Shaohui Gao and Yiming He
This paper aims to take a step in this direction and use the high dimensional fixed effects and quantile regression discontinuity design to test the managerial Coase theorem…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to take a step in this direction and use the high dimensional fixed effects and quantile regression discontinuity design to test the managerial Coase theorem, which provides an institutional perspective for us to gauge the impact of private property rights on firm performance and the effect of management costs on intermediate inputs.
Design/methodology/approach
This study first uses high dimensional regression discontinuity designs to examine the impact of privatization on firm performance in China between 1998 and 2013.
Findings
Results indicate that privatization effects increase average outputs of the firm by around 10% given lower management costs, and management costs increase intermediate inputs by more than 50% points. Using data from annual surveys to test managerial Coase theorem, the authors show that management costs negatively affect the marginal effect of privatization on the average outputs of the firm. The positive impact on the investment in intermediate goods and services is larger in magnitude under higher management costs.
Originality/value
The authors develop the managerial Coase theorem. Today, given lower management costs, private property rights provide an incentive structure for a firm to maximize the value of the assets and expand the boundaries.
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Fang Yuan, Fang Lee Cooke, Xiaozhen Fang, Fansuo An and Yiming He
Despite the growing research interest in gender diversity, the presence of female executives and organizational outcomes, the relationship between female executives and employment…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the growing research interest in gender diversity, the presence of female executives and organizational outcomes, the relationship between female executives and employment relations outcomes remains under-researched. This study aims to examine the potential relationship between female executives and employment relations outcomes, with the gender gap as a focus.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional survey was used to collect data from 2,682 workers from 119 manufacturing firms in Guangdong Province, southern China.
Findings
Results show that firms with female executives are more likely to comply with labor laws and promote staff development. The association between female executives and promotion opportunities is stronger for female employees than for male employees. However, there is no significant association between female executives and employee salaries.
Originality/value
This research contributes to employment relations literature and extends the application of social role theory to studies of employment relations in particular societal contexts. This study also provides possible boundary conditions for the existence of queen bee behavior by using data from Chinese factories.
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Feicheng Ma, Ye Chen and Yiming Zhao
This paper aims to propose a conceptual model for improving the organization of user needs information in the big data environment.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a conceptual model for improving the organization of user needs information in the big data environment.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual model of the organization of user needs information based on Linked Data techniques is constructed. This model has three layers: the Data Layer, the Semantic Layer and the Application Layer.
Findings
Requirements for organizing user needs information in the big data environment are identified as follows: improving the intelligence level, establishing standards and guidelines for the description of user needs information, enabling the interconnection of user needs information and considering individual privacy in the organization and analysis of user needs.
Practical implications
This Web of Needs model could be used to improve knowledge services by matching user needs information with increasing semantic knowledge resources more effectively and efficiently in the big data environment.
Originality/value
This study proposes a conceptual model, the Web of Needs model, to organize and interconnect user needs. Compared with existing methods, the Web of Needs model satisfies the requirements for the organization of user needs information in the big data environment with regard to four aspects: providing the basis and conditions for intelligent processing of user needs information, using RDF as a description norm, enabling the interconnection of user needs information and setting various protocols to protect user privacy.
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Yiming Wu, Ning Sun, He Chen, Jianyi Zhang and Yongchun Fang
From practical perspectives and to improve the working efficiency, trolley transportation and payload hoisting/lowering should be simultaneously controlled. Moreover, in practical…
Abstract
Purpose
From practical perspectives and to improve the working efficiency, trolley transportation and payload hoisting/lowering should be simultaneously controlled. Moreover, in practical crane applications, the transportation time is an important criterion for improving transportation efficiency. Based on these requirements, this paper aims to solve positioning and antiswing control problems and shorten the transportation time for underactuated varying-rope-length overhead cranes.
Design/methodology/approach
By choosing trolley acceleration and varying-rope-length acceleration as system inputs, the crane system dynamic model is converted into an equivalent model without linearizing/approximating. Then, based on the converted model and system state constraints, a time-optimal problem is formulated. Further, the original problem is converted into an optimization problem with algebraic constraints which can be conveniently solved. Finally, by solving the optimization problem, the optimal trajectories of system states, including displacements, velocities and accelerations, are obtained.
Findings
This paper first provides a nonlinear time-optimal trajectory planner for varying-rope-length overhead cranes, which achieves accurate and fast trolley positioning and eliminates payload residual swings. Meanwhile, all system states satisfy the given constraints during the entire process. Hardware experimental results show that the proposed time-optimal planner is effective and has better performance compared with existing methods.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a time-optimal trajectory planner for overhead crane systems with hoisting/lowering motion. The proposed planner achieves fast trolley positioning and eliminates payload residual swing with all the system states being constrained within given scopes. The planner is presented based on the original nonlinear system dynamics without linearization/approximation.
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Yiming Zhan, Hao Chen, Mengyu Hua, Jinfu Liu, Hao He, Patrick Wheeler, Xiaodong Li and Vitor Fernao Pires
The purpose of this paper is to achieve the multi-objective optimization design of novel tubular switched reluctance motor (TSRM).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to achieve the multi-objective optimization design of novel tubular switched reluctance motor (TSRM).
Design/methodology/approach
First, the structure and initial dimensions of TSRM are obtained based on design criteria and requirements. Second, the sensitivity analysis rules, process and results of TSRM are performed. Third, three optimization objectives are determined by the average electromagnetic force, smoothing coefficient and copper loss ratio. The analytic hierarchy process-entropy method-a technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution-grey relation analysis comprehensive evaluation algorithm is used to optimize TSRM. Finally, a prototype is manufactured, a hardware platform is built and static and dynamic experimental validations are carried out.
Findings
The sensitivity analysis reveals that parameters significantly impact the performance of TSRM. The results of multi-objective optimization show that the average electromagnetic force and smoothing coefficient after optimization are better than before, and the copper loss ratio reduces slightly. The experimental and simulated results of TSRM are consistent, which verifies the accuracy of TSRM.
Research limitations/implications
In this paper, only three optimization objectives are selected in the multi-objective optimization process. To improve the performance of TSRM, the heating characteristics, such as iron loss, can be considered as the optimization objective for a more comprehensive analysis of TSRM performance.
Originality/value
A novel motor structure is designed, combining the advantages of the TSRM and the linear motor. The established sensitivity analysis rules are scientific and suitable for the effects of various parameters on motor performance. The proposed multi-objective optimization algorithm is a comprehensive evaluation algorithm. It considers subjective weight and objective weight and fully uses the original data and the relational degree between the optimization objectives.
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Xiangyu Wang, Pei He, Qinglong Zhou, Qingyuan Zhou, Manlang Cheng, Yangting Sun, Yiming Jiang, Laizhu Jiang and Jin Li
The purpose of this study is to investigate the intergranular corrosion (IGC) susceptibility of a nitrogen-containing austenitic stainless steel QN2109. The intergranular…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the intergranular corrosion (IGC) susceptibility of a nitrogen-containing austenitic stainless steel QN2109. The intergranular corrosion (IGC) susceptibility of a nitrogen-containing austenitic stainless steel QN2109 was investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
The double-loop electrochemical potentiodynamic reactivation (DL-EPR) tests were carried out. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the microstructure.
Findings
The optimized test condition for QN2109 was 1 M H2SO4 + 0.01 M NH4SCN at 40°C. The nose temperature of the temperature–time–sensitization (TTS) curve of QN2109 plot was approximately 750°C. Moreover, the IGC susceptibility started to appear at approximately 120 min. The Cr-depletion zone of QN2109 was generated by the formation of M23C6 rather than by the addition of nitrogen. The depth–width ratio of the grain boundaries after the DL-EPR tests decreased as the aging temperature increased. The degree of Cr depletion and size of the Cr-depletion zone at the grain boundary were reflected by the degree of sensitization and depth–width ratio, respectively.
Originality/value
The optimized test condition for DL-EPR tests of a nitrogen-containing austenitic stainless steel QN2109 was investigated. The TTS curve of QN2109 was first plotted to avoid IGC failure. The morphology of the Cr-depletion zone was reflected by the depth–width ratio.
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Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to understand the applications of metaverse-related technologies in US urban libraries, explore excellent cases of US urban libraries' practices in using metaverse-related technologies to serve patrons and try to find the factor that may affect the application of metaverse-related technologies in libraries at this stage.
Design/methodology/approach
To gather information about how and whether libraries use metaverse-related technologies such as three-dimensional (3D) technology, radio frequency identification (RFID), virtual reality augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) in their services. Firstly, the authors visit 150 US urban library websites that are members of the Urban Libraries Council. Secondly, the authors calculate the proportion of services provided by urban libraries that use metaverse-related technologies and introduce outstanding cases. Lastly, the authors discuss the factors that influence the application of metaverse-related technologies in urban libraries in the United States based on data published by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Findings
Metaverse-related technologies have been widely used in US urban libraries, but there are differences in the popularity of the applications of different technologies. In all, 84% of libraries use 3D technology, mainly in 3D printing services and 3D model building services; 76% of libraries use virtual and augmented reality technologies in their services, mainly concentrated in head-mounted VR device experiences, AR device experiences, virtual tours and virtual exhibitions; 62% of libraries use Internet of things (IoT) technology, mainly in self-checkout machines and book location services. However, AI technologies are less used in libraries, with 28% of libraries mentioning the applications of AI in their services, mainly focusing on intelligent search, virtual assistants and robot librarians. In addition, this study finds that library operating expenditures and population served do not affect the application of metaverse-related technologies in libraries.
Originality/value
This paper provides updated statistical data on the use of metaverse-related technologies in US urban libraries and aims to help library managers understand the overall applications and best practices. With this as an inspiration, they could formulate corresponding development plans to better serve their communities with metaverse-related technologies.
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James Yiming Zhang, Jing Wu, Gregor v. Bochmann and Michel Savoie
The purpose of this paper is to present the benefits of using the Lagrangian relaxation (LR) and subgradient methods in scenario studies for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the benefits of using the Lagrangian relaxation (LR) and subgradient methods in scenario studies for wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) network planning. The problem of WDM network planning for a given set of lightpath demands in a mesh topology network is to select lightpath routes and then allocate wavelength channels to the lightpaths. In WDM network planning, a scenario study is to find out the network performance under different lightpath demands and/or different network resource configurations.
Design/methodology/approach
A scenario study must solve a series of related static WDM network planning problems. Each static WDM network planning problem is an optimization problem, and may be formulated as an integer linear programming problem, which can be solved by the proposed Lagrangian relaxation and subgradient methods. This paper uses the Lagrange multipliers that are obtained from previous scenarios as initial Lagrange multiplier values for other related scenarios.
Findings
This approach dramatically reduces the computation time for related scenarios. For small to medium variations of scenarios, the method reduces the computation time by several folds. The proposed method is the first method that effectively considers the relations between related scenarios, and uses such relations to improve the computation efficiency of scenario studies in WDM network planning.
Practical implications
The method improves the efficiency of a scenario study in WDM network planning. By using it, many “what‐if” type of scenario study questions can be answered quickly.
Originality/value
Unlike other existing methods that treat each scenario individually, this method effectively uses the information of the relation between different scenarios to improve the overall computation efficiency.
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Zuying Mo, Yiming Guo and Daqing Pan
Health misinformation on social media threatens public health. A critical question that sheds light on the propagation of health misinformation across social media platforms…
Abstract
Purpose
Health misinformation on social media threatens public health. A critical question that sheds light on the propagation of health misinformation across social media platforms revolves around identifying the specific types of social media users susceptible to this issue. This study provides an initial insight into this matter by examining the underlying psychological mechanism that renders users susceptible to health misinformation.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, we developed an integrated model of susceptibility to health misinformation, drawing on the motivation-opportunity-ability theory and the elaboration likelihood model. We collected the data from a sample of 342 social media users in China. Furthermore, the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis was adopted to examine the proposed model and uncover the causal recipes associated with susceptibility to health misinformation.
Findings
The results indicated that there are three configural types of users that are susceptible to health misinformation: the health-consciousness core-driven type, the popularity-driven core type and the dual-driven type characterized by both high health consciousness and information popularity. Among these, high health-consciousness and the reliance on information popularity-based pathways emerge as pivotal factors influencing susceptibility to health misinformation.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the social media literature by identifying various psychological traits that lead to social media users’ susceptibility to health misinformation. Additionally, the study provides comprehensive guidance on how to mitigate the spread of health misinformation.
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Yiming Hu, Ying Yang and Pengfei Han
The purpose of this paper is to examine the difference of credit enhancement of variously secured bonds issued by local government financing platform bond (LGFPB).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the difference of credit enhancement of variously secured bonds issued by local government financing platform bond (LGFPB).
Design/methodology/approach
The approaches to secure the bonds usually include mortgage, collateral, guarantee, etc.
Findings
Using a sample of LGFPBs issued during the 2007-2013 period, the authors find that all of the approaches to secure the bonds would increase the bond rating and that compounded approaches have a higher credit enhancement effect than single approaches. Among these approaches, the requirement of collateral has the strongest enhancement effect. Moreover, the authors find that the guarantee provided by a state-owned bank or enterprise increases the bond rating more than the guarantee provided by other local government financing platforms.
Research limitations/implications
The findings in this study suggest that the credit enhancement would be deeply affected by the approach used to secure the bond.
Practical implications
These results can help the local government make better decisions when issuing bond.
Originality/value
This study empirically analyzes the different credit enhancement approaches for securing LGPFBs for the first time and contributes to the literature regarding credit ratings of local government bonds.