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Article
Publication date: 22 November 2019

Ge Zhang, Liang Ma, Xin Zhang, Xiao Yan Ding and Yi Ping Yang

An increasing number of users join and become immersed in WeChat official accounts, but many users quit using these services as well. Nevertheless, most of the previous studies…

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Abstract

Purpose

An increasing number of users join and become immersed in WeChat official accounts, but many users quit using these services as well. Nevertheless, most of the previous studies mainly focussed on the usage behavior. The purpose of this paper is to fill the gap by examining factors affecting users’ unfollow intentions for WeChat subscriptions in a Chinese context.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling is used in our study. A field survey with 260 WeChat users is conducted to test the research model and hypotheses.

Findings

The results show the following interesting key findings: first, the effect of actual cost on users’ unfollow intentions is larger than the effect of opportunity cost; second, users’ unfollow intentions will decrease with the increase of users’ perceptions of information usefulness; third, the results of the control variables showed that only landing frequency has a negative effect on users’ unfollow intentions; and fourth, users’ demographic differences are also examined in regard to how they may affect users’ unfollow intentions.

Originality/value

First, this paper studies factors influencing users’ unfollow intentions for WeChat subscriptions from a social exchange theory perspective; the authors considered both extraneous factors and users’ internal perception factors potentially affecting users’ unfollow intentions, which has rarely been researched. Furthermore, the authors examined significant differences among users’ demographic characteristics in affecting users’ unfollow intentions. The results of the study provide a more comprehensive understanding of the influencing factors of users’ unfollow intentions.

Details

Online Information Review, vol. 43 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1468-4527

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Article
Publication date: 29 April 2021

Liang Ma, Xin Zhang, Gaoshan Wang and Ge Zhang

The purpose of the present study is to build a research model to study how the use of different enterprise social media platforms affects employees' relationship capital, and the…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to build a research model to study how the use of different enterprise social media platforms affects employees' relationship capital, and the moderating role of innovation culture is also examined.

Design/methodology/approach

Structural equation modeling was performed to test the research model and hypotheses. Surveys were conducted in an electronic commerce company in China that uses different social media platforms, generating 301 valid responses for analysis.

Findings

First, private social media used for work-related purposes can contribute to employees' relationship capital, and public social media QQ used for work-related purposes can contribute to employees' communication quality. WeChat used for social-related purposes has a positive effect on employees' information exchange. Second, innovation culture acts as a positive moderator between work-related media use and employees' information exchange, while innovation culture acts as a negative moderator between social-related WeChat use and employees' information exchange. Third, innovation culture acts as a positive moderator between work-related QQ use and employees' trust, while innovation culture acts as a negative moderator between social-related QQ use and employees' trust.

Originality/value

First, this paper contributes to the information system (IS) social media literature by studying the effect of the use of different enterprise social media platforms used for different purposes on employees' relationship capital. Second, the authors contribute to relationship capital theory by clarifying that use of public and private social media platforms for social- and work-related purposes is an important driver of the formation of employees' relational capital. Third, the present study also contributes to enterprise social media literature by confirming that innovation culture acts as a different moderator between use of different enterprise social media platforms and employees' relationship capital.

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Article
Publication date: 12 August 2024

Ge Zhang, Pengfei Chen and Si Xu

Given that the current sustainability assessment in higher education institutions primarily relies on qualitative methods with relatively limited quantitative tools, the purpose…

129

Abstract

Purpose

Given that the current sustainability assessment in higher education institutions primarily relies on qualitative methods with relatively limited quantitative tools, the purpose of this study is to design a tool that could be used to comprehensively assess the overall state of higher education institutions’ sustainability.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors based the “Model to Assess the Sustainability of Higher Education Institutions” on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework of economic, environmental and social factors, and established its primary dimensions as educational level, research capacity, community outreach, campus operations, campus experience and assessment reports. They designed the College Organisational Sustainability Scale (CO-SS) based on this research model, drawing their inspiration from the qualitative research tool, the Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire, and taking the following validation steps: expert review (n = 10), pilot testing (n = 150) and formal experiments (n = 1108). These steps were taken to optimise the scale items, test the model’s validity and assess its reliability.

Findings

After undergoing rigorous scientific validation, CO-SS was unequivocally confirmed as an effective and reliable tool, demonstrating its accurate reflection of the level of sustainability in higher education institutions.

Originality/value

The authors took an industry-specific approach by relying on the TBL and the Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire to construct and validate the CO-SS. Furthermore, the CO-SS has the potential to evolve into a self-assessment tool for higher education institutions, and a reliable foundation for data-driven decision-making in the realm of organisational sustainability at universities.

Details

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, vol. 26 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-6370

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Article
Publication date: 10 August 2018

Maogen Ge, Jing Hu, Mingzhou Liu and Yuan Zhang

As the last link of product remanufacturing, reassembly process is of great importance in increasing the utilization of remanufactured parts as well as decreasing the production…

317

Abstract

Purpose

As the last link of product remanufacturing, reassembly process is of great importance in increasing the utilization of remanufactured parts as well as decreasing the production cost for remanufacturing enterprises. It is a common problem that a large amount of remanufactured part/reused part which past the dimension standard have been scrapped, which have increased the production cost of remanufacturing enterprises to a large extent. With the aim to improve the utilization of remanufacturing parts with qualified quality attributes but exceed dimension, the purpose of this paper is to put forward a reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain.

Design/methodology/approach

To begin with, a classification standard of reassembly parts is proposed. With the thinking of traditional ABC analysis, a classification management method of reassembly parts for remanufactured engine is proposed. Then, a homogeneous Markov Chain of reassembly process is built after grading the matching dimension of reassembly parts with different variety. And the reassembly parts selection model is constructed based on the Markov Chain. Besides, the reassembly classification selection model and its flow chart are proposed by combining the researches above. Finally, the assembly process of remanufactured crankshaft is adopted as a representative example for illustrating the feasibility and the effectiveness of the method proposed.

Findings

The reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain is an effective method in improving the utilization of remanufacturing parts/reused parts. The average utilization of remanufactured crankcase has increased from 35.7 to 80.1 per cent and the average utilization of reused crankcase has increased from 4.2 to 14 per cent as shown in the representative example.

Originality/value

The reassembly classification selection method based on the Markov Chain is of great importance in enhancing the economic benefit for remanufacturing enterprises by improving the utilization of remanufactured parts/reused parts.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 38 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 24 December 2021

Mingming Ge, Xin-Lei Zhang, Kaleb Brookshire and Olivier Coutier-Delgosha

The openings on aircraft structures can be modeled from an aerodynamical point of view as lid-driven cavities (LDC). This paper aims to show the primary verification and…

190

Abstract

Purpose

The openings on aircraft structures can be modeled from an aerodynamical point of view as lid-driven cavities (LDC). This paper aims to show the primary verification and validation (V&V) process in computational fluid dynamics (CFD, and to investigate the influences of numerical settings on the efficiency and accuracy for solving the LDC problem.

Design/methodology/approach

To dig into the details of CFD approaches, this paper outlines the design, implementation, V&V and results of an efficient explicit algorithm. The parametric study is performed thoroughly focusing on various iteration methods, grid density discretization terms and Reynolds number effects.

Findings

This study parameterized the numerical implementation which provides empirical insights into how computational accuracy and efficiency are affected by changing numerical settings. At a low Reynolds number (not over 1,000), the time-derivative preconditioning is necessary, and k = 0.1 can be the optimal value to guarantee the efficiency, as well as the stability. A larger artificial viscosity (c = 1/16) would relieve the calculating oscillation issue but proportionally increase the discretization error. Furthermore, the iteration method and the mesh quality are two key factors that affect the convergence efficiency, thus need to be selected “wisely”.

Practical implications

The study shows how numerical implementation can enhance an accurate and efficient solution. This workflow can be used to determine the best parameter settings whenever CFD researchers applying this LDC problem as a complementary design tool for testing newly developed solvers.

Originality/value

The studied LDC problem is representative of CFD analysis in real aircraft structures. These numerical simulations provide a cost-effective and convenient tool to understand the parameter sensitivity, solution receptivity and physics of the CFD process.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 94 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

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Article
Publication date: 4 September 2017

R.D. Zhu, Y.H. Wang, N.G. Wang, L.N. Zhang, A. Lu, M.J. Wang and X. Liu

This paper aims to introduce a novel approach to the fabrication of photoluminescent materials by coating rare earth aluminate luminescent materials on metallic substrates and a…

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Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to introduce a novel approach to the fabrication of photoluminescent materials by coating rare earth aluminate luminescent materials on metallic substrates and a readily manufacturable light source with robust structure in the form of photoluminescent sphere (APS).

Design/methodology/approach

The clean and dried stainless steel sphere was sprayed with UH 2593, a white undercoat, the luminescent coating and the weather resistance coating in chronological order.

Findings

After adhered onto the stainless steel sphere, the peaks corresponding to the N-H stretching vibrations were changed. The intensity of free N-H stretching at 3,536 cm−1 dramatically decreased and the peak of hydrogen-bonded N-H stretching of PU moved to lower wavenumbers. The red shift of the infrared bands of functional groups was attributed to the strengthened hydrogen bonding. The hydrogen bonding interactions between the stainless steel substrates and the polyurethane coating endowed the APS with excellent adhesive property and also promoted the evenly distribution of the photoluminescent particles in the polymer coating matrix.

Practical implications

This approach can be applicable in the fabrication of the photoluminescent materials. The APS can be used as signs and guiding post in remote areas without sufficient electricity supply and in the seas and rivers with complicated hydrological conditions.

Originality/value

This approach has provided a method to produce tough and durable luminescent signs for remote areas and dangerous seas and explained the functional mechanism of the combined application of metallic materials and non-metallic materials.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 46 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 5 June 2024

Ka Leong Chong and Ge Zhang

This study aims to explore the attitudes and perceptions of Chinese coffee consumers towards robot baristas, considering the proliferation of automated entities within China's…

199

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the attitudes and perceptions of Chinese coffee consumers towards robot baristas, considering the proliferation of automated entities within China's coffee sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Employing the extended Technology Acceptance Model 2 as its theoretical framework, this research conducts in-depth interviews with 30 Chinese coffee consumers. The laddering technique is utilized, supplemented by video simulation. Thematic analysis is subsequently employed to scrutinize the data.

Findings

The findings delineate six pivotal themes encapsulating Chinese coffee consumers' perceptions of robot baristas – Perceived Introvert Friendliness, Perceived Novelty, Perceived Intellectual Discrepancies, Perceived Efficiency and Reliability, Perceived Emotional Disconnection, and Perceived Labour Market Disruption. Moreover, six motivational themes are identified - Social Status Boosting, Openness to Experience, Ease of Use, Tech-Driven Affordability, Reliable and Uncompromising Quality, and Resistance to Overbearing Service.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited by its focus on a specific cultural context. Future research could explore cross-cultural perspectives.

Practical implications

The findings of this study offer guidance on how to market and position robotic barista services to appeal to consumer preferences and drive adoption.

Social implications

Understanding consumer perceptions of robotic baristas has broader social implications, particularly in terms of labour market disruption and the potential impact on traditional coffee professions. Businesses can navigate the social implications of automation more effectively and foster greater acceptance of technological innovations within society.

Originality/value

This study offers insights into the inclinations of Chinese coffee consumers, thereby facilitating informed decision-making and the formulation of effective strategies to expedite the adoption of robotic service.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Insights, vol. 8 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9792

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Article
Publication date: 5 June 2019

Cuixia Zhang, Conghu Liu, Jianqing Chen, Qiang Li, Kang He, Mengdi Gao and Wei Cai

The uncertainty of remanufacturing parts is a key factor affecting the quality of remanufactured products. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to measure the uncertainty of…

166

Abstract

Purpose

The uncertainty of remanufacturing parts is a key factor affecting the quality of remanufactured products. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to measure the uncertainty of remanufactured parts and study the coupling mechanism of reassembly quality.

Design/methodology/approach

First, uncertainty of remanufactured parts is analyzed, and the uncertainty measure model for remanufacturing parts based on entropy is constructed. Second, the nonlinear mapping model between the uncertainty and reassembly quality were studied using Gauss-Newton iterative method to reveal the coupling mechanism between uncertainty of remanufacturing parts and reassembly quality. Finally, the model is verified in the reassembly process of remanufacturing cylinder head.

Findings

The method can guide reassembly operations to improve the reassembly quality with uncertainty of remanufactured parts.

Originality/value

This study provides practical implications by developing a multivariate nonlinear mapping model for reassembly quality based on entropy to determine the uncertainty factors that affect the reassembly quality significantly and then correct the reassembly operation to better optimize the allocation of remanufacturing production resources. The study also theoretically contributes to reveal the coupling mechanism of reassembly quality with the uncertainty of remanufactured parts.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 16 January 2023

Faisal Lone, Harsh Kumar Verma and Krishna Pal Sharma

The purpose of this study is to extensively explore the vehicular network paradigm, challenges faced by them and provide a reasonable solution for securing these vulnerable…

169

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to extensively explore the vehicular network paradigm, challenges faced by them and provide a reasonable solution for securing these vulnerable networks. Vehicle-to-everything (V2X) communication has brought the long-anticipated goal of safe, convenient and sustainable transportation closer to reality. The connected vehicle (CV) paradigm is critical to the intelligent transportation systems vision. It imagines a society free of a troublesome transportation system burdened by gridlock, fatal accidents and a polluted environment. The authors cannot overstate the importance of CVs in solving long-standing mobility issues and making travel safer and more convenient. It is high time to explore vehicular networks in detail to suggest solutions to the challenges encountered by these highly dynamic networks.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper compiles research on various V2X topics, from a comprehensive overview of V2X networks to their unique characteristics and challenges. In doing so, the authors identify multiple issues encountered by V2X communication networks due to their open communication nature and high mobility, especially from a security perspective. Thus, this paper proposes a trust-based model to secure vehicular networks. The proposed approach uses the communicating nodes’ behavior to establish trustworthy relationships. The proposed model only allows trusted nodes to communicate among themselves while isolating malicious nodes to achieve secure communication.

Findings

Despite the benefits offered by V2X networks, they have associated challenges. As the number of CVs on the roads increase, so does the attack surface. Connected cars provide numerous safety-critical applications that, if compromised, can result in fatal consequences. While cryptographic mechanisms effectively prevent external attacks, various studies propose trust-based models to complement cryptographic solutions for dealing with internal attacks. While numerous trust-based models have been proposed, there is room for improvement in malicious node detection and complexity. Optimizing the number of nodes considered in trust calculation can reduce the complexity of state-of-the-art solutions. The theoretical analysis of the proposed model exhibits an improvement in trust calculation, better malicious node detection and fewer computations.

Originality/value

The proposed model is the first to add another dimension to trust calculation by incorporating opinions about recommender nodes. The added dimension improves the trust calculation resulting in better performance in thwarting attacks and enhancing security while also reducing the trust calculation complexity.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 27 September 2022

Souad El Houssaini, Mohammed-Alamine El Houssaini and Jamal El Kafi

In vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), the information transmitted is broadcast in a free access environment. Therefore, VANETs are vulnerable against attacks that can directly…

51

Abstract

Purpose

In vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs), the information transmitted is broadcast in a free access environment. Therefore, VANETs are vulnerable against attacks that can directly perturb the performance of the networks and then provoke big fall of capability. Black hole attack is an example such attack, where the attacker node pretends that having the shortest path to the destination node and then drops the packets. This paper aims to present a new method to detect the black hole attack in real-time in a VANET network.

Design/methodology/approach

This method is based on capability indicators that are widely used in industrial production processes. If the different capability indicators are greater than 1.33 and the stability ratio (Sr) is greater than 75%, the network is stable and the vehicles are communicating in an environment without the black hole attack. When the malicious nodes representing the black hole attacks are activated one by one, the fall of capability becomes more visible and the network is unstable, out of control and unmanaged, due to the presence of the attacks. The simulations were conducted using NS-3 for the network simulation and simulation of urban mobility for generating the mobility model.

Findings

The proposed mechanism does not impose significant overheads or extensive modifications in the standard Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 802.11p or in the routing protocols. In addition, it can be implemented at any receiving node which allows identifying malicious nodes in real-time. The simulation results demonstrated the effectiveness of proposed scheme to detect the impact of the attack very early, especially with the use of the short-term capability indicators (Cp, Cpk and Cpm) of each performance metrics (throughput and packet loss ratio), which are more efficient at detecting quickly and very early the small deviations over a very short time. This study also calculated another indicator of network stability which is Sr, which allows to make a final decision if the network is under control and that the vehicles are communicating in an environment without the black hole attack.

Originality/value

According to the best of the authors’ knowledge, the method, using capability indicators for detecting the black hole attack in VANETs, has not been presented previously in the literature.

Details

International Journal of Pervasive Computing and Communications, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1742-7371

Keywords

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