Search results

1 – 10 of over 6000
Article
Publication date: 31 May 2022

Li Zhang, Haiyan Fang, Weimin Bao, Haifeng Sun, Lirong Shen, Jianyu Su and Liang Zhao

X-ray pulsar navigation (XPNAV) is an autonomous celestial navigation technology for deep space missions. The error in the pulse time of arrival used in pulsar navigation is large…

Abstract

Purpose

X-ray pulsar navigation (XPNAV) is an autonomous celestial navigation technology for deep space missions. The error in the pulse time of arrival used in pulsar navigation is large for various practical reasons and thus greatly reduces the navigation accuracy of spacecraft near the Earth and in deep space. This paper aims to propose a novel method based on ranging information that improves the performance of XPNAV.

Design/methodology/approach

This method replaces one pulsar observation with a satellite observation. The ranging information is the difference between the absolute distance of the satellite relative to the spacecraft and the estimated distance of the satellite relative to the spacecraft. The proposed method improves the accuracy of XPNAV by combining the ranging information with the observation data of two pulsars.

Findings

The simulation results show that the proposed method greatly improves the XPNAV accuracy by 70% compared with the conventional navigation method that combines the observations of three pulsars. This research also shows that a larger angle between the orbital plane of the satellite and that of the spacecraft provides higher navigation accuracy. In addition, a greater orbital altitude difference implies higher navigation accuracy. The position error and ranging error of the satellite have approximately linear relationships with the navigation accuracy.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is that the satellite ranging information is integrated into the pulsar navigation by using mathematical geometry.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 94 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2019

Zhe Sun and Liang Zhao

Building trust is critical in reverse mergers and acquisitions (M&As), attributed to the divergence of governance and culture between the East and the West. This paper aims to…

Abstract

Purpose

Building trust is critical in reverse mergers and acquisitions (M&As), attributed to the divergence of governance and culture between the East and the West. This paper aims to explore the barriers and trust-building practices of Chinese managers in reverse M&As in developed countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The primary data set of this research contains case studies of two Chinese M&A deals and in-depth interviews with managers and advisories in the Netherlands.

Findings

This research finds that the divergences of decision-making structure, communication style and trust orientation generate barriers to the trust building in Chinese reverse M&As. The third-party advisory participation helps to build cognition-based trust of acquired company managers on Chinese acquiring company managers through providing information and explanation, fitting Chinese buyers in the Western M&A procedure and offering communication. It also helps to build affect-based trust through bridging the divergence of trust orientation and filling the cultural voids. Meanwhile, the invisible integration helps to build cognition-based trust through maintaining the core business, offering great help to acquired companies for their business expansion and selecting the business collaboration areas in the long term. It also helps to build affect-based trust through granting a high degree of governance independence and enabling a balanced status in acquired companies.

Originality/value

This research unveils the “black box” of Chinese reverse M&As from an inter-personal trust perspective and advances the nuanced understanding of trust and trust-building practices in Chinese reverse M&As. It also provides practical tools for both Chinese companies and acquired companies in developed countries.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2018

Jian Zhan, Xin Janet Ge, Shoudong Huang, Liang Zhao, Johnny Kwok Wai Wong and Sean XiangJian He

Automated technologies have been applied to facility management (FM) practices to address labour demands of, and time consumed by, inputting and processing manual data. Less…

Abstract

Purpose

Automated technologies have been applied to facility management (FM) practices to address labour demands of, and time consumed by, inputting and processing manual data. Less attention has been focussed on automation of visual information, such as images, when improving timely maintenance decisions. This study aims to develop image classification algorithms to improve information flow in the inspection-repair process through building information modelling (BIM).

Design/methodology/approach

To improve and automate the inspection-repair process, image classification algorithms were used to connect images with a corresponding image database in a BIM knowledge repository. Quick response (QR) code decoding and Bag of Words were chosen to classify images in the system. Graphical user interfaces (GUIs) were developed to facilitate activity collaboration and communication. A pilot case study in an inspection-repair process was applied to demonstrate the applications of this system.

Findings

The system developed in this study associates the inspection-repair process with a digital three-dimensional (3D) model, GUIs, a BIM knowledge repository and image classification algorithms. By implementing the proposed application in a case study, the authors found that improvement of the inspection-repair process and automated image classification with a BIM knowledge repository (such as the one developed in this study) can enhance FM practices by increasing productivity and reducing time and costs associated with ecision-making.

Originality/value

This study introduces an innovative approach that applies image classification and leverages a BIM knowledge repository to enhance the inspection-repair process in FM practice. The system designed provides automated image-classifying data from a smart phone, eliminates time required to input image data manually and improves communication and collaboration between FM personnel for maintenance in the decision-making process.

Details

Facilities, vol. 37 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-2772

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 June 2019

Liang Zhao and Tsvi Vinig

This paper aims to examine different hypotheses concerning the effects of guanxi on the reward-based crowdfunding project fundraising. Specifically, this study provides new…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine different hypotheses concerning the effects of guanxi on the reward-based crowdfunding project fundraising. Specifically, this study provides new insights into how guanxi and guanxi intensity may affect reward-based crowdfunding success and project performance in the Chinese context.

Design/methodology/approach

The research data including 989 crowdfunding projects were collected from zhongchou.com which is the largest reward-based crowdfunding platform in a one-year period (2014.1-2014.12). The hypotheses are tested by using robust OLS regressions and robust logistic regressions. Robustness check was also conducted to test the validation of the results.

Findings

This paper found that project developers’ guanxi-establishing behavior conducted before launching their own projects such as being fans of other projects and supporting other projects are positively related to project success. In addition, the intensity of guanxi-establishing behavior positively influences project performance in a significant way. Besides, the establishment and maintenance of project developers’ guanxi with funders during the fundraising process are also positively associated with project success and fundraising performance.

Originality/value

Based on the theory of trust, this paper offers an interesting and novel perspective to investigate reward-based crowdfunding success in the Chinese context by taking guanxi and guanxi intensity into consideration.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 November 2022

Yunian Pang, Yanghepu Li and Liang Zhao

This paper aims to fill a research gap on whether cultural background (Eastern or Western) influences tourist flow experiences and outcomes with Chinese-speaking tourists.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to fill a research gap on whether cultural background (Eastern or Western) influences tourist flow experiences and outcomes with Chinese-speaking tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors conducted flow-aware, guided cultural tours in Kyoto, Japan, from March 2019 to February 2020. Tourists visited the same spots on the same route with the same guide to avoid discrepancies stemming from experiencing different tours with different guides. Professional photoshoots were conducted to study the flow experience under high challenges. Participants were Chinese-speaking tourists worldwide. The guide spoke in Chinese to minimise language bias. Participants were asked to complete an anonymous questionnaire within one week of the tours.

Findings

The authors received 191 valid responses. Those from the Eastern regions showed significantly lower flow states and outcomes than their counterparts from the Western regions under high challenges, whereas this phenomenon was not observed under low challenges. A positive correlation between the flow state and outcomes was observed in both regional groups.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to apply flow theory to guided cultural tours with Chinese-speaking tourists from different cultural backgrounds. It was found that those from the Eastern regions can have flow experience and good outcomes in guided tours, although they may require a lower level of challenge. A managerial implication is that cultural tours should be designed considering the balance between challenges and tourists’ cultural background to optimise their flow experiences and outcomes.

Details

Consumer Behavior in Tourism and Hospitality, vol. 17 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2752-6666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 November 2019

Liang Zhao and Zhe Sun

Despite the growing research exploring the possibility and feasibility of financing socially oriented projects through crowdfunding, relatively little research examines which…

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the growing research exploring the possibility and feasibility of financing socially oriented projects through crowdfunding, relatively little research examines which crowdfunding model is better to serve such purpose. The purpose of this paper is to offer novel insights to mitigate this research gap.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique data set collected from the largest Chinese crowdfunding platform is used to test the hypotheses. To solve the perceived self-selection problem, the propensity score matching method is adopted in this paper. Based on this approach, the results of similar prosocial campaigns in two different models (pure donation and hybrid donation) are compared.

Findings

The empirical results show that the hybrid donation model is negatively associated with the status of success and the extent of success of prosocial campaigns. Specifically, compared to the pure donation model, hybrid donation model leads to a lower probability of success, fewer contributors, a lower funding amount and a lower completion ratio.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to a relatively understudied theme in crowdfunding, namely, donations. It does so by introducing the concepts of pure vs hybrid donation models and investigates the model selection problem in financing social projects through crowdfunding based on cognitive evaluation theory.

Details

Baltic Journal of Management, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-5265

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2022

Zhe Sun, Liang Zhao, Hongji Wei, Xiaoming Wang and Rosanne Rosalie Riemersma

The study aims to examine the effects of guanxi and harmonious leadership on acquisition performance and the role of sociocultural integration as a mediating mechanism impacting…

Abstract

Purpose

The study aims to examine the effects of guanxi and harmonious leadership on acquisition performance and the role of sociocultural integration as a mediating mechanism impacting the above links, with a focus on Chinese cross-border acquisitions in The Netherlands.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected through survey questionnaire with 91 respondents who work in Dutch-acquired companies. Regression analysis was used for exploring the relationship.

Findings

The study finds that both guanxi and harmonious leadership are positive to acquisition performance, and sociocultural integration represents a significant mediating mechanism by which guanxi and harmonious leadership can result in improved acquisition performance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to culture research by emphasizing the clarification of specific Chinese cultural values and cultural practices in cross-border acquisitions and examining the role of guanxi and harmonious leadership in acquisition performance. Meanwhile, this study helps to unveil Chinese cross-border acquisitions in The Netherlands by examining the mediating force – sociocultural integration.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 18 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 July 2017

Liang Zhao and Tsvi Vinig

In the existing literature on crowdfunding project performance, previous studies have given little attention to the impact of investors’ hedonic value and utilitarian value on…

1026

Abstract

Purpose

In the existing literature on crowdfunding project performance, previous studies have given little attention to the impact of investors’ hedonic value and utilitarian value on project results. In a crowdfunding setting, utilitarian value is somehow hard to satisfy due to information asymmetry and adverse selection problem. Therefore, the projects with more hedonic value can be more attractive for potential investors. Lucky draw is a method to increase consumer hedonic value, and it can influence investors’ behavior as a result. The authors hypothesize that projects with hedonic treatment (lucky draw) may have higher probability to win their campaign than others. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

A unique self-extracted two-year Chinese crowdfunding platform real data set has been applied as the analysis sample. The authors first employ propensity score matching methods to control for the endogeneity of hedonic treatment adoption (lucky draw). The authors then run OLS regression and probit regression in order to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The analysis suggests a significant positive relationship not only between project lottery adoption and project results but also between project lottery adoption and project popularity.

Originality/value

The results suggest that an often ignored factor – hedonic treatment (lucky draw) – can play an important role in crowdfunding project performance.

Details

Review of Behavioral Finance, vol. 9 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1940-5979

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 July 2018

Xin Liu, Yuming Xing and Liang Zhao

The purpose of this study is to investigate structure parameters that influence the mixing process of droplets-gas in underwater depth-adjustable launcher cooling chamber and help…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate structure parameters that influence the mixing process of droplets-gas in underwater depth-adjustable launcher cooling chamber and help engineers who design the launcher to distinguish the most important factor that impacts mixing performance in the cooling chamber.

Design/methodology/approach

Euler–Lagrangian droplet tracking method was used to simulate droplets-gas mixing process in the cooling chamber. The SST k-w model was adopted to simulate turbulence. Droplet breakup was described by KHRT hybrid model using modified contains which are more fit to the supersonic main flow condition.

Findings

The results show the counter-rotating vortex pairs which caused by injected liquid accelerate the mixing process. High-pressure supersonic freestream makes the liquid jet break into more small droplets due to the high momentum of the main stream. Axial injection angle has the greatest influence on Sauter mean diameter (SMD). Penetration height, SMD and total pressure loss slightly change in different tangential injection conditions. However, mixedness decreases with reduction of tangential injection angle due to a more limited space for spray developing. Enlarging orifice diameter raises penetration and mixedness greatly, while SMD and total pressure loss increase slightly.

Originality/value

The findings of this study confirm the key structure parameter to improve mixing performance in the cooling chamber. Engineers who design the underwater depth-adjustable launcher can refer the findings in this study to make control of launching power more accurate.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 35 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2020

Sheng Chen, Yuming Xing, Xin Liu and Liang Zhao

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the injection angle α on the spray structures of an air-blast atomizer and help enhance the understanding of droplet-gas…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the injection angle α on the spray structures of an air-blast atomizer and help enhance the understanding of droplet-gas mixing process in such atomizers in the engineering domain.

Design/methodology/approach

The phenomena in the air-blast atomizer were numerically modelled using the computational fluid dynamics software Fluent 17.2. The Euler-Lagrange approach was applied to model the droplet tracking and droplet-gas interaction in studied cases. The standard k-ε model was used to simulate the turbulent flow. A model with a modified drag coefficient was used to consider the effects of the bending of the liquid column and its penetration in the primary breakup region. The Kelvin-Helmholtz, Rayleigh-Taylor model was applied to consider the secondary breakup of the droplets.

Findings

The basic spatial distribution and spray structures of the droplets corresponding to the angled liquid jet (α = 60°) were similar to those reported in liquid jets injected transversely into a gaseous crossflow studies. The injection angle α did not considerably influence the averaged Sauter to mean diameter (SMD) of the cross-sections. However, the spray structures pertaining to α = 30°, α = 60° and α = 90° were considerably different. In the case of the atomizer with multiple injections, a “collision region” was observed at α = 60° and characterized by a higher ci and larger averaged SMD in the central parts of the cross-sections.

Originality/value

The injection angle α is a key design parameter for air-blast atomizers. The findings of this study can help enhance the understanding of the droplet-gas mixing process in air-blast atomizers. Engineers who design air-blast atomizers and face new challenges in the process can refer to the presented findings to obtain the desired atomization performance. The code has been validated and can be used in the engineering design process of the gas-liquid jet atomizer.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 38 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 6000