force. More importantly, the findings highlight a new direction for further research on urban emergency facilities site selection based on a combination of sound theoretical basis as well as empirical evidence gained from real life case-based analysis.

Highlights:

  1. Material reserve points are incorporated into the emergency supply network to maintain the advantage of quantity.

  2. Build emergency site selection facilities centered on urban communities.

  3. Use a complex network model to select the location of emergency supplies storage sites.

Material reserve points are incorporated into the emergency supply network to maintain the advantage of quantity.

Build emergency site selection facilities centered on urban communities.

Use a complex network model to select the location of emergency supplies storage sites.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 53 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 5 September 2018

Linhao Ouyang, Zijian Zhang, Xiaoling Huang and Shi Xie

The purpose of this study is to restore the spatial distribution of overseas remittance businesses in Shantou during the 1940s. It explores various socioeconomic factors that…

142

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to restore the spatial distribution of overseas remittance businesses in Shantou during the 1940s. It explores various socioeconomic factors that influenced the concentration of local remittance business investment in real estate. By reconstructing the spatial distribution of remittance business activities in Shantou, this study hopes to lay a foundation for further analysis of the business strategies of Chaoshan merchants.

Design/methodology/approach

This research draws on information from the published Swatow Guide, archival sources and cadastral maps to identify the location of remittance enterprises and the native place and overseas networks of property owners.

Finding

This study reveals that the spatial distribution of the remittance enterprises was determined by the native place origins of local property owners, and that the inflow of overseas Chinese capital contributed to real estate development in Shantou.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the limited access to Chinese official archives, this paper manages to identify several building blocks and neighbors in Shantou for spatial analysis.

Practical implications

This study is the first attempt to use the geographical information system (GIS) method in Chinese urban history research and hopes to establish a larger historical database of Shantou as a sample for comparison.

Originality/value

This investigation advances the spatial study of urban history and overseas Chinese remittances in the maritime society of South China.

Details

Social Transformations in Chinese Societies, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1871-2673

Keywords

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Abstract

Details

Inside Major East Asian Library Collections in North America, Volume 2
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80455-140-0

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Article
Publication date: 24 August 2010

Amitava Ray, Bijan Sarkar and Subir Kumar Sanyal

Cost estimation based on expert's judgment is not an ideal approach, since human decisions are usually determined according to general attributes of limited and unstructured…

1993

Abstract

Purpose

Cost estimation based on expert's judgment is not an ideal approach, since human decisions are usually determined according to general attributes of limited and unstructured experience. The purpose of this paper is to develop a generic model of intelligence and cognitive science‐based method that can play an active role in process cost prediction within the shortest possible time.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an intelligent system was conceived for prediction of total process cost of the product. The system is based on the concept of case‐based reasoning. It is a method for solving problems by making use of previous (source cases), similar situations and reusing information and knowledge about such situations. The source case data are generated by Taguchi technique and the cost function calculates the corresponding cost of each experiment in the economic time scale. The target case consists of the process variables whose cost needs to be determined. The cost for the source cases, consisting of the process variables of the already manufactured products are known in priori. The system calculates the similarities between the source cases and target cases and calculates the optimum cost. The fuzzy‐C‐means clustering method provides the model connecting the process parameters with total costs searched for.

Findings

The results show that the quality of predictions made by the intelligent system is comparable to the quality assured by the experienced expert. The proposed expert system is superior to traditional cost accounting system and assists inexperienced users in predicting the optimum process cost within the shortest possible time.

Research limitations/implications

The research was limited to the traditional machining process.

Practical implications

The paper can be applied to any process industry and will have immense practical value.

Originality/value

This is the first time an expert system has been developed for the process industry that can calculate the process cost within a few days or a few hours before making an offer to a buyer.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 3 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 18 October 2011

Wenjun Wang, Yi Lin and Jubo Zhu

This paper aims to focus on the rise and decline of the Qing dynasty in Chinese history, and tries to explain the evolutionary phenomenon that when a dynasty became strong, it…

1127

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the rise and decline of the Qing dynasty in Chinese history, and tries to explain the evolutionary phenomenon that when a dynasty became strong, it replaced the former established but deteriorating one, and then at the end of its development, it disappeared eventually by using interest models developed herein.

Design/methodology/approach

Systemic interest models are introduced to the study of Chinese history quantitatively. First, by briefly going over the history of Qing, the reasons for its rise and fall are analyzed qualitatively. Second, the concept of interest is generalized under some proper assumptions so that several interest models are established. At the end, intriguing conclusions are drawn by analyzing the numerical solutions of these interest models.

Findings

Comparing this paper's results of numerical solutions with the Qing's history, we can see that the stability of a country was essentially an external appearance of the conflict of interests between the ruling and ruled classes. Usually, the eventual social turbulence happened when the balance of interests deteriorated and was tilted excessively to one social class, and ended when the imbalance reached another state of equilibrium. Moreover, the stability of a country always appeared to be a cycle of “turbulence→peace→turbulence→ċ” which is similar to the evolutionary characteristics of general systems indicated by the systemic yoyo model. Furthermore, the cycle can be found in all the feudal dynasties throughout Chinese history.

Practical implications

The interest models presented in this article can be applied to the study of other social problems, such as corporation governance, the analysis of the national economic relationships, and others.

Originality/value

The concept of interest is generalized in this paper, and the relevant interest models provide good conclusions in our analysis of social and historical phenomena.

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