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Article
Publication date: 15 January 2020

Hong Ma, Ni Shen, Jing Zhu and Mingrong Deng

Motivated by a problem in the context of DiDi Travel, the biggest taxi hailing platform in China, the purpose of this paper is to propose a novel facility location problem…

390

Abstract

Purpose

Motivated by a problem in the context of DiDi Travel, the biggest taxi hailing platform in China, the purpose of this paper is to propose a novel facility location problem, specifically, the single source capacitated facility location problem with regional demand and time constraints, to help improve overall transportation efficiency and cost.

Design/methodology/approach

This study develops a mathematical programming model, considering regional demand and time constraints. A novel two-stage neighborhood search heuristic algorithm is proposed and applied to solve instances based on data sets published by DiDi Travel.

Findings

The results of this study show that the model is adequate since new characteristics of demand can be deduced from large vehicle trajectory data sets. The proposed algorithm is effective and efficient on small and medium as well as large instances. The research also solves and presents a real instance in the urban area of Chengdu, China, with up to 30 facilities and demand deduced from 16m taxi trajectory data records covering around 16,000 drivers.

Research limitations/implications

This study examines an offline and single-period case of the problem. It does not consider multi-period or online cases with uncertainties, where decision makers need to dynamically remove out-of-service stations and add other stations to the selected group.

Originality/value

Prior studies have been quite limited. They have not yet considered demand in the form of vehicle trajectory data in facility location problems. This study takes into account new characteristics of demand, regional and time constrained, and proposes a new variant and its solution approach.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 120 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

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Article
Publication date: 6 August 2018

Shi Zheng, Zhigang Wang and Cheryl Joy Wachenheim

The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors influencing intent to adopt unmanned aerial vehicles for use in agricultural operations in Jilin Province, China.

1218

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors influencing intent to adopt unmanned aerial vehicles for use in agricultural operations in Jilin Province, China.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses probit analysis to estimate the influence of factors on intent to adopt unmanned aerial vehicles for plant protection application operations in Jilin Province, China based on the Technology Acceptance Model.

Findings

UAV technology is acceptable to most participating farmers. Gender (male), agricultural income ratio, understanding of new technology, perceived ease-of-use and perceived usefulness have a positive relationship with farmers’ willingness to adopt UAVs.

Practical implications

For application, crop monitoring and other farm operations, UAVs have clear advantages. There remain challenges associated with the development of applicable technology and facilitating adoption among farmers. Understanding factors affecting adoption will contribute to the latter, and brings forth the following recommendations: conduct research on the cost effectiveness of UAVs for agriculture; accelerate development of the information service system; and increase financial support.

Originality/value

This paper is among the first to consider adoption intent among Chinese farmers of use of UAVs for agricultural operations.

Details

China Agricultural Economic Review, vol. 11 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-137X

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Article
Publication date: 14 September 2015

Ans Kolk, Willemijn van Dolen and Leiming Ma

Most studies on consumers and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have focused on Western contexts. Consequently, good insight is lacking into non-Western markets where…

5778

Abstract

Purpose

Most studies on consumers and corporate social responsibility (CSR) have focused on Western contexts. Consequently, good insight is lacking into non-Western markets where consumers may respond differently. China is a case in point, despite the popularity of the CSR concept and high societal expectations of firms. The purpose of this paper is to examine how Chinese consumers perceive the underlying components of CSR found in Western countries; whether their CSR expectations differ for local Chinese compared to foreign firms; and whether results differ across regions within China.

Design/methodology/approach

A country-wide study was done using a questionnaire to collect data in seven distinctive regional markets across China.

Findings

Findings show that the originally Western CSR construct seems generalizable to China, but consumers across all regions perceive two rather than four components: one combining economic and legal responsibilities (labelled “required CSR”) and another combining ethical and philanthropic responsibilities (“expected CSR”). Consumers expect local Chinese firms to take more responsibility than foreign firms, particularly for required CSR.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on consumer perceptions, not on actual buying behaviour, which is a potential area for further research. Follow-up investigation to see whether the findings regarding the CSR concept also hold in other emerging and developing countries would be worthwhile. This also applies to an extension of the different expectations vis-à-vis foreign and local firms.

Practical implications

The study gives more insight into notions of standardization and adaptation with regard to CSR, considering China compared to other countries and China’s different internal markets. This is relevant for international marketers confronted with (potential) investments and activities in China, inbound or outbound, or in need of a comparative global perspective.

Social implications

While the findings show some context-specificity for CSR in and across China, they also confirm the relevance of the originally Western CSR components to an emerging-market setting. These insights may be helpful for those interested in furthering CSR across countries, and locally as well as globally.

Originality/value

This study responds to calls for an improved understanding of the context-specificity of the originally Western CSR construct and of the extent to which it may be generalizable to non-Western settings such as China. The authors used a sample covering all regions of China and discovered two important dimensions. The results may be helpful to guide the debate on the plethora of CSR conceptualizations into a more focused direction, with clear relevance for the marketing field.

Details

International Marketing Review, vol. 32 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-1335

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Article
Publication date: 25 January 2023

Rajat Chandel, Vikas Kumar, Ramandeep Kaur, Satish Kumar, Ankit Kumar, Dharminder Kumar and Swati Kapoor

Pyrus Pyrifolia (Sand Pear) is one of the most underused pear variety despite its nutraceutical potential. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the Pyrus Pyrifolia in term of…

197

Abstract

Purpose

Pyrus Pyrifolia (Sand Pear) is one of the most underused pear variety despite its nutraceutical potential. Therefore, this paper aims to explore the Pyrus Pyrifolia in term of origin, distribution and classification, nutritional and bioactive potential, therapeutic potential and valorization along with future prospectus.

Design/methodology/approach

A wide variety of publications (88) were identified through electronic databases (Science direct, PubMed, SciELO, Google scholar, Link springer and Research gate) under the umbrella of different keywords such as bioactive compounds, health benefits, nutrition, sand pear, Pyrus and Pyrus pyrifolia.

Findings

Pyrus Pyrifolia (Sand Pear) is abundant in nutritional and bioactive compounds such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, terpenoids, vitamins and minerals. It exhibits therapeutic potential as being an antioxidant, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer agent. However, P. pyrifolia is not much explored by food researchers and industrialists, hence remaining underused. A few attempts have been made toward the use of P. pyrifolia for jam, jelly, candy and wine preparation. However, more research is required for the commercial processing of P. pyrifolia and to enhance its availability outside its growing area.

Originality/value

In this paper, nutritional and bioactive compounds of P. pyrifolia are discussed that provide knowledge to the researchers for its use as a functional ingredient.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 53 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

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Article
Publication date: 23 December 2022

Yu Song, Bingrui Liu, Lejia Li and Jia Liu

In recent years, terrorist attacks have gradually become one of the important factors endangering social security. In this context, this research aims to propose methods and…

222

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, terrorist attacks have gradually become one of the important factors endangering social security. In this context, this research aims to propose methods and principles which can be utilized to make effective evacuation plans to reduce casualties in terrorist attacks.

Design/methodology/approach

By analyzing the statistical data of terrorist attack videos, this paper proposes an extended cellular automaton (CA) model and simulates the panic evacuation of the pedestrians in the terrorist attack.

Findings

The main findings are as follows. (1) The panic movement of pedestrians leads to the dispersal of the crowd and the increase in evacuation time. (2) Most deaths occur in the early stage of crowd evacuation while pedestrians gather without perceiving the risk. (3) There is a trade-off between escaping from the room and avoidance of attackers for pedestrians. Appropriate panic contagion enables pedestrians to respond more quickly to risks. (4) Casualties are mainly concentrated in complex terrains, e.g. walls, corners, obstacles, exits, etc. (5) The initial position of the attackers has a significant effect on the crowd evacuation. The evacuation efficiency should be reduced if the attacker starts the attack from the exit or corners.

Originality/value

In this research, the concept of “focus region” is proposed to depict the different reactions of pedestrians to danger and the effects of the attacker’s motion (especially the attack strategies of attackers) are classified. Additionally, the influences on pedestrians by direct and indirect panic sources are studied.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 53 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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Article
Publication date: 22 November 2018

Douqing Zhang, Mingjun Li, Xiang Ji, Jie Wu and Yilun Dong

The purpose of this paper is to generate quantitative managerial insights for the improvement of the energy-saving potential and the coordinated development between economic…

360

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to generate quantitative managerial insights for the improvement of the energy-saving potential and the coordinated development between economic growth and environmental protection.

Design/methodology/approach

A novel data envelopment analysis (DEA) model, based on the classical DEA theory, is developed from the perspective of emission reduction.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that China’s overall environmental efficiency is low and that there is huge improvement space for energy saving. Under the concerns of emission reduction, the energy-saving potential of the central region exceeds that of both the eastern and western regions. With regard to water, electricity and gas consumption, the electricity-saving potential exceeds the potential for both water saving and gas saving.

Originality/value

Previous studies rarely focused on the energy-saving potential, while considering environmental pollution. This paper applies a novel DEA method to evaluate the energy-saving potential of 30 Chinese provinces for 2015 with a focus on emission reduction concerns. Furthermore, both regional differences and energy type differences of the saving potential were analyzed.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

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Article
Publication date: 12 April 2022

Jianran Lv, Hongyao Shen and Jianzhong Fu

The purpose of this paper is to supplement and upgrade existing research on LPBF of NiTi alloys. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a promising method for fabricating…

173

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to supplement and upgrade existing research on LPBF of NiTi alloys. Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a promising method for fabricating nickel–titanium (Ni–Ti) alloys. It is well known that the energy density is mainly adjusted through the scanning speed and laser power. Nevertheless, there is lack in research on the effects of separately adjusting the scanning speed and laser power on the properties of the final Ni–Ti components. On the other hand, although Ni-rich Ni–Ti alloys [such as Ni54(at.%)Ti] have great potential in structural applications because of their high hardness and good shape stability, at present, there are few studies focusing on this grade of Ni–Ti alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the energy density was adjusted by changing the laser power and scanning speed separately, and the corresponding process parameters were used to fabricate Ni54(at.%)Ti alloys. The formability (including the relative density, impurity content, etc.) and tensile properties of the LPBF Ni54(at.%)Ti alloys fabricated with different combinations of process parameters were analyzed.

Findings

The effects of increasing the laser power and reducing the scanning speed on the properties of the LPBF Ni54(at.%)Ti alloys and the property differences between components manufactured with different combinations of laser power and scanning speed under the same energy density were analyzed. The optimal process parameters were selected to fabricate the components that achieved the highest ultimate tensile strength of 537 MPa, a high relative density of 98.23%, a relatively low impurity content (0.073 Wt.% of carbon and 0.06 Wt.% of oxygen) and an ideal pseudoelasticity (95% recovery rate loaded at 300 MPa).

Originality/value

The effects of increasing the laser power and reducing the scanning speed on the properties of LPBF Ni54(at.%)Ti alloys were studied in this paper. This work is an upgrade and supplement to the existing research on fabricating Ni-rich Ni–Ti alloys by the LPBF method.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 28 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

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Article
Publication date: 25 July 2019

Vipin Tandon, Awanikumar P. Patil and Ramesh C. Rathod

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the corrosion resistance of Cr-Mn austenitic stainless steel (ASS) via low temperature salt bath nitriding and to replace the convectional…

129

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance the corrosion resistance of Cr-Mn austenitic stainless steel (ASS) via low temperature salt bath nitriding and to replace the convectional Cr-Ni ASS with newly developed enhanced corrosion resistive Cr-Mn ASS.

Design/methodology/approach

The low temperature salt bath nitriding was performed on Cr-Mn ASS at 450°C for 3 h in potassium nitrate salt bath.

Findings

The present paper compares the corrosion resistance of salt bath nitrided Cr-Mn ASS with convectional Cr-Ni ASSs (316 L and 304 L ASSs) in 3.5 per cent NaCl by electrochemical techniques. The electrochemical impedance spectroscopy result shows the increase in film resistance and potentiodynamic polarization results show the enhanced corrosion resistance of nitrided Cr-Mn ASS, which is almost equivalent to that of 316 L and 304 L ASSs. This is attributed to the formation of nitrogen supersaturated dense nitride layer. The present results therefore suggest that the nitrided Cr-Mn ASS may replace costly convectional Cr-Ni ASSs for commercial and industrial applications.

Originality/value

Ever-increasing price of nickel (Ni) is driving the industries to use Ni-free or low-Ni austenitic stainless steels (ASSs). But its corrosion resistance is relatively poor as compared to conventional Cr-Ni ASSs. However, its corrosion resistance can be improved by nitriding. The low temperature salt bath nitriding of Cr-Mn ASS and its electrochemical behavior in 3.5 per cent NaCl has not been studied. The present research paper is beneficial for industries to use low cost Cr-Mn, enhance its corrosion resistance and replace the use of costly conventional Cr-Ni ASSs.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 66 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

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Article
Publication date: 3 February 2020

Ye Tian, Heng Fang, Ning Ren, Chao Qiu, Fan Chen and Suresh Sitaraman

This paper aims to assess precise correlations between intermetallic compounds (IMCs) microstructure evolutions and the reliability of micro-joints with a Cu/SAC305solder/Ni

145

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess precise correlations between intermetallic compounds (IMCs) microstructure evolutions and the reliability of micro-joints with a Cu/SAC305solder/Ni structure using thermal shock (TS) tests.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses 200-µm pitch silicon flip chips with nickel (Ni) pads and stand-off height of approximately 60 µm, assembled on substrates with copper (Cu) pads. After assembly, the samples were subjected to air-to-air thermal shock testing from 55 to 125 per cent. The transfer time was less than 5 s, and the dwell time at each temperature extreme was 15 min. To investigate the microstructure evolution and crack growth, two samples were removed from the thermal shock chamber at 0, 400, 1,200, 2,000, 5,800 and 7,000 cycles.

Findings

The results showed that one (Cu, Ni)6Sn5/(Ni, Cu)3Sn4 dual-layer structure formed at the Ni pad interface of chip side dominates the micro-joints failure. This is because substantial (Ni, Cu)3Sn4 grain boundaries provide a preferential pathway for the catastrophic crack growth. Other IMCs microstructure evolutions that cause the prevalent joints failure as previously reported, i.e. thickened interfacial (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 and Ni3P layer, and coarsened IMCs inside the solder matrix, only contributed to the occurrence of fine cracks. Moreover, the typical interfacial IMCs spalling triggered by thermally induced stress did not take place in this study, showing a positive impact in the micro-joint reliability.

Originality/value

As sustained trends toward multi-functionality and miniaturization of microelectronic devices, the joints size is required to be constantly scaled down in advanced packages. This arises a fact that the reliability of small-size joints is more sensitive to the IMCs because of their high volume proportion and greatly complicated microstructure evolutions. This paper evaluated precise correlations between IMCs microstructure evolutions and the reliability of micro-joints with a Cu/SAC305solder/Ni structure using TS tests. It found that one (Cu, Ni)6Sn5/(Ni, Cu)3Sn4 dual-layer structure formed at the Ni pad interface dominate the micro-joints failure, whereas other IMCs microstructure evolutions that cause the prevalent joints failure exhibited nearly negligible effects.

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Article
Publication date: 19 July 2018

Chaolei Ban, Shuqin Zhu, Jie Ma, Fangreng Wang, Zhengfeng Jia and Jie Wang

Ni coating was electroplated on carbon steel substrate to protect carbon steel.

184

Abstract

Purpose

Ni coating was electroplated on carbon steel substrate to protect carbon steel.

Design/methodology/approach

During electroplating, the ultrasonic irradiation (UI) (1 kHz) action was in situ used with different frequency. The influence of UI on the microstructure, mechanical and electrochemical performance of the coating was studied with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, microhardness measurement, polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.

Findings

The results show that comparing that without UI imposition, UI during electroplating can refine the coating grain and decrease the micro-pores in the coating, resulting in improvement of the coating corrosion and hardness.

Originality/value

The imposition of UI action during electroplating Ni coating can remove intrinsic pores in the coating and compact the coating. The potential bimetallic cell between substrate and plating layer can be insulated to enhance the corrosion resistance of Ni coating. The imposition of UI action during electroplating Ni coating can refine Ni coating grain size and improve the coating haredness.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 65 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

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