Wenhui Fan, Huayu Xu and Xin Xu
The purpose of this paper is to formulate and simulate the model for vehicle routing problem (VRP) on a practical application in logistics distribution.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to formulate and simulate the model for vehicle routing problem (VRP) on a practical application in logistics distribution.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the real data of a distribution center in Utica, Michigan, USA, the design of VRP is modeled as a multi‐objective optimization problem which considers three objectives. The non‐dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA‐II) is adopted to solve this multi‐objective problem. On the other hand, the VRP model is simulated and an object‐oriented idea is employed to analyze the classes, functions, and attributes of all involved objects on VRP. A modularized objectification model is established on AnyLogic software, which can simulate the practical distribution process by changing parameters dynamically and randomly. The simulation model automatically controls vehicles motion by programs, and has strong expansibility. Meanwhile, the model credibility is strengthened by introducing random traffic flow to simulate practical traffic conditions.
Findings
The computational results show that the NSGA‐II algorithm is effective in solving this practical problem. Moreover, the simulation results suggest that by analyzing and controlling specific key factors of VRP, the distribution center can get useful information for vehicle scheduling and routing.
Originality/value
Multi‐objective problems are seldom considered on VRPs, yet they are of great practical value in logistics distribution. This paper is mainly focused on multi‐objective VRP which is derived from a practical distribution center. The NSGA‐II algorithm is applied in this problem and the AnyLogic software is employed as the simulation tool. In addition, this paper deals with several key factors of VRP in order to control and simulate the distribution process. The computational and simulation results regarding VRPs constitute the main contribution of our paper.
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Bifeng Yin, Xuefeng Wang, Bo Xu, Gongyin Huang and Xin Kuang
The purpose of this paper was to improve the frictional wear resistance properties of piston skirts caused by the low viscosity lubricant by studying the tribological performance…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper was to improve the frictional wear resistance properties of piston skirts caused by the low viscosity lubricant by studying the tribological performance of three novel coating materials.
Design/methodology/approach
Comparative tribological examinations were performed in a tribological tester using the ring-block arrangement under two viscosity lubricants, the loading force was applied as 100 N, the speed was set to 60 r/min and the testing time was 180 min.
Findings
Under low viscosity lubricant, the friction coefficient and wear of the three coatings all increase, and the friction coefficient and wear of the PTFE coating are the largest, while the MoS2 coating has the lowest friction coefficient and wear. Under low viscosity lubricant, the friction coefficient of the MoS2 coating is 2.1%–5.4% and 20.0%–24.3% lower than that of the SiO2 and PTFE coating, respectively. The friction coefficient and wear fluctuation rate of the MoS2 coating is the smallest when the lubricant viscosity decreases, which indicates that the MoS2 coating has excellent stability and adaptability under low viscosity lubricant.
Originality/value
To reduce the piston skirt wear caused by low viscosity lubricant in heavy-duty diesel engines, the friction and wear adaptability of three novel composite coating materials for piston skirts were compared under 0 W-20 low viscosity lubricant, which could provide a guidance for the application of wear-resistant materials for heavy-duty diesel engine piston skirt.
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Qiong Wang, Zeng-Lai Xu and Zhihong Cheng
The precise and sensitive methods for authentication and differentiation of natural and synthetic indigo dyes are required for assurance of textile safety and public health. This…
Abstract
Purpose
The precise and sensitive methods for authentication and differentiation of natural and synthetic indigo dyes are required for assurance of textile safety and public health. This study aims to develop a fast and simple method to distinguish natural indigo from synthetic one.
Design/methodology/approach
A static headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was developed for identification of natural and synthetic indigo samples. Natural indigo samples prepared from three different plants and synthetic indigo samples from three famous manufacturers in China, were involved in this study, along with some nonindigo blue samples (such as direct blue, active blue and neutral blue). The yarns and fabrics dyed with natural and synthetic indigo were also analyzed by the GC-MS method.
Findings
High levels of aniline (21.87%–71.59%) or N-methylaniline (25.26%–38.73%) were detected only in synthetic indigo samples (1 g) using the static headspace GC-MS method. The yarns and fabrics dyed with the synthetic indigo were also detected with residual aniline (0.47%–14.86%) or N-methylaniline (6.59%–40.93%).
Originality/value
The results clearly demonstrated that aniline or N-methylaniline can be used a diagnostic marker for distinguishing natural indigo from synthetic indigo. The proposed static headspace GC-MS method is a rapid, simple and convenient approach for differentiation of natural and synthetic indigo, as well as for the yarns and fabrics dyed with synthetic indigo.
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Yongzhong Jiang, Ying Guo, Xixi He and Xueli Chen
Intellectual capital is an essential intangible resource for enterprises, and different combinations of intellectual and environmental elements will produce different innovation…
Abstract
Purpose
Intellectual capital is an essential intangible resource for enterprises, and different combinations of intellectual and environmental elements will produce different innovation effects. This study aims to analyze the effects of different matching combinations of intellectual capital elements and environmental uncertainty elements of firms on improving ambidextrous innovation (exploratory innovation and exploitative innovation).
Design/methodology/approach
Based on data from 161 listed companies in China, we employ a fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify the paths that effectively promote ambidextrous innovation in enterprises.
Findings
Through group analysis, we derived five realization paths of exploratory innovation and five of exploitative innovation respectively. We further find that among these innovation realization paths, human capital plays a more prominent role in facilitating exploitative innovation, while relational capital plays a more important role in realizing exploratory innovation.
Originality/value
This research not only significantly contributes to the theory of ambidextrous innovation, but also helps firms identify the multiple paths of realization that trigger high-exploratory and exploitative innovation, avoiding unnecessary waste caused by resource mismatch, and providing valuable insights for firms seeking to adopt an ambidextrous innovation strategy effectively.
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This paper aims to explore various tensions related to the diffusion and reception of the New Qing History (NQH) in China, and more specifically, it aims at underlying a recurrent…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore various tensions related to the diffusion and reception of the New Qing History (NQH) in China, and more specifically, it aims at underlying a recurrent tension within the core of this debate, between a Global and a Nationalist historical narrative.
Design/methodology/approach
The author’s focus is to analyze various texts published in China between 2006 and 2018.
Findings
The author argues that the intensity of the current debate is partly related on the one hand, to the fact that NQH undermines various aspects of China’s Nationalist teleology and territorial claims and, on the other hand, to the basic difficulty of accepting the coexistence of various historical representations that are risking to weaken contemporary’s justifications of its rising schemes.
Originality/value
The text presents an original reading of some important issues raised by the NQH debate.
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Jasvinder Singh, Pulak Mohan Pandey, Tejinder Kaur and Neetu Singh
The purpose of this paper is to fabricate pre-existing geometries of the stents using solvent cast 3D printing (SC3P) and encapsulation of each stent with heparin drug by using…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to fabricate pre-existing geometries of the stents using solvent cast 3D printing (SC3P) and encapsulation of each stent with heparin drug by using aminolysis reaction.
Design/methodology/approach
The iron pentacarbonyl powder and poly-ɛ-caprolactone blend (PCIP) were used to print stent designs of Art18z, Palmaz-Schatz and Abbott Bvs1.1. The properties of antithrombosis, anticoagulation and blood compatibility were introduced in the stents by conjugation of heparin drug via the aminolysis process. The aminolysis process was confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy due to presence of amide group and nitrogen peak in the respective analysis. Biological studies were performed to depict the cell viability, hemocompatibility and antithrombotic properties. Besides, mechanical behaviors were analyzed to study the behavior of the stents under radial compression load and bending load.
Findings
The amount of heparin immobilized on the Art18z, Palmaz-Schatz and Abbott Bvs1.1 stents were 255 ± 27, 222 ± 30 and 212 ± 13 µg, respectively. The cell viability studies using L929 fibroblast cells confirmed the cytocompatibility of the stents. The heparinized SC3P printed stents displayed excellent thrombo-resistance, anticoagulation properties and hemocompatibility as confirmed by blood coagulation analysis, platelet adhesion test and hemolysis analysis. Besides, mechanical behavior was found in context of the real-life stents. All these assessments confirmed that the developed stents have the potential to be used in the real environment of coronary arteries.
Originality/value
Various customized shaped biodegradable stents were fabricated using 3D printing technique and encapsulated with heparin drug using aminolysis process.
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Zeyu Xing, Tachia Chin, Jing Huang, Mirko Perano and Valerio Temperini
The ongoing paradigm shift in the energy sector holds paramount implications for the realization of the sustainable development goals, encompassing critical domains such as…
Abstract
Purpose
The ongoing paradigm shift in the energy sector holds paramount implications for the realization of the sustainable development goals, encompassing critical domains such as resource optimization, environmental stewardship and workforce opportunities. Concurrently, this transformative trajectory within the power sector possesses a dual-edged nature; it may ameliorate certain challenges while accentuating others. In light of the burgeoning research stream on open innovation, this study aims to examine the intricate dynamics of knowledge-based industry-university-research networking, with an overarching objective to elucidate and calibrate the equilibrium of ambidextrous innovation within power systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors scrutinize the role of different innovation organizations in three innovation models: ambidextrous, exploitative and exploratory, and use a multiobjective decision analysis method-entropy weight TOPSIS. The research was conducted within the sphere of the power industry, and the authors mined data from the widely used PatSnap database.
Findings
Results show that the breadth of knowledge search and the strength of an organization’s direct relationships are crucial for ambidextrous innovation, with research institutions having the highest impact. In contrast, for exploitative innovation, depth of knowledge search, the number of R&D patents and the number of innovative products are paramount, with universities playing the most significant role. For exploratory innovation, the depth of knowledge search and the quality of two-mode network relations are vital, with research institutions yielding the best effect. Regional analysis reveals Beijing as the primary hub for ambidextrous and exploratory innovation organizations, while Jiangsu leads for exploitative innovation.
Practical implications
The study offers valuable implications to cope with the dynamic state of ambidextrous innovation performance of the entire power system. In light of the findings, the dynamic state of ambidextrous innovation performance within the power system can be adeptly managed. By emphasizing a balance between exploratory and exploitative strategies, stakeholders are better positioned to respond to evolving challenges and opportunities. Thus, the study offers pivotal guidance to ensure sustained adaptability and growth in the power sector’s innovation landscape.
Originality/value
The primary originality is to extend and refine the theoretical understanding of ambidextrous innovation within power systems. By integrating several theoretical frameworks, including social network theory, knowledge-based theory and resource-based theory, the authors enrich the theoretical landscape of power system ambidextrous innovation. Also, this inclusive examination of two-mode network structures, including the interplay between knowledge and cooperation networks, unveils the intricate interdependencies between these networks and the ambidextrous innovation of power systems. This approach significantly widens the theoretical parameters of innovation network research.
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The purpose of this paper is to understand urban mobility model.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand urban mobility model.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have used deep learning as tools of analysis and taxi transportation data as sources of mobility.
Findings
The authors have found urban mobility model of weekdays and weekends for a metropolitan city.
Research limitations/implications
There could be many sources of transportation data but the authors have used public taxi data solely.
Practical implications
With the urban mobility model proposed in this paper, other researchers and industries can improve their own service based on urban mobility model.
Social implications
The result would be a good model for urban traffic control or traffic modeling.
Originality/value
This works is an improvement of the paper published in The 15th International Conference on Advances in Mobile Computing & Multimedia (MoMM2017) by recommendation of conference editor, Ismail Khalil, IJPCC editor-in-chief.