Dylan Agius, Mladenko Kajtaz, Kyriakos I. Kourousis, Chris Wallbrink and Weiping Hu
This study presents the improvements of the multicomponent Armstrong–Frederick model with multiplier (MAFM) performance through a numerical optimisation methodology available in a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study presents the improvements of the multicomponent Armstrong–Frederick model with multiplier (MAFM) performance through a numerical optimisation methodology available in a commercial software. Moreover, this study explores the application of a multiobjective optimisation technique for the determination of the parameters of the constitutive models using uniaxial experimental data gathered from aluminium alloy 7075-T6 specimens. This approach aims to improve the overall accuracy of stress–strain response, for not only symmetric strain-controlled loading but also asymmetrically strain- and stress-controlled loading.
Design/methodology/approach
Experimental data from stress- and strain-controlled symmetric and asymmetric cyclic loadings have been used for this purpose. The analysis of the influence of the parameters on simulation accuracy has led to an adjustment scheme that can be used for focused optimisation of the MAFM model performance. The method was successfully used to provide a better understanding of the influence of each model parameter on the overall simulation accuracy.
Findings
The optimisation identified an important issue associated with competing ratcheting and mean stress relaxation objectives, highlighting the issues with arriving at a parameter set that can simulate ratcheting and mean stress relaxation for load cases not reaching at complete relaxation.
Practical implications
The study uses a strain-life fatigue application to demonstrate the importance of incorporating a technique such as the presented multiobjective optimisation method to arrive at robust parameters capable of accurately simulating a variety of transient cyclic phenomena.
Originality/value
The proposed methodology improves the accuracy of cyclic plasticity phenomena and strain-life fatigue simulations for engineering applications. This study is considered a valuable contribution for the engineering community, as it can act as starting point for further exploration of the benefits that can be obtained through material parameter optimisation methodologies for models of the MAFM class.
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Run Chen, Qixin Zhao, Sisi Wang, Zhonglue Hu, Weiping Dong, Xiping Li, Shiju E and Linlin Wang
This study aims to explore the impact of printing parameters, specifically raster angle and layer thickness, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of green and sintered…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the impact of printing parameters, specifically raster angle and layer thickness, on the microstructure and mechanical properties of green and sintered parts produced through filament-based fused filament fabrication (FFF) using a self-developed filament. The goal is to improve the quality and performance of the final sintered components.
Design/methodology/approach
A filament containing 92 Wt.% 316L stainless steel with polyoxymethylene (POM)-based binder was formulated and evaluated for flexibility through a buckling resistance test. Green parts were printed with varying raster angles (+45°/−45°, 0°/90°) and layer thicknesses (0.2 mm, 0.3 mm), followed by catalytic debinding and high-temperature sintering. Microstructure, dimensional accuracy and mechanical properties, including microhardness, tensile strength and elongation at break, were analyzed to identify optimal parameters.
Findings
A raster angle of (+45°/−45°) produced denser interlayer bonding and a more compact green part structure, whereas a thicker layer (0.3 mm) resulted in a looser structure with larger pores. The optimal combination of +45°/−45° raster angle and 0.2 mm layer thickness achieved the highest relative density (99.37%) and superior mechanical properties: microhardness (216.83 HV), tensile strength (467.59 MPa) and elongation at break (16.81%).
Originality/value
A 92 Wt.% 316L stainless-steel filament for FFF was independently developed and near dense steel components were successfully fabricated. This study provides new insight into developing a novel formula of filament and optimizing printing parameters for FFF technology.
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Weiping Yu, Fasheng Cui, Xiaoyun Han and Mengjiao Lv
Food recalls are more potentially harmful than other product recalls. This research aimed to investigate the effect of the recall strategies of food corporations on their brand…
Abstract
Purpose
Food recalls are more potentially harmful than other product recalls. This research aimed to investigate the effect of the recall strategies of food corporations on their brand image and consumers’ purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts a between-subjects experiment of 2 (corporate recall strategy: voluntary recall, mandatory recall) *3 (food recall level (severity): high, medium, low), and recruits 224 consumers involved in cereal product recall in China. The authors inductively examine the effects of voluntary and mandatory recall on consumer perception and behavior intentions in the recall process.
Findings
Voluntary recall (vs. mandatory recall) will improve corporate brand responsibility image (vs. brand ability image) and consumers’ purchase intention to focal brand (vs. competitive brand and organic brand). Perceived corporate legitimacy and food safety play a mediating role. The former has a greater positive impact on brand image, and the latter has a more significant favorable influence on purchase intention. Furthermore, recall level has a moderating effect on the association between corporate recall strategy and perceived food safety, but is not significant in the effect of corporate recall strategy on perceived corporate legitimacy.
Originality/value
Previous inconsistent conclusions cannot effectively guide food corporations to manage recall strategies. This paper demonstrates the response mechanism of the recall strategy from the perspective of corporate social responsibility, which is beneficial to food safety crisis management and research.
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Weiping Li, Huirong Li, Xuan Sean Sun and Tairan Kevin Huang
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (D&O insurance hereafter) on corporate governance and firm performance, with a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of directors’ and officers’ liability insurance (D&O insurance hereafter) on corporate governance and firm performance, with a specific focus on investment efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a sample of Chinese A-share listed firms from the period 2007 to 2020, this study uses Ordinary Least Squares regressions to investigate the research questions, as well as moderating and mediating effects. Additionally, alternative measures of investment efficiency are used, and the Heckman two-stage model and propensity score matching model are used to demonstrate the consistency of the findings and to mitigate the risk of endogeneity.
Findings
The findings of this study suggest that purchasing D&O insurance has a detrimental impact on corporate investment efficiency, particularly in the context of over-investment activities; robust internal governance mechanisms, exemplified by a higher shareholding ratio of the top shareholder and enhanced internal control quality, alleviate this negative effect; and financing constraints act as a mediating factor in the association between D&O insurance and investment efficiency.
Originality/value
Corporate investment efficiency is of significant importance for both national macroeconomic growth and micro-enterprise development. Notably, the prevalence of D&O insurance among Chinese firms is progressively increasing, thus exerting a growing influence. This study contributes to the existing literature on D&O insurance and corporate investment efficiency, providing valuable insights into the economic impact of D&O insurance on Chinese firms. The empirical evidence presented herein facilitates future reforms and adjustments.
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Shu Yi, Lin Xiao, Yong Zhang, Dujuan Duan and Maksim G. Blokhin
This paper describes the organic geochemical characteristics and their roles on barium enrichment in the No. 2 Coal from Huanglong Jurassic Coalfield, China. A total of 18 bench…
Abstract
This paper describes the organic geochemical characteristics and their roles on barium enrichment in the No. 2 Coal from Huanglong Jurassic Coalfield, China. A total of 18 bench samples were taken from Huangling Mine 2. The average content of barium (3701 mg/kg) was about 23 times higher than that of common world coals. Terrestrial higher plants were the main coal-forming parent material. Relying on the parameters of OEP, Pr/Ph and so on, there is little correlation between organic geochemical characteristics and barium enrichment. Therefore, organic material has little influence on the process of coal-forming and the enrichment of barium.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the key factors in generating trust, and the effects of trust on the intention to cooperate in energy performance contracting (EPC), from…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the key factors in generating trust, and the effects of trust on the intention to cooperate in energy performance contracting (EPC), from the perspective of energy saving companies (ESCOs).
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was undertaken to collect the data from the experienced project managers in ESCOs. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results revealed that competence, integrity, communication, reciprocity and contract had positive effects on calculative trust and relational trust. Both calculative trust and relational trust, in turn, were found to have positive effects on the intention to cooperate.
Research limitations/implications
The conclusions are derived from the Chinese cultural background and may apply to a certain geographical scope. In addition, this study focused on the perspective of ESCOs but did not consider that of facility owners.
Practical implications
This research would supply guidance for facility owners or users to cultivate trust from ESCOs and achieve cooperation in EPC.
Originality/value
Most of the existing studies have focused on the perspective of facility owners while few have attempted to investigate the perspective of ESCOs. This study contributes to the knowledge body relating to EPC by investigating the relationship between trust and the intention to cooperate from the perspective of ESCOs. In addition, most EPC studies recognized trust as a condition for the successful execution of EPC projects but failed to consider the role of trust in setting up the cooperation relationship prior to project execution.
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This paper examines diverging views on the Chongqing model, the policy experiment led by Bo Xilai from 2007 to 2012 that was famous for its “red songs” and the campaign against…
Abstract
This paper examines diverging views on the Chongqing model, the policy experiment led by Bo Xilai from 2007 to 2012 that was famous for its “red songs” and the campaign against organized crime. It has impressed both the supporters of socialist identity of China and the supporters of liberal identity and led to an intense debate concerning China’s path of development. This paper attempts to discuss and clarify to what extent the Chongqing model represented a genuine socialist experiment and the implications of the model for China’s future.
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Xuyuan Zheng, Weiping Liu, Zhigang Xu, Ruiyao Ying and Chunhui Ye
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the heterogeneity of regional grain production distribution in China, by examining the regional heterogeneity of absolute and relative…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the heterogeneity of regional grain production distribution in China, by examining the regional heterogeneity of absolute and relative changes in grain planting acreage, and explain it in terms of increasing labor costs and difficulties in agricultural inputs adjustment.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses data from official statistical yearbooks and the satellite remote sensing image data of Landsat TM 30 m. Multivariate analysis is conducted to examine the effect of labor cost, difficulty in replacing agricultural input factors and other factors underpinning changes in grain acreage and grain structure adjustment.
Findings
The heterogeneity of changes in grain acreage and proportion of arable area for grain production are mainly determined using the labor cost and difficulties in the replacement of agricultural input factors.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to systematically analyze the heterogeneity in restructuring grain production at provincial level and its causes. The results not only provide evidence of grain production restructuring at regional level, but also contribute to the understanding of the law of structural change in agricultural production.
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The purpose of this paper is threefold: to conceptualize a construct of the perceived value in CSA and its dimensions, to operationalize and validate the construct, and to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is threefold: to conceptualize a construct of the perceived value in CSA and its dimensions, to operationalize and validate the construct, and to empirically investigate the influence of perceived value in CSA on consumer satisfaction and loyalty.
Design/methodology/approach
This research begins by reviewing relevant literature that frames the concept of perceived value in CSA and integrates this construct into a nomological network. Operational measures for each component of perceived value in CSA are then developed. The scale is validated, and then used to test the hypothesized model in a sample of 198 consumers of Beijing's five CSA farms using partial least squares (PLS) as an analytical tool.
Findings
Perceived value in CSA is found to be a formative, multi-dimensional, third-order construct. Further, the results suggest that perceived value in CSA has both a direct positive effect on consumer loyalty and an indirect effect mediated through consumer satisfaction.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations and research directions refer to the need to increase the sample size and replicate research in other places, the possibility of conducting longitudinal research, the need to identify antecedents of perceived value, and the opportunity to assess perceived value across a number of CSA member characteristics.
Practical implications
CSA farmers should recognize the importance of value creation to build and maintain long time relationships. This study suggests that CSA farmers can enhance value from two approaches. One approach is to build strategies to facilitate delivery of product benefits, emotional benefits, and social benefits. Another approach is to invest in efforts to reduce inconvenience and lower risk. In addition, the formative model means that CSA farmers can allocate resources depending on the relative weight of each in value perceptions.
Originality/value
This research is one of the first to conceptualize perceived value in a CSA setting; it argues that modeling of perceived value in CSA should take a formative approach and finds support for this; and assesses the nomological validity of the perceived value in CSA.
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Arthur Seakhoa-King, Marcjanna M Augustyn and Peter Mason