Xue Chen, Zhaohua Zhang and Yutong Yang
The purpose of this paper is to explore the distribution of local thermal sensitivity of human body heating and the local preferred heating temperature, and the influence of this…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the distribution of local thermal sensitivity of human body heating and the local preferred heating temperature, and the influence of this sensitive division on thermal response when heating human body in cold environment.
Design/methodology/approach
Eight subjects were invited to use carbon fiber heating patches in an environment of 5 and RH 50%, and eight body parts were selected to explore the heating sensitivity. By measuring the skin temperature and evaluating the subjective thermal sensation and thermal comfort, the thermal sensitivity of local body segments and the influence of single-zone and double-zone heating on human thermal response were explored.
Findings
The sensitivity of local heating on overall thermal sensation (OTS) was foot > back > chest > abdomen > waist > elbow > hand > knee. Both single-zone and double-zone heating can improve the OTS, but double-zone heating can reach thermal neutrality and thermal comfort. In order to prevent the high temperature of heating patches from damaging human body, the local skin temperature should be monitored in the design of local heating clothing, and 39.6 should be taken as the upper limit of local skin temperature.
Originality/value
The results provide a theoretical basis for the selection of heating position in local electric heating clothing (EHC) and the design of intelligent temperature adjustment heating clothing, improve the performance of local EHC and reduce energy consumption.
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Keywords
Corporate governance, privatisation.
Abstract
Subject area
Corporate governance, privatisation.
Study level/applicability
Masters level programmes, with particular focus on corporate governance, privatisation, and organizational development.
Case overview
Yutong Bus is a real and highly publicized case in China. It is a listed company carved out from a state-owned enterprise (SOE), Yutong Group. Later the management successfully bought out Yutong Group and thus indirectly controlled the company. The deal transformed Yutong Group from a SOE to a private company. The management was innovative in pushing through the management buy-out (MBO), but politically, it created a public outcry about the loss of state-owned assets. The key issue here is the selection of state owned enterprises suitable for privatization and, more importantly, the determination of selling price. In China “the market for corporate control is still lagging behind” (Shanghai Stock Exchange).
Expected learning outcomes
Students would be expected to gain an understanding of recent economic reform in China, Corporate Governance in the Chinese context and wider issues associated with privatization and MBOs.
Supplementary materials
Teaching note.
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Wei Wang, Yongyong He, Yang Li, Bin Wei, Yutong Hu and Jianbin Luo
The purpose of this study is to investigate the inner flow field characteristics of groove textures in thrust bearings. Cavitation and vortex are studied simultaneously to enrich…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the inner flow field characteristics of groove textures in thrust bearings. Cavitation and vortex are studied simultaneously to enrich the theories of surface texture.
Design/methodology/approach
Navier–Stokes equations are solved using computational fluid dynamics. The MIXTURE model is adopted to study the gas–liquid mixture flow under the cavitation condition.
Findings
Re number, the depth ratio as well as the area ratio of the groove texture and the bottom shape are all influencing factors of the inner flow field characteristics. When cavitation region and vortex region occupy the bottom of the groove texture, these do not overlap because of the pressure gradient. The positive pressure gradient in the non-cavitation region introduces nonlinearity into the velocity profiles, which affects the load-carrying capacity and friction.
Originality/value
Cavitation and vortex are studied simultaneously only in this study. The characteristics of the textured thrust bearing can be analyzed and explained with the combined effect of cavitation and vortex.
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Jiangjun Wan, Yuxin Zhao, Miaojie Chen, Xi Zhu, Qingyu Lu, Yuwei Huang, Yutong Zhao, Chengyan Zhang, Wei Zhu and Jinxiu Yang
The construction industry accounts for a large proportion of the economy of developing countries, but the connotation and influencing factors of high-quality development (HQD) are…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry accounts for a large proportion of the economy of developing countries, but the connotation and influencing factors of high-quality development (HQD) are still unclear. This study aims to gain a more comprehensive insight into the current development status of the regional construction industry under China's HQD orientation and the obstructive factors affecting its development and to provide informative suggestions for its HQD prospects.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the construction industry of 16 cities in the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle (CCEC), a new region in southwest China, was used as the research object to collect data from the 2006–2019 yearbooks, construct an evaluation index system for HQD of the construction industry, derive the development level of the construction industry using the entropy value method and spatial autocorrelation method and then apply the barrier Diagnostic model was used to compare and analyze the impact level of each index.
Findings
In terms of the time dimension, the development of the construction industry in CCEC is characterized by “high in the twin core and low in the surrounding area”, with unbalanced and insufficient development; in terms of spatial correlation, some factors have positive aggregation in spatial distribution, but the peripheral linkage decreases; through barrier analysis, the impact of different barrier factors is different.
Originality/value
This paper will help governments and enterprises in developing countries to make urban planning and management policies to fundamentally improve the development of the construction industry in underdeveloped regions.
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Xingmin Liu, Tongsheng Zhu, Yutong Xue, Ziqiang Huang and Yun Le
Carbon reduction in the construction supply chain can critically affect the construction industry’s transition to an environmentally sustainable one. However, implementing carbon…
Abstract
Purpose
Carbon reduction in the construction supply chain can critically affect the construction industry’s transition to an environmentally sustainable one. However, implementing carbon reduction in all parties is restricted because of the poor understanding of the drivers influencing the low-carbon construction supply chain (LCCSC). The purpose of this paper is to systematically identify the drivers of LCCSC, analyze their causality, and prioritize the importance of their management.
Design/methodology/approach
A decision-making analysis process was developed using an integrated decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)–analytical network process (ANP). First, the hierarchical drivers of the LCCSC were identified through a literature review. The DEMATEL method was subsequently applied to analyze the interactions between the drivers, including the direction and strength of impact. Finally, the ANP analysis was used to obtain the drivers’ weights; consequently, their priorities were established.
Findings
Various factors with complex interactions drive LCCSC. With respect to their influence relationships, incentive policy, regulatory policy, consumers’ low-carbon preference, market competition, supply chain performance, and managers’ low-carbon awareness have more significant center degrees and are cause drivers. Their strong correlations and influence on other drivers should be noticed. In terms of weights in the driver system, regulatory policy, consumers’ low-carbon preference, supply chain performance, and incentive policy are the key drivers of LCCSC and require primary attention. Other drivers, such as supply chain collaboration, employee motivation, and public participation, play a minor driving role with less management priority.
Originality/value
Despite some contributing studies with localized perspectives, the systematic analysis of LCCSC drivers is limited, especially considering their intricate interactions. This paper establishes the LCCSC driver system, explores the influence relationships among the drivers, and determines the key drivers. Hence, it contributes to the sustainable construction supply chain domain by enabling decision-makers and practitioners to systematically understand the drivers of LCCSC and gain management implications on priority issues with limited resources.
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Muhammad Riaz, Wu Jie, Zulfiqar Ali, Mrs Sherani and Liu Yutong
Given the decisive role of knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL) in boosting organizational innovation capacities, the research intends to investigate the effect of KOL on…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the decisive role of knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL) in boosting organizational innovation capacities, the research intends to investigate the effect of KOL on ambidextrous innovation with the mediating effect of knowledge management capability (KMC). Furthermore, technological turbulence (TT) is regarded as a moderator in the relationship between KMC and ambidextrous innovation.
Design/methodology/approach
The data obtained from 122 Pakistani manufacturing firms were used to evaluate the proposed relationships using the partial least square structural equation modeling approach.
Findings
The empirical findings demonstrate that KOL positively affects both aspects of ambidextrous innovation, namely exploitative innovation (EII) and exploratory innovation (ERI), with a higher effect on EII. Additionally, knowledge management process capability (KMPC) partially mediates the association between KOL and both dimensions of ambidextrous innovation (EII and ERI). Similarly, knowledge management infrastructure capability (KMIC) mediates the link between KOL and ERI but does not mediate the relationship between KOL and EII. The impacts of the KMPC and KMIC on EII are also significantly moderated by TT, although the link between the two components of the KMC (KMPC and KMIC) and ERI is unaffected.
Practical implications
The research provides useful knowledge and a novel strategy for policymakers to foster KOL and invest in KMC to improve the capabilities of Pakistani manufacturing firms in terms of innovation.
Originality/value
The research has contributed significantly to the resources-based view and knowledge-based view (KBV) literature by examining the various mediation moderation mechanisms and offering greater insights into the relationship between KOL and firms, KMC, and ambidextrous innovations.
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Yutong Liu, Mingu Kang, Tae-Won Kang and Jian Du
The study aims to figure out the impact of supply chain planning (SCP) on innovation performance (IP), the mediating role of agreement on supply chain vision and goals (ASCVG)…
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to figure out the impact of supply chain planning (SCP) on innovation performance (IP), the mediating role of agreement on supply chain vision and goals (ASCVG), and the moderated effect of information technology (IT) use with buyers and suppliers.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on 265 pieces of data collected from global manufacturing companies, the authors tested the proposed hypothesis through regression analyses. Meanwhile, the plug-in of statistical software SPSS, PROCESS (Model 4 and 14) was used to examine the mediation and moderated mediation models.
Findings
The results reveal that ASCVG partially mediates the effect of SCP on IP. Furthermore, the indirect influence of SCP on IP is stronger when the extent of IT use with buyers is higher, while this indirect effect is not moderated by IT use with suppliers.
Originality/value
In this study, the authors investigated the combined effect of SCP, ASCVG, and IT use with external partners on IP, which provides theoretical and practical insights into the ways that manufacturing firms effectively use the SCP, ASCVG and IT use with external partners to heighten IP.
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Heshan Zhang, YanPeng Wang, Jiying Tuo, Minglei Yang, Ying Ma and Jin Xu
This study aims to accurately calculate the magnetic field distribution, which is a prerequisite for pre-design and optimization of electromagnetic performance. Accurate…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to accurately calculate the magnetic field distribution, which is a prerequisite for pre-design and optimization of electromagnetic performance. Accurate calculation of magnetic field distribution is a prerequisite for pre-design and optimization.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposes an analytical model of permanent magnet machines with segmented Halbach array (SHA-PMMs) to predict the magnetic field distribution and electromagnetic performance. The field problem is divided into four subdomains, i.e. permanent magnet, air-gap, stator slot and slot opening. The Poisson’s equation or Laplace’s equation of magnetic vector potential for each subdomain is solved. The field’s solution is obtained by applying the boundary conditions. The electromagnetic performances, such as magnetic flux density, unbalanced magnetic force, cogging torque and electromagnetic torque, are analytically predicted. Then, the influence of design parameters on the torque is explored by using the analytical model.
Findings
The finite element analysis and prototype experiments verify the analytical model’s accuracy. Adjusting the design parameters, e.g. segments per pole and air-gap length, can effectively increase the electromagnetic torque and simultaneously reduce the torque ripple.
Originality/value
The main contribution of this paper is to develop an accurate magnetic field analytical model of the SHA-PMMs. It can precisely describe complex topology, e.g. arbitrary segmented Halbach array and semi-closed slots, etc., and can quickly predict the magnetic field distribution and electromagnetic performance simultaneously.
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Keywords
Xueqing Gan, Jianyao Jia, Yun Le, Tingting Liu and Yutong Xue
Relationship conflict between the owners and contractors is inevitable, which could induce negative consequences. Yet, the existing literature mostly focused on its direct effects…
Abstract
Purpose
Relationship conflict between the owners and contractors is inevitable, which could induce negative consequences. Yet, the existing literature mostly focused on its direct effects on project performance and ignored the process by which relationship conflict gradually deteriorates cooperation as well as corresponding managerial approaches. Given the fact that relationship conflict originates from interdependent tasks, the proposed theoretical model is intended to measure relational behavior as an instant outcome of relationship conflict, and explore the buffering role of contract enforcement approach.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper develops the conceptual model based on the literature review. Then the questionnaire survey was conducted. The dyadic data obtained from 168 Chinese construction project professionals were analyzed by the Partial Least squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique.
Findings
The results show that relational behavior partially mediates the link between relationship conflict and project performance. Besides, three types of contract enforcement approaches are found to differentially change the negative link between relationship conflict and relational behavior. Rigid contract enforcement can worsen the adverse effects of relationship conflict on relational behavior, whereas flexible contract enforcement can alleviate these negative effects. The level of mitigation hinges on whether compromising behaviors or obliging behaviors are chosen.
Originality/value
The study extends the knowledge of conflict theory and contract theory in the construction field. Based on the proposed conceptual model and PLS-SEM results, this study contributes to the understanding of relationship conflict’s consequences between the owners and contractors and enriches conflict management approaches in the construction field.
Details
Keywords
Yanchao Sun, Jiayu Li, Hongde Qin and Yutong Du
Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is widely used in resource prospection and underwater detection due to its excellent performance. This study considers input saturation…
Abstract
Purpose
Autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is widely used in resource prospection and underwater detection due to its excellent performance. This study considers input saturation, nonlinear model uncertainties and external ocean current disturbances. The containment errors can be limited to a small neighborhood of zero in finite time by employing control strategy. The control strategy can keep errors within a certain range between the trajectory followed by AUVs and their intended targets. This can mitigate the issues of collisions and disruptions in communication which may arise from AUVs being in close proximity or excessively distant from each other.
Design/methodology/approach
The tracking errors are constrained. Based on the directed communication topology, a cooperative formation control algorithm for multi-AUV systems with constrained errors is designed. By using the saturation function, state observers are designed to estimate the AUV’s velocity in six degrees of freedom. A new virtual control algorithm is designed through combining backstepping technique and the tan-type barrier Lyapunov function. Neural networks are used to estimate and compensate for the nonlinear model uncertainties and external ocean current disturbances. A neural network adaptive law is designed.
Findings
The containment errors can be limited to a small neighborhood of zero in finite time so that follower AUVs can arrive at the convex hull consisting of leader AUVs within finite time. The validity of the results is indicated by simulations.
Originality/value
The state observers are designed to approximate the speed of the AUV and improve the accuracy of the control method. The anti-saturation function and neural network adaptive law are designed to deal with input saturation and general disturbances, respectively. It can ensure the safety and reliability of the multiple AUV systems.