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1 – 10 of 10Zhao Yuhuan and Ode Htwee Thann
Climate change negatively affects agriculture and food security, and jeopardizes Myanmar's agriculture, which is vital to ensure food security, rural livelihoods, and the economy…
Abstract
Purpose
Climate change negatively affects agriculture and food security, and jeopardizes Myanmar's agriculture, which is vital to ensure food security, rural livelihoods, and the economy. This study explores the asymmetric impacts of climate change on Myanmar's agricultural sector.
Design/methodology/approach
We utilize the nonlinear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) approach for the years 1991–2020, the Wald test to validate the asymmetric relationship between climate change and agriculture, and the FMOLS and DOLS approaches to confirm the validity of the outcomes.
Findings
Our findings reveal that temperature has a positive impact on Myanmar's agriculture, whereas rainfall and CO2 have negative effects over the long and short terms. Evidently, decreasing temperatures more favorably impact agriculture than increasing temperatures, while increasing rainfall more negatively impacts agriculture than decreasing rainfall. Increasing carbon emissions have a more detrimental effect on agriculture than decreasing them.
Research limitations/implications
We gathered data over periods longer than 30 years to provide more robust findings. However, owing to data limitations, such as missing values or unavailability, the study period spans from 1991 to 2020.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the existing literature on the asymmetric effects of climatic and non-climatic factors on agriculture. It is the first study in Myanmar to use the NARDL approach to measuring the effects of climate change on both the agricultural gross production index and value, providing robust findings.
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Xiaoling Song, Wen Wu, Shengyue Hao, Xiaohua Lu, Yihua Zhang and Yuhuan Liu
Drawing on engagement theory, this study aims to examine how leader–member relationships, including on-work relationship (leader–member exchange [LMX]) and off-work relationship…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on engagement theory, this study aims to examine how leader–member relationships, including on-work relationship (leader–member exchange [LMX]) and off-work relationship (leader–member guanxi [LMG]), influence employees’ promotive and prohibitive voice. Furthermore, the study uses procedural justice as the moderator to distinguish the effects of LMG and LMX on employees’ psychological states and voice through a mediated moderation model.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors use a sample from a private and local company in Southern China to test their theoretical model.
Findings
The study finds that both LMG and LMX have positive effects on employees’ voice behavior through employees’ psychological states (psychological meaningfulness and psychological safety).
Research limitations/implications
In a Chinese context, leaders have a more direct and powerful influence on employees than their counterparts in the Western society. Thus, the findings of LMX and LMG may not be generalizable to a Western context. A possible extension is to examine and compare the effects of social context (e.g., off-work leader–member relationship) on voice between the East and the West.
Practical implications
One important implication is that off-work relationship should be used by managers to encourage employee voice.
Originality/value
This study enriches the antecedents of voice with a new dimension of leader–member relationship, namely, LMG.
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Chuanmin Mi, Xiaoyi Gou, Yating Ren, Bo Zeng, Jamshed Khalid and Yuhuan Ma
Accurate prediction of seasonal power consumption trends with impact disturbances provides a scientific basis for the flexible balance of the long timescale power system…
Abstract
Purpose
Accurate prediction of seasonal power consumption trends with impact disturbances provides a scientific basis for the flexible balance of the long timescale power system. Consequently, it fosters reasonable scheduling plans, ensuring the safety of the system and improving the economic dispatching efficiency of the power system.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a new seasonal grey buffer operator in the longitudinal and transverse dimensional perspectives is designed. Then, a new seasonal grey modeling approach that integrates the new operator, full real domain fractional order accumulation generation technique, grey prediction modeling tool and fruit fly optimization algorithm is proposed. Moreover, the rationality, scientificity and superiority of the new approach are verified by designing 24 seasonal electricity consumption forecasting approaches, incorporating case study and amalgamating qualitative and quantitative research.
Findings
Compared with other comparative models, the new approach has superior mean absolute percentage error and mean absolute error. Furthermore, the research results show that the new method provides a scientific and effective mathematical method for solving the seasonal trend power consumption forecasting modeling with impact disturbance.
Originality/value
Considering the development trend of longitudinal and transverse dimensions of seasonal data with impact disturbance and the differences in each stage, a new grey buffer operator is constructed, and a new seasonal grey modeling approach with multi-method fusion is proposed to solve the seasonal power consumption forecasting problem.
Highlights
The highlights of the paper are as follows:
A new seasonal grey buffer operator is constructed.
The impact of shock perturbations on seasonal data trends is effectively mitigated.
A novel seasonal grey forecasting approach with multi-method fusion is proposed.
Seasonal electricity consumption is successfully predicted by the novel approach.
The way to adjust China's power system flexibility in the future is analyzed.
A new seasonal grey buffer operator is constructed.
The impact of shock perturbations on seasonal data trends is effectively mitigated.
A novel seasonal grey forecasting approach with multi-method fusion is proposed.
Seasonal electricity consumption is successfully predicted by the novel approach.
The way to adjust China's power system flexibility in the future is analyzed.
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Yuhuan Xia, Mingzhe Gai, Changlin Han, Xiyao Liu, Zhen Liu and Lei Xu
This study aims to explore the cross-level effect of the top management team (TMT) on group ambidextrous innovation and to analyze the mediating role of group behavioral…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the cross-level effect of the top management team (TMT) on group ambidextrous innovation and to analyze the mediating role of group behavioral integration and the moderating effect of group expertise heterogeneity.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted a multi-source and multi-stage survey. We collected valid data from 43 companies in China, resulting in 141 samples from 43 TMTs and 462 valid responses from 111 organizational groups. The proposed theoretical model and hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.
Findings
The study findings demonstrated that TMT behavioral integration was positively related to group behavioral integration. Group behavioral integration mediates the relationship between TMT behavioral integration and these two types of innovations. Furthermore, we found that group expertise heterogeneity magnified the positive effect of group behavioral integration on exploratory innovation.
Originality/value
This study reveals the cross-level effects of TMT behavioral integration on other organizational groups and enriches the existing literature on TMT behavioral integration and ambidextrous innovation.
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Qi Yang, ZhiQiang Feng, RuanBing Zhang, YunPu Wang, DengLe Duan, Qin Wang, XiaoYu Zou and YuHuan Liu
This study aims to develop a green, economical and efficient ultrasonic-/microwave assisted extraction (UMAE) process for the extraction of anthocyanins.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a green, economical and efficient ultrasonic-/microwave assisted extraction (UMAE) process for the extraction of anthocyanins.
Design/methodology/approach
After optimizing the extraction conditions by response surface methodology, three assays including DPPH, ABTS·+, FRAP were applied to analyze the antioxidant activity of the extracted anthocyanins. The stability under different temperatures, reductant concentrations and pHs was also discussed. The components of anthocyanins in blueberry were analyzed by HPLC-QTOF-MS2.
Findings
The optimal extraction parameters were ultrasonic power of 300 W, microwave power of 365.28 W and solid–liquid ratio of 30 (g/mL). The possible structures can be speculated as Delphinidin-3-O-galactoside, Delphinidin, Petunidin, Delphinidin-3-O-glucoside, Petunidin-3-O-glucoside, Cyanidin-3-O-glucoside. The results demonstrated that the UMAE can improve the yield of anthocyanins in shorter extraction time with higher activity.
Originality/value
The present study may provide a promising and feasible route for extracting anthocyanins from blueberries and studying their physicochemical properties, ultimately promoting the utilization of blueberry anthocyanins.
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Guochao Zhao, Meixue Wang and Juanfeng Zhang
This study proposes low-carbon technology (LCT) solutions from the perspective of incremental cost-effectiveness and public satisfaction based on calculating carbon emissions and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study proposes low-carbon technology (LCT) solutions from the perspective of incremental cost-effectiveness and public satisfaction based on calculating carbon emissions and economic costs.
Design/methodology/approach
According to the citation frequency, 11 indicators of low-carbon neighborhood (LCN) were selected so as to construct the low-carbon renewal potential evaluation model. Five neighborhoods were selected to evaluate low-carbon renewal potential based on the driving-pressure-state-impact-response (DPSIR). Moreover, the neighborhoods with the highest renewal potential were selected for further analysis. Then, the feasibility decision was carried out among seven typical LCTs based on the value engineering (VE) method. Finally, the TOPSIS method was applied to calculate the public satisfaction and demand so as to get the priorities of these LCTs. Through comprehensive analysis, the final LCT solutions could be carried out.
Findings
Our practice proves that the evaluation model combined with the decision-making methods can provide scientific decision-making support for the LCT solutions. Some LCTs perform consistently across different neighborhoods by comparing VE results and TOPSIS rankings. The solar photovoltaic (PV) (T3) has high value and significant attention which gives it a top priority for development, while the energy-efficient windows and doors (T2) have relatively low value.
Originality/value
There is a lack of research that considers the economic cost, low-carbon efficiency and public satisfaction when proposing LCT solutions for neighborhood renewal projects. Faced with the problem, we practice the decision-making from two dimensions, that is, the “feasibility decision with VE” and the “priorities decision with TOPSIS.” In this way, a balance between incremental cost-effectiveness and public satisfaction is achieved, and LCT solutions are proposed.
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Khaled Mostafa, Mohamed Ramadan and Azza El-Sanabary
This study aims to address a comprehensive and integrated investigations pertaining to the preparation of AgNPs with well-defined nano-sized scale using the aforementioned poly…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address a comprehensive and integrated investigations pertaining to the preparation of AgNPs with well-defined nano-sized scale using the aforementioned poly (meth acrylic acid [MAA])–chitosan graft copolymer, which is cheap, nontoxic, biodegradable and biocompatible agent as a substitute for the traditionally used toxic reducing agents.
Design/methodology/approach
AgNPs are prepared under a range of conditions, containing silver nitrate and poly (MAA)–chitosan graft copolymer concentrations, time, temperature and pH of the preparation medium. To classify AgNPs obtained under the various conditions, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy spectra and transmission electron microscopy images are used for characterization of AgNPs instrumentally in addition to the visual color change throughout the work. The work was further extended to study the application of the so prepared AgNPs on cotton fabric to see their suitability as antibacterial agent as well as their durability after certain washing cycles.
Findings
According to the current investigation, the optimal conditions for AgNPs formation of nearly 3–15 nm in size are 5 g/l, poly (MAA)–chitosan graft copolymer and 300 ppm AgNO3 in addition to carrying out the reaction at 60°C for 30 min at pH 12. Besides, the application of the so prepared AgNPs on cotton fabric displayed a substantial reduction in antibacterial efficiency against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria estimated even after 10 washing cycles in comparison with untreated one.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ information, no comprehensive study of the synthesis of AgNPs using poly (MAA)–chitosan graft copolymer with a graft yield of 48% has been identified in the literature.
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The rapid urbanization of China brings in large number of migrant workers coming from rural areas. With the perspective of social integration, this study reviews the findings…
Abstract
Purpose
The rapid urbanization of China brings in large number of migrant workers coming from rural areas. With the perspective of social integration, this study reviews the findings about economic livelihood, social integration and health related to migrant workers since China initiated economic reform. We show that (1) though the economic wellbeing of migrant workers has been improved significantly after they moved to cities, their economic standing is still lower than local residents; (2) though there is progress of social integration between migrant workers and local residents, conflicts and challenges due to the competitions in employment and the sharing of community resource are still commonly found; (3) the disadvantaged status of health is very common among migrant workers and (4) women and the new generation in migration have more disadvantages in the social transition. We suggest that issues of equal rights between migrant workers and local residents should be discussed in the future as more migrant workers intend to stay in cities for long-term.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology is literature reviews based on the current studies about migrant, migration and policy. The first category of literature is the research field on China's migration and urbanization to describe the whole context of migrant workers. The second is research field on detailed issues about migrant workers and the last field is policy issues about the welfare and needs among migrant workers.
Findings
We find that (1) though the economic wellbeing of migrant workers has been improved significantly after they moved to cities, their economic standing is still lower than local residents; (2) though there are progress of social integration between migrant workers and local residents, conflicts and challenges due to the competitions in employment and the sharing of community resource are still commonly found; (3) the disadvantaged status of health is very common among migrant workers and (4) women and the new generation in migration face more disadvantages in the social transition.
Research limitations/implications
There are some limitations in the current research: (1) the review focuses on the majority of migrant workers to reveal the general picture about the living, developing and rights among migrant workers, but is still lacking in dealing with some special and disadvantaged groups. (2) More international issues related to migrant workers should be discussed in the future considering that China's labor market is becoming more and more global.
Social implications
First, the conclusion about the economic and social integration among migrant workers indicates that more equal welfare services, including resident services, commence services, medical services etc. should be included in the municipal managements considering that Chinese cities will be the combination of local residents and migrant residents. Second, the conclusion about the women and children indicates that the future public services targeted at the disadvantaged population should focus on migrant members due to the second generation of migrant workers will be one of the mainstream population in future China's cities.
Originality/value
This study gives general views on migrant workers in current China. The findings in this review conclude the main development and improvements among tens of millions of migrant workers in Chinese cities. Meanwhile, we also conclude that there are still many disadvantaged and marginalized sub-groups in migration who are suffering from less welfares and rights in urban lives. More detailed and equal rights and public services should be considered and implemented in the fast urbanization taking place.
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Min Zhang, Hong-Hua Ge, Xue-Juan Wang, Xin-Jing Meng, Yu-Zeng Zhao and Qiang-Qiang Liao
– The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in simulated reverse osmosis (RO) product water, and in seawater.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study was to explore the differences in the corrosion behavior of carbon steel in simulated reverse osmosis (RO) product water, and in seawater.
Design/methodology/approach
The wire beam electrodes (WBE) and coupons made from Type Q235 carbon steel and were immersed in simulated reverse osmosis product water, and in seawater, for fifteen days. The corrosion potential distribution on the WBE at different times was measured. The corrosion rates of the carbon steel in different solutions were obtained using weight loss determinations. The different corrosion behavior of carbon steel in the two kinds of solution was analyzed.
Findings
The results showed that the average corrosion potential, micro-cathode potential and micro-anode potential of the WBE decreased with time in simulated RO product water. During this period, the maximum potential difference between micro-cathodes and micro-anodes on the WBE surface also decreased with time. The potential difference was more than 260mV at the beginning of the test and was still greater than 110mV after fifteen days of immersion. The positions of cathodes and anodes remained basically unchanged and corrosion took place on the localized anode during the experiments. The average corrosion potential, micro-cathode potential and micro-anode potential on the WBE surface also decreased with time in the simulated seawater. However, the maximum potential difference between micro-cathode and micro-anode on the WBE surface in the simulated seawater was much smaller than was the case in simulated RO product water. It was 37.8 mV at the beginning of the test and was no more than 12mV after two days immersion. The positions of cathode region and anode kept changing, leading to overall uniform corrosion. The actual corrosion rate on the corroded anode region in simulated RO product water was greater than was the case in simulated seawater.
Originality/value
The corrosion behavior differences of carbon steel between in RO product water and in seawater were revealed by using wire beam electrodes (WBE). From the micro point of view, it explained the reason why the actual corrosion rate of carbon steel in RO product water was greater than that in sea water. The results can be helpful to explore future corrosion control methods for carbon steel in RO product water.
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Nicolas Li, Dhruba Borah, Jihye Kim and Junzhe Ji
This study investigates the role of transnational mixed-embeddedness when transnational entrepreneurial firms (TEFs) become internationalized. First-generation immigrant…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the role of transnational mixed-embeddedness when transnational entrepreneurial firms (TEFs) become internationalized. First-generation immigrant entrepreneurs who maintain business arrangements in their home and host countries own TEFs. In many cases, they internationalize from emerging economies to advanced economies. Nevertheless, this study focuses on TEF cases that internationalize from an advanced to an emerging economy, which prior transnational entrepreneurship studies have largely overlooked.
Design/methodology/approach
This research uses a qualitative approach based on six TEF case studies from Canada and the UK venturing into China to explore TEFs' internationalization.
Findings
The case studies explore the elements that constitute TEFs' cognitive and relational embeddedness—two main types of embeddedness—in home and host countries and how TEFs exploit such embeddedness for their internationalization. The results suggest that high levels of transnational mixed-embeddedness help TEFs reduce resource and institutional distance barriers in home countries, thereby assisting their internationalization. A framework that visualizes the role of transnational mixed-embeddedness in TEFs' internationalization and novel categorizations of transnational mixed-embeddedness is proposed.
Originality/value
Although there has been a growing demand for research on the emergence of internationalized smaller firms, there have been few empirical efforts on TEFs' internationalization. It is still unclear how TEFs internationalize differently than homegrown entrepreneurial firms. This study fills this gap in transnational entrepreneurship literature by examining the influence of transnational mixed-embeddedness on TEFs' internationalization.
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