bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bank loan loss provisions, investor protection and the macroeconomy
Authors: Ozili Peterson K. 
Published: November 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the non-discretionary determinants of bank loan loss provisions in Africa after controlling for macroeconomic fluctuation, financial development and investor protection.Design/methodology/approachThe author uses static and dynamic regression estimation to test for the determinants of bank loan loss provisions.FindingsThe author finds that non-performing loans (NPL), loan-to-asset ratio and loan growth are significant non-discretionary drivers of bank provisions in the African region. The author observes that bank provision is a positive function of NPL up to a threshold beyond which bank provisions will no longer increase as NPL increases. Also, bank loan-to-asset ratio is a significant driver of bank provisions when African banks have higher loan-to-asset ratios. The author finds that larger banks in financially developed African countries have fewer loan loss provisions while increase in bank lending leads to fewer bank provisions in countries with strong investor protection. Finally, higher bank lending is associated with higher bank provisions during economic boom.Originality/valueThis study is the first to assess the determinants of non-discretionary bank provisions in Africa as part of micro-prudential surveillance of banks in the African region.
Research on the delamination wear properties of the pure carbon strip at the high-sliding speed with electric current
Authors: Yang Hongjuan , Fu Lin , Liu Yanhua , Qian Weiji , Hu Bo 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the delamination wear properties of a carbon strip in a carbon strip rubbing against a copper wire at the high-sliding speed (380 km/h) with or without electrical current.

Design/methodology/approach
The friction and wear properties of a carbon strip in a carbon strip rubbing against a copper wire are tested on the high-speed wear tester whose speed can reach up to 400 km/h. The test data have been collected by the high-speed data collector. The worn surfaces of the carbon strip are observed by the scanning electron microscope.

Findings
It was found that there was a significant increase of the delamination wear with the decrease of the normal load when the electric current is applied. The size of the flake-like peeling also increases with the decrease of normal load. The delamination wear extends gradually from the edge of the erosion pits to the surrounding area with the decrease of the normal load. However, the delamination wear never appears in the absence of electric current. It is proposed that the decreased normal load and the big electrical current are the major causes of the delamination wear of the carbon strip.

Originality value
The experimental test at high-sliding speed of 380 km/h was performed for the first time, and the major cause of the delamination was discovered in this paper.
Effect of axial piston pin motion on tribo-dynamics of piston skirt-cylinder liner system
Authors: Meng Fanming , Du Minggang , Wang Xianfu , Chen Yuanpei , Zhang Qing 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of the axial piston pin motion on the tribological performances of the piston skirt and cylinder liner vibration for an internal combustion engine (ICE) under different operation conditions.

Design/methodology/approach
The dynamic equation for the piston incorporating into axial piston pin motion is derived first. Then, the proposed equation and associated lubrication equations are solved using the Broyden algorithm and difference method, respectively. Moreover, the axial motion of the piston pin and its slap on the cylinder liner are studied under different operation conditions.

Findings
The axial piston pin motion leads to an overall increase in the friction power consumption. Increments in the ICE speed and lubricant viscosity can augment the axial pin motion and cylinder liner vibration, especially in the power stroke. The said increments cause the instability of the piston motion in the cylinder. The axial motion of piston pin can be restrained through the eccentricity of the piston pin close to the thrust side of the cylinder liner.

Originality/value
This study conducts detailed discussions of the effect of axial piston pin motion on tribological and dynamic performances for piston skirt-cylinder liner system of an internal combustion engine and gives a helpful reference to analyses and designs of internal combustion engines.
Analysis of bearing failures in a typical high-power marine gearbox
Authors: Gu Haigang , Feng Guang , Lin Yonggang , Wang Chaozhu 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to analyze fatigue failures of a typical marine gearbox under harsh ocean conditions, and these failures are reasonably attributed to the bearing fretting fatigue damages.

Design/methodology/approach
Two typical FAG cylindrical roller bearings mounted on this marine gearbox are particularly used for analysis, as they are most vulnerable to these failures. A series of simulations have also been conducted to verify the analysis results and failure reasons by reproducing the fretting fatigue damages for the same shaft-bearing system under the same manufacturing error conditions.

Findings
The analysis results indicate that manufacturing errors are the most possible reasons for the bearing failures, and these errors have more effects on the FAG cylindrical roller bearing as compared to other bearings mounted on the same shaft system. The simulations results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis results and test results and hence validate that manufacturing errors are the dominant reasons for bearing fretting fatigue damages in this typical marine gearbox.

Originality/value
Fatigue failures of a typical marine gearbox. Manufacturing errors are the most possible reasons for the bearing failures. A series of simulations have been conducted to verify the analysis results and failure reasons. The simulations results are in good agreement with the theoretical analysis results and test results.
Grease thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication properties of tripod sliding universal couplings
Authors: Zhou Ye , Chang Degong , Li Songmei 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to improve the grease thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication (TEHL) properties of the tripod sliding universal coupling (TSUC) under automotive practical conditions. For this purpose, the effect of effective radius was theoretically investigated.

Design/methodology/approach
Based on the simplified geometric model, the effect of effective radius on the pressure distribution, film thickness and temperature distribution of the TSUC was theoretically investigated using the multigrid and stepping methods. The TEHL properties were compared with the results obtained using the isothermal calculation method.

Findings
The results show that the thermal effect has a great impact on the film thickness and the pressure distribution of grease lubrication properties. Moreover, larger effective radius results in a wider but lower pressure distribution, a wider and thicker lubricating film and a lower temperature distribution.

Originality/value
The TSUC can be widely used in the front drive automotive transmission because it can transmit larger torque than before. The effect of effective radius on the thermal grease lubrication properties under automotive practical conditions provides a new direction for designing it.
Tribological effects of laser surface texturing and residual stress
Authors: Wang Shuwen , Yan Feiyan , Chen Ao 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological effects of laser surface texturing (LST) and residual stress on functional surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach
Three different surface textures (circular dimple, elliptical dimple and groove) with two different textured area ratios (10 and 20 per cent) are designed and fabricated by a Picosecond Nd YAG Laser machine. The friction and wear performance of textured specimens is tested using a UMT-2 friction and wear testing machine in mixed lubrication.

Findings
Test results show that elliptical dimples exhibit the best performance in wear resistance, circular dimples in friction reduction and grooves in stabilization of friction. The surfaces with larger textured area density exhibit better performance in both friction reduction and wear resistance. The improved performance of LST is the coupled effect of surface texture and residual stress.

Originality/value
The findings of this study may provide guidance for optimal design of functional surface textures in reciprocating sliding contacts under mixed or hydrodynamic lubrication, which can be used in automotive and other industrial applications.
Stability characteristics of lubricating film in mill oil-film bearings
Authors: Wang Jianmei , Li Zhixiong , Mohammadkazem Sadoughi , Cai Min , Kang Jianfeng , Zhang Yanan 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The stability characteristics of an oil film directly influence the safety and service life of mill oil-film bearings. However, very limited work has been done to address the stability characteristics of mill oil-film bearings. To this end, this paper aims to investigate the stability characteristics of mill oil-film bearings through theoretical and experimental analysis.

Design/methodology/approach
For the first time, a special designed experiment platform was developed to investigate the stability characteristics of mill oil-film bearings. In addition, a theoretical model of lubricating film of the tested bearings was established to analyze the oil-film stability. The theoretical results were compared with the experimental results.

Findings
The comparison results demonstrate that the critical influential factors on the bearing stability were the eccentricity ratio and the ratio of bearing length to diameter. The mill bearing was likely to be unstable under a small load and at a high rotational speed.

Practical implications
The paper includes implications for suitable operation conditions in practical use of mill oil-film bearings.

Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to investigate oil-film stability of mill bearings for practical applications.
Brokering, buffering, and the rationalities of principal work
Authors: LeChasseur Kimberly , Donaldson Morgaen , Fernandez Erica , Femc-Bagwell Michele 
Published: November 2017

PurposeBrokering and buffering represent two ways in which principals may respond to hyperrational elements of policy demands in the current era of accountability. The purpose of this paper is to examine how some principals broker more efficient, measurable, and predictable evaluation practices for teachers and others buffer their teachers from inefficient, immeasurable, and unpredictable aspects of policy.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were obtained from 37 school principals and 363 teachers across 12 districts participating in a new teacher evaluation policy in one state of the USA. Principal interviews and teacher focus groups were conducted at the beginning, middle, and end of 2012-2013. Transcripts were coded to identify hyperrational elements of the policy and principals’ brokering and buffering practices.FindingsAll principals described elements of the new evaluation policy as inefficient, incalculable, or unpredictable – hallmarks of hyperrationality. Principals brokered efficiency by designing schoolwide parent goals and centralizing procedures; brokered transparency of calculation methods and focused teacher attention on measuring effort, rather than outcomes; and encouraged collective sensemaking to facilitate predictable procedures and outcomes. Principals buffered teachers by de-emphasizing the parent-based component; minimizing the quantitative nature of the ratings; ceding responsibility over calculations to district leaders; and lowering expectations to make ratings controllable.Originality/valueThe paper provides new understanding of principals’ strategic leadership practices, which represented rational responses to hyperrational policy demands. Therefore, the paper includes recommendations for principal preparation, district support for policy implementation, and further research on principal practice.
Customer brand engagement behavior in online brand communities
Authors: Gong Taeshik 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the moderating role of cultural value orientations on the relationship between brand ownership and customer brand engagement behavior through brand responsibility and self-enhancement.

Design/methodology/approach
Respondents came from firm-managed online smartphone brand communities in South Korea and the USA. Convenience sampling yielded 197 valid responses, with 98 coming from South Korea and 99 coming from the USA.

Findings
The study results provide empirical evidence that cultural value orientations influence customer brand engagement behavior. As expected, the findings indicate that individualism-collectivism and power distance significantly moderate the indirect effect of brand responsibility and self-enhancement on the relationship between brand ownership and customer brand engagement behavior.

Originality/value
Prior research has focused mainly on customer engagement behaviors that target the firm, employees and other customers, with little research examining customer engagement behavior that targeted the brand (customer brand engagement behavior). This exploration is important because customers could serve as brand missionaries, become less apt to switch brands and provide feedback, leading to a sustainable competitive advantage.
Smart neighbourhood
Authors: Kumar Harish , Singh Manoj Kumar , Gupta M.P. , Madaan Jitendra 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
This paper aims to identify the key factors to design efficient, healthy and potentially economical neighbourhood places in the surroundings of smart cities to reduce the urban polarization for the sustainable urban development.

Design/methodology/approach
A two-stage methodology is followed. First, the key factors for neighbourhood are identified from literature studies. The selected factors are validated by sample t-tests. Second, the total interpretive structural modeling is used to interpret the complexity of relationships among various factors. Further, cross-impact matrix multiplication is applied for classification analysis to find the most driving factors for neighbourhood design.

Findings
The contribution of this research is to show hierarchical relationships among the various factors to design the neighbourhood places as smart from the perspectives of city planners and decision makers.

Research limitations/implications
The applicability of the research findings is limited to developing countries mainly where population is large and most of cities have high pressure on its infrastructure to fulfil the citizens’ demands.

Practical implications
This paper will aid policymakers, city planners and government officials to design a sustainable smart city model in which smart neighbourhood would also be the potential solution to decrease pressure on a city’s critical infrastructure especially in developing countries.

Social implications
A smart city could be considered as the centre point of smart initiatives to develop a place smart, and it should continue beyond the city boundaries to enhance the facilities, services, resources utilization and working environment in neighbourhood places also.

Originality/value
The study explores the various literature on neighbourhood planning and then link with smart city development as current need of urban development scenario. The authors propose a hierarchical relation framework to develop the neighbourhood places as smart places to meet the future demand of urbanization in developing countries like India.
The mechanism underlying the empowering leadership-creativity relationship
Authors: Chow Irene Hau Siu 
Published: November 2017

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explain how and under what condition empowering leadership is related to employee creativity from the social exchange and motivational perspective.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from a sample of 535 supervisor-subordinate dyads using online questionnaire survey.FindingsEmployee openness to experience (a creative personality) moderated the indirect effect of empowering leadership on employee creativity via either motivation to learn or trust in leader. The indirect effect of empowering leadership on creativity via motivation to learn occurs only for employees with lower level of openness to experience, whereas that via trust in leader occurs only for employees with higher level of openness to experience.Research limitations/implicationsCross-sectional research design is a major concern.Practical implicationsThe findings offer guidance to help practitioners or executives to stimulate subordinates motivation to increase their creative performance through learning and trust that matched with the individual’s openness to experience, thereby improving the effectiveness of empowering leadership.Originality/valueThis study extend our understanding on the mechanism linking empowering leadership and employee creativity by testing the mediating influences of motivation to learn and trust in leader and the moderating influence of openness to experience.
Empowering women and stimulating development at bottom of pyramid through micro-entrepreneurship
Authors: Chatterjee Susmita , Dutta Gupta Sangita , Upadhyay Parijat 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
The purpose of the paper is to address the sustainability issue of Self-help groups by means of developing small business/micro-entrepreneurs.

Design/methodology/approach
The causal relationship between empowerment through SHG and micro-entrepreneurship is being investigated by estimating empirical data through structural equation modelling with second-order latent factor.

Findings
Empirical examination supports the causal relationship between empowerment through SHG and small business.

Research limitations/implications
The study is conforming the policy of group forming and, at this stage, develops a conceptual framework but with real implications for comprehensive policy decisions.

Originality/value
There are many studies on the women empowerment aspect of SHGs. However, few attempted to find out how the micro-entrepreneurs emerging from SHGs.
Risk analysis in introduction of new technologies by start-ups in the Brazilian market
Authors: Teberga Pedro Marins Freire , Oliva Fábio Lotti , Kotabe Masaaki 
Published: November 2017

PurposeThe volatile scenario of technological innovation demonstrates the need for risk control processes, in order to ensure its viability. The purpose of this paper is to propose a conceptual framework for risk management in the introduction of new technologies by start-ups, aiming to provide the guidelines for the improvement of this process.Design/methodology/approachThe study comes up with conceptual categories related to risk management in start-ups, mainly based on the NPVR approach. The methodology included two comparative case studies: MercadoPago and GuiaBolso, which had their data collected through interviews with key managers and documents provided by the organizations. Data analysis was based on the Mileset al.(2014) model, whereby data were condensed; data were visualized, and conclusions developed and checked.FindingsAmong the main results, there is the proposition of a deductive-inductive matrix for the management of uncertainties and risks in start-ups, which brings elements that provide the calculation of the NPV adjusted for the risk of developing a new product (NPVR), process or service, as well as the contribution of the level of risk management maturity of the companies, setting up the Risk Management Matrix (RMM).Practical implicationsThe authors propose a matrix for the management of uncertainties and risks in start-ups.Social implicationsThe authors present comparative case studies of MercadoPago and GuiaBolso which help the entrepreneurs to develop their start-ups.Originality/valueAs the main contribution, this paper proposes the start-up RMM, a model for the management of uncertainties and risks in start-ups, which brings elements that provide the calculation of the NPV adjusted for the risk of developing a new product (NPVR), process or service, as well as the contribution of the level of risk management maturity of the companies.
Market competition, green technology progress and comparative advantages in China
Authors: Song Malin , Wang Shuhong 
Published: November 2017

Purpose
Technical progress is an important technique within improving China’s comparative advantages, as new and renewable technologies will be beneficial for energy security. Productive technical progress and green technical innovation are necessary to improve working conditions and productivity of industries. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to study technical progress in China under such harsh competitive circumstances, as well as types of technical progress that can be promoted, productive technical progress or green technology progress, and how technical progress will affect China’s competitive advantages.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors perform a multi-index multi-factor constitutive model based on a sample of 468 Chinese industries, and divide the industries into four categories.

Findings
The results indicate that there is a “U”-shape relationship between green technology progress and comparative advantages and an inverted “U”-shape relationship between the intensity of market competition and comparative advantages.

Research limitations/implications
China has crossed the inflection point of the “U”-shaped curve. This, coupled with the slowing of economic growth, demonstrates the need for advocating green technology in China to decrease the pollutant discharge. Establishing Chinese national brands within overseas markets and earning a profit through the downstream of production chain enhance China’s international competitiveness.

Originality/value
One of the most original findings of this paper points out that China is faced with a situation in which exports are severely decreased and domestic environment pollution is increased. Vigorous promotion of green technology progress, improvement of the quality and the technical content of exported products, the establishment of national brand within the overseas market, as well as enhancement of China’s international competitiveness, is needed.