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1 – 10 of 10Xinguang Chen, Xiaolan Tang, Bonita Stanton, Hanwu Li and Weiqing Chen
The reduction of tobacco use among medical students is a potentially powerful strategy to reduce tobacco use among future health professionals, who in turn, can have significant…
Abstract
Purpose
The reduction of tobacco use among medical students is a potentially powerful strategy to reduce tobacco use among future health professionals, who in turn, can have significant impact on tobacco use among patients as well as the general population in China. The goal of this study is to update information on the prevalence of cigarette smoking among Chinese medical students and to assess modifiable factors for smoking reduction.
Design/methodology/approach
Presented in the paper are descriptive, associative and path model analyses of survey data collected among 758 medical students in year one through year three from Hainan Medical College, Hainan, China.
Findings
Among the total 758 participants, 66.9 percent of males and 26 percent of females smoked and 26.5 percent of males and 1.6 percent of females had smoked in the past 30 days. The median monthly expenditure on cigarettes was 30 Chinese Yuan (approximately US$4.25). The likelihood of smoking increased with male gender, more advanced year group, poor academic performance, perceived peer smoking, and depressive symptoms, after controlling for covariates.
Originality/value
Findings reported in this study provide further insight into the smoking prevalence among medical students in China as well as adding to knowledge about several potentially modifiable factors that are related to smoking. Data collected in this study are likely to prove valuable in prioritizing tobacco control among Chinese medical students, as they are future medical doctors, and their smoking behaviors will have strong influence on their patients as well as the general public.
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Dongliang Qi, Dongdong Wang, Like Deng, Xiaolan Xu and Cheng-Tang Wu
Although high-order smooth reproducing kernel mesh-free approximation enables the analysis of structural vibrations in an efficient collocation formulation, there is still a lack…
Abstract
Purpose
Although high-order smooth reproducing kernel mesh-free approximation enables the analysis of structural vibrations in an efficient collocation formulation, there is still a lack of systematic theoretical accuracy assessment for such approach. The purpose of this paper is to present a detailed accuracy analysis for the reproducing kernel mesh-free collocation method regarding structural vibrations.
Design/methodology/approach
Both second-order problems such as one-dimensional (1D) rod and two-dimensional (2D) membrane and fourth-order problems such as Euler–Bernoulli beam and Kirchhoff plate are considered. Staring from a generic equation of motion deduced from the reproducing kernel mesh-free collocation method, a frequency error measure is rationally attained through properly introducing the consistency conditions of reproducing kernel mesh-free shape functions.
Findings
This paper reveals that for the second-order structural vibration problems, the frequency accuracy orders are p and (p − 1) for even and odd degree basis functions; for the fourth-order structural vibration problems, the frequency accuracy orders are (p − 2) and (p − 3) for even and odd degree basis functions, respectively, where p denotes the degree of the basis function used in mesh-free approximation.
Originality/value
A frequency accuracy estimation is achieved for the reproducing kernel mesh-free collocation analysis of structural vibrations, which can effectively underpin the practical applications of this method.
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Ming Li, Weiguo Fan and Xiaolan Luo
In response to the government’s decision to make “entrepreneurship and innovation for all” a national strategy in its 2015 annual work report, Chinese professionals in the library…
Abstract
Purpose
In response to the government’s decision to make “entrepreneurship and innovation for all” a national strategy in its 2015 annual work report, Chinese professionals in the library field have expressed a growing interest in makerspaces. This study aims to provide an overview of their current research studies and attempts in constructing makerspaces.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors aggregated research materials on library makerspaces in China from two sources: journal articles from the China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database and online news reports from the search engine Baidu.com. Content analysis was used to extract information regarding visions and perceived values, service models and technology adoption.
Findings
While a growing number of Chinese academic publications are concerned with library makerspaces, the existing research focuses on foreign cases and offers few empirical studies on domestic application scenarios. Libraries and researchers in China hold a positive and supportive attitude toward makerspaces. 3D printing is the most frequently mentioned technology, and free-to-use, promoting communication and realization of ideas and dreams are the most emphasized values. Libraries should highlight their own unique advantages and tap into their resources and services in mutually beneficial collaborations with other types of makerspaces.
Research limitations/implications
First, the results of this study cannot fully summarize the development status of makerspaces in Chinese libraries. Second, the research materials used in this study may be biased, especially the news reports.
Practical implications
This paper presents a semantic, visualized analysis of aggregated online news articles and journal articles on library makerspaces in China in an attempt to summarize their characteristics and guiding values, validate the advantages of library makerspaces and give suggestions on improving their service models.
Social implications
This paper introduces the development trend of makerspace in Chinese libraries, so that researchers at home and abroad can learn more about the development of Chinese library.
Originality/value
This study comprehensively overviews the development of library makerspaces in China. The results provide suggestions to improve maker services in library.
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Junmin Xu, Alvin Chung Man Leung, Wei Thoo Yue and Qin Su
A substantial amount of research has examined the firm value impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Nevertheless, the findings have been inconsistent, prompting…
Abstract
Purpose
A substantial amount of research has examined the firm value impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Nevertheless, the findings have been inconsistent, prompting researchers to identify contingencies under which the impact varies. This study examines how information technology (IT)-enabled knowledge capabilities moderate the relationship between CSR and firm value.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted the ordinary least squares (OLS) regression analysis on a sample of S&P 500 companies spanning from 2010 to 2017. We employed additional methods to test the robustness of the results, including the generalized method of moments (GMM) estimator and the two-stage least squares (2SLS) method.
Findings
The results show that IT-enabled absorptive capability (IT-AC) and IT-enabled social integration capability (IT-SIC) positively moderate the CSR–value relationship. Further, their moderating effects vary in distinct ways when environmental dynamism changes, hinting at the distinct underlying rationales behind the moderating roles of IT-AC and IT-SIC.
Research limitations/implications
This study improves the understanding of the business value of CSR and IT. It has limitations in generalizability due to the use of secondary data.
Practical implications
This study provides practical guidelines to managers about how to strategically leverage IT resources for the creation of CSR value.
Social implications
Encouraging businesses to enhance their CSR efforts and uphold sustainability extends beyond our immediate benefit and impacts future generations as well. However, due to an imbalance between costs and returns, companies often refrain from being wholeheartedly devoted to CSR. Our insights on guiding companies to derive more value from CSR can inspire their greater investment in CSR. Meanwhile, companies can obtain additional returns from deployed IT.
Originality/value
This study extends the IT business value literature by revealing how IT generates firm value in the context of CSR. It also adds critical insights into the mixed findings in previous research regarding the CSR–firm value link. The study’s findings offer useful guidance on the strategic deployment and utilization of IT resources to facilitate the creation of CSR value.
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Shuangshuang Li, Xintian Liu, Xiaolan Wang and Yansong Wang
During the running of automobile, the stabilizer bar is frequently subjected to the impact of complex random loads, which is prone to fatigue failure and accident. In regard to…
Abstract
Purpose
During the running of automobile, the stabilizer bar is frequently subjected to the impact of complex random loads, which is prone to fatigue failure and accident. In regard to this, the purpose of this paper is to study and discuss fatigue life of automobile stabilizer bar.
Design/methodology/approach
Durability bench test shows that failure is located at the joint of sleeve and stabilizer bar body. Based on the collection and compilation of micro-strain load spectrum of the stabilizer bar, the strain-life model is studied considering the influence of average stress and maximum stress at failure area. Seven-grade strain-life curves of the stabilizer bar are established. According to the principle of linear damage accumulation, the relationship between fatigue life and damage is discussed, then the fatigue life of stabilizer bar is predicted. Fatigue life evaluation is carried out from three aspects: reliability analysis, static analysis and fatigue life simulation.
Findings
The results show that the reliability of the test sample is 99.9 percent when the confidence is 90 percent and the durability is 1,073 load spectrum cycles; the ratios of predicted and simulated life to design life are 2.77 and 2.30, respectively.
Originality/value
Based on the road load characteristics of automobile stabilizer bar, the method of fatigue life prediction and evaluation is discussed, which provides a basis for the design and development of automobile chassis components.
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The purpose of this paper is to review the evolution of policies and practices of open innovation (OI) in China under globalization.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to review the evolution of policies and practices of open innovation (OI) in China under globalization.
Design/methodology/approach
This is a review paper. It combines historical archives and case study approaches, covering policies and practices at both the macro‐ and micro‐levels.
Findings
It is found that Chinese firms have in practice employed a variety of OI models since the reforms of science and technology systems in the mid‐1980s. Policies introduced by the Chinese Government with respect to inbound and outbound OI, as well as policies encouraging OI networks, have encouraged Chinese firms to adopt various OI modes and practices. Some critical institutional challenges still need urgent attention and effective efforts to reinforce them.
Originality/value
This paper aims to fill the gap in the literature by providing the first systematic review of the evolution of the policies and practices of OI in China, and exploring the implications for latecomer firms in building indigenous innovation capability. As far as the authors are aware, this is one of the first systematic review studies on OI policies and practices with a focus on emerging economies.
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Parvez Mia, James Hazelton and James Guthrie
Cities are crucial to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper aims to explore the quality of GHG disclosures by cities via the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and…
Abstract
Purpose
Cities are crucial to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This paper aims to explore the quality of GHG disclosures by cities via the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and compares them with the expectations of users.
Design/methodology/approach
The expectation gap framework is used to examine the GHG disclosure quality of 42 cities. User expectations are determined via a literature review and CDP documentation. City disclosures are reviewed using content analysis.
Findings
GHG information at the city level is outdated, incomplete, inconsistent, inaccurate and incomparable and, therefore, to meet user expectations, improvement is needed.
Research limitations/implications
The findings have implications for policymakers, stakeholders and managers. Guidelines are required for better disclosure of GHG information relating to cities, and stakeholders need to develop better skills to understand emissions information. Managers have a responsibility to measure, disclose and mitigate GHG emissions to meet the expectations of stakeholders.
Originality/value
Prior studies focus on GHG disclosures via the CDP by corporations. This is the first accounting study to examine GHG disclosures by cities via the CDP. The expectation gap framework is a novel approach to sustainability disclosure research.
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Chuanbao Nie, Bowen Fu and Qiang Gao
This paper aims to develop an efficient numerical method for nonlinear transient heat conduction problems with local radiation boundary conditions and nonlinear heat sources.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop an efficient numerical method for nonlinear transient heat conduction problems with local radiation boundary conditions and nonlinear heat sources.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the physical characteristic of the transient heat conduction and the distribution characteristic of the Green’s function, a quasi-superposition principle is presented for the transient heat conduction problems with local nonlinearities. Then, an efficient method is developed, which indicates that the solution of the original nonlinear problem can be derived by solving some nonlinear problems with small structures and a linear problem with the original structure. These problems are independent of each other and can be solved simultaneously by the parallel computing technique.
Findings
Within a small time step, the nonlinear thermal loads can only induce significant temperature responses of the regions near the positions of the nonlinear thermal loads, whereas the temperature responses of the remaining regions are very close to zero. According to the above physical characteristic, the original nonlinear problem can be transformed into some nonlinear problems with small structures and a linear problem with the original structure.
Originality/value
An efficient and accurate numerical method is presented for transient heat conduction problems with local nonlinearities, and some numerical examples demonstrate the high efficiency and accuracy of the proposed method.
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Joana Baleeiro Passos, Daisy Valle Enrique, Camila Costa Dutra and Carla Schwengber ten Caten
The innovation process demands an interaction between environment agents, knowledge generators and policies of incentive for innovation and not only development by companies…
Abstract
Purpose
The innovation process demands an interaction between environment agents, knowledge generators and policies of incentive for innovation and not only development by companies. Universities have gradually become the core of the knowledge production system and, therefore, their role regarding innovation has become more important and diversified. This study is aimed at identifying the mechanisms of university–industry (U–I) collaboration, as well as the operationalization steps of the U–I collaboration process.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is aimed at identifying, based on a systematic literature review, the mechanisms of university–industry (U–I) collaboration, as well as the operationalization steps of the U–I collaboration process.
Findings
The analysis of the 72 selected articles enabled identifying 15 mechanisms of U–I collaboration, proposing a new classification for such mechanisms and developing a framework presenting the operationalization steps of the interaction process.
Originality/value
In this paper, the authors screened nearly 1,500 papers and analyzed in detail 86 papers addressing U–I collaboration, mechanisms of U–I collaboration and operationalization steps of the U–I collaboration process. This paper provides a new classification for such mechanisms and developing a framework presenting the operationalization steps of the interaction process. This research contributes to both theory and practice by highlighting managerial aspects and stimulating academic research on such timely topic.
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Stephen Ayodele Odewale, Jacob Ademola Sonibare and Lukuman Adekilekun Jimoda
Recent developments in the electricity generation sector of Nigeria necessitated the re-assessment of its contribution to air emission level in the country as information provided…
Abstract
Purpose
Recent developments in the electricity generation sector of Nigeria necessitated the re-assessment of its contribution to air emission level in the country as information provided by previous inventory is nearly out-of-date. The purpose of this paper is to quantify the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions generated from existing thermal power plants in the country.
Design/methodology/approach
Thermal power plants in Nigeria and their installed capacities were identified, and estimation of CO2 emission from each of the plants was carried out using the emission factor method. In addition to the direct emissions generated through the combustion operation of the power plants, indirect emissions resulting from upstream activities such as extraction, production, and transportation of fuels consumed by the thermal power plant was determined using the same method.
Findings
In total, 40 thermal power plants are currently operational in Nigeria. Additional 18 thermal plants are at different stages of completion. The operational thermal plants have average generation output of 40 percent of their installed capacity and produce 87.3 million metric tonne (mmt)/annum CO2 emissions. In total, 66.9 percent of the estimated emissions are direct emissions, i.e. fuel combustion emissions; the rest are indirect emissions. Additional 67.9 mmt was estimated as expected overall emissions from the thermal power plants under construction. Considering the global warming potential of CO2, proactive measures must be taken to regulate its emissions from the country’s thermal power plants.
Originality/value
This paper bridged the information gap existing in the emission inventory from the Nigeria electricity sector by providing up-to-date data on the contribution of the sector to greenhouse gas emission level in the country.
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