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Article
Publication date: 20 June 2024

Dian Wang, Chuanjin Huang, Ning Hu and Qiang Wei

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the influence of low earth orbit space environment on the wear mechanism of TC4 alloy material and crank rocker mechanism.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the influence of low earth orbit space environment on the wear mechanism of TC4 alloy material and crank rocker mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, friction experiments were carried out on TC4 alloy friction discs and crank rocker mechanisms, both before and after exposure to atomic oxygen and proton irradiation. Nanoindentation, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to systematically characterize alterations in mechanical properties, surface phase, and chemical composition.

Findings

The results show that the wear mechanism of TC4 alloy friction disc is mainly adhesive wear in vacuum environment, while the wear mechanism of crank rocker mechanism includes not only adhesive wear but also abrasive wear. Atomic oxygen exposure leads to the formation of more oxides on the surface of TC4 alloy, which form abrasive particles during the friction process. Proton irradiation will lead to a decrease in fatigue performance and an increase in hardness on the surface of TC4 alloy, thus causing fatigue wear on the surface of TC4 alloy, and more furrows appear on the crank rocker mechanism after proton irradiation. In the three environments, the characteristics of abrasive wear of the crank rocker mechanism are more obvious than those of the TC4 alloy friction disc.

Originality/value

These results highlight the importance of understanding the subtle effects of atomic oxygen and proton irradiation on the wear behavior of TC4 alloy and provide some insights for optimizing its performance in space applications.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-02-2024-0051/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 76 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 August 2024

Ming Xu, Qiang Xu, Sheng Wei, Xufei Gu and Furong Liu

The increasing focus of consumers on health and environmental sustainability continues to drive the demand for organic food. Despite the recognized importance of health and…

Abstract

Purpose

The increasing focus of consumers on health and environmental sustainability continues to drive the demand for organic food. Despite the recognized importance of health and environmental concerns, the differential impact of these factors on organic food purchasing decisions is evident, indicating the presence of moderating variables. This investigation attempts to delineate these contingencies within the realms of socio-environmental and individual factors, paying particular attention to subjective norms, uncertainty, and egoistic values.

Design/methodology/approach

Using the convenience sampling method, the primary data sample was collected by a professional market research consulting firm and included 1876 usable respondents from China. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilized to verify the model and test the relationships between the constructs.

Findings

The results indicated that the path from environmental concern to organic food purchase intention was significantly influenced by subjective norms and uncertainty, both of which enhance this relationship. In contrast, egoistic values appeared to dampen this effect. Uncertainty also emerged as a key factor in the link between health concerns and organic food purchase intention, albeit with an opposite impact, weakening the relationship.

Practical implications

This study provides useful insights for academics and marketers to understand the complex phenomenon of organic consumer behavior. This result indicates that marketers can target reference groups to develop organic food marketing strategies.

Originality/value

Few studies have proposed and validated a model with these moderating factors collectively to study the purchase intention of organic food consumers in China.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 June 2024

Muhammad Sualeh Khattak, Qiang Wu, Maqsood Ahmad and Muhammad Anwar

This study explores the mechanism by which intellectual capital (IC) [i.e. human capital (HC), structural capital (SC) and relational capital (RC)] influences small and…

Abstract

Purpose

This study explores the mechanism by which intellectual capital (IC) [i.e. human capital (HC), structural capital (SC) and relational capital (RC)] influences small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) efficiency in the presence of business model innovation (BMI) as a mediator.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collection is conducted through a survey completed by 319 owners and top managers of SMEs operating in the manufacturing sector in three cities in Pakistan. A simple random sampling method is used. A structural equation modeling artificial neural network (SEM-ANN)-based approach is applied to evaluate the role of IC predictors. The mediation results are authenticated using PROCESS.

Findings

The results indicate that HC, SC and RC significantly influence SME efficiency and BMI. Furthermore, BMI fully mediates the relationship between human capital and SME efficiency, while partially mediating the relationship between structural capital and SME efficiency, as well as between SC and SME efficiency.

Originality/value

This study pioneers research into the link between IC and SME efficiency. It contributes to the literature by defining IC as an antecedent of SME efficiency. It further contributes to the literature by defining IC as an antecedent and BMI as an intervening variable of SME efficiency.

Details

Journal of Intellectual Capital, vol. 25 no. 2/3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1469-1930

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 May 2024

Qiang Yang, Tianfei Xia, Lijia Zhang, Ziye Zhou, Dequan Guo, Ao Gu, Xucai Zeng and Ping Wang

The purpose of this paper is to use the corresponding magnetic sensor and detection method to detect and image the defects of small diameter pipelines. Urban gas pipeline is an…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to use the corresponding magnetic sensor and detection method to detect and image the defects of small diameter pipelines. Urban gas pipeline is an energy transportation tool for urban industrial production and social life, which is closely related to urban safety. Preventing the occurrence of urban gas pipeline transportation accidents and carrying out pipeline defect detection are of great significance for the urban economic and social stability. To perform pipeline defect detection, the magnetic flux leakage internal detection method is generally used in the detection of large-diameter long-distance oil and gas pipelines. However, in terms of the internal detection of small-diameter pipelines, due to the heavy weight, large structure of the detection device and small pipe diameter, the detection is more difficult.

Design/methodology/approach

In order to solve the above matters, self-made three-dimensional magnetic sensor and three-dimensional magnetic flux leakage imaging direct method are proposed for studying the defect identification. Firstly, for adapting to the diameter range of small-diameter pipelines, and containing the complete information of the defect, a self-made three-dimensional magnetic sensor is made in this paper to improve the accuracy of magnetic flux leakage detection. And on the basis of it, a small diameter pipeline defect detection system is built. Secondly, as detection signal may be affected by background magnetic field interference and the jitter interference, the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition with adaptive noise method is utilized to screen the detected signal. As a result, the useful signal is reconstructed and the interference signal is removed. Finally, the defect contour inversion imaging of detection is realized based on the direct method of three-dimensional magnetic flux leakage imaging, which includes three-dimensional magnetic flux leakage detection data and data segmentation recognition.

Findings

The three-dimensional magnetic flux leakage imaging experimental results shown that, compared to the actual defects, the typical defects, irregular defects and crack groove defects can be analyzed by the magnetic flux leakage defect contour imaging method in qualitative and quantitative way respectively, which provides a new idea for the research of defect recognition.

Originality/value

A three-dimensional magnetic sensor is made to adapt the diameter range of small diameter pipeline, and based on it, a small-diameter pipeline defect detection system is built to collect and display the magnetic flux leakage signal.

Article
Publication date: 16 July 2024

Wei Qian, Carol Tilt and Ping Zhu

This paper aims to examine the role of local/provincial government in influencing corporate social and environmental reporting (CSER) in China, and more specifically, how the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of local/provincial government in influencing corporate social and environmental reporting (CSER) in China, and more specifically, how the underlying economic and political factors associated with local government have influenced the quality of CSER.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used 234 environmentally sensitive companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges during 2013 and 2015 as the research sample to test the relationship between CSER and local government’s political connection and economic prioritisation and the potential mediating effect of local economic prioritisation.

Findings

The analysis provides evidence that local/provincial government’s political geographical connectedness with the central government has directly and positively influenced the level of CSER, while local prioritisation of economic development has a direct but negative effect on CSER in China. In addition, local/provincial prioritisation of economic development has mediated the relationship between local–central political geographical connectedness and CSER.

Practical implications

While local/provincial governments are heavily influenced by the coercive pressure from the central government, they also act in their own political and economic interests in overseeing CSER at the local level. This study raises the question about the effectiveness of the top-down approach to improving CSER in China and suggests that the central government may need to focus more on coordinating and harmonising different local/provincial governments’ interests to enable achieving a common sustainability goal.

Originality/value

The authors provide evidence revealing how the economic and political contexts of local government have played a significant role in shaping CSER in China. More specifically, this paper addresses a gap in the literature by highlighting the importance of local government oversight power for CSER development and how such oversight is determined by local prioritisation of economic development and political geographical connectedness of local and central governments.

Details

Meditari Accountancy Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2049-372X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 July 2024

Xuemei Wang, Jixiang He, Yue Ma, Hao Wang, Dehong Ma, Dongdong Zhang and Hudie Zhao

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the tannase-assisted extraction of tea stem pigment from waste tea stem, after which the stability of the purified pigment was determined…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the tannase-assisted extraction of tea stem pigment from waste tea stem, after which the stability of the purified pigment was determined and analyzed.

Design/methodology/approach

The extracting process was optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM) approach. Material-liquid ratio, temperature and time were chosen as variables and the absorbance as a response. The stability of the tea stem pigment at the different conditions was tested and analyzed.

Findings

The optimized extraction technology was as follows: material-liquid ratio 1:20 g/ml, temperature 50°C and time 60 min. The stability test results showed that tea stem pigment was sensitive to oxidants, but the reducing agents did not affect it. The tea stem pigment was unstable under strong acid and strong alkali and was most stable at pH 6. The light stability was poor. Tea stem pigment would form flocculent precipitation under the action of Fe2+ or Fe3+ and be relatively stable in Cu2+ and Na2+ solutions. The tea stem pigment was relatively stable at 60°C and below.

Originality/value

No comprehensive and systematic study reports have been conducted on the extraction of pigment from discarded tea stem, and researchers have not used statistical analysis to optimize the process of tannase-assisted tea stem pigment extraction using RSM. Additionally, there is a lack of special reports on the systematic study of the stability of pigment extracted from tea stem.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2024

Heng Tang and Shoaib Ali

This research intends to analyze the innovation ecosystem factors that play a vital role in firm performance. As a result, large-scale empirical studies on the innovation…

Abstract

Purpose

This research intends to analyze the innovation ecosystem factors that play a vital role in firm performance. As a result, large-scale empirical studies on the innovation ecosystem are rare, and fewer efforts have been made to determine if and how different factors affect the ecosystem models of firms. There has yet to be a substantial empirical study on the innovation ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were acquired from Pakistani IT companies. The results show that factors of the innovation ecosystem significantly contribute to business performance. The essential assumption is that resource endowment, organizational culture, knowledge and competence, and technology capability are allied to the innovation ecosystem.

Findings

The findings are crucial from a managerial view because firms must focus on changing their innovation ecosystem factors model to achieve greater performance. Radical changes in the firms will only be worthwhile if they value their resource endowments. To attain superior firm performance via influential factors of the innovation ecosystem, IT administrators need to build organizational cultural capacities to adapt to changes brought on by digitization quickly and effectively. However, this must be supplemented by improving organizational knowledge, competencies and technological capabilities to enable organizations to modify their ecosystems.

Originality/value

Eventually, firms can better respond to changes in their settings if they combine these variables by implementing an effective innovation ecosystem model, which leads to greater sector and superior financial performance.

Article
Publication date: 3 September 2024

Deyong Ma and Yongjun Ma

The purpose of this paper is to test if the digital economy improves the quality of life of our residents. Furthermore, if this finding is confirmed, what would be the mechanism…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test if the digital economy improves the quality of life of our residents. Furthermore, if this finding is confirmed, what would be the mechanism behind its effect? Does the impact of the digital economy on quality of life vary according to its level of development?

Design/methodology/approach

A comprehensive index of the digital economy, income gap and quality of life was constructed empirically based on data from 220 cities in China from 2011–2020. A multi-dimensional empirical analysis was conducted in this paper.

Findings

The analysis of the pathways of action shows that narrowing the income gap is an important mechanism through which the digital economy actively contributes to the quality of life. The results of the threshold model show that the “marginal effect” of the digital economy on quality of life is non-linear and increasing. The results show that after a series of robustness tests, including instrumental variables, the digital economy still significantly enhances people’s quality of life.

Research limitations/implications

This paper reveals the intrinsic link between the digital economy and quality of life and provides a theoretical basis for further improving people’s well-being.

Practical implications

Encouraging the development of the digital economy is a useful way to improve the quality of life by narrowing the income gap.

Originality/value

Data analysis of the digital economy from 2011–2020 in China to get an insight into what would be the mechanism behind the digital economy improving the quality of life of our residents.

Details

Digital Policy, Regulation and Governance, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5038

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 July 2024

Jingcheng Wen, Yihao Qin, Ye Bai and Xiaoqing Dong

Express freight transportation is in rapid development currently. Owing to the higher speed of express freight train, the deformation of the bridge deck worsens the railway line…

Abstract

Purpose

Express freight transportation is in rapid development currently. Owing to the higher speed of express freight train, the deformation of the bridge deck worsens the railway line condition under the action of wind and train moving load when the train runs over a long-span bridge. Besides, the blunt car body of vehicle has poor aerodynamic characteristics, bringing a greater challenge on the running stability in the crosswind.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the aerodynamic force coefficients of express freight vehicles on the bridge are measured by scale model wind tunnel test. The dynamic model of the train-long-span steel truss bridge coupling system is established, and the dynamic response as well as the running safety of vehicle are evaluated.

Findings

The results show that wind speed has a significant influence on running safety, which is mainly reflected in the over-limitation of wheel unloading rate. The wind speed limit decreases with train speed, and it reduces to 18.83 m/s when the train speed is 160 km/h.

Originality/value

This study deepens the theoretical understanding of the interaction between vehicles and bridges and proposes new methods for analyzing similar engineering problems. It also provides a new theoretical basis for the safety assessment of express freight trains.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 3 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 22 July 2024

Qiang Xiao, Liu Yi-Cong, Yue-Peng Zhou, Zhi-Hong Wang, Sui-Xin Fan, Jun-Hu Meng and Junde Guo

Given the current friction and wear challenges faced by automobile parts and bearings, this study aims to identify a novel texture for creating anti-friction and wear-resistant…

16

Abstract

Purpose

Given the current friction and wear challenges faced by automobile parts and bearings, this study aims to identify a novel texture for creating anti-friction and wear-resistant surfaces. This includes detailing the preparation process with the objective of mitigating friction and wear in working conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

Femtosecond laser technology was used to create a mango-shaped texture on the surface of GCr15 bearing steel. The optimized processing technology of the texture surface was obtained through adjusting the laser scanning speed. The tribological behavior of the laser-textured surface was investigated using a reciprocating tribometer.

Findings

The friction coefficient of the mango-shaped texture surface is 25% lower than that of the conventional surface, this can be attributed to the reduced contact area between the friction ball and the micro-textured surface, leading to stress concentration at the extrusion edge and a larger stress distribution area on the contact part of the ball and disk compared to the conventional surface and the function of the micro-texture in storing wear chips during the sliding process, thereby reducing secondary wear.

Originality/value

The mango-shaped textured surface in this study demonstrates effective solutions for some of the friction and wear issues, offering significant benefits for equipment operation under light load conditions.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-04-2024-0127/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

1 – 10 of 24