Research on the Impact of Digital Transformation on the Performance of Manufacturing Enterprises

To address the challenges faced by manufacturing enterprises in digital transformation,this paper analyzes the relationship between digital transformation and enterprise performance.Using panel data from domestic A-share-listed manufacturing enterprises from 2012 to 2022,two hypotheses were proposed.The analysis and verification revealed that digital transformation in manufacturing enterprises can enhance performance and reduce costs.Based on the impact of digital transformation on manufacturing enterprise performance,optimization suggestions are proposed to guide future digital transformation and performance improvement efforts in these enterprises.

Changshu textile machinery:Various motion devices show the cost performance

As a professional manufacturer of shedding devices and machines,Changshu Textile Machinery works Co.,Ltd.has been concentrating on research and development since it successfully developed the first ZED204 electronic dobby in China in 1993.Through technological innovation and process improvement,speed,reliability and cost performance of products have been obviously improved.Dobby,cam and jacquard are suitable for all kinds of mainstream looms in the international market.

Layered power scheduling optimization of PV hydrogen production system considering performance attenuation of PEMEL

To analyze the additional cost caused by the performance attenuation of a proton exchange membrane electrolyzer(PEMEL)under the fluctuating input of renewable energy,this study proposes an optimization method for power scheduling in hydrogen production systems under the scenario of photovoltaic(PV)electrolysis of water.First,voltage and performance attenuation models of the PEMEL are proposed,and the degradation cost of the electrolyzer under a fluctuating input is considered.Then,the calculation of the investment and operating costs of the hydrogen production system for a typical day is based on the life cycle cost.Finally,a layered power scheduling optimization method is proposed to reasonably distribute the power of the electrolyzer and energy storage system in a hydrogen production system.In the up-layer optimization,the PV power absorbed by the hydrogen production system was optimized using MALTAB+Gurobi.In low-layer optimization,the power allocation between the PEMEL and battery energy storage system(BESS)is optimized using a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm(NSGA-Ⅱ)combined with the firefly algorithm(FA).A better optimization result,characterized by lower degradation and total costs,was obtained using the method proposed in this study.The improved algorithm can search for a better population and obtain optimization results in fewer iterations.As a calculation example,data from a PV power station in northwest China were used for optimization,and the effectiveness and rationality of the proposed optimization method were verified.

Realization and Analysis of Good Fuel Economy and Kinetic Performance of a Low-cost Hybrid Electric Vehicle

By using high-power and high-efficiency propulsion systems,current hybrid electric vehicles（HEVs） in market can achieve excellent fuel economy and kinetic performance.However,it is the cost of current HEVs that hinders HEVs coming into widespread use.A novel hybrid electric propulsion system is designed to balance HEV cost and performance for developing markets.A battery/supercapacitor-based hybrid energy storage system（HESS） is used to improve energy conversion efficiency and reduce battery size and cost.An all-in-one-controller（AIOC） which integrates engine electronic control unit（ECU）,motor ECU,and HESS management system is developed to save materials and energy,and reduce the influence of distribution parameters on circuit.As for the powertrain configuration,four schemes are presented：belt-driven starter generator（BSG） scheme,four-wheel drive HEV scheme,full HEV scheme,and ranger-extender electric vehicle（EV） scheme.Component selection and parameter matching for the propulsion system are performed,and an energy management strategy is developed based on powertrain configuration and selected components.Forward-facing simulation models are built,comprehending the control strategy based on the optimal engine torque for the low-cost hybrid electric propulsion system.Co-simulation of AVL CRUISE and Matlab/Simulink is presented and the best scheme is selected.The simulation results indicate that,for the best design,fuel consumption in urban driving condition is 4.11 L/（100 km） and 0-50 km/h accelerating time is 10.95 s.The proposed research can realize low-cost concept for HEV while achieving satisfactory fuel economy and kinetic performance,and help to improve commercialization of HEVs.

A novel model for cost performance evaluation of pulverized coal injected into blast furnace based on effective calorific value

The combustion process of pulverized coal injected into blast furnace involves a lot of physical and chemical reactions. Based on the combustion behaviors of pulverized coal, the conception of coal effective calorific value representing the actual thermal energy provided for blast furnace was proposed. A cost performance evaluation model of coal injection was built up for the optimal selection of various kinds of coal based on effective calorific value. The model contains two indicators: coal effective calorific value which has eight sub-indicators and coal injection cost which includes four sub-indicators. In addition, the calculation principle and application of cost performance evaluation model in a Chinese large-scale iron and steel company were comprehensively introduced. The evaluation results finally confirm that this novel model is of great significance to the optimal selection of blast furnace pulverized coal.

Low cost, high performance supercapacitor electrode using coconut wastes: eco-friendly approach

Low cost, high performance supercapacitor electrodes were fabricated using coconut waste as precursor. Simple one step pyrolysis is adopted to get the spherical shaped particle where lignocellulosic nature of carbon converts into porous carbon nanospheres. Three types of coconut wastes, namely, coconut fiber(CF), coconut leaves(CL) and coconut stick(CS) have been studied and compared for their application in supercapacitors. Uniform spherical shape with particle size ranging from 30 to 60 nm for leaves and sticks and20 nm for fibers was obtained. The electrochemical properties of the porous carbon nanospheres were studied using cyclic voltammetry(CV), chronopotentiometry(CP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy(EIS). The porous carbon nanospheres derived from all the three biowaste samples show good electrochemical performance for supercapacitor application. Porous carbon nanospheres derived from coconut fiber exhibited maximum specific capacitance of 236 F/g followed by coconut stick and coconut leaves with 208 and 116 F/g respectively at a scan rate of 2 m V/s. Further impedance studies showed a charge transfer resistance of 4.9 for the porous carbon nanospheres derived from coconut fiber, while those from coconut leaves and coconut stick exhibited a slightly higher resistance of 6 and14.2, respectively. The simple eco-friendly approach we have demonstrated for synthesizing coconut waste based carbon nanospheres makes them excellent candidates for future, low-cost, energy storage devices.

Effects of Replacing Maize with Dioscarea bulbifera Flour on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

The present study was designed to evaluate Dioscarea bulbifera flour as potential feed ingredient in broilers diets. For this purpose, 256-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks, were divided into 4 groups replicated 4 times in a completely randomized design. A control ration (R0) containing maize as the main energy source was compared to three other rations in which 50%, 75% and 100% maize were substituted with Dioscarea bulbifera flour. The main results showed that, the increasing rate of Dioscarea bulbifera flour had no significant (p > 0.05) effect on the digestibility of feed components. Feed intake was higher with 50% and 75% Dioscarea bulbifera flour inclusion levels. As compared to the control ration, a significant (p < 0.05) drop in live weight and weight gain was recorded with 50% substitution while feed conversion ratio increased significantly with increasing level of Dioscarea bulbifera flour in the ration. Dioscarea bulbifera flour induced a linear and significant (p < 0.05) increase in the relative weight of the gizzard, liver and production cost. It was concluded that, substituting 50% maize with Dioscarea bulbifera flour could be a sustainable solution to palliate the growing inflation of maize as animal feed ingredient. However, the incorporation level of Dioscarea bulbifera as feed ingredient in substitution of maize must not exceed 50% at the risk of depreciating growth performance of broilers.

Study on Generation Cost Prediction Based on Coal Quality and Generating Unit Performance

燃料变化条件下发电成本的预测是火电厂普遍关心的重要课题。分析了影响机组性能及发电电量成本的各种煤质指标，重点研究了基于结构参数及燃烧传热机理的锅炉稳态热力性能分析计算方法，讨论了制粉系统、风机、脱硫和脱硝装置性能随燃料等运行条件的变化关系，最终提出了基于煤质和机组性能分析计算的发电电量成本预测模型并研发了“煤炭选配与机组发电成本预测系统”。该系统在我国某600MW火电厂的实际应用经验表明：提出的电量成本分析预测模型合理，研发的软件系统有助于辅助火电厂的选煤和购煤决策，优化动力配煤方案，从而提高火电厂的运行经济性。

The Two-Constant Cost Model and the Estimation of the Cost Performance Evolutions of the Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Power Generation

This paper aims at formulization and overview of the cost performance evolutions of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power generation along with load and time. For this purpose, electricity-cost ratio (ECR) is proposed as the measuring parameter for the cost performance and a two-constant cost model is proposed to concisely describe the cost characteristic of the power generation as the opposite of a multi-constant cost model. Combination of the two-constant cost model and the ideal cell model developed recently produces an inclusive ECR equation that has three analytical expressions and thus allows of straight overviews of the cost performance evolutions in the working zones of the cells. The applications to real cells confirm the validity of the equation for operation optimization and technique evaluation of PEM fuel cells. And more insights into the cost performance evolutions are inferred by means of the equation to help promote the commercialization of PEM fuel cells.

Discrimination and Estimation of the Maximum Cost Performance of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Power Generation with Seven Constants

This paper is dedicated to analytical expression of the maximum electricity-cost ratio (M-ECR) point of the proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell power generation as the function of cell constants and cost constants. That is to formulize the maximum cost performance (MCP) magnitude and the optimal final operating (OFO) location in the working zone based on the five-constant ideal cell model and the two-constant cost model. The issues are well resolved by introducing the concepts of economic voltage and cost factor and describing the movement of the M-ECR point with cost factor. According to mathematical derivations, the movement can be described in the form of MCP and OFO curves. The derivations lead to a complete set of discriminants and criteria of the M-ECR point of PEM fuel cells that theoretically cover all of cell specialties and all of cost specialties. The discriminants and criteria may act as a general tool for the operation optimization of a diversity of PEM fuel cells and the economic viability estimation of the power generation.

Innovation Capability and Export Performance of Turkish Export Firms

In today＇s competitive environment the key element is the differentiation of business which will lead to success. Especially in international markets where there＇s much more intense competition, it is more important for businesses to enter with innovations that make a difference to their consumers. Innovation is also important for competitive export-oriented production in globalization. In global competition, innovation is the key factor for sustainable success. Increases in the efficiency, profitability of firms make it possible to enter new markets and extend present markets by obtaining advantage of competition. In order to determine accurate strategies, the connection between innovation and exports must be understood better. The aim of this study is to determine the innovation capability and export performance of Turkish export firms. Another aim is to examine the relationship between firm characteristics and innovation capability. Innovation capability of export firms is measured by INNOVSCALE which was developed by Vicente, Abrantes, and Teixeira （2015）. Export performance is measured by APEV scale which was developed by Lages, Lages, and Lages （2005）. The study uses data collected from 83 firms located in Kayseri. Results obtained by using SPSS indicate that there is a positive relationship between innovation capability and export performance. The results of the ANOVA analysis, innovation capability differ in terms of firm size and export earnings. Innovation capability does not differ in terms of sector, operating years, share of export earnings in the whole revenues, exporting periods, or internationalization levels.

Do Relationships Matter in Export Performance Enhancement？ Evidences From Moroccan SMEs

This article addresses the concern of export performance among Moroccan SMEs through the paradigmatic lens of the resource based view （RBV） and international relationship marketing. Limited research exists on relational determinants of export performance, especially in developing countries. Furthermore, literature has been dominated during the last decade by the economic perspective. Yet, an increased attention has turned to the RBV as well as the relational perspective. Highlighting this gap, the study aims two objectives： First, to understand the scope and the nature of relational determinants, deemed as key resources, of export performance. Second, to examine which other internal and market factors are intervening as significant antecedents of the relational factors Drawing from a literature review outcomes and an in-depth interview endeavor conducted among 20 exporting firms＇ managers, a conceptual framework has been proposed. It＇s argued that exporting finns would reach great export performance by fostering successful cross-border inter-firm relationships. More specifically, the study highlight three main relational constructs, namely contractual governance, relational governance, and relationship performance. Linguistic abilities, attitude toward risk and export experience are suggested as managerial antecedents. While competitive intensity and market uncertainty are supposed to intervene as external antecedents Several hypotheses are suggested. The unit of analysis is a selected export venture. A further inquiry of the overall study is to offer hypotheses test throughout quantitative survey

Determinants of Export Performance in East Africa Countries

The main objectives of this study are to identify and analyze variables which have impact on export performances of seven East Africa countries and suggest possible solutions to improve export performance in East Africa. Usingdata from World Development Indicators database we conducted panel data analysis for the period of 1990-2014.Empirical results show that labor force, industrialization, foreign direct investment, and exchange rate have positiveimpact on export value. On the other hand, inflation has negative impact on export performance while GDP growthis the only variable that does not affect the export value of East Africa countries. Finally, we suggest somerecommendations, including the need of replacing agricultural exports by the industrial export, improving infrastructural facility as well as the quality of human capital and the need of policies for attracting internationalinvestors.

Impact of Controllable Factors on Export Performance of SMEs in Jordan

Exporting is of great interest for SMEs in Jordan from both microeconomic and macroeconomic perspective.The objective of this study was to identify to what extent specific internal factors contribute to export success of SMEs in Jordan.This study hypothesized that export performance of SMEs is directly affected by three groups of internal factors.These include firm characteristics,managerial characteristics,and marketing strategy.A multiple case approach is used to conduct this research and a structured interview is developed to collect the data directly from the participants.A pattern matching approach was used to test the hypotheses.The results show that export performance is positively affected by firm characteristics,managerial characteristics,and marketing strategy.Additionally,the demographic characteristics of managers and adaptation of distribution channels are unlikely to have an influence on export performance.This was unexpected,because of the plenty of empirical evidences in the literature that support the impact of these variables on export success.

An Overview of Performance Characteristics, Experiencesand Trends of Aerospace Engine Bearings Technologies

In this paper, the operating conditions, technical requirements, performance characteristics, design ideas, application experiences and development trends of aerospace engine bearings, including material technology, integration design and reliability, are reviewed. The development history of aerospace engine bearing is recalled briefly at first. Then today＇s material technologies and the high bearing performances of the bearings obtained through the new materials are introduced, which play important roils in the aeroengine bearing developments. The integration design ideas and practices are explained to indicate its significant advantages and importance to the aerospace engine bearings. And the reliability of the shaft-bearing system is pointed out and treated as the key requirement with goals for both engine and bearing. Finally, as it is believed that the correct design comes from practice, the pre-qualification rig testing conducted by FAG Aerospace GmbH ＆ Co. KG is briefly illustrated as an example. All these lead to the development trends of aerospace engine bearings from different aspects.

Industrial Policy,Product Switching,and Export Performance

Industrial policy can promote economic growth and industrial upgrading by encouraging enterprises to adopt product switching.By utilizing comprehensive industrial policies and customs trade databases from 2000 to 2015,this paper found that firms with product ranges within policy-supported areas were more active in product switching.Among all the enterprises that adopted the product switching,those with nonmain products in policy-supported areas were more inclined to adjust their main product.They tended to transform nonmain product to main product as opposed to introducing new main product in order to effectively leverage their export experience and established technology.Whereas,for enterprises whose main product was within the policy-supported areas,their tendency to switch products significantly decreased.Mechanism analysis suggested that policy support,by alleviating industry distress and mitigating excessive market competition,encouraged firms to switch products to areas with policy backing.Moreover,we estimated trade performance after product switching from the perspective of product unit price and export product quality.We found that for firms whose main product was in policy-supported areas,such switching was more likely to result in“low price,high quality”exports,whereas for firms with nonmain products in supported areas,such switching was more likely to lead to“high price,low quality”exports,which indicates that firms switching to policy-supported areas need to continuously develop their core competencies and operate effectively to improve their production performance.

Evaluating the moderated-mediation effects of switchingcosts in the link between social capital and NPD performance

In this study,we explore the causes and performance outcomes of switching costs in the context of new product development(NPD)from both the supplier and customer perspectives,and discuss the role that switching costs play as moderators and mediators in the relationship between social capital and NPD performance.Based on data from 214 Chinese manufacturers,we employ the structural equation model to test our conceptual model and hypotheses.The results indicate that relationship quality and customer involvement positively and negatively affect switching costs,respectively,and that switching costs negatively affect NPD performance.Switching costs mediate and moderate the relationship between social capital and NPD performance.Furthermore,switching costs significantly and positively moderate the relationship between relationship quality and NPD performance.On the other hand,switching costs insignificantly and negatively moderate the relationship between customer involvement and NPD performance.The theoretical and managerial implications of the findings are discussed.

How Does ESG Performance Impact Corporate Financing Costs?An Empirical Study in China

In the background of the green transformation of the economy and society,the ESG performance of enterprises has been paid more and more attention in the investment decision-making.However,previous studies have inadequately explored how the ESG performance affects corporate financing costs.Based on the information asymmetry theory,this paper analyzes the impact mechanism of ESG performance on corporate financing costs.Then,taking 1044 A-share listed companies in2016–2020 as a sample,through the sorting and analysis of ESG report disclosure and rating data,the company’s ESG performance indicators are obtained,and an empirical model is built to test the relationship between ESG performance and corporate financing costs.This paper constructs a panel regression model using ESG rating data and corporate financial data and finds that in the overall sample,the higher the ESG performance,the lower the equity financing cost;The higher the ESG performance,the lower the debt financing cost.In addition,it also discussed the moderating effect of enterprise scale and media attention on the impact of ESG performance on enterprise financing costs.The empirical results show that the influence of company size on ESG performance on financing costs has a moderating effect and a positive moderating effect.

ESG performance and cost of debt

We analyze China Securities Index Co.,Ltd.(CSI)environmental,social and governance(ESG)scoring data,which incorporate Chinese characteristics,to assess the impact of ESG performance on corporate debt financing costs.Our findings indicate that better CSI ESG scores are correlated with lower debt financing costs.Additionally,improvements in local environmental execution enhance the effect of CSI ESG scores on debt financing costs.However,this effect diminishes with increased internal control quality and marketization.Governance has the greatest impact on reducing debt financing costs,followed by social and environmental factors.Superior CSI ESG scores reduce corporate debt financing costs by enhancing debt repayment capacity and reducing information asymmetry.Economic consequence analysis confirms that lower financing costs,driven by improved ESG performance,significantly enhance total factor productivity and firm value.CSI ESG scores also significantly impact bank loans but not corporate bond financing.

Performance-based system seismic assessment for long-span suspension bridges under two-level seismic hazard

Since there are few studies on the performance-based seismic evaluation of the long-span suspension bridge system under two-level earthquake hazard in Chinese code,the developed procedure of this study can be regarded as a general program to assess the seismic performance of the overall system for long-span suspension bridges.In the procedure,the probabilistic seismic demand models of multiple bridge components were developed by nonlinear time-history analyses incorporating the related uncertainties,and the component-level fragility curves were calculated by the reasonable definition of limit states of the corresponding components in combination with seismic hazard analysis.The bridge repair cost ratios used to evaluate the system seismic performance were derived through the performance-based methodology and the damage probability of critical components.Furthermore,the repair cost ratios of the overall bridge system that was retrofitted with fluid viscous dampers for the main bridge and changed restraint systems for the approach bridges were compared.The results show that peak ground velocity and peak ground acceleration can be selected as the optimal intensity measurements of long-span suspension bridges using the TOPSIS(technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution).The bridge repair cost ratios can serve as accurate evaluation indicators to provide an efficient evaluation of retrofit measures.The seismic evaluation of long-span bridges is misled when ignoring the interaction of adjacent structures.However,the repair cost ratios of a bridge system that has optimum seismic performance are less sensitive to the relative importance of adjacent structures.