Shao Kai Lu and Hong Yan
The purpose of this paper is to examine the assumptions concerning how the processes that foster trust are influenced by contractual control and managers’ propensity to trust…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the assumptions concerning how the processes that foster trust are influenced by contractual control and managers’ propensity to trust. More specifically, the paper investigates the extent to which distinct types of trust (i.e. cognition- and affect-based trust) are differentially and interactively associated with contractual control and the propensity to trust.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors collected survey data on 260 architect–contractor project-based relationships in China.
Findings
The results of this paper show that contractual control and a project manager’s propensity to trust are positively related to the managers’ trust in their partners. However, the interaction of the propensity to trust and contractual control has a negative effect on cognition-based trust. Cognition-based trust, in turn, is linked to the unique and interactive relationships between contractual control, the propensity to trust and affect-based trust.
Research limitations/implications
While this paper adds to the literature on trust and control, future research is needed to fully understand the differences in interpersonal trust across alliances and countries.
Practical implications
These findings provide important implications for firms hoping to facilitate active trust development processes.
Originality/value
More is now known about the trust in inter-organizational settings at the individual level.
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Houzhe Zhang, Defeng Gu, Xiaojun Duan, Kai Shao and Chunbo Wei
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the performance of three typical nonlinear least-squares estimation algorithms in atmospheric density model calibration.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to focus on the performance of three typical nonlinear least-squares estimation algorithms in atmospheric density model calibration.
Design/methodology/approach
The error of Jacchia-Roberts atmospheric density model is expressed as an objective function about temperature parameters. The estimation of parameter corrections is a typical nonlinear least-squares problem. Three algorithms for nonlinear least-squares problems, Gauss–Newton (G-N), damped Gauss–Newton (damped G-N) and Levenberg–Marquardt (L-M) algorithms, are adopted to estimate temperature parameter corrections of Jacchia-Roberts for model calibration.
Findings
The results show that G-N algorithm is not convergent at some sampling points. The main reason is the nonlinear relationship between Jacchia-Roberts and its temperature parameters. Damped G-N and L-M algorithms are both convergent at all sampling points. G-N, damped G-N and L-M algorithms reduce the root mean square error of Jacchia-Roberts from 20.4% to 9.3%, 9.4% and 9.4%, respectively. The average iterations of G-N, damped G-N and L-M algorithms are 3.0, 2.8 and 2.9, respectively.
Practical implications
This study is expected to provide a guidance for the selection of nonlinear least-squares estimation methods in atmospheric density model calibration.
Originality/value
The study analyses the performance of three typical nonlinear least-squares estimation methods in the calibration of atmospheric density model. The non-convergent phenomenon of G-N algorithm is discovered and explained. Damped G-N and L-M algorithms are more suitable for the nonlinear least-squares problems in model calibration than G-N algorithm and the first two algorithms have slightly fewer iterations.
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Teng Shao, Hong Jin and Lihua Zhao
According to the survey and measurement on rural housing in the Northeast severe cold regions of China, this paper analyzed the existing situation and problems of current rural…
Abstract
According to the survey and measurement on rural housing in the Northeast severe cold regions of China, this paper analyzed the existing situation and problems of current rural housing in terms of integral development, functional layout, envelop structure, interior thermal environment, heating system and energy utilization etc.. Based on the climatic features of severe cold regions, as well as rural financial and technical conditions, living and production mode, residential construction characteristics and existing resource status etc., the feasible approaches of achieving building energy saving has been proposed, thus acting as a guidance for new rural housing design in severe cold regions.
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Donghua Zhao, Weizhong Guo, Baibing Zhang and Feng Gao
The purpose of this paper is to review available technologies, analyse their features, propose a new approach of 3D sand mould printing based on line forming, introduce the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review available technologies, analyse their features, propose a new approach of 3D sand mould printing based on line forming, introduce the manufacturing principle and show advantages of this approach, especially for larger parts with large Z steps in the build, such as 2 mm stepwise.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces 3D sand mould printing, compares and analyses technological process and existing fabrication approaches among available technologies first. Then, a new approach of 3D sand mould printing is proposed to improve build speed. In addition, the proposed system will be analysed or benchmarked against existing systems.
Findings
A new approach based on line forming of sand mould printing is put forward by reviewing and analysing available technologies, to improve build speed from the aspect of basic moulding movement instead of optimization of moulding methods and process parameters. The theoretical calculation and analysis shows that build speed can be improved greatly, and it is more suitable for the manufacture of large-scale casting’s sand mould when considering dimensional accuracy and printing error, as well as uniformity of each layer.
Research limitations/implications
The specific implement scheme of line forming and nozzle’s specific structure of this new approach need further study.
Practical implications
Much higher build speed of 3D sand mould printing with new approach brings evident implication for moulds companies and manufacturing industry, having a far-reaching influence on the development of national economy.
Originality/value
This paper reviews available technologies and presents a new approach of 3D sand mould printing for the first time. Analysis of the new approach shows that this new method of sand mould printing can boost build speed greatly. So, its application prospect is great.
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Yizhi Shao, Oluwamayokun Bamidele Adetoro and Kai Cheng
This study aims to optimize the manufacturing process to improve the manufacturing quality, costs and delivering time with the help of multiscale multiphysics modelling and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to optimize the manufacturing process to improve the manufacturing quality, costs and delivering time with the help of multiscale multiphysics modelling and simulation. Multiscale multiphysics-based modelling and simulations are receiving more and more interest by research community and the industry particularly in the context of increasing demands for manufacturing high precision complex products and understanding the intrinsic complexity in associated manufacturing processes.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, some modelling and analysis techniques using multiscale multiphysics modelling are presented and discussed.
Findings
Furthermore, the possibility of adopting the multiscale multiphysics modelling and simulation to develop the virtual machining system is evaluated, and further supported with an industrial case study on abrasive flow machining (AFM) of integrally bladed rotors using the techniques and system developed.
Originality/value
With the development of multiscale multiphysics-based modelling and simulation, it will enable effective and efficient optimisation of manufacturing processes and further improvement of manufacturing quality, costs, delivery time and the overall competitiveness.
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Xiao Wang, Xuan Liang, Bo Wang, Chang-qing Guo, Shan-gui Zhang, Kai Yang, Shi-ya Shao, Yan Sun, Zheng Guo, Xue-yan Yu, Donghai Zhang, Tai-jiang Gui, Wei Lu, Ming-liang Sun and Rui Ding
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of graphene, basalt flakes and their synergy on the corrosion resistance of zinc-rich coatings. As the important heavy-duty…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of graphene, basalt flakes and their synergy on the corrosion resistance of zinc-rich coatings. As the important heavy-duty anticorrosion coatings, zinc-rich coatings provided cathodic protection for the substrate. However, to ensure cathodic protection, a large number of zinc powder made the penetration resistance known as the weakness of zinc-rich coatings. Therefore, graphene and basalt flakes were introduced into zinc-rich coatings to coordinate its cathodic protection and shielding performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Three kinds of coatings were prepared; they were graphene modified zinc-rich coatings, basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings and graphene-basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings. The anticorrosion behavior of painted steel was studied by using the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) technique in chloride solutions. The equivalent circuit methods were used for EIS analysis to obtain the electrode process structure of the coated steel system. Simultaneously, the corrosion resistance of the three coatings was evaluated by water resistance test, salt water resistance test and salt spray test.
Findings
The study found that the addition of a small amount of graphene and basalt flakes significantly improved the anticorrosion performance of coatings by enhancing their shielding ability against corrosive media and increasing the resistance of the electrochemical reaction. The modified coatings exhibited higher water resistance, salt water resistance and salt spray resistance. The graphene-basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings demonstrated the best anticorrosion effect. The presence of basalt scales and graphene oxide in the coatings significantly reduced the water content and slowed down the water penetration rate in the coatings, thus prolonging the coating life and improving anticorrosion effects. The modification of zinc-rich coatings with graphene and basalt flakes improved the utilization rate of zinc powder and the shielding property of coatings against corrosive media, thus strengthening the protective effect on steel structures and prolonging the service life of anticorrosion coatings.
Originality/value
The significance of developing graphene-basalt flakes modified zinc-rich coatings lies in their potential to offer superior performance in corrosive environments, leading to prolonged service life of metallic structures, reduced maintenance costs and a safer working environment. Furthermore, such coatings can be used in various industrial applications, including bridges, pipelines and offshore structures, among others.
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Yu-Ming Chung, Shao-Yu Lee, Yung-Kai Lin, Yung-Hao Lin, Mohamed El-Shazly, Yung-Hsiang Lin and Chi-Fu Chiang
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), a ubiquitous fruit in Southeastern Asia, was rich in vitamins and phytochemicals, which were beneficial for improving of skin conditions. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum), a ubiquitous fruit in Southeastern Asia, was rich in vitamins and phytochemicals, which were beneficial for improving of skin conditions. The fermentation process increased phytochemicals and antioxidant capacity. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether phytochemicals can be increased through the fermentation process of rambutan extracts to improve skin aging.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the authors used the three stages of fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Lactobacillus plantarum TCI028 and Acetobacter aceti under red light to develop a fermented rambutan extract.
Findings
The level of polyphenols of red-light-based fermented rambutan extract (RLFRE) were significantly increased 108.9% (p < 0.01) and 97% (p <0.01) compared with fermented rambutan extract (FRE) and pure rambutan extract (RE), respectively. The human skin fibroblasts treated with 0.03 or 0.06% of RLFRE can significantly decrease reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by 0.74- (p <0.001) and 0.84-fold (p <0.001) compared with H2O2 group, respectively. And 0.03% of RLFRE can significantly increase in elastin content by 1.13-fold (p <0.05). Also, ten compounds were identified including one new phenolic compound and nine known compounds from RLFRE. Moreover, red light could enhance the levels of compounds 4, 9 and 3 by 5, 2.5 and 2.5-fold, respectively, relative to the results of FRE. The last, RLFRE isolated compounds significantly facilitated the elastin content on fibroblast (compound 1, 7, 9, 10 compared with control: p <0.001, compound 2 compared with control: p <0.001).
Originality/value
In short, this was the first study to unveil that the red-light-based fermentation can enrich the antioxidant content in a rambutan extract and its product had the potential to be developed a functional product for health-promoting effects such as skin aging.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence mechanism of waiting time on customer satisfaction based on first impression bias, which explains how customers’ perceived…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence mechanism of waiting time on customer satisfaction based on first impression bias, which explains how customers’ perceived service-entry waiting time (PSWT) influences their first impression of service staff and satisfaction in the context of online service. Furthermore, the moderating effect of three information formats (formal, informal and hybrid) of opening remark on the relationship between PSWT and first impression, and the moderating effect of perceived in-service waiting time (PIWT) on the relationship between first impression and customer satisfaction are investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
Two studies were used to verify the research model. First, an experiment on prepurchase consulting services for cruise tourism products was designed, and 810 Chinese individuals have participated. Second, 20 interviews with e-commerce practitioners in China were conducted.
Findings
The results show that, first, PSWT negatively influences customers’ first impression of service staff. Second, customers prefer the hybrid format to present opening remarks, which not only conveys the respect of the staff but also fosters a relationship. Third, in-service waits are equally as important as service-entry waits in online service. When PIWT is longer, the positive influence of first impression on customer satisfaction is weakening, resulting in lower customer satisfaction.
Practical implications
This study provides suggestions for online service enterprises to minimize the negative impact of waiting time and improve customer satisfaction through waiting time management.
Originality/value
This study provides a new perspective for exploring the mechanism of waiting time on customer satisfaction in online service context, and extends previous research related to waiting time by exploring the influence of waiting time in multiple service stages and expression modes of service staff.
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Among developing countries, the Republic of China in Taiwan (hereinafter Taiwan) has been experiencing economic growth accompanied by improving income distribution. Between 1964…
Abstract
Among developing countries, the Republic of China in Taiwan (hereinafter Taiwan) has been experiencing economic growth accompanied by improving income distribution. Between 1964 and 1980, the average annual growth rate of the real gross national product was 9.92 per cent (Council for Economic Planning and Development (CEPD), 1982, p. 23). In the same period, the income ratio between the top 20 per cent and the bottom 20 per cent of families dropped from 5.33 to 4.17 and the Gini coefficient decreased from 0.36 to 0.30 (CEPD, 1982, p. 54; Directorate‐General of Budget Accounting and Statistics, 1980, (DGBAS), p. 44). To put it somewhat dif‐ferently, in 1964 the lowest fifth of households received 7.71 per cent of total personal income, and the highest fifth 41.07 per cent. But in 1980, the income share of the lowest fifth increased to 8.82 per cent while that of the highest fifth decreased to 36.80 per cent. The condition of greater equality in income distribution appears more obvious in the capital city of Taipei. In 1981, for instance, its Gini coefficient was estimated to be only 0.28 (Taipei Bureau of Budget, Accounting and Statistics, 1981, (TBBAS), P. 24).
Wenjing Zhu, Dexin Zhang, Jihe Wang and Xiaowei Shao
The purpose of this paper is to present a novel high-precision relative navigation method for tight formation-keeping based on thrust on-line identification.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a novel high-precision relative navigation method for tight formation-keeping based on thrust on-line identification.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering that thrust acceleration cannot be measured directly, an on-line identification method of thrust acceleration is explored via the estimated acceleration of major space perturbation and the inter-satellite relative states obtained from space-borne acceleration sensors; then, an effective identification model is designed to reconstruct thrust acceleration. Based on the identified thrust acceleration, relative orbit dynamics for tight formation-keeping is established. Further, using global positioning system (GPS) measurement information, a modified extended Kalman filter (EKF) is suggested to obtain the inter-satellite relative position and relative velocity.
Findings
Compared with the normal EKF and the adaptive robust EKF, the proposed modified EKF has better estimation accuracy in radial and along-track directions because of accurate compensation of thrust acceleration. Meanwhile, high-precision relative navigation results depend on high-precision acceleration sensors. Finally, simulation studies on a chief-deputy formation flying control system are performed to verify the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed relative navigation algorithm.
Social implications
This paper provides a reference in solving the problem of high-precision relative navigation in tight formation-keeping application.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a novel on-line identification method for thrust acceleration and shows that thrust identification-based modified EKF is more efficient in relative navigation for tight formation-keeping.