Ping Gui, Xiaotong Ji, Yanlan Mei and Zhicheng Quan
Community governance plays an important role in the prevention and control of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China. Community workers, the main executors in…
Abstract
Purpose
Community governance plays an important role in the prevention and control of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in China. Community workers, the main executors in community governance, experience a huge amount of stress, which affects their physical and mental health. Thus, it is crucial to pay more attention to the stressors and stress responses of community workers and propose strategies to alleviate such responses. This paper aims to analyze the work stress of community workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in China.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a questionnaire survey of 602 community workers during COVID-19 in China, the four main stressors and 14 stress factors of community workers were identified and six factors at three levels of stress responses were defined. A stress analysis model is proposed that tests the mediating role of psychological capital and the moderating role of organizational climate.
Findings
The results show that stressors influence stress responses through the moderating role of psychological capital, organizational climate plays a negative mediator role between stressors and psychological capital and the main stressors for community workers are work, safety and performance stress.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to existing research because it offers suggestions for reducing the impact of stress on the community workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Further, it can promote the control and prevention of the COVID-19.
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The purpose of this study is to develop a molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor for the specific detection of the anticancer drug amsacrine. The sensor used a composite of…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop a molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor for the specific detection of the anticancer drug amsacrine. The sensor used a composite of bacterial cellulose (BC) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) as a platform for the immobilization of a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) film. The main objective was to enhance the electrochemical properties of the sensor and achieve a high level of selectivity and sensitivity toward amsacrine molecules in complex biological samples.
Design/methodology/approach
The composite of BC-AgNPs was synthesized and characterized using FTIR, XRD and SEM techniques. The MIP film was molecularly imprinted to selectively bind amsacrine molecules. Electrochemical characterization, including cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, was performed to evaluate the modified electrode’s conductivity and electron transfer compared to the bare glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Differential pulse voltammetry was used for quantitative detection of amsacrine in the concentration range of 30–110 µM.
Findings
The developed molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor demonstrated significant improvements in conductivity and electron transfer compared to the bare GCE. The sensor exhibited a linear response to amsacrine concentrations between 30 and 110 µM, with a low limit of detection of 1.51 µM. The electrochemical response of the sensor showed remarkable changes before and after amsacrine binding, indicating the successful imprinting of amsacrine in the MIP film. The sensor displayed excellent selectivity for amsacrine in the presence of interfering substances, and it exhibited good stability and reproducibility.
Originality/value
This study presents a novel molecular imprinting electrochemical sensor design using a composite of BC and AgNPs as a platform for MIP film immobilization. The incorporation of BC-AgNPs improved the sensor’s electrochemical properties, leading to enhanced sensitivity and selectivity for amsacrine detection. The successful imprinting of amsacrine in the MIP film contributes to the sensor's specificity. The sensor's ability to detect amsacrine in a concentration range relevant to anticancer therapy and its excellent performance in complex sample matrices add significant value to the field of electrochemical sensing for pharmaceutical analysis.
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The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the sustainable development thought is one good reason why Chinese civilization is continuously developing, and it can be used as…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that the sustainable development thought is one good reason why Chinese civilization is continuously developing, and it can be used as a reference for the development of Chinese agriculture today.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper employs a historical analysis approach to examine the sustainable thoughts concerning Chinese traditional agriculture, including view of sancai, farming season, fertility, the nature of matters, recycling, and economization.
Findings
The results reveal that the nature of Chinese traditional agriculture is akin to ecological agriculture, which is precious heritage for China and the whole world.
Originality/value
The originality of this paper is that it confirms the fundamental reason of the continuous development of Chinese civilization which, based on organization of sustainable development thought, lies in traditional agriculture.
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Zhang Jie, Su Xinning and Deng Sanhong
This paper is written as an attempt to employ the Chinese Social Science Citation Index (CSSCI) in the evaluation of Chinese humanities and social science research.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is written as an attempt to employ the Chinese Social Science Citation Index (CSSCI) in the evaluation of Chinese humanities and social science research.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper uses statistics in the CSSCI (2000‐2004) to analyze the academic impact of researchers, papers and works, institutions and regions on Chinese humanities and social science research.
Findings
The authors identify 100 highly cited people, 50 highly cited papers, 50 highly cited works, 20 highly productive institutions and 20 highly cited institutions. Also provided is some regional information about Chinese humanities and social science research.
Originality/value
It is hoped that the CSSCI, as well as the analysis and evaluation based on it, will give researchers a better understanding of Chinese humanities and social science research.
Yanjie Bian and Lei Zhang
We conceptualize corporate social capital within the context of Chinese guanxi culture. We assert that the formation and mobilization of corporate social capital are culturally…
Abstract
We conceptualize corporate social capital within the context of Chinese guanxi culture. We assert that the formation and mobilization of corporate social capital are culturally and institutionally contextualized. Building upon a relational approach to corporate performance, we examine culture-sensitive properties of Chinese guanxi and compare guanxi social capital with non-guanxi social capital. We then explain why guanxi-based corporate social capital is of growing significance to the Chinese transitional economy in an era of increasing market competition and institutional uncertainty. We conclude by proposing a research agenda about the roles that guanxi-based corporate social capital plays for boosting corporate performance.
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Jian Ding, Xiaotong Jiang, Yuchun Zou, Zhen Tang and Ziyang Zhen
A multivariable model reference adaptive control method is proposed to solve a distributed leader–follower formation control problem of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with…
Abstract
Purpose
A multivariable model reference adaptive control method is proposed to solve a distributed leader–follower formation control problem of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with uncertain parameters and unknown external disturbances for both leader and followers.
Design/methodology/approach
A case of uncertain stochastic external disturbances for UAVs is considered, and based on the distributed communication network of UAVs, a state-feedback adaptive controller is proposed to maintain the formation of UAVs consistently. Then, the stability and asymptotic tracking performance of the UAV formation control system are analyzed by the Lyapunov function.
Findings
The simulation results demonstrate that this formation control scheme can effectively solve the stochastic external disturbance problem of UAVs and ensure the stability of their formation.
Originality/value
The proposed multivariable model reference adaptive control method reduces the error of formation control system and improves the stability and control performance of UAV compared with fixed control.
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Quan Liu, Renchao Wei, Qingshan Feng, Lianshuang Dai, Xiaotong Huo, Dongying Wang, Zhiwen Yang, Bei Wang, Xiuyun Wang, Chong Wang and Yanjun Wang
In this paper, the authors aim to study the relationship between hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility and cathodic current density applied on the X70 steel girth welds.
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, the authors aim to study the relationship between hydrogen embrittlement (HE) susceptibility and cathodic current density applied on the X70 steel girth welds.
Design/methodology/approach
The HE susceptibility of X70 steel girth welds were investigated through slow strain rate tensile test and observed and analyzed by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope methods.
Findings
The results show that HE susceptibility of X70 girth weld was basically unchanged with increasing of ion concentration while gradually increased and maintain at a specific value with the increase of cathodic current density. As for same ion content, a dense calcareous deposit layer generated on the sample surface in soil simulation solution with Ca2+ and Mg2+ resulted a decreased HE susceptibility while the porous calcareous deposit layer resulted a increased HE susceptibility.
Originality/value
A logistic regression model was established to describe the correlation between HE index and the cathodic current density.
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This writing reveals Hong Kong’s role as the center of China research. Before Reform and Opening in 1979, the British colony was the only place in the world where all…
Abstract
Purpose
This writing reveals Hong Kong’s role as the center of China research. Before Reform and Opening in 1979, the British colony was the only place in the world where all international China experts stopped over and obtained the latest and the most accurate accounts of PRC.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper analyzes how Hong Kong serves as the intellectual mecca through examining the lives of China scholars amid building up their international profiles. What prompted them to join the China field? How were their lives like in the British crown colony? This paper also unveils the roles of the two research institutions played on Communist China studies: University Services Center (USC) and Union Research Institute (URI). In addition to relying on archival correspondences, personal interviews were also conducted in the last two years.
Findings
Despite being the mecca of PRC research, Hong Kong was not the first destination for most aspiring China scholars from the West. Most of these Western scholars did not even plan to devote their whole working lives to the study of China. Through luck, draft avoidance and generous grants from Ford and Carnegie Foundations, these young men and women became internationally iconic figures of East Asian research. To complete their Ph.D. theses and subsequent China-related projects, Hong Kong was a “must-go” destination for them. Under the full protection of the Union Jack, these scholars enjoyed the freedom to speak, write, research and publish. God blessed Hong Kong with such a unique political status amid the Cold War.
Originality/value
155 Argyle Street was the Art Deco compound where Red China experts produced most groundbreaking scholarships. It was not only a two-story structure where they acquired their first-hand resources but a platform where any China-related topics were discussed openly under the auspices of British colonial rule of law. Despite claiming themselves as apolitical, both USC and URI were products of US containment policy against communism. Even so, the colonial government never prohibited the two’s operations. Through this paper, readers will also discover how young men and women became inspired into a career in China studies.
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Yunxia Zhu, Ravi Bhat and Pieter Nel
Business is about building relationships and hence relationship building is becoming increasingly important for cross‐cultural management. Current research findings in this area…
Abstract
Business is about building relationships and hence relationship building is becoming increasingly important for cross‐cultural management. Current research findings in this area have mainly focused on relationship marketing or on cultural dimensions of business relationships. This preliminary study attempts to break the boundary and aims to explore relationship building from a culture‐specific perspective while in corporating a social constructivist dimension. Specifically, it compares relationship building across four cultures including European, New Zealand, Chinese, Indian and South African cultures. The research method is interpretive, based on an analysis of interview results with business executives from the four target cultures.
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Xiaotong Jin, Shengliang Deng and Ilan Alon
The paper aims to examine the consumption behavior of Chinese residents during economic transition. It explores whether Western theories of consumption are applicable to the…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to examine the consumption behavior of Chinese residents during economic transition. It explores whether Western theories of consumption are applicable to the Chinese situation, and then tests the hypothesis based on Chinese traditional culture and dynamic nature of system change.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper opted for an empirical‐based approach. A regression model was used to analyze annual consumption data from 1986 to 2008 in China.
Findings
The paper provides empirical insights and suggests that under the influence of Chinese traditional culture and dynamic change of the Chinese economic system, Chinese urban residents exhibit a special consumption pattern of an intermittent and cyclical nature.
Research limitations/implications
The paper concludes that in order to make the consumption stimulation policy in China more effective, it is necessary to establish a series of measures such as establishing a sound social welfare system as well as narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor, which will substantially increase the buying power of the less‐privileged groups and thus will increase the overall spending in the society. Although the econometric model used in this paper is adequate, a different approach like time series econometrics may give us additional insights. Researchers are encouraged to test the hypothesis further by employing other methodologies. Second, due to the lack of its own theories in the emerging market, this study remains exploratory.
Originality/value
This paper fulfils an identified need to study the special consumption behavior of Chinese urban residents during the economic transition.