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Article
Publication date: 12 January 2022

Jihong Chen, Renjie Zhao, Wenjing Xiong, Zheng Wan, Lang Xu and Weipan Zhang

The paper aims to identify the contributors to freight rate fluctuations in the Suezmax tanker market; this study selected the refinery output, crude oil price, one-year charter…

3338

Abstract

Purpose

The paper aims to identify the contributors to freight rate fluctuations in the Suezmax tanker market; this study selected the refinery output, crude oil price, one-year charter rate and fleet development as the main influencing factors for the market analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper used the vector error correction model to evaluate the degree of impact of each influencing factor on Suezmax tanker freight rates, as well as the interplay between these factors.

Findings

The conclusion and results were tested using the 20-year data from 1999 to 2019, and the methodology and theory of this paper were proved to be effective. Results of this study provide effective reference for scholars to find the law of fluctuations in Suezmax tanker freight rates.

Originality/value

This paper provides a decision-making support tool for tanker operators to cope with fluctuation risks in the tanker shipping market.

Details

Maritime Business Review, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2397-3757

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Article
Publication date: 15 March 2023

Shufeng Tang, Renjie Huang, Guoqing Zhao and Guoqing Wang

The purpose of this paper is that the modular mobile robots reformed the multimachine joint mode to achieve obstacle-crossing, climbing and other multifunctional inspection in…

148

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is that the modular mobile robots reformed the multimachine joint mode to achieve obstacle-crossing, climbing and other multifunctional inspection in unstructured environment under the connection of the cone–hole docking mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

An arc-shaped docking cone head with a posture-maintaining spring and two arc-shaped connecting rods that formed a ring round hole were designed to achieve large tolerance docking. Before active locking, the coordination between structures was used to achieve passive locking, which mitigated the docking impact of modular robots in unstructured environment. Using the locking ring composed of the two arc-shaped connecting rods, open-loop and closed-loop motion characteristics were obtained through the mutual motion of the connecting rod and the sliding block to achieve active locking, which not only ensured high precision docking, but also achieved super docking stability.

Findings

The cone–hole docking mechanism had the docking tolerance performance of position deviation of 6mm and pitch deviation of 8° to achieve docking of six degrees of freedom (6-DOF), which had a load capacity of 230 N to achieve super docking stability. Under the connection of the cone–hole docking mechanism, the modular mobile robots reformed the multimachine joint mode to achieve obstacle-crossing, climbing and other multifunctional inspection in unstructured environment.

Originality/value

Based on mechanical analysis of universal models, a cone–hole docking mechanism combining active and passive functions, six-dimensional constraints could be implemented, was proposed in this paper. The characteristics of the posture-maintaining spring in the cone docking head and the compression spring at the two ends of two arc-shaped connecting rods were used to achieve docking with large tolerance. Passive locking and active locking modules were designed, mitigating impact load and the locking did not require power to maintain, which not only ensured high precision docking, but also achieved super docking stability.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 50 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Article
Publication date: 9 October 2024

Shufeng Tang, Guoqing Zhao, Yun Zhi, Ligen Qi, Renjie Huang, Hong Chang, Shijie Guo and Xuewei Zhang

This paper aims to solve the problem of uncertain position and attitude between unstructured terrain robot and grasped target and insufficient control accuracy in extreme…

24

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to solve the problem of uncertain position and attitude between unstructured terrain robot and grasped target and insufficient control accuracy in extreme environment, a grasping mechanism based on attraction domain relationship is proposed, which can realize autonomous positioning, capturing and grasping of robot under low control accuracy.

Design/methodology/approach

The grasping mechanism was designed, taking inspiration from fishing behavior this mechanism introduces attraction domains and flexible-elastic structures through the active and passive ends to achieve automatic positioning and capture. After the capture is completed, the grasping mechanism connects the active end and the passive end, simultaneously relying on the gravity of the target object to achieve locking and release between the robot and the target object. This paper adopts theoretical, simulation and experimental verification methods to conduct theoretical and simulation analysis on the autonomous positioning and grasping process of the mechanism, and produces grasping experimental prototypes with different positions and postures.

Findings

The experiment shows that the gripping mechanism designed in this paper can achieve automatic positioning capture and gripping of large deviation situations under low control accuracy, with a displacement deviation of up to 10 mm (about 1/6 diameter of the end of the mechanism) and an angle deviation of up to 3°. The scientific research task in the extremely high altitude environment has finally been successfully accomplished.

Originality/value

Inspired by fishing behavior, this paper proposes a positioning, capturing and grasping mechanism. The attraction area built with permanent magnets, coupled with the flexible connection, enables precise capture under low control, while the grasping mechanism can also rely on gravity to self-lock and release.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Article
Publication date: 26 July 2023

Yanliang Niu, Renjie Zhang, Guangdong Wu and Qianwen Zhou

This study explores whether the peer effects of internationalization exist within the subdivision industry of enterprises in the engineering field and assesses the imitation paths…

140

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores whether the peer effects of internationalization exist within the subdivision industry of enterprises in the engineering field and assesses the imitation paths for the peer engineering enterprises within the industry when implementing internationalization strategies under the peer effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected secondary and objective data on 38 Chinese engineering enterprises from the Engineering News-Record's list of the top 250 international contractors between 2013 and 2021. It employed a regression analysis to test the research hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that in the process of internationalization: (1) peer effects exist within the subdivision industry of internationalization of engineering enterprises; (2) engineering enterprises within the same industry and region imitate each other; (3) non-state-owned engineering enterprises imitate state-owned engineering enterprises within the same industry; and (4) in the industry follower–leader imitation process, industry followers imitate leaders according to enterprise size and return on assets.

Originality/value

The results contribute to a better understanding of how peer effects influence engineering enterprises' internationalization process. This study also proposes imitation paths based on the law of imitation to provide recommendations for engineering enterprises' better development in the international market.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 14 November 2016

Jie Ren, Huimin Zhao, Jinchang Ren and Shi Cheng

Effective and robust motion estimation with sub-pixel accuracy is essential in many image processing and computer vision applications. Due to its computational efficiency and…

240

Abstract

Purpose

Effective and robust motion estimation with sub-pixel accuracy is essential in many image processing and computer vision applications. Due to its computational efficiency and robustness in the presence of intensity changes as well as geometric distortions, phase correlation in the Fourier domain provides an attractive solution for global motion estimation and image registration. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, relevant sub-pixel strategies are categorized into three classes, namely, single-side peak interpolation, dual-side peak interpolation and curve fitting. The well-known images “Barbara” and “Pentagon” were used to evaluate the performance of eight typical methods, in which Gaussian noise was attached in the synthetic data.

Findings

For eight such typical methods, the tests using synthetic data have suggested that considering dual-side peaks in interpolation or fitting helps to produce better results. In addition, dual-side interpolation outperforms curve fitting methods in dealing with noisy samples. Overall, Gaussian-based dual-side interpolation seems the best in the experiments.

Originality/value

Based on the comparisons of eight typical methods, the authors can have a better understanding of the phase correlation for motion estimation. The evaluation can provide useful guidance in this context.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

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Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Zijian Zhang, Yuanying Xu, Lijiao Meng, Renjie Luo and Jun Huang

This paper investigates the dual interactive effects of manufacturer encroachment on the supply chain and retailer provision of retail services.

200

Abstract

Purpose

This paper investigates the dual interactive effects of manufacturer encroachment on the supply chain and retailer provision of retail services.

Design/methodology/approach

Consider a supply chain dominated by manufacturers, retailers, and e-commerce platforms, with the manufacturers selling the same product online and offline. Utilizing Stackelberg’s game theory, examples of wholesale and retail prices and profits of participants in the supply chain under different channels are analyzed. An effective encroachment strategy for manufacturers facing different retail service investment strategies of traditional retailers is given.

Findings

When traditional retailers do not invest in retail services, they will lose more profit due to competition with the manufacturer. At this time, the retailer does not want the manufacturer to encroach. The traditional retailer’s investment in retail services will enhance its and the manufacturer’s profits, incentivizing the manufacturer to pursue an aggressive expansion strategy.

Originality/value

(1) Considers a situation where the selling efficiency of the manufacturer is lower than that of the traditional retailer. (2) The interaction between traditional retailers’ retail service investment strategies and manufacturers’ encroachment strategies is investigated where the manufacturer is the dominant player. The three modes of online direct sales, resale, and third-party platform agency are compared to provide a basis for decision-making on different types of manufacturers’ encroachment. (3) Offline retail services not only directly increase sales in the offline market but also indirectly have a negative effect on the online market.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 36 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

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Article
Publication date: 22 April 2024

Yanliang Niu, Chang Dai, Renjie Zhang and Hongjiang Yao

This study is devoted to examining the peer effects of engineering enterprises’ internationalization from the viewpoint of industry subdivision and how information and competition…

77

Abstract

Purpose

This study is devoted to examining the peer effects of engineering enterprises’ internationalization from the viewpoint of industry subdivision and how information and competition alter peer effects. Furthermore, the heterogeneity of peer effects is analyzed based on manager characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, multiple regression analysis was conducted on a sample of 38 Chinese engineering enterprises listed in the Engineering News-Record’s top 250 international contractors over the period of 2013–2021. This study collected the paired data from the enterprise annual reports and the China Stock Market & Accounting Research database.

Findings

The results reveal that (1) there exist peer effects within the subdivided industry of the engineering field; the quality of information disclosure of peer enterprises and degree of market competition moderate the peer effects; (2) the peer effects of internationalization are more pronounced in engineering enterprises with managers who have lower ability, hold greater power or are older.

Practical implications

The findings of this study contribute to understanding the peer effect in the process of internationalization of engineering enterprises, and help enterprises to effectively supervise the irrational behavior of top managers, so as to develop better internationalization strategies.

Originality/value

The results extend peer effects to the subdivision industry of the engineering field. Furthermore, this study also enriches the relevant research on peer effects among enterprises by empirically supporting the moderating role of information and competition as well as analyzing the heterogeneity of the peer effects from the perspective of manager characteristics.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 29 March 2022

Jian Lu, Suduo Xue, Renjie Liu and Xiongyan Li

In order to optimize SCSWIRC, the simplification and further optimization method is proposed. SCSWIRC's optimization includes two levels. The first level refers to simplifying…

77

Abstract

Purpose

In order to optimize SCSWIRC, the simplification and further optimization method is proposed. SCSWIRC's optimization includes two levels. The first level refers to simplifying structural system from the perspective of components; the second level refers to optimizing components' sectional areas from the perspective of mechanics. The first level aims to remove redundant components, and the second level aims to reduce structural self-weight based on the first level. The purpose of the paper is to simplify SCSWIRC's structural system and optimize structural self-weight and reduce construction forming difficulty.

Design/methodology/approach

Grid-jumping layout and multi-objective optimization method is used to simplify and further optimize Spatial cable-truss structure without inner ring cables (SCSWIRC). Grid-jumping layout is used to simplify remove redundant components, and multi-objective optimization method is used to reduce structural self-weight. The detailed solving process is given based on grid-jumping layout and multi-objective optimization method.

Findings

Take SCSWIRC with a span of 100m as an example to verify the feasibility and correctness of the simplification and further optimization method. The optimization results show that 12 redundant components are removed and the self-weight reduces by 3.128t from original scheme to grid-jumping layout scheme 1. The self-weight reduces from 36.007t to 28.231t and feasible coefficient decreases from 1.0 to 0.627 from grid-jumping layout scheme 1 to multi-objective optimization scheme. The simplification and further optimization can not only remove the redundant components and simplify structural system to reduce construction forming difficulty, but also optimize structural self-weight under considering structural stiffness to reduce project costs.

Originality/value

The proposed method firstly simplifies SCSWIRC and then optimizes the simplified SCSWIRC, which can solve the optimization problem from the perspective of components and mechanics. Meanwhile, the optimal section solving method can be used to obtain circular steel tube size with the optimal stiffness of the same areas. The proposed method successfully solves the problem of construction forming and project cost, which promotes the application of SCSWIRC in practical engineering.

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Article
Publication date: 1 January 2025

Honglei Li, Hongyu Wang, Ziyu Yang and Changwei Guo

In the field of digital entrepreneurship, achieving high growth in digital start-ups is crucial. This paper aims to explore how causal conditions at the individual, organizational…

22

Abstract

Purpose

In the field of digital entrepreneurship, achieving high growth in digital start-ups is crucial. This paper aims to explore how causal conditions at the individual, organizational and environmental levels interact in the growth process of digital start-ups. Furthermore, it uses a configurational approach to conduct a holistic analysis of the cross-level interaction mechanisms that enable digital start-ups to achieve high growth.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a holistic perspective, the data collection included 57 representative cases of digital start-ups in China in the past decade (2014–2023). A fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis was conducted to explore the cross-level interaction mechanism of the three-dimensional causal conditions of the environment, organization and individual entrepreneurs on high growth among digital start-ups.

Findings

This study found three models for digital start-ups to achieve high growth. These models − the resource network orchestration model, the innovation resource development model and the entrepreneurial spirit coherence model, respectively, reflect the multiple paths of high growth achieved by various digital start-ups based on their entrepreneurial environment, organizational capability and the personality of the founder. This reflects that digital start-ups face different conditions and entrepreneurial situations, with differing cross-level interaction mechanisms for achieving high growth.

Practical implications

First, digital start-ups should focus on strengthening their digital resource integration capabilities to lay the foundation for their subsequent high-growth path selection. Second, entrepreneurs need to adopt a holistic perspective to change or strengthen the causal conditions required to achieve high growth. Third, emphasis should be placed on the coherence between the entrepreneur’s need for achievement and the internal entrepreneurial culture.

Originality/value

First, this study contributes to the literature on high growth among digital start-ups by introducing a cross-level interaction mechanism comprising environmental, organizational and entrepreneurial causal conditions. Second, it reveals that individual factors at the environmental, organizational and entrepreneurial levels are not necessary conditions for high entrepreneurial growth and that digital resource integration capabilities play a more universal role in achieving high digital start-up growth. Finally, the study provides a cross-level holistic explanation of how digital start-ups can achieve high growth and reveals various configuration models conducive to high growth, thus offering practical insights for businesses.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

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