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Article
Publication date: 8 December 2020

Zhiqi Wang and Ian Crawford

The paper examines the effects of individual differences on the key motivational factors affecting Chinese study abroad students.

1666

Abstract

Purpose

The paper examines the effects of individual differences on the key motivational factors affecting Chinese study abroad students.

Design/methodology/approach

The current study adopts a quantitative survey approach. Students are recruited through the largest online survey provider in China. Using 335 completed questionnaires and factor analysis, the key factors influencing Chinese students are identified. Subsequently, regressions are employed to analyse the impact of age, gender, socio-economic status, previous study or travel abroad experience, degree level and location on factor scores.

Findings

This research sheds new light on the decision-making process of Chinese study abroad students. It is found that Chinese students are influenced by three key factors, social, cultural and economic environment, non-personal and personal recommendations. The results reveal that male students from the lowest socio-economic group rely on non-personal information to decide destination where they can significantly upgrade their socio-economic status. Personal recommendations are used by young persons aged between 18 and 24 and those without previous overseas travel or study experience.

Originality/value

Although prior studies explore the motivations of Chinese study abroad students, very few focus on a large sample of students both in China and abroad and identify key factors using the statistical tool factor analysis. No research has been carried out to understand the impact of personal characteristics such as age, gender, prior study or travel abroad experience, degree level and location on significant factor scores. Such analysis is crucial for the financial stability of the international higher education market, particularly during the current COVID-19 crisis.

Details

International Journal of Educational Management, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-354X

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 March 2021

Dandan Qiu, Lei Luo, Zhiqi Zhao, Songtao Wang, Zhongqi Wang and Bengt Ake Sunden

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of film holes’ arrangements and jet Reynolds number on flow structure and heat transfer characteristics of jet impingement…

1250

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of film holes’ arrangements and jet Reynolds number on flow structure and heat transfer characteristics of jet impingement conjugated with film cooling in a semicylinder double wall channel.

Design/methodology/approach

Numerical simulations are used in this research. Streamlines on different sections, skin-friction lines, velocity, wall shear stress and turbulent kinetic energy contours near the concave target wall and vortices in the double channel are presented. Local Nusselt number contours and surface averaged Nusselt numbers are also obtained. Topology analysis is applied to further understand the fluid flow and is used in analyzing the heat transfer characteristics.

Findings

It is found that the arrangement of side films positioned far from the center jets helps to enhance the flow disturbance and heat transfer behind the film holes. The heat transfer uniformity for the case of 55° films arrangement angle is most improved and the thermal performance is the highest in this study.

Originality/value

The film holes’ arrangements effects on fluid flow and heat transfer in an impingement cooled concave channel are conducted. The flow structures in the channel and flow characteristics near target by topology pictures are first obtained for the confined film cooled impingement cases. The heat transfer distributions are analyzed with the flow characteristics. The highest heat transfer uniformity and thermal performance situation is obtained in present work.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 31 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 11 April 2016

Ian Crawford, Zhiqi Wang and Georgina Andrews

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the low placement participation rate among international students compared with UK students, by examining the impact of individual…

1044

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the low placement participation rate among international students compared with UK students, by examining the impact of individual factors such as gender and domicile and academic achievement such as prior academic qualification, prior academic results and subsequent academic results on students’ choices of degree programmes as well as their graduation status.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a quantitative approach by using 268 accounting and finance students in a UK university.

Findings

The analyses show that UK students on entry are 35 per cent more likely than international students to choose a degree programme with a placement module after controlling for individual and academic differences. Among females, international students who switch to a degree without placement following entry significantly and statistically underperformed their UK counterparts who complete a degree with placement from the first year onwards. This trend is not observable among male students. Instead, male students who select and graduate with a degree without placement are the worst performers, regardless of their nationalities.

Research limitations/implications

The quantitative data used here are collected in a UK institution so the results reported here may lack generalisability.

Practical implications

International students need to know more about the benefits of undertaking placements on their academic performance and the development of generic skills before entry. Moreover, UK universities need to provide more assistance to international students, especially females about how to secure placements and how to widen their search for potential placements.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to explain the low participation rate among international students in UK higher education.

Details

Education + Training, vol. 58 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0040-0912

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Article
Publication date: 17 May 2021

Zhiqi Zhao, Lei Luo, Dandan Qiu, Songtao Wang, Zhongqi Wang and Bengt Ake Sunden

This study aims to explore the 3 D separated flow fields and heat transfer characteristics at the end wall of a serpentine channel with various turn clearances using topological…

183

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the 3 D separated flow fields and heat transfer characteristics at the end wall of a serpentine channel with various turn clearances using topological analysis and critical points principles of three-dimensional vortex flow.

Design/methodology/approach

This aims to explore the 3 D separated flow fields and heat transfer characteristics at the end wall of a serpentine channel with various turn clearances using topological analysis as well as critical points principles of three-dimensional vortex flow.

Findings

The endwall heat transfer in the narrow spacing passage is significantly stronger than that in a wide spacing channel. As the gap clearance is kept at 0.87 times of the hydraulic diameter, the endwall heat transfer and thermal performance can be accordingly enhanced with low pressure drops, which is because a relatively strong concentrated impingement flow for the medium gap clearance helps to restrain the downstream fluid flow and enhance the shear effect of the secondary flow.

Practical implications

The numerical results can be applied in designing sharp turn of serpentine channel in heat exchangers, heat sinks, piping system, solar receiver and gas turbine blades.

Originality/value

The evolution mechanism of the vortices in the turning region under different gap clearance was analyzed, and thermal enhancement characteristics were predicted innovatively using topological analysis method.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 32 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 14 March 2019

Xuebiao Wang, Xi Wang, Bo Li and Zhiqi Bai

The purpose of this paper is to consider that the model of volatility characteristics is more reasonable and the description of volatility is more explanatory.

301

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider that the model of volatility characteristics is more reasonable and the description of volatility is more explanatory.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the basic characteristics of market yield volatility based on the five-minute trading data of the Chinese CSI300 stock index futures from 2012 to 2017 by Hurst index and GPH test, A-J and J-O Jumping test and Realized-EGARCH model, respectively. The results show that the yield fluctuation rate of CSI300 stock index futures market has obvious non-linear characteristics including long memory, jumpy and asymmetry.

Findings

This paper finds that the LHAR-RV-CJ model has a better prediction effect on the volatility of CSI300 stock index futures. The research shows that CSI300 stock index futures market is heterogeneous, means that long-term investors are focused on long-term market fluctuations rather than short-term fluctuations; the influence of the short-term jumping component on the market volatility is limited, and the long jump has a greater negative influence on market fluctuation; the negative impact of long-period yield is limited to short-term market fluctuation, while, with the period extending, the negative influence of long-period impact is gradually increased.

Research limitations/implications

This paper has research limitations in variable measurement and data selection.

Practical implications

This study is based on the high-frequency data or the application number of financial modeling analysis, especially in the study of asset price volatility. It makes full use of all kinds of information contained in high-frequency data, compared to low-frequency data such as day, weekly or monthly data. High-frequency data can be more accurate, better guide financial asset pricing and risk management, and result in effective configuration.

Originality/value

The existing research on the futures market volatility of high frequency data, mainly focus on single feature analysis, and the comprehensive comparative analysis on the volatility characteristics of study is less, at the same time in setting up the model for the forecast of volatility, based on the model research on the basic characteristics is less, so the construction of a model is relatively subjective, in this paper, considering the fluctuation characteristics of the model is more reasonable, characterization of volatility will also be more explanatory power. The difference between this paper and the existing literature lies in that this paper establishes a prediction model based on the basic characteristics of market return volatility, and conducts a description and prediction study on volatility.

Details

China Finance Review International, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-1398

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 11 October 2018

Jun Lin, Han Yu, Zhengxiang Pan, Zhiqi Shen and Lizhen Cui

Today’s software engineers often work in teams to develop complex software systems. Therefore, successful software engineering in practice require team members to possess not only…

1952

Abstract

Purpose

Today’s software engineers often work in teams to develop complex software systems. Therefore, successful software engineering in practice require team members to possess not only sound programming skills such as analysis, design, coding and testing but also soft skills such as communication, collaboration and self-management. However, existing examination-based assessments are often inadequate for quantifying students’ soft skill development. The purpose of this paper is to explore alternative ways for assessing software engineering students’ skills through a data-driven approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the exploratory data analysis approach is adopted. Leveraging the proposed online agile project management tool – Human-centred Agile Software Engineering (HASE), a study was conducted involving 21 Scrum teams consisting of over 100 undergraduate software engineering students in multi-week coursework projects in 2014.

Findings

During this study, students performed close to 170,000 software engineering activities logged by HASE. By analysing the collected activity trajectory data set, the authors demonstrate the potential for this new research direction to enable software engineering educators to have a quantifiable way of understanding their students’ skill development, and take a proactive approach in helping them improve their programming and soft skills.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there has yet to be published previous studies using software engineering activity data to assess software engineers’ skills.

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Article
Publication date: 4 August 2023

Zhiqi Liu, Tanghong Liu, Hongrui Gao, Houyu Gu, Yutao Xia and Bin Xu

Constructing porous wind barriers is one of the most effective approaches to increase the running safety of trains on viaducts in crosswinds. This paper aims to further improve…

211

Abstract

Purpose

Constructing porous wind barriers is one of the most effective approaches to increase the running safety of trains on viaducts in crosswinds. This paper aims to further improve the wind-sheltering performance of the porous wind barriers.

Design/methodology/approach

Improved delayed detached eddy simulations based on the k-ω turbulence model were carried out, and the results were validated with wind tunnel tests. The effects of the hole diameter on the flow characteristics and wind-sheltering performance were studied by comparing the wind barriers with the porosity of 21.6% and the hole diameters of 60 mm–360 mm. The flow characteristics above the windward and leeward tracks were analyzed, and the wind-sheltering performance of the wind barriers was assessed using the wind speed reduction coefficients.

Findings

The hole diameters affected the jet behind the wind barriers and the recirculation region above the tracks. Below the top of the wind barriers, the time-averaged velocity first decreased and then increased with the increase in the hole diameter. The wind barrier with the hole diameter of 120 mm had the best wind-sheltering performance for the windward track, but such barrier might lead to overprotection on the leeward track. The wind-sheltering performance of the wind barriers with the hole diameters of 240 mm and 360 mm was significantly degraded, especially above the windward track.

Originality/value

The effects of the hole diameters on the wake and wind-sheltering performance of the wind barriers were studied, by which the theoretical basis is provided for a better design of the porous wind barrier.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 26 September 2019

Yiwei Liu, Shipeng Cui, Hong Liu, Minghe Jin, Fenglei Ni, Zhiqi Li and Chongyang Li

The purpose of this study is to develop a robotic hand–arm system for on-orbit servicing missions at the Tiangong-2 (TG-2) Space Laboratory.

611

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a robotic hand–arm system for on-orbit servicing missions at the Tiangong-2 (TG-2) Space Laboratory.

Design/methodology/approach

The hand–arm system is mainly composed of a lightweight arm, a dexterous hand, an electrical cabinet, a global camera, a hand–eye camera and some human–machine interfaces. The 6-DOF lightweight arm and the 15-DOF dexterous hand adopt the modular design philosophy that greatly reduces the design cycle and cost. To reduce the computational burden on the central controller and simplify system maintenance, an electrical system which has a hierarchical structure is introduced.

Findings

The prototypical operating experiments completed in TG-2 space laboratory demonstrate the performance of the hand–arm system and lay foundations for the future applications of space manipulators.

Originality/value

The main contributions of this paper are as follows a robotic hand–arm system which can perform on-orbit servicing missions such as grasping the electric drill, screwing the bolt, unscrewing J599 electrical connector has been developed; a variable time step motion plan method is proposed to adjust the trajectories of the lightweight arm to reduce or eliminate the collision force; and a dexterous hand uses the coordinated grasp control based on the object Cartesian stiffness to realize stable grasp. To solve the kinematic mapping from the cyber glove commands to the dexterous hand, a fingertip-position-based method is proposed to acquire precise solutions.

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Article
Publication date: 25 July 2023

Zhiqi Lin and S. Mostafa Rasoolimanesh

Combining technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behavior, this study aims to analyze influencing factors on intention of sharing heritage tourism experience in…

1315

Abstract

Purpose

Combining technology acceptance model and the theory of planned behavior, this study aims to analyze influencing factors on intention of sharing heritage tourism experience in social media from technological, psychological and experience perspectives. The moderating effects of age and gender are also tested.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies a quantitative method using online questionnaires. A total number of 323 questionnaires are collected. The data are analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling to assess measurement and structural models and multi-group analysis to compare differences among age and gender groups.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that subjective norm, perceived behavioral control and tourism experience significantly and positively influence the intention of sharing heritage tourism experience in social media, while the effects of perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude are non-significant. Results reveal the differences in antecedents of sharing heritage tourism experience in social media between males and females and between younger and older tourists.

Originality/value

Developing a model integrating technology acceptance model and theory of planned behavior, this paper analyzes the intention of sharing heritage tourism experience in social media through technological, psychological and tourism experience perspectives. Besides, heterogeneous comparisons between younger and older tourists and between males and females offer significant academic and practical insights.

研究目的

本研究结合技术接受模型(TAM)和计划行为理论(TPB), 旨在从技术、心理和体验的角度分析在社交媒体上分享文化遗产旅游体验意愿的影响因素, 同时还测试了年龄和性别的调节效应。

研究方法

本研究采用定量方法, 使用在线问卷进行调查。共收集到323份问卷。使用PLS-SEM来评估测量和结构模型, 使用多组分析(MGA)来比较不同年龄和性别组之间的差异。

研究发现

结果表明, 主观规范、感知行为控制和旅游体验对在社交媒体上分享文化遗产旅游体验的意愿有显著的正向影响, 而感知有用性、感知易用性和态度的影响是不显著的。结果揭示了男性和女性以及年轻游客和老年游客之间在社交媒体上分享文化遗产旅游体验前因的差异。

研究创新/价值

本文开发了一个整合了TAM和TPB的模型, 通过技术、心理和旅游体验的视角分析了在社交媒体上分享文化遗产旅游体验的意愿。此外, 对年轻游客和老年游客以及男性和女性之间的异质比较提供了重要的学术和实践见解。

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Article
Publication date: 4 August 2021

Chenglong Yu, Zhiqi Li, Dapeng Yang, Hong Liu and Alan F. Lynch

This study aims to propose a novel method based on model learning with sparsity inducing norms for estimating dynamic gravity terms of the serial manipulators. This method is…

197

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose a novel method based on model learning with sparsity inducing norms for estimating dynamic gravity terms of the serial manipulators. This method is realized by operating the robot, acquiring data and filtering the features in signal acquisition to adapt to the dynamic gravity parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

The core principle of the method is to analyze the dictionary composition of the basis function of the model based on the dynamic equation and the Jacobian matrix of an arm. According to the structure of the basis function and the sparsity of the features, combined with joint-angle and driving-torque data acquisition, the effective features of dynamic gravity parameters are screened out using L1-norm optimization and learning algorithms.

Findings

The theoretical analysis revealed that training data obtained based on joint angles and driving torques could rapidly update dynamic gravity parameters. The simulation experiment was carried out by using the publicly available robot model and compared with the previous disassembly method to evaluate the feasibility and performance. The real 7-degree of freedom (DOF) industrial manipulator was used to further discuss the effects of the feature selection. The results show that this estimation method can be fully operational and efficient in industrial applications.

Research limitations/implications

This approach is applicable to most serial robots with multi-DOF and the dynamic gravity parameters of the robot are estimated through learning and optimization. The method does not require prior knowledge of the robot arm structure and only requires joint-angle and driving-torque data acquisition under low-speed motion. Furthermore, as it is a data-driven-based method, it can be applied to gravity parameters updating.

Originality/value

Different from previous general robot dynamic modelling methods, the sparsity of the analytical form of dynamic equations was exploited and model learning was formulated as a convex optimization problem to achieve effective gravity parameters screening. The novelty of this estimation approach is that the method does not only require any prior knowledge but also does not require a specifically designed trajectory. Thus, this method can avoid the laborious work of parameter calibration and the induced modelling errors. By using a data-driven learning approach, the new parameter updating process can be completed conveniently when the robot carries additional mass or the end-effector changes for different tasks.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 48 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

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