Shouxu Wang, Xiaolan Xu, Guoyun Zhou, Yuanming Chen, Wei He, Wenjun Yang, Xinhong Su and Yongshuan Hu
As a common transmission line, the microstrip line plays an important role in high-speed circuits. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects of the circuit design…
Abstract
Purpose
As a common transmission line, the microstrip line plays an important role in high-speed circuits. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the effects of the circuit design of microstrip lines on the signal integrity (SI). In addition, the influence of the type and thickness of the solder resist ink on SI was analyzed to provide guidance for the related producing process design of printed circuit boards (PCBs).
Design/methodology/approach
Microstrip line properties consisting of shape, line-width/line-space ratio, reference layer design and as-covered solder resist ink were designed to measure the insertion loss (S21) in high-speed PCB.
Findings
The study showed that the insertion loss (S21) of straight, meander, snake-shaped and wavy microstrip lines was approximately consistent. A microstrip line with width/space ratio less than 0.96 is necessary, as the differential line closing produces a mutual interference. Reference layer including the discontinuous area should be repaired by adjusting the microstrip line parameters. With regard to the solder resist ink, the insertion loss of novel solder resist ink decreased by 0.163 dB/in at 12.9 GHz and 0.164 dB/in at 14 GHz, compared with traditional solder resist ink. Accordingly, the insertion loss effectively improved at a lower thickness of solder resist.
Originality/value
This paper demonstrated that the common designing factors of line shape, line/space ratio, reference layer and solder resist influence microstrip line SI in the significant reference of designer-making PCB layout.
Details
Keywords
Dongliang Qi, Dongdong Wang, Like Deng, Xiaolan Xu and Cheng-Tang Wu
Although high-order smooth reproducing kernel mesh-free approximation enables the analysis of structural vibrations in an efficient collocation formulation, there is still a lack…
Abstract
Purpose
Although high-order smooth reproducing kernel mesh-free approximation enables the analysis of structural vibrations in an efficient collocation formulation, there is still a lack of systematic theoretical accuracy assessment for such approach. The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed accuracy analysis for the reproducing kernel mesh-free collocation method regarding structural vibrations.
Design/methodology/approach
Both second-order problems such as one-dimensional (1D) rod and two-dimensional (2D) membrane and fourth-order problems such as Euler–Bernoulli beam and Kirchhoff plate are considered. Staring from a generic equation of motion deduced from the reproducing kernel mesh-free collocation method, a frequency error measure is rationally attained through properly introducing the consistency conditions of reproducing kernel mesh-free shape functions.
Findings
This paper reveals that for the second-order structural vibration problems, the frequency accuracy orders are p and (p − 1) for even and odd degree basis functions; for the fourth-order structural vibration problems, the frequency accuracy orders are (p − 2) and (p − 3) for even and odd degree basis functions, respectively, where p denotes the degree of the basis function used in mesh-free approximation.
Originality/value
A frequency accuracy estimation is achieved for the reproducing kernel mesh-free collocation analysis of structural vibrations, which can effectively underpin the practical applications of this method.
Details
Keywords
Rong Kong, Calum Turvey, Xiaolan Xu and Fei Liu
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the lender-borrower relationship as it relates to Sannong loans for agricultural and rural financial markets by Rural Credit…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the lender-borrower relationship as it relates to Sannong loans for agricultural and rural financial markets by Rural Credit Cooperatives (RCCs) and other rural lenders. This paper is motivated by recent reforms to the rural credit market designed to encourage increased lending, particularly to farmers. Little is understood about the lender-borrower relationship in rural China. This paper fills that gap.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper investigates relational attitudes between 120 loan officers at RCCs in China's costal Shandong province, paired with a field survey using matched questions to 394 farm households in the same region. Pairing lenders’ perception toward borrowers regarding RCC microcredit lending mechanism, against borrowers’ perception toward lenders and how themselves were perceived by lenders in the same regards, the paper investigates the degree of disconnect between lenders and with distinct cluster groupings based on their perceptions, the paper analyzes the influence of demographics on the borrower and lender cluster memberships.
Findings
The paper identifies four borrower clusters and two lender clusters. Borrower clusters are segmented on credit access and satisfaction with their rural lender. The paper also identifies two lender clusters, segmented principally on financial incentives and lending activities. While all lenders view farming with higher regard than farmers believe they do, one cluster is clearly pro-farmer while the second is somewhat indifferent. Indifference is more related to current portfolio activities. The paper draws conclusions that policy initiatives should be put in place at RCCs that close the gap between lender and borrower in their credit relationship. Rural lenders should concentrate on advocating RCCs’ care and trust toward agriculture and farm households. At the institutional level, effort should be extended to train a dedicated team of loan officers that specialize in servicing farm households with standardized lending practices. This research provides financial institutions with outreach mechanisms to borrowers, while also training lenders to borrowers’ sensitivities.
Originality/value
Management studies of RCCs are few. This is the first paper that the authors are aware of that studies farmer and lender attitudes on the same scale.
Details
Keywords
Xueguang Yu, Xintian Liu, Xu Wang and Xiaolan Wang
This study aims to propose an improved affine interval truncation algorithm to restrain interval extension for interval function.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose an improved affine interval truncation algorithm to restrain interval extension for interval function.
Design/methodology/approach
To reduce the occurrence times of related variables in interval function, the processing method of interval operation sequence is proposed.
Findings
The interval variable is evenly divided into several subintervals based on correlation analysis of interval variables. The interval function value is modified by the interval truncation method to restrain larger estimation of interval operation results.
Originality/value
Through several uncertain displacement response engineering examples, the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed algorithm are verified by comparing with interval method and optimization algorithm.
Details
Keywords
Amir Khushk, Liu Zhiying, Xu Yi and Xiaolan Zhang
The purpose of this study is to investigate the key characteristics of artificial intelligence (AI) in organizational settings, analyze its capacity to reduce customer service…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the key characteristics of artificial intelligence (AI) in organizational settings, analyze its capacity to reduce customer service jobs in favor of more advanced roles and analyze its efficacy in candidate screening by emphasizing performance.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive analysis of 40 papers is performed using the PRISMA method based on data from Web of Science, Scopus, Emerald and Google Scholar.
Findings
The findings show optimized human resource management operations such as recruiting and performance monitoring, resulting in increased precision in hiring and decreased employee turnover. Customer service automation redistributes human labor to more intricate positions that need analytical reasoning and empathetic skills.
Practical implications
The study has two key implications. First, AI can streamline customer service, freeing up human workers for more complex tasks. Second, AI may increase candidate screening accuracy and efficiency, improving recruiting outcomes and organizational performance.
Originality/value
The study adds to the current literature by shedding light on the intricate relationships between AI and organizational performance and providing insights into the processes underpinning trust-building in AI technology.
Details
Keywords
Guoquan Xu, Shiwei Feng, Shucen Guo and Xiaolan Ye
China has proposed two-stage goals of carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutralization by 2060. The carbon emission reduction effect of the power industry, especially the thermal…
Abstract
Purpose
China has proposed two-stage goals of carbon peaking by 2030 and carbon neutralization by 2060. The carbon emission reduction effect of the power industry, especially the thermal power industry, will directly affect the progress of the goal. This paper aims to reveal the spatial-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of carbon emission efficiency of the thermal power industry and proposes policy suggestions for realizing China’s carbon peak and carbon neutralization goals.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper evaluates and compares the carbon emission efficiency of the thermal power industry in 29 provinces and regions in China from 2014 to 2019 based on the three-stage slacks-based measure (SBM) of efficiency in data envelopment analysis (DEA) model of undesired output, excluding the influence of environmental factors and random errors.
Findings
Empirical results show that during the sample period, the carbon emission efficiency of China’s thermal power industry shows a fluctuating upward trend, and the carbon emission efficiency varies greatly among the provincial regions. The carbon emission efficiency of the interregional thermal power industry presents a pattern of “eastern > central > western,” which is consistent with the level of regional economic development. Environmental factors such as economic level and environmental regulation level are conducive to the improvement of carbon emission efficiency of the thermal power industry, but the proportion of thermal power generation and industrial structure is the opposite.
Originality/value
This paper adopts the three-stage SBM–DEA model of undesired output and takes CO2 as the undesired output to reveal the spatial-temporal characteristics and influencing factors of carbon emission efficiency in China’s thermal power industry. The results provide a more comprehensive perspective for regional comparative evaluation and influencing factors of carbon emission efficiency in China’s thermal power industry.
Details
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Xiaokun Zhou, Suming Xie, Maosheng He, Tingting Fu and Qifeng Yu
This study aims to reduce the weight of the door, improve the operating efficiency and ensure the safety of vehicle operation.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to reduce the weight of the door, improve the operating efficiency and ensure the safety of vehicle operation.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on traditional aluminium alloy doors, a new type of honeycomb composite material was developed. Tests were conducted to determine the honeycomb compression resistance, honeycomb and skin shear performance, plate bending, thermal conductivity and environmental protection. Eight doors were developed based on the full-side open structure, and static strength and stiffness analyses were performed simultaneously. To solve door vibration problems, modal analysis and test were carried out.
Findings
The test results showed that the weight of the door was reduced by more than 40% whilst ensuring the strength and stiffness of the vehicle. The first–sixth-order test mode of the door was increased by more than 14% compared with existing aluminium alloy doors.
Originality/value
A new type of honeycomb composite material was used in this study. The test results showed that the weight of the door was reduced by more than 40% whilst ensuring the strength and stiffness of the vehicle. The 1st-to-6th order test mode of the door was increased by more than 14% compared with the existing aluminium alloy door.
Details
Keywords
Ming Li, Weiguo Fan and Xiaolan Luo
In response to the government’s decision to make “entrepreneurship and innovation for all” a national strategy in its 2015 annual work report, Chinese professionals in the library…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to the government’s decision to make “entrepreneurship and innovation for all” a national strategy in its 2015 annual work report, Chinese professionals in the library field have expressed a growing interest in makerspaces. This study aims to provide an overview of their current research studies and attempts in constructing makerspaces.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors aggregated research materials on library makerspaces in China from two sources: journal articles from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database and online news reports from the search engine Baidu.com. Content analysis was used to extract information regarding visions and perceived values, service models and technology adoption.
Findings
While a growing number of Chinese academic publications are concerned with library makerspaces, the existing research focuses on foreign cases and offers few empirical studies on domestic application scenarios. Libraries and researchers in China hold a positive and supportive attitude toward makerspaces. 3D printing is the most frequently mentioned technology, and free-to-use, promoting communication and realization of ideas and dreams are the most emphasized values. Libraries should highlight their own unique advantages and tap into their resources and services in mutually beneficial collaborations with other types of makerspaces.
Research limitations/implications
First, the results of this study cannot fully summarize the development status of makerspaces in Chinese libraries. Second, the research materials used in this study may be biased, especially the news reports.
Practical implications
This paper presents a semantic, visualized analysis of aggregated online news articles and journal articles on library makerspaces in China in an attempt to summarize their characteristics and guiding values, validate the advantages of library makerspaces and give suggestions on improving their service models.
Social implications
This paper introduces the development trend of makerspace in Chinese libraries, so that researchers at home and abroad can learn more about the development of Chinese library.
Originality/value
This study comprehensively overviews the development of library makerspaces in China. The results provide suggestions to improve maker services in library.
Details
Keywords
Shaheen Akter, Xiaolan Fu, Leonardo Bremermann, Mauro Rosa, Valerie Nattrodt, Juha Väätänen, Roman Teplov and Iulduz Khairullina
Access to affordable and sustainable energy is crucial for the improvement of the well-being of modern societies. Most energy technologies require comparatively high up-front…
Abstract
Access to affordable and sustainable energy is crucial for the improvement of the well-being of modern societies. Most energy technologies require comparatively high up-front investment, which adds to the challenge of electrification, despite the recognized multiple benefits. Partnership with multinational enterprises (MNEs) can provide necessary investment in infrastructure, finance, and technology for renewable energy and contribute to improving development indicators. However, remote areas with poor infrastructure do not have access to MNEs that are profit seekers. The Brazil experience with MNEs and “Light for All” (LfA) program shows that people gaining access to electricity invest more in businesses, education, health, and women reduce their drudgery at household chores. However, areas having a poor infrastructure in the north remain out of electricity, and attempts to create universal access were failed until a regulatory incentive framework and particular attention from the government was established. This is a great learning for the developing countries aiming to achieve sustainable development goals. A host country can gain development cooperation from MNEs with rightly formulated and implemented policies and regulatory conditions.
Details
Keywords
Haijie Wang, Xintian Liu, Que Wu, Xiaolan Wang and Yansong Wang
The purpose of this paper is to obtain a more accurate fatigue life of structures by introducing the surface roughness into fatigue life prediction model.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to obtain a more accurate fatigue life of structures by introducing the surface roughness into fatigue life prediction model.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the fatigue life prediction model with surface roughness correction, the shock absorber cylinder is taken as an example to verify the feasibility of the improved method. Based on the load of the shock absorber cylinder during driving, fatigue experiments are performed under longitudinal and lateral forces, respectively. Then, the fatigue life predicted by the modified model is compared with that predicted by the traditional model.
Findings
By comparing with the test results, considering the influence of mean stress, the Manson method is more accurate in life prediction. Then, the modified Manson-Coffin and Manson method with surface roughness is more accurate in life prediction under longitudinal force and lateral forces, respectively. This verifies the feasibility of the improved method with the surface roughness.
Originality/value
The research on the influence of surface roughness on fatigue life can lay the technical foundation for the life prediction of products and have great significance to the quality evaluation of products.