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1 – 10 of 13Jin-Ping Wang, Jian-Fei Zhang, Zhi-Guo Qu and Wen-Quan Tao
Pressure-based methods have been demonstrated to be powerful for solving many practical problems in engineering. In many pressure-based methods, inner iterative processes are…
Abstract
Purpose
Pressure-based methods have been demonstrated to be powerful for solving many practical problems in engineering. In many pressure-based methods, inner iterative processes are proposed to get efficient solutions. However, the number of inner iterations is set empirically and kept fixed during the whole computation for different problems, which is overestimated in some computations but underestimated in other computations. This paper aims to develop an algorithm with adaptive inner iteration processes for steady and unsteady incompressible flows.
Design/methodology/approach
In this work, with the use of two different criteria in two inner iterative processes, a mechanism is proposed to control inner iteration processes to make the number of inner iterations vary during computing according to different problems. By doing so, adaptive inner iteration processes can be achieved.
Findings
The adaptive inner iterative algorithm is verified to be valid by solving classic steady and unsteady incompressible problems. Results show that the adaptive inner iteration algorithm works more efficient than the fixed inner iteration one.
Originality/value
The algorithm with adaptive inner iteration processes is first proposed in this paper. As the mechanism for controlling inner iteration processes is based on physical meaning and the feature of iterative calculations, it can be used in any methods where there exist inner iteration processes. It is not limited for incompressible flows. The performance of the adaptive inner iteration processes in compressible flows is conducted in a further study.
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Yang Zhao, Jin-Ping Lee and Min-Teh Yu
Catastrophe (CAT) events associated with natural catastrophes and man-made disasters cause profound impacts on the insurance industry. This research thus reviews the impact of CAT…
Abstract
Purpose
Catastrophe (CAT) events associated with natural catastrophes and man-made disasters cause profound impacts on the insurance industry. This research thus reviews the impact of CAT risk on the insurance industry and how traditional reinsurance and securitized risk-transfer instruments are used for managing CAT risk.
Design/methodology/approach
This research reviews the impact of CAT risk on the insurance industry and how traditional reinsurance and securitized risk-transfer instruments are used for managing CAT risk. Apart from many negative influences, CAT events can increase the net revenue of the insurance industry around CAT events and improve insurance demand over the post-CAT periods. The underwriting cycle of reinsurance causes inefficiencies in transferring CAT risks. Securitized risk-transfer instruments resolve some inefficiencies of the reinsurance market, but are subject to moral hazard, basis risk, credit risk, regulatory uncertainty, etc. The authors introduce some popular securitized solutions and use Merton's structural framework to demonstrate how to value these CAT-linked securities. The hybrid solutions by combining reinsurance with securitized CAT instruments are expected to offer promising applications for CAT risk management.
Findings
The authors introduce some popular securitized solutions and use Merton's structural framework to demonstrate how to value these CAT-linked securities. The hybrid solutions by combining reinsurance with securitized CAT instruments are expected to offer promising applications for CAT risk management.
Originality/value
This research reviews a broad array of impacts of CAT risks on the (re)insurance industry. CAT events challenge (re)insurance capacity and influence insurers' supply decisions and reconstruction costs in the aftermath of catastrophes. While losses from natural catastrophes are the primary threat to property–casualty insurers, the mortality risk posed by influenza pandemics is a leading CAT risk for life insurers. At the same time, natural catastrophes and man-made disasters cause distinct impacts on (re)insures. Man-made disasters can increase the correlation between insurance stocks and the overall market, and natural catastrophes reduce the above correlation. It should be noted that huge CAT losses can also improve (re)insurance demand during the postevent period and thus bring long-term effects to the (re)insurance industry.
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Qi Zheng Li, Yu Zuo, Jing Mao Zhao, Yu Ming Tang, Xu Hui Zhao and Jin Ping Xiong
By adding a Ce salt and an Nd salt to an anodizing electrolyte, modified anodic films are obtained on aluminum surfaces. This paper aims to study the effects of rare‐earth…
Abstract
Purpose
By adding a Ce salt and an Nd salt to an anodizing electrolyte, modified anodic films are obtained on aluminum surfaces. This paper aims to study the effects of rare‐earth elements on the corrosion resistance of the anode film.
Design/methodology/approach
The crystalline film was studied by X‐ray diffraction. The methods of scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, electrochemical polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) were used to characterize the properties of the films.
Findings
After rare‐earth element modification, the pores of the porous layer were very evidently smaller, the anodic film was more compact, and the thickness and hardness of the films had increased. The corrosion resistance of the anodic films modified with rare‐earth elements clearly was improved in neutral, acidic, and basic NaCl solutions. Ce showed a better effect than Nd in increasing the corrosion resistance of the films, and the film modified with Ce+Nd showed the highest corrosion resistance. EIS analysis showed that the impedances of both the barrier layer and porous layer of the anodic films increased after modification with the rare‐earth elements, indicating that the anodizing process was affected by the presence of the rare‐earth elements.
Originality/value
The results presented in this paper offer a foundation for further research and application of rare‐earth elements in aluminum anodic oxide films.
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Wei Qian, Carol Tilt and Ping Zhu
This paper aims to examine the role of local/provincial government in influencing corporate social and environmental reporting (CSER) in China, and more specifically, how the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the role of local/provincial government in influencing corporate social and environmental reporting (CSER) in China, and more specifically, how the underlying economic and political factors associated with local government have influenced the quality of CSER.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used 234 environmentally sensitive companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges during 2013 and 2015 as the research sample to test the relationship between CSER and local government’s political connection and economic prioritisation and the potential mediating effect of local economic prioritisation.
Findings
The analysis provides evidence that local/provincial government’s political geographical connectedness with the central government has directly and positively influenced the level of CSER, while local prioritisation of economic development has a direct but negative effect on CSER in China. In addition, local/provincial prioritisation of economic development has mediated the relationship between local–central political geographical connectedness and CSER.
Practical implications
While local/provincial governments are heavily influenced by the coercive pressure from the central government, they also act in their own political and economic interests in overseeing CSER at the local level. This study raises the question about the effectiveness of the top-down approach to improving CSER in China and suggests that the central government may need to focus more on coordinating and harmonising different local/provincial governments’ interests to enable achieving a common sustainability goal.
Originality/value
The authors provide evidence revealing how the economic and political contexts of local government have played a significant role in shaping CSER in China. More specifically, this paper addresses a gap in the literature by highlighting the importance of local government oversight power for CSER development and how such oversight is determined by local prioritisation of economic development and political geographical connectedness of local and central governments.
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Since the beginning of the new millennium, Confucian doctrines on one’s self-cultivation have been re-introduced to curriculum in China. The revived cherish of the Confucian…
Abstract
Since the beginning of the new millennium, Confucian doctrines on one’s self-cultivation have been re-introduced to curriculum in China. The revived cherish of the Confucian legacy in the twenty-first century is a reverse from the official rejection of Confucianism in the Mao era (1950–1976). It also appears as a counterweight to the individualism proliferating among the Chinese youths born at the beginning of the new millennium (Gen Z). The re-introduction of Confucianism is thus ideologically purposeful. Yet how does the mixed exposure to Confucius’ legacy and the modern idea of self-awareness impact this cohort of young people, in particular their way of learning? This chapter focusses on Chinese Gen Z studying in Australia. Using the Bourdieuan theory of human habitus, this chapter examines how these students negotiate between the ideas of self-cultivation and self-awareness, and what implications such experiences have in an intercultural academic community.
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Yongfei Jia, Chang Liu, Chong Yin and Qing Zhu
Under the background of economic and technological globalization, all countries will pay attention to science and technology innovation policies. At this time, the era of…
Abstract
Purpose
Under the background of economic and technological globalization, all countries will pay attention to science and technology innovation policies. At this time, the era of innovation policy plays an important role. In order to thoroughly implement the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, earnestly innovate development concepts and strengthen the key supporting role of scientific and technological innovation for social development.
Design/methodology/approach
The research will make an in-depth study on the policy of scientific and technological innovation, take the change trend of the number of laws and regulations and the analysis of the basic content as the entry point, and classify it from five different aspects, such as the policy of scientific and technological system and mechanism, the policy of financial guidance, the policy of technological innovation of enterprises, the policy of scientific and technological talents, and the policy of intellectual property.
Findings
Through the comparison of the development history of science and technology policies at home and abroad, the development history of science and technology innovation policies under the special national conditions of China is obtained. Combining with the relevant basic theories of science and technology innovation system, designing from the publishing department, main content, and implementation subject, constructing a synergistic science and technology innovation system of “government, industry, university and research,” and forming an “integration of supply and demand” technology innovation framework will guide the development of China's science and technology innovation in the future.
Originality/value
The authors construct the policy framework of science and technology collaborative innovation based on the concept of science and technology innovation policies. The framework has realistic significance for its future development.
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In 2017, the Chinese Super League (CSL), the first professional football division in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), became the highest-spending league in the international…
Abstract
Purpose
In 2017, the Chinese Super League (CSL), the first professional football division in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), became the highest-spending league in the international players’ transfer market, with a total spending of €377m. Moreover, the government of the PRC is backing the CSL with an ambitious football plan. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to examine the governance of the CSL by questioning the organisational viability of the league.
Design/methodology/approach
In addition to the relevant international literature, this study is based on 14 recent scholarly articles published in Mandarin from 2013 to 2018 to reflect the national academic debate. Moreover, website research on all CSL clubs has been conducted. The institutional analysis follows the integrative change model of Cunningham (2002) complemented by agency and bureaucracy theory.
Findings
The CSL still faces substantial governance problems caused by the divergence of goal setting, organisational inefficiencies and compliance issues. The organisational change is notably constrained by internal competitive value commitments and external power dependency.
Research limitations/implications
The institutional findings on the CSL provide a starting point for empirical studies. The approach contributes to the theory of sport governance processes.
Practical implications
The material and insights are informative for decision makers to evaluate the competitiveness of the CSL.
Originality/value
This paper is the first international in-depth analysis of the governance of the CSL using the body of knowledge published in Mandarin.
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This chapter critically evaluates whether football can attain recognition as a national sport in China. Article No. 11, released by the Chinese government in 2015, aimed to…
Abstract
This chapter critically evaluates whether football can attain recognition as a national sport in China. Article No. 11, released by the Chinese government in 2015, aimed to develop a new national strategy centralised on the sport of football to foster consumption and enhance national soft power. Consequently, this also means encouraging Chinese football fans to support the national football team. Comparing the significance of local football clubs and the national football team to Chinese football fans is deemed meaningless and unable to generate useful information to comprehend Chinese people's attitudes towards local and national communities. Through literature comparisons with established Chinese national sports such as Chinese martial arts, badminton and table tennis, the discussion reveals that football currently falls short of meeting the general criteria of invention and popularity to be considered a Chinese national sport. In the specific Chinese context, it also proves that football fails to meet the criterion of politics, hindering its identification as a national sport. Consequently, the chapter rebuts the assumption and advocates for the validity of comparing how fans assess their fandom for local and national football teams.
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Kaixiao Jiang and Liam O'Callaghan
This chapter explores how the development of football fandom for the Chinese national team and local football clubs is strongly associated with societal changes. Although the…
Abstract
This chapter explores how the development of football fandom for the Chinese national team and local football clubs is strongly associated with societal changes. Although the performances of Chinese football teams, especially the national team, have failed to impress the world, football remains the most popular because of millions of supporters with loyalty and passion. Most studies related to fans mainly focus on the economic and political implications of spectatorship along with the rise of China. Nevertheless, few articles are available to answer the fundamental questions, such as ‘When did these supporters come out?’ and ‘What were the factors of the development of fandom?’. By going through archival records and published documents over the last decades, this chapter offers a comprehensive and historical analysis of the development of football fandom in the People's Republic of China (PRC) and deals with these unanswered questions. As such, this chapter does not intend to be the most authoritative one but is one of the rare sources to lay down the foundation for research on Chinese football fandom. Furthermore, this chapter also proves that studies on football fandom can be a useful window for observing Chinese society.
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In contrast to other Chinese sports, which attract enormous commercial interests and relates to a kind of political kudos and ideological significance, Chinese baseball represents…
Abstract
In contrast to other Chinese sports, which attract enormous commercial interests and relates to a kind of political kudos and ideological significance, Chinese baseball represents a singular case for the author to investigate the way in which China responds to sport globalisation due to its peripheral position in, and limited resource from, the domestic sport system and powerful stakeholders from the global society. The study examines the development of Chinese baseball and its interplay with the global sport giants and international events (i.e. the Olympic Games and the Major League Baseball [MLB]). Given the influence of sport globalisation, the author also identifies the consistent dominance of Chinese sport authorities and the spectrum of local stakeholders' reaction towards globalisation. The chapter ends with a discussion of the relationship between marginal position of Chinese baseball in the local sport system and the rationale of its response to sport globalisation.
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