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1 – 10 of 42Zhenyang Zhu, Yi Liu, Zhe Fan, Sheng Qiang, Zhiqiang Xie, Weimin Chen and Congcong Wu
The buried pipe element method can be used to calculate the temperature of mass concrete through highly efficient computing. However, in this method, temperatures along cooling…
Abstract
Purpose
The buried pipe element method can be used to calculate the temperature of mass concrete through highly efficient computing. However, in this method, temperatures along cooling pipes and the convection coefficient of the cooling pipe boundary should be improved to achieve higher accuracy. Thus, there is a need to propose a method for improvement.
Design/methodology/approach
According to the principle of heat balance and the temperature gradient characteristics of concrete around cooling pipes, a method to calculate the water temperature along cooling pipes using the buried pipe element method is proposed in this study. By comparing the results of a discrete algorithm and the buried pipe element method, it was discovered that the convection coefficient of the cooling pipe boundary for the buried pipe element method is only related to the thermal conductivity of concrete; therefore, it can be calculated by inverse analysis.
Findings
The results show that the buried pipe element method can achieve the same accuracy as the discrete method and simulate the temperature field of mass concrete with cooling pipes efficiently and accurately.
Originality/value
This new method can improve the calculation accuracy of the embedded element method and make the calculation results more reasonable and reliable.
Details
Keywords
Zhiqiang Xie, Lei Wang, Zhengyang Zhu, Zhi Fu and Xingdong Lv
The purpose of this paper is to introduce an interval finite element method (IFEM) to simulate the temperature field of mass concrete under multiple influence uncertainties e.g…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce an interval finite element method (IFEM) to simulate the temperature field of mass concrete under multiple influence uncertainties e.g. environmental temperature, material properties, pouring construction and pipe cooling.
Design/methodology/approach
Uncertainties of the significant factors such as the ambient temperature, the adiabatic temperature rise, the placing temperature and the pipe cooling are comprehensively studied and represented as the interval numbers. Then, an IFEM equation is derived and a method for obtaining interval results based on monotonicity is also presented. To verify the proposed method, a non-adiabatic temperature rise test was carried out and subsequently simulated with the method. An excellent agreement is achieved between the simulation results and the monitoring data.
Findings
An IFEM method is proposed and a non-adiabatic temperature rise test is simulated to verify the method. The interval results are discussed and compared with monitoring data. The proposed method is found to be feasible and effective.
Originality/value
Compared with the traditional finite element methods, the proposed method taking the uncertainty of various factors into account and it will be helpful for engineers to gain a better understanding of the real condition.
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Keywords
Runhui Lin, Lun Wang, Biting Li, Yanhong Lu, Zhiqiang Qi and Linyu Xie
Blockchain is a technical solution integrating multiple technologies, with the potential to overcome the drawbacks of organizational governance. Given the emergence and prevalence…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchain is a technical solution integrating multiple technologies, with the potential to overcome the drawbacks of organizational governance. Given the emergence and prevalence of blockchain, its importance for organizational governance has progressively increased. Therefore, this study aims to analyze how blockchain restructure organizational governance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study presents a structured systematic literature review of blockchain-enabled applications across diverse organizational governance models and several case studies to illustrate them. Based on the above analysis, governance mechanisms, transaction upgrading and challenges are proposed.
Findings
Based on the literature review and typical applications, the authors summarize the advances in the research on the theoretical and practical applications of blockchain in organizational governance. We also identify the influence mechanisms of organizational governance and investigate transaction upgrading based on blockchain. Finally, the authors discuss three types of challenges (i.e. administrative, technical and environmental) to the relationship between blockchain and organizational governance. Along with the development of blockchain applications, the impact of blockchain on organizational governance has progressed in both theory and practice. Therefore, these findings will have significant implications for both academics and practitioners.
Originality/value
This paper makes three key theoretical contributions: we review the literature on the impact of blockchain on organizational governance and present typical cases to illustrate it; propose four governance mechanisms for the application of blockchain in organizational governance; and propose an innovating-and-matching-oriented model of transaction upgrading based on blockchain.
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Zhiqiang Huang, Lei He, Xinxia Li, Yewei Kang and Dou Xie
The purpose of this paper is to propose a buoyancy-gravity adjustment device and a fuzzy intelligent controller for the depth control of a storage tank in-service inspection robot.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a buoyancy-gravity adjustment device and a fuzzy intelligent controller for the depth control of a storage tank in-service inspection robot.
Design/methodology/approach
The structure of the robot is first designed based on the construction of the bottom of a crude oil tank and explosion-proof requirements. The buoyancy-gravity adjustment system is used to control the vertical movement of the robot. The motion analysis of the robot indicates that the diving or rising process is influenced by hydrodynamic force and umbilical cord tension. Considering the nonlinear model in-depth control, a fuzzy intelligent controller is proposed to address the depth control problem. The primary fuzzy controller is used to compensate for initial error with fast response. The secondary fuzzy controller is activated by an intelligent switch to eliminate the steady error.
Findings
The proposed fuzzy controller can better solve the complicated hydrodynamic problem of the coupling of umbilical cord and the robot during depth control by classifying the error values of depth, velocity and acceleration.
Originality/value
The buoyancy-gravity adjustment device and the depth control system of the robot can move through the heating coils by safe and accurate diving or rising.
Details
Keywords
Zhiqiang Huang, Lei He, ZhaoXin Gao, Yingqi Jia, Yewei Kang, Dou Xie and Chunli Fu
This paper aims to introduce a new acoustic positioning method to solve the problem of space positioning for online inspection robots within the storage tank.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to introduce a new acoustic positioning method to solve the problem of space positioning for online inspection robots within the storage tank.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed positioning system comprises two acoustic signal emitters and two receivers. Emitters are brought by the robot into the storage tank. Receivers are mounted on the external edge of the storage tank floor. The spatial coordinate values and motion directions of the robot in the storage tank are calculated by using the proposed acoustic positioning algorithm.
Findings
The experiment results and positioning error analysis indicate that the method can obtain the data of robotic space coordinates and motion orientation, while the positioning error of the method can be less than 20 cm. The accuracy reaches the positioning technology level of other tank online inspection robots.
Originality/value
This method not only expands the positioning of the inspection robots from 2D plane to 3D space but also significantly reduces the number of positioning sensors carried by a robot and improves the safety of a robot in the tank.
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Benjamin Azembila Asunka, Zhiqiang Ma, Mingxing Li, Nelson Amowine, Oswin Aganda Anaba, Haoyang Xie and Weijun Hu
The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance of indigenous innovation in developing countries in the era of trade liberalization. It analyzes indigenous innovation from…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance of indigenous innovation in developing countries in the era of trade liberalization. It analyzes indigenous innovation from research and development (R&D) investments to innovation output and its effect on economic growth.
Design/methodology/approach
The sample for this study includes 20 middle-income countries across five continents for the period between 1994 and 2018. The study employs the Crepon Duguet and Mairessec CDM model in a panel data setting to do a multistage analysis of the innovation process. A vector error correction model VECM is employed to test for Granger causality between the variables investigated.
Findings
The results show that imports and foreign direct investments (FDI) have generally have short-run and long-run causal effects on domestic R&D investments. In regions where imports and FDI do not have individual causal effects on innovation output, a joint increase in each of them and R&D have both short-run and long-run causal effects. Indigenous innovation is a significant contributor to economic growth when a country can produce and export novel products.
Research limitations/implications
The sample is only limited to developing economies, and due to the unavailability of data, only 20 countries were captured.
Practical implications
Imported products and FDI are critical to the innovation drive when such activities are targeted at enhancing indigenous innovation from R&D to the production of new products. Hence, policy formulation should encourage the absorption of foreign technologies that serve as inputs to indigenous innovation.
Originality/value
This paper focuses specifically on indigenous innovation and analyses the influence of foreign technologies in this effort. It tests the moderating roles of imports and FDI in the relationship between R&D and innovation output, concluding that both variables enhance the effect of R&D on innovation output.
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Keywords
Md. Nurun Nabi, Liu Zhiqiang and Marium Akter
Drawing on the transformational leadership (TL) and knowledge-based view (KBV) theory, the present study investigates the impact of TL on radical innovation (RI) through the…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the transformational leadership (TL) and knowledge-based view (KBV) theory, the present study investigates the impact of TL on radical innovation (RI) through the mediation of knowledge management capabilities (KMCs) and moderation of competitive intensity (CI) of textile and apparel industries with an Asian context.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from the relevant stakeholders of the industry-university collaboration teams with a structured survey questionnaire. Working with 304 textile and apparel industry respondents, structural equation modeling based partial least square (PLS-SEM) is used to test the conceptual framework. PLS-SEM technique was applied to test the hypothesis using Smart-PLS 3.8 packages program.
Findings
The results proposed TL has a positive impact on KMC and RI. Furthermore, the study reveals KMC positively mediated the relationship between TL and RI. This mediation is conditional on the moderating role of CI for the KMC (knowledge acquisition capability + knowledge-sharing capability) path to RI. Conversely, moderation of CI is insignificant and does not influence on fostering RI.
Practical implications
Leaders and managers have realized creative and innovative culture is built within the organizations by leader-follower collaboration through actual knowledge acquisition and knowledge sharing. Moreover, industry policymakers and practitioners establish the knowledge management department to enhance the innovation culture among the firms' stakeholders to encourage RI to sustain the global business market.
Originality/value
The study has introduced KMC as a mediator and CI as a moderator in the proposed model between TL-RI and KMC-RI. Further, it explores the linkages between TL, KMC, CI and RI.
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Asad Ullah Khan, Zhiqiang Ma, Mingxing Li, Liangze Zhi, Weijun Hu and Xia Yang
The evolution from emerging technologies to smart libraries is thoroughly analyzed thematically and bibliometrically in this research study, spanning 2013 through 2022. Finding…
Abstract
Purpose
The evolution from emerging technologies to smart libraries is thoroughly analyzed thematically and bibliometrically in this research study, spanning 2013 through 2022. Finding and analyzing the significant changes, patterns and trends in the subject as they are represented in academic papers is the goal of this research.
Design/methodology/approach
Using bibliometric methodologies, this study gathered and examined a large corpus of research papers, conference papers and related material from several academic databases.
Findings
Starting with Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data (BD), Augmentation Reality/Virtual Reality and Blockchain Technology (BT), the study discusses the advent of new technologies and their effects on libraries. Using bibliometric analysis, this study looks at the evolution of publications over time, the geographic distribution of research and the most active institutions and writers in the area. A thematic analysis is also carried out to pinpoint the critical areas of study and trends in emerging technologies and smart libraries. Some emerging themes are information retrieval, personalized recommendations, intelligent data analytics, connected library spaces, real-time information access, augmented reality/virtual reality applications in libraries and strategies, digital literacy and inclusivity.
Originality/value
This study offers a thorough overview of the research environment by combining bibliometric and thematic analysis, illustrating the development of theories and concepts during the last ten years. The results of this study helps in understanding the trends and future research directions in emerging technologies and smart libraries. This study is an excellent source of information for academics, practitioners and policymakers involved in developing and applying cutting-edge technology in library environments.
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Meiling Wang, Qin Li, Zhiqiang Huang, Weiji Qian, Xiong Chen, Qiang Li and Tianhua Lai
This study aims to solve the premature failure of the rubber stator due to wear, reduce the frictional resistance moment of the screw pump to solve the problem of a model of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to solve the premature failure of the rubber stator due to wear, reduce the frictional resistance moment of the screw pump to solve the problem of a model of Daqing oilfield screw pump oil recovery system shutdown after the difficult start.
Design/methodology/approach
For the first time, the rotor surface of a screw pump was treated with dot-matrix texture to study the effect of dot matrix texture on the tribological performance of the stator-rotor friction subsets of screw pump. Reciprocating friction tests with different texture morphologies (S-shape, double tongue) and angular parameters (0°, 45° and 90°) were conducted at 10% of the texture area and pump silicone grease.
Findings
When point texture was added to the surface of the rotor sample, the friction coefficient and wear quantity of the sample were lower than those of the surface without texture treatment, and the double tongue 0° combination showed the best tribological properties. At this time, the average coefficient of friction and wear is reduced by 22.8% and 62%, 28.6% and 64.8%.
Originality/value
The introduction of texture can effectively improve the tribological performance of progressive screw pumps, and this paper provides important theoretical and experimental support for the design of progressive screw pumps in practical applications.
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Keywords
Syed Mudasser Abbas and Zhiqiang Liu
Sustainable development research assumes that startups, under extreme financial constraints, cannot sacrifice resources now for benefits later without risking their survival…
Abstract
Purpose
Sustainable development research assumes that startups, under extreme financial constraints, cannot sacrifice resources now for benefits later without risking their survival. Furthermore, their non-compliance with environmental regulations adds fuel to the fire. This paper aims to explore the challenges faced by startups in resource-scarce economies and the innovative ways of coping with these challenges.
Design/methodology/approach
The data for the study was collected through 17 semi-structured interviews taken from startup owners and industry experts based in Pakistan and Bangladesh. The transcribed data were coded through NVivo 12 and themes were generated by merging 47 open and 14 axial codes.
Findings
The findings show that a lack of government support and lack of organisational readiness and motivation significantly affect startups’ frugal eco-innovation. Empirical evidence reveals problems related to the business ecosystem, and internal organisational issues also contribute to challenges faced by startups in attaining a competitive position in the industry.
Research limitations/implications
The study’s findings suggested leveraging dynamic capabilities can help lean startups in frugal eco-innovation. Furthermore, organisational cohesion, business ecosystem, government regulations and assistantship, organisational mismanagement and market realisation are decisive in startups’ competitive position in emerging economies.
Practical implications
The findings of the study will result in a higher adoption rate of more competitive business models, and hence, startups’ sustainability. The results would be an effective and efficient deployment of sustainable technological solutions, creating more customer and shareholder value leading to economic growth.
Originality/value
This research offers a comprehensive analysis of frugal eco-innovative startups by exploring the interplay between different challenges and organisational capabilities. Furthermore, the study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence that eco-innovation can be conducted in a resource-constrained environment. This study challenged the scholarly and managerial assumption of the availability of finances as a significant player in eco-innovation. The study also links the Darwin theory of startups to a competitive edge over rivals for startups’ survival.
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