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Pipeline robots are often used in pipeline non-destructive testing. Given the need for long-range in-pipe inspections, this study aims to develop a wireless in-pipe inspection robot for image acquisition.

In this paper, an in-pipe robot with a new mechanical system is proposed. This system combines a three-arm load-bearing structure with spring sleeves and a half-umbrella diametric change structure, which can ensure the stability of the camera when acquiring images while maintaining the robot’s flexibility. In addition, data were transmitted wirelessly via a system that uses a 433 MHz ultra-high frequency and wireless local-area network–based image transmission system. Software and practical tests were conducted to verify the robot’s design. A preliminary examination of the robot’s cruising range was also conducted.

The feasibility of the robot was demonstrated using CATIA V5 and MSC ADAMS software. The simulation results showed that the centre of mass of the robot remained in a stable position and that it could function in a simulated pipeline network. In the practical test, the prototype functioned stably, correctly executed remote instructions and transmitted in near real-time its location, battery voltage and the captured images. Additionally, the tests demonstrated that the robot could successfully pass through the bends in a 200-mm-wide pipe at any angle between 0° and 90°. In actual wireless network conditions, the electrical system functioned for 44.7 consecutive minutes.

A wheeled wireless robot adopts a new mechanical system. For inspections of plastic pipelines, the robot can adapt to pipes with diameters of 150–210 mm and has the potential for practical applications.

Impulse buying has been the focus of attention in the marketing. With the rise of online shopping, online impulse buying phenomenon becomes increasingly serious. Whereas, the impulse buying behavior in an online environment is rarely discussed in relevant literature. The purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of the type of product and time pressure on consumer online impulse buying intention; this is a relatively new issue of marketing academia in China.

In this paper, the experimental methodology was adopted to explore the impact of consumer online impulse buying tendencies, the departure from the type of product and the time pressure.

Results show that low-involvement feeling products stimulate consumer online impulse buying tendencies. Simultaneously, there is an interaction effect between time pressure and product type, which is, under the influence of time pressure, the enhancement of low-involvement feeling products on consumer online impulse buying tendency is more significant.

This study discusses the interaction between time pressure and product type on consumers’ online impulse buying tendency, which has not been studied before. While discussing the impact of product types on consumers’ impulse buying tendency on the internet, this paper considers the impact of time pressure on consumers’ impulsive buying tendency, and applies the term of time pressure, a psychological research term, to the field of marketing research, so as to make the cross-links between disciplines closer.

This paper aims to provide a theoretical guide for preserving ancient books in China.

The paper reviews the history of the damage and preservation of ancient books in China, and analyzes the value attributes of ancient books: archaeological value, historical value and artistic value.

The paper proposes a preservation framework for Chinese ancient books. This framework is composed of three layers. The foundation layer is to preserve the physical entity of ancient books so that the archaeological values are preserved. The middle layer is to preserve the intellectual content of ancient books so that the values for historical research are preserved. The top layer is mainly about preserving the productions process of the artistic format of ancient books, so that not only the static artistic formats are preserved, the techniques and procedures to produce the artistic format are preserved as well.

The paper presents a framework that connects the value attributes of ancient books and the strategies to preserve those values, systematizes them and presents them as a whole. The framework can be used to justify government policies and help identify pitfalls in the preservation strategies for ancient books.

The purpose of this study was to synthesize composite nanoparticles (TiO₂@SiO₂) via the chemical deposition method and investigate their efficacy as additives in polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) lubricating grease. The focus was on examining the frictional and conductive properties of the TiO₂@SiO₂ grease using a friction tester.

Composite nanoparticles (TiO₂@SiO₂) were synthesized using the chemical deposition method and incorporated into PTFE grease. Frictional and conductive properties were evaluated using a friction tester. Surface morphology and chemical composition of wear tracks were analyzed using scanning electron microscope and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively.

Incorporating TiO₂@SiO₂ at a mass fraction of 1 Wt.% led to a significant reduction in friction coefficient and wear width. The wear depth exhibited a remarkable decrease of 260%, while the contact resistance reached its peak value. This improvement in tribological properties could be attributed to the presence of TiO₂@SiO₂, where TiO₂ served as the core and SiO₂ as the shell during the friction process. The high hardness of the SiO₂ shell contributed to enhanced load-bearing capacity. In addition, the exceptional insulation properties of SiO₂ demonstrated excellent electron-capturing capabilities, resulting in improved friction and insulation performance of the TiO₂@SiO₂ lubricating grease.

This study demonstrates the potential of TiO₂@SiO₂ composite nanoparticles as additives in lubricating greases, offering improved friction and insulation performance. The findings provide insights into the design of advanced lubricating materials with enhanced tribological properties and insulation capacity, contributing to the development of more efficient and durable lubrication systems.

The purpose of this paper is to explore recent national human resource development (NHRD) practices in China through a literature review focusing on programs and activities that represent the roles and interactions among the government, industry and universities.

To effectively consolidate previous work and conceptualize the recent development of the NHRD practices in China, a semi-narrative literature review was used to explore and analyze NHRD-related functions and activities.

Findings from the literature review showed that although the central government still plays a predominant role in China, universities and corporations are increasingly playing a critical role in developing an innovative and skilled workforce. At the regional level, NHRD initiatives in China have been increasingly undertaken by universities, industry and government–industry–university collaborations. The authors also found a disparity between developed and underdeveloped regions in terms of NHRD in China.

This study used the triple helix model as a framework that provides an insightful lens for researchers to examine how various social entities interact with each other and jointly contribute to NHRD. Further case studies are needed to generate evidence-based knowledge to the NHRD literature.

A more systematic NHRD leadership structure at both the national and local level is desired to unleash the potential of bottom-up development and active government–industry–university collaboration. To counter regional divergence in NHRD in China, intra- and cross-regional collaborations are helpful in improving resources distribution and workforce development.

Based on open system theory, this study focused on programs and activities that represent the roles and interactions among the government, industry and university in Chinese NHRD through the lens of the triple helix model. In addition, this study offers a conceptual model of Chinese NHRD to help scholars and practitioners understand the transitional efforts in NHRD.

Grassland in Qinghai as the main type of ecosystem in this region is located in arid and semi-arid areas. The ecosystem is fragile and sensitive to climate change. Grassland ecosystem not only provides essential ecological and life functions for human society but also plays a vital role in mitigating and adapting to climate change. The empirical literature on grassland ecosystem services value (ESV) does not consider the impact of climate change and regional economic development level factors, which prevents policymakers from making appropriate decisions. This paper aims to analyze the influencing factors of grassland ESV assessment, and, based on the meta-prediction model, account the grassland ESV in Qinghai province.

To understand the value of grassland ecosystem services in China under climate change, this paper used 61 research literature on the evaluation of grassland ESV in China, including a total of 564 value observations to establish a value transfer database. Based on the meta-analysis method, this study has constructed a value transfer model, to evaluate the grassland ESV in Qinghai province, and an interpretation model, which can analyze if the independent variables affect the grassland ESV significantly.

The study finds that the evaluation methods, types of ecosystem service functions, climate change and grassland types can affect the grassland ESV significantly. Based on the meta-regression prediction model to evaluate the grassland ESV in Qinghai is US$1,542.67/ha/year. It indicates several targeted approaches to increase the grassland ESV, and climate change also has a specific impact on the value of grassland ecosystem services.

This study provides a scientific basis for grassland management related to the development of grasslands and ecological compensation, as well as promote the sustainable development of grassland ecosystems.

This paper contributes to the field of grassland ESV assessment in at least three aspects; first, it innovatively introduces the meta-analysis to carry out an integrated analysis of previous research results; second, it includes a broader set of influence variables in the analysis, including meteorological and economic factors; and third, it establishes a methodological basis for the field of grassland ESV accounting.

This study aims to dye silk with natural pigments extract of Coreopsis tinctoria, by treating the fabrics with appropriate mordant under suitable dyeing conditions, to achieve good dyeing depth, fastness and ultraviolet (UV) protection.

Firstly, single factor experiments were used to determine the basic dyeing conditions of Coreopsis tinctoria. The optimal process conditions for direct dyeing were determined through orthogonal experiments. After that, the dyeing with mordant was used. Based on the previously determined optimal process conditions, silk fabrics were dyed with different mordanting methods, with different mordants and mordant dosages. The dyeing results were compared, in terms of the K/S values of the dyed fabrics, to determine the most appropriate dyeing conditions with mordant.

The extract of Coreopsis tinctoria can dye silk fabrics satisfactorily. Good dyeing depth and fastness can be obtained by using suitable dyeing methods and dyeing conditions, especially when using the natural mordant pomegranate rind and the rare earth mordant neodymium oxide. The silk fabrics dyed with Coreopsis tinctoria have good UV resistance, which allows a desirable finishing effect to be achieved while dyeing, using a safe and environmentally friendly method.

The composition of Coreopsis tinctoria is complex, and the specific composition of colouring the silk fibre has not been determined. There are many factors that affect the dyeing experiment, which have an impact on the experimental results.

The results of this study may help expand the application of Coreopsis tinctoria beyond medicine.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first report on dyeing silk with the extract of Coreopsis tinctoria achieving good dyeing results. Its depth of staining and staining fastness were satisfactory. Optimum dyeing method and dyeing conditions have been identified. The fabric dyed with Coreopsis tinctoria has good UV protection effect, which is conducive to improving the application value of the dyeing fabric. The findings help offer a new direction for the application of medicinal plants in the eco-friendly dyeing of silk.

The long-term energy transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy challenges the future of oil and gas firms. The purpose of this paper is to explore how the world’s largest oil and gas firms’ strategies are responding to the transition.

The authors used content analysis of annual reports to examine the renewable strategies of the world’s largest publicly traded oil and gas companies. Data were analyzed using two complementary statistical methodologies to build a taxonomy of the patterns in strategic behaviors involving renewable energy.

Five transition archetypes are identified – three reflect an active pursuit of renewable energy, whereas the other two are more defensive in posture. The authors also find that the firm’s country context has an important bearing on renewable strategy. Both normative social pressures and regulatory pressures play key roles in influencing a firm’s commitment to a renewables’ strategy.

Using an innovative research method, we develop a new taxonomy to classify how the world’s largest oil and gas firms are shaping the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy..

Using an innovative research method, the authors developed a new taxonomy to classify how the world’s largest oil and gas firms are shaping the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy.