Wenliang Zhang, Heng Huang, Guogang Gao and Xiaopeng Xie
The purpose of this paper is to design the novel oil–air distributor (N-OAD). Its structure design, oil feeding reliability, service life and viscosity properties of air bubble…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design the novel oil–air distributor (N-OAD). Its structure design, oil feeding reliability, service life and viscosity properties of air bubble (AB) oil were analyzed. Meanwhile, the formation mechanism of AB oil was established based on Kelvin–Helmholtz instability.
Design/methodology/approach
First, oil–air distributor (OAD) and N-OAD were randomly selected for testing when the air pressure was 0.25 MPa and oil feeding was 100 times per hour. Then, the bubbles were found in the lubricant during the experiment, and the void fraction and viscosity properties of AB oil were tested by image processing method and the MARS 40 rheometer, respectively.
Findings
N-OAD has longer service life and higher working reliability than OAD. The key factors of AB oil formation were air pressure and oil feeding. And the void fraction of AB oil has different results on the viscosity at high and low shear rates.
Originality/value
The outcome of this research paper gives an insight to improve the reliability of oil–air lubrication systems and the safety factor of machine tool spindle operation.
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Keywords
Xinfa Shi, Ce Cui, Shizhong He, Xiaopeng Xie, Yuhang Sun and Chudong Qin
The purpose of this paper is to identify smaller wear particles and improve the calculation speed, identify more abrasive particles and promote industrial applications.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify smaller wear particles and improve the calculation speed, identify more abrasive particles and promote industrial applications.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper studies a new intelligent recognition method for equipment wear debris based on the YOLO V5S model released in June 2020. Nearly 800 ferrography pictures, 23 types of wear debris, about 5,000 wear debris were used to train and test the model. The new lightweight approach of wear debris recognition can be implemented in rapidly and automatically and also provide for the recognition of wear debris in the field of online wear monitoring.
Findings
An intelligent recognition method of wear debris in ferrography image based on the YOLO V5S model was designed. After the training, the GIoU values of the model converged steadily at about 0.02. The overall precision rate and recall rate reached 0.4 and 0.5, respectively. The overall MAP value of each type of wear debris was 40.5, which was close to the official recognition level of YOLO V5S in the MS COCO competition. The practicality of the model was approved. The intelligent recognition method of wear debris based on the YOLO V5S model can effectively reduce the sensitivity of wear debris size. It also has a good recognition effect on wear debris in different sizes and different scales. Compared with YOLOV. YOLOV, Mask R-CNN and other algorithms%2C, the intelligent recognition method based on the YOLO V5S model, have shown their own advantages in terms of the recognition effect of wear debris%2C the operation speed and the size of weight files. It also provides a new function for implementing accurate recognition of wear debris images collected by online and independent ferrography analysis devices.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, the intelligent identification of wear debris based on the YOLO V5S network is proposed for the first time, and a large number of wear debris images are verified and applied.
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Xiaopeng Zou, Zihan Ye and Qiuzi Zhang
The purpose of this paper is to present a clear path to securitize the longevity risk with two distinct swaps in order to inspire a new Chinese life market.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a clear path to securitize the longevity risk with two distinct swaps in order to inspire a new Chinese life market.
Design/methodology/approach
Studies on longevity risk securitization consist of three aspects, respectively, instrument design, pricing methodology and mortality projection. The swaps designed are referenced, respectively, to vanilla and complex survivor swaps (Dowd et al., 2006; Lin and Cox, 2005). Methods applied are RHH model and Gompertz law for mortality projection, as well as two-factor Wang transformation for pricing.
Findings
This paper figures out the market price of risk in Chinese annuity market, checks for the sensitivity of the price to parameters and tests the hedging effects by Monte Carlo simulation.
Originality/value
Based on the theoretical and numerical results, this paper suggests an effective way to possibly witness the birth of New Life Market in China.
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Beatrice Audifasi Nyallu, Xiaopeng Deng and Melckzedeck Michael Mgimba
Knowledge loss (KL) is still an unfortunate fact, causing many challenges, including poor organisational performance, despite prior efforts to investigate knowledge retention…
Abstract
Purpose
Knowledge loss (KL) is still an unfortunate fact, causing many challenges, including poor organisational performance, despite prior efforts to investigate knowledge retention methods. Therefore, this study identifies early approaches to combat KL and poor organisational performance, shifting focus on employee personality traits.
Design/methodology/approach
Grounded on the social exchange theory (SET) cross-section data from 400 Chinese construction knowledge employees were used to investigate the role of internal work locus of control (IWLC) on job rotation (JR), KL and organisational performance. The data were analysed through IBM SPSS Statistics 25 and SmartPLS 4 software.
Findings
The results demonstrated that IWLC minimises KL and positively influences JR. Then, JR negatively influences KL and decreases in organisational performance. The negative mediating effect of JR in the relationship between IWLC, KL and decreased organisational performance were also found. Finally, KL proved to positively influence a decrease in organisational performance.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the new understanding of individual behaviour and its influence on organisational outcome variables. Specifically, for ultimate KL prevention and organisational performance improvement, an organisation should understand its employees' behaviours to establish progressive collective learning and knowledge sharing.
Practical implications
This study contributes to the new understanding of individual behaviour and its influence on organisational outcome variables. Specifically, for ultimate KL prevention and organisational performance improvement, an organisation should understand its employees’ behaviours to establish progressive collective learning and knowledge sharing.
Originality/value
This study is the first attempt to explore the influence of personality traits in the early minimisation of KL, particularly the role of IWLC and JR in combating KL and improving organisational performance.
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Xiaopeng Gong, Gregory Marchant and Yinsheng Cheng
– The purpose of the paper is to examine the relationship between family-related factors and academic performance for Asian and Hispanic immigrant students.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to examine the relationship between family-related factors and academic performance for Asian and Hispanic immigrant students.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used data drawn from the Children of Immigrants Longitudinal Study. Data were collected from second-generation immigrant students in forms of surveys. A total of 10th to 12th grade Asian (n=3,022) and Hispanic immigrant students (n=1,664) reported their family income, father’s and mother’ education, parents’ education aspiration for them, their own education aspiration, English proficiency, family cohesion, and parent-child conflict. Their school performance indicated by grade point average demonstrated in school records was also collected. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance and regression techniques.
Findings
Family income and parent-child conflict were identified as predictors of immigrant students’ grade point average. When regression analyses were conducted separately for Asian and Hispanic students, different patterns emerged. Family income and parent-child conflict predicted Hispanic immigrant students’ academic performance whereas parent education aspiration and family income predicted Asian immigrant students’ academic performance.
Originality/value
The current study was among the first to examine how family emotional factors related to Asian and Hispanic immigrant students’ academic performance. The findings demonstrated some interesting patterns in terms of how different family-related factors contributed to the two immigrant student groups. It added to the existing literature about what distinguished Asian and Hispanic immigrant students’ academic achievement.
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On the background of China’s turn to a market economy and a consumer-driven society, the purpose of this paper is to recount the fortunes of the age-old religion of the Naxi…
Abstract
Purpose
On the background of China’s turn to a market economy and a consumer-driven society, the purpose of this paper is to recount the fortunes of the age-old religion of the Naxi people and their farmer-priests, the dongba.
Design/methodology/approach
Detailed ethnography, including participant observation, the collection of life histories and interviews.
Findings
The might of the tourist industry dominates the changes in the profession of the dongba priests, from a faith-based practice to a tourist-driven service; aided by a confluence of interests of relevant stakeholders: the Chinese state, the provincial governments, the Naxi elite. At the core is the transformation, in Chinese terms, from a superstitious religion to culture heritage.
Research limitations/implications
Like all case studies and common to ethnographic-based research, the small scale of the research poses questions of generalizability.
Practical implications
Shedding light on a little known aspect of the world’s largest economy is of high relevance to business and management scholars.
Social implications
The transformation of the dongba demonstrates how major societal changes that happen within a couple of decades affect a society and its economy and a central career track within it.
Originality/value
The case study testifies to the encounter of a major modern industry: tourism, with an archaic religion in a remote corner of China, and the transformation of the latter as result.
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Sifeng Liu, Yingjie Yang, Ying Cao and Naiming Xie
The purpose of this paper is to review systematically the research of grey relation analysis (GRA) models.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review systematically the research of grey relation analysis (GRA) models.
Design/methodology/approach
Three different approaches, the springboard to build a GRA model, the angle of view in modelling, and the dimension of objects, are analysed, respectively.
Findings
The GRA models developed from the models based on relation coefficients of each point in the sequences in early days to the generalized GRA models based on integral or overall perspective. It evolved from the GRA models which measure similarity based on nearness, into the models which consider similarity and nearness, respectively. The objects of the research advanced from the analysis of relationship among curves to that among curved surfaces, and further to the analysis of relationship in three‐dimensional space and even the relationship among super surfaces in n‐dimensional space.
Originality/value
The further research on GRA models is proposed. One is about the property of GRA model. An in‐depth knowledge about the properties of GRA model will help people to understand its function, applicable area and requirements for modelling. The other one is about the extension of research object system. The object to be analysed should be extended from the common sequence of real numbers to grey numbers, vectors, matrices, and even multi‐dimensional matrices, etc.
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Mahsa Sadeghi, Amin Mahmoudi, Xiaopeng Deng and Leila Moslemi Naeni
The aim of this article states that in each stage of the industrial revolution, only a few initiatives have been real game changers. In Industry 3.0, “Internet of Information” has…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this article states that in each stage of the industrial revolution, only a few initiatives have been real game changers. In Industry 3.0, “Internet of Information” has transformed the business landscape via connectivity and communications. Enterprises could come together to spur innovation in a cooperative or competitive manner. In Industry 4.0, the “Internet of Value” has shown considerable benefits; and, blockchain technology is expected to touch all layers of a business ecosystem, and the construction industry is not an exception.
Design/methodology/approach
This study aims to answer the “How do enterprise blockchain solutions contribute to the vibrancy of the construction ecosystem from social, economic, and environmental aspects?” Following a comprehensive literature review, the Grey Ordinal Priority Approach (OPA-G) is employed in multiple criteria decision analysis (MCDA). OPA-G can select functionally rich enterprise blockchain solutions that meet the needs of the future construction industry, while there is uncertainty in the input data.
Findings
The results from the case study show that organization under observation welcomes an enterprise blockchain solution that delivers services related to “renewable energy certificates” in the context of “smart cities and built environment”. Employing high-ranked blockchain solutions brings vibracy and sustainability to construction ecosystem in terms of “C6. decentralized finance and investment,” “C3. multi-party and cross-industry collaboration,” and “C8. data-driven value creation”.
Originality/value
At the micro level, blockchain solutions automate processes, streamline operations, and build new capacities on a new business model. At the macro level, blockchain creates a vibrant ecosystem based on transparency, decentralization, consensus-based democracy, interoperability, etc. Indeed, the capability of blockchain solutions at an enterprise scale (enterprise blockchain solutions) can shape a new construction ecosystem. The practical implications of current research are preparing executives for a fundamentally different next normal in construction.
Details
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Haizhe Yu, Xiaopeng Deng, Na Zhang and Xicheng Zhang
Blockchain technology (BCT) is considered a promising tool to improve the productivity of construction project management. Existing research has studied its potential costs and…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain technology (BCT) is considered a promising tool to improve the productivity of construction project management. Existing research has studied its potential costs and benefits for the construction industry. However, the potential costs and benefits of BCT failed to be compared as actual costs and benefits of specific applications for stakeholders. To fill this gap, this study seeks to analyze the cost-effectiveness of BCT-based applications in construction project management.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is conducted with a customized systematic literature review based on transaction cost theory to enable qualitative comparison. With a deliberately designed structure confining extraneous variables, the costs and benefits of BCT-based applications are identified and compared. The inherent dependent relations of processes and the evolution relations of functions are identified. The cost-effectiveness of blockchain adoption is then analyzed.
Findings
Seven functions and six challenges are identified within five processes. The result suggests all identified functions are cost-effective except for manual instruction (coding smart contracts manually). The smart contracts require explicit definition and logic to be effective. However, the construction projects essentially require the institution to be flexible due to unpredictability. The adoption of smart contracts and corresponding additional requirements can increase the transaction cost of bounded rationality.
Research limitations/implications
As manual instruction is fundamental to realize other functions, and its advanced substitute relies on its broad adoption, its cost-effectiveness must be improved for applications to be acceptable to stakeholders. The establishment of a universal smart contract model and a universal, legitimate and efficient database structure are recommended to minimize the cost and maximize the effect of applications.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the knowledge by providing a comprehensive analysis of BCT adoption’s cost-effectiveness in construction project management. The adopted review structure can be extended to analyze the qualitative benefits and challenges of management automation in the early stages.
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Yanmei Xu, Yanan Zhang, Ziqiang Wang, Xia Song, Zhenli Bai and Xiang Li
Unlike traditional industries, the e-cigarette is an epoch-making innovative product originating in China and occupying an absolute competitive advantage in the international…
Abstract
Purpose
Unlike traditional industries, the e-cigarette is an epoch-making innovative product originating in China and occupying an absolute competitive advantage in the international market. The traditional A-U model describes the laws and characteristics of technological innovation in developed countries. In contrast, the inverse A-U model depicts the process of “secondary innovation” in late-developing countries through digestion and absorption. This paper aims to find out that if the e-cigarette, as a “first innovation” industry in a late-developing country, conform to the A-U model or conform to the “inverse A-U model”.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper takes the patent data of e-cigarettes from 2004 to 2021 as the research object, and uses Python’s Jieba segment words to divide product innovation and process innovation, and then uses statistical analysis methods to conduct empirical analyses on these data.
Findings
Thus, an improved A-U model suitable for the e-cigarette industry is proposed. In this model, product innovation in the e-cigarette industry appeared earlier than process innovation, but the synchronous development of product and process innovation is not lagging. The improved A-U model in the e-cigarette industry is not only different from the traditional A-U model but also does not conform to the inverse A-U model.
Research limitations/implications
It is conducive to expanding and clarifying the theoretical contribution and applicable boundaries of the A-U model and has sparked thinking and exploration of the A-U model in e-cigarettes and emerging industries.
Practical implications
On this basis, suggestions on the development path and countermeasures of the e-cigarette industry are put forward.
Originality/value
Based on the e-cigarette industry, this paper takes patents as the research object and provides the method of dividing product innovation and process innovation, and proposes an A-U model suitable for the e-cigarette industry on this basis. By comparing the traditional A-U model with the inverse A-U model in latecomer countries, the background and causes of e-cigarette A-U model heterogeneity are analyzed from different stages and overall morphology. Based on this, the heterogeneity characteristics of e-cigarette innovation are summarized and sorted out.