The purpose of this study is to explore gender differences in the online reading environment.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore gender differences in the online reading environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Survey and analysis methods are employed.
Findings
Survey results reveal that female readers have a stronger preference for paper as a reading medium than male readers, whereas male readers exhibit a greater degree of satisfaction with online reading than females. Additionally, males and females differ significantly on the dimension of selective reading and sustained attention.
Originality/value
Understanding gender differences would enable a better understanding of the changing reading behavior in the online environment, and to develop more effective digital reading devices. Factors affecting gender differences in the online reading environment are discussed, and directions for future research are suggested.
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Reports on the first of two joint symposia to be held in South China during 1998. The Zhongshan University Symposium focused on library automation and networking, with six…
Abstract
Reports on the first of two joint symposia to be held in South China during 1998. The Zhongshan University Symposium focused on library automation and networking, with six sessions on specific subthemes and 47 papers on such topics as information resources development and digital libraries, Internet information applications and services, resource sharing and regional cooperation. Participants at the symposium concluded that the standardisation of a Chinese encoding system to cater for all Chinese characters from China, Taiwan, Japan and Korea is a prerequisite for future cooperation and resource sharing. In addition, the panellists agreed that it is important to concentrate on developing library and information networks, especially using Internet technology and related resources.
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Wei Liang, Zhangping Lu, Guifeng Liu and Wencheng Su
The purpose of this paper is to figure out the exact knowledge demand of makers. Furthermore, the paper aims to construct the knowledge space based on makers’ knowledge demand.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to figure out the exact knowledge demand of makers. Furthermore, the paper aims to construct the knowledge space based on makers’ knowledge demand.
Design/methodology/approach
The first step of this research is to explore the makers’ knowledge demand by the methods of field investigation, non-interventional study and in-depth interviews. On that basis, the elements, principles, framework and mechanism of the knowledge space were discussed. The grounded theory and NVivo software were used in the data analysis.
Findings
The investigation shows that interest and competition are the main motivations for makers’ knowledge demand. The findings also indicate that the characteristics are active knowledge needs, “informal learning” preferences, divergent thinking, close community ties and interdisciplinary. According to the makers’ knowledge demand node conceptual model, the content of makers’ knowledge demand is principle knowledge, empirical knowledge and knowledge situation. Based on the above findings, the elements, principles, operation framework and inherent operation mechanism of the knowledge space construction are systemically described.
Originality/value
This study gives precise details about makers’ knowledge demand and the construction of makers’ knowledge space by libraries. This is the first research that comprehensively explores the knowledge demand of makers. The findings can help the library plan and implement the construction of makerspace, and also improve the service for makers.
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Xiaobin Lian, Jiafu Liu, Laohu Yuan and Naigang Cui
The purpose of this paper is to present a solution for the uncertain fault with the propulsion subsystem of satellite formation, using the Lur’e differential inclusion linear…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a solution for the uncertain fault with the propulsion subsystem of satellite formation, using the Lur’e differential inclusion linear state observers (DILSOs) and fuzzy wavelet neural network (FWNN) to perform fault detection and diagnosis.
Design/methodology/approach
The uncertain fault system cannot be described based on the accurate differential equations. The set-value mapping is introduced into the state equations to solve the problem of uncertainty, but it will cause output uncertainty. The problem can be solved by linearization of Lur’e differential inclusion state observers. The Lur’e DILSOs can be used to detect uncertain fault. The fault isolation and estimation can be performed using the FWNN.
Findings
The mixed approach from fault detection and diagnosis has featured fast and correct to found the uncertain fault. The simulation results to indicate that the methods of design are not only effective but also have the advantages of good approximation effect, fast detection speed, relatively simple structure and prior knowledge and realization of adaptive learning.
Research limitations/implications
The hybrid algorithm can be extensively applied to engineering practice and find uncertain faults of the propulsion subsystem of satellite formation promptly.
Originality/value
This paper provides a fast, effective and simple mixed fault detection and diagnosis scheme for satellite formation.
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Lei Ren, Yishuai Yin, Xiaobin Zhang and Di Zhu
The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between coaching leadership and employees' taking charge while incorporating the mediating role of work meaningfulness…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this research is to examine the relationship between coaching leadership and employees' taking charge while incorporating the mediating role of work meaningfulness and the moderating role of challenge-hindrance stressor.
Design/methodology/approach
A total of 355 pairs of effective samples were collected through a two-stage supervisor-subordinate paired survey. Four hypotheses were tested using hierarchal regression analysis and bootstrapping method.
Findings
The findings show that coaching leadership is positively related to taking charge, and work meaningfulness positively mediates the coaching leadership-taking charge relationship; high challenge stressors and high hindrance stressors weaken the positive effect of coaching leadership on work meaningfulness respectively; challenge stressors and hindrance stressors further moderate the indirect relationship of coaching leadership and taking charge through work meaningfulness.
Originality/value
This study provides a new perspective for organizations to activate employees' taking charge, thereby enriching the antecedents of taking charge. By incorporating challenge-hindrance stressor framework, this study also provides answers to when coaching leadership will be less effective.
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Hongru Ma, Xiaobin Deng, Xiaoliang Shi, Guanchen Lu, Hongyan Zhou, Yuan Chen and Zhenyu Yang
This paper aims to explore the damage mechanism of a lubricating film on the worn surface of solid self-lubricating composites under different loads.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the damage mechanism of a lubricating film on the worn surface of solid self-lubricating composites under different loads.
Design/methodology/approach
By comparing the actual stress with the strength, it is possible to determine the approximate wear state of the lubricating film. To prove the validity of the mathematical model that can predict the initiation of micro cracks or even the failure of the lubricating film, M50-5 Wt.% Ag self-lubricating composites (MA) was prepared. Tribological tests of the composites against Si3N4 ceramic balls were conducted at room temperature from 2 to 8 N. The electron probe microanalysis images of the lubricating film verify the wear state of the lubricating film.
Findings
The study found that the back edge of the contact area is the most vulnerable to destruction. The tensile stress and the equivalent shear stress have a positive correlation with load and friction coefficient. When the load is 4 N, an intact lubricating film covers the worn surface because the tensile stress and the equivalent shear stress are below the tensile strength and the shear strength, respectively; under other working conditions, the lubricating film is destroyed.
Originality/value
This paper has certain theoretical guidance for the study of tribological properties of solid self-lubricating composites. Moreover, this mathematical model is appropriate to be applied for the other composites.
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Zhenjie Zhang, Xinjiu Chen, Xiaobin Xu, Yi Li, Pingzhi Hou, Zehui Zhang and Haohao Guo
Fault-related monitoring variables selection is a process of obtaining a subset of variables from the original set, which is of great significance for reducing information…
Abstract
Purpose
Fault-related monitoring variables selection is a process of obtaining a subset of variables from the original set, which is of great significance for reducing information redundancy and improving the performance of the fault diagnosis models. This paper aims to propose a novel variables selection approach based on complex networks.
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, a dual-layer correlation networks (DlCN) which consists of mechanism-oriented correlation sub-network (MoCSN) and data-oriented correlation sub-network (DoCSN) is constructed. Secondly, an algorithm for identifying critical fault-related monitoring variables based on dual correlations is introduced. In the algorithm, the topological attributes of the MoCSN and correlation threshold of the DoCSN are used successively.
Findings
In the experiments of vertical elevator fault diagnosis, the critical fault-related monitoring variables selected by the DlCN-based approach is more effective than the traditional approaches. It indicates that fusion mechanism-oriented correlation can enhance the comprehensiveness of variable correlation analysis. Moreover, the approach has been proved to be adaptable to different fault diagnosis models.
Originality/value
In the DlCN-based variables selection approach, the mechanism-oriented correlation and data-oriented correlation are comprehensively considered. It improves the precision of variables selection. Meanwhile, it is an unsupervised and model-agnostic approach which addresses the shortcomings of some conventional approaches that require data labels and have insufficient adaptability for fault diagnosis models.
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Zac S.C. Chen, Stephen J.H. Yang and Jeff J.S. Huang
The purpose of this study was to present a pilot electronic portfolio (e-portfolio)-integrated learning environment by integrating library resources into an e-portfolio system for…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to present a pilot electronic portfolio (e-portfolio)-integrated learning environment by integrating library resources into an e-portfolio system for its application, and to explore reader’s satisfaction of the integrated system.
Design/methodology/approach
This study develops a research model by modifying the information success model to explore reader satisfaction to the understanding of the adoption of integrated system. The sample consisted of 289 graduate and undergraduate students. In total, 189 were considered useful and used for analysis. A regression analysis was then conducted to identify key causal relationships.
Findings
The findings show that reader-perceived benefits, information quality and system quality are critical factors for the reader’s satisfaction. Overall, the model explained 84 per cent of the variance in reader satisfaction. Thus, the results show that the proposed model does satisfactorily explain the reader’s satisfaction of the integrated system.
Originality/value
There is scant research available in the literature on user satisfaction of pilot e-portfolio-integrated learning environment from a reader perspective. The findings of this research provide some useful insights into a reader’s satisfaction toward adoption of the integrated system. In addition, it will be valuable for better understanding of factors affecting the determinants of reader’s satisfaction, which improve the reader’s satisfaction of the integrated system and thereby boost realization of collaborative learning environment.
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Xiaobin Feng, Yan Zhu and Jiachen Yang
To clarify divergent conclusions on the impact of alliances on green innovation (GI), this study aims to examine the non-linear relationships between dual alliance and GI, as well…
Abstract
Purpose
To clarify divergent conclusions on the impact of alliances on green innovation (GI), this study aims to examine the non-linear relationships between dual alliance and GI, as well as the mediation of green knowledge reconstruction (GKR) and the moderation of alliance tie strength.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the theory of knowledge-based view, a moderated intermediary model is constructed by introducing GKR and alliance tie strength. The hypotheses are validated by using hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping method, with questionnaire survey data collected from 316 manufacturing firms in China.
Findings
Empirical results show that both exploratory alliance and exploitative alliance have an inverted U-shaped effect on GI, in which GKR plays a mediating role in the above relationship. Moreover, alliance tie strength weakens the intermediary role of GKR in the relationship between exploratory alliance and GI, whereas it enhances the intermediary role of GKR in the relationship between exploitative alliance and GI.
Originality/value
Findings reveal the non-linear effects of dual alliance on GI and clarify the inconsistent conclusions by proposing the moderated intermediary effect model. Moreover, this research reveals the mechanism of dual alliance on GI through the mediation of GKR and enriches the boundary conditions by integrating the moderating role of alliance tie strength.
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Eli Gimmon, Ying Teng and Xiaobin He
This study aims to present multi-layered embeddedness and explore the main and interaction effects of political embeddedness on the performance of private enterprises in China…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present multi-layered embeddedness and explore the main and interaction effects of political embeddedness on the performance of private enterprises in China. This study tests multi-layered embeddedness through interaction effects between three layers, namely, political, territorial and inter-firm embeddedness. Political embeddedness is related at the personal and the firm levels.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used secondary data of four non-panel waves (2002, 2008, 2010 and 2016) of large samples having identical questions based on the Chinese private enterprises’ survey. The accumulated number of business owners’ responses is a total of 10,686.
Findings
The main effects of each of the layers of embeddedness showed a positive influence on enterprise performance consistently and unchanged over time which fits the Chinese Guanxi regardless of the immense macro-economic transition. However, unexpectedly some interactions showed negative significant effects on performance.
Practical implications
First, business owners should be aware of the specific contribution to the performance of political embeddedness at both the firm level and the personal level. Second, the pursuit of exercising simultaneously several layers of embeddedness may be detrimental to company performance. This study provides generalizable lessons regarding different embeddedness layers beyond the context of China’s transition economy.
Originality/value
First, the authors extend political embeddedness to the firm level whilst in previous research this construct had been mostly related to the personal level. Second, building on the resource-based view and redundant resources the authors present the disadvantage of “over-embeddedness” as related to multi-layered embeddedness which has been understudied.