Liyang Wang, Feng Chen, Pengcheng Wang and Qianli Zhang
Salt rock from salt lakes can serve as a cost-effective material for subgrade filling, as demonstrated in projects like the Qarhan Salt Lake section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway…
Abstract
Purpose
Salt rock from salt lakes can serve as a cost-effective material for subgrade filling, as demonstrated in projects like the Qarhan Salt Lake section of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway and the Qarhan Salt Lake section of the G215 Highway. This state-of-the-art paper aims to summarize the engineering properties of salt rock filling and present the advances of its utilization.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper collects and analyzes laboratory and field data of salt rock filling from previous studies to present a comprehensive analysis of the engineering properties and utilization of salt rock fillings.
Findings
Salt rock primarily contains minerals such as halite and glauberite, which contribute to its unique phase-changing behavior under varying environmental conditions, impacting its mechanical properties. Salt rock filling shrinks when in contact with vapor or unsaturated brine and expands under cooling or evaporation. Its use is particularly recommended for arid regions, with specific restrictions depending on the structure type. This paper discusses suggested countermeasures to mitigate these issues, as well as key quality acceptance indices for salt rock filling compaction. Moisture content after air-drying is recommended as a crucial parameter for construction quality control.
Originality/value
This review aims to support future research and engineering practices in salt rock subgrade applications.
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Fang Liu, Rajni Mala, Parmod Chand and John Dumay
Investors and other stakeholders depend on financial reports prepared by accountants to make informed decisions. During the aftermaths of unprecedented events, such as COVID-19…
Abstract
Purpose
Investors and other stakeholders depend on financial reports prepared by accountants to make informed decisions. During the aftermaths of unprecedented events, such as COVID-19, the need investors have for high-quality financial information is greater than ever. The purpose of this study is to examine whether financial reporting judgments made in groups rather than as individuals result in a better reflection of the economic substance of a transaction.
Design/methodology/approach
To examine the benefits that decision-making in groups may have on the reporting judgments of accountants, we conducted an experiment in which experienced accountants, located in Australia, were asked to make a decision over a lease classification. Each of the 87 respondents were either assigned to make their decision individually or as part of a three-member group.
Findings
Our results indicate that accountants in groups of three make significantly more accurate judgments than accountants who make judgments individually. The results also support the presumption that accountants in groups are significantly more confident in their judgments than accountants who make judgments individually.
Research limitations/implications
We contribute to the important discussion that decision-making in groups has the potential to improve the quality of financial reporting by better reflecting economic reality.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first to examine the merits of group judgments and decision-making when interpreting and applying the International Financial Reporting Standards.
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Rohit Raj, Vimal Kumar, Arpit Singh and Pratima Verma
This study aims to investigate the relationship between patient satisfaction (PS) and the parameters in healthcare and supply chain management (HLSCM).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between patient satisfaction (PS) and the parameters in healthcare and supply chain management (HLSCM).
Design/methodology/approach
The structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method have been employed to identify correlation and possible configuration of causal factors that influence PS, including lack of resilience (LS), lack of visibility (LV), cost management (CM) and integration and interoperability (II).
Findings
The results from SEM confirmed that PS is highly correlated with lack of visibility, CM and II as critical parameters. Moreover, fsQCA findings state that the configuration of high levels of both resilience and lack of visibility, as well as high levels of II, are crucial for PS.
Research limitations/implications
The researchers also identified the configuration of factors that lead to low PS. The study’s results could assist healthcare providers in improving their supply chain operations, resulting in more effective and efficient healthcare service delivery and ultimately improving PS.
Originality/value
The fsQCA method used in the study provides a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between these factors. The inclusion of supply chain management characteristics as parameters in the evaluation of PS is a novel aspect of this research. Previous studies largely focused on more traditional factors such as physical care, waiting times and hospital amenities. By considering supply chain management factors, this study provides insights into an under-explored area of PS research, which has important implications for healthcare providers looking to improve their operations and PS.
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Sheikh Basharul Islam, Suhail Ahmad Bhat, Mushtaq Ahmad Darzi and Syed Owais Khursheed
Community health centres (CHCs) play a vital role in healthcare service delivery in rural India and act as a crucial link between the primary and tertiary healthcare systems. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Community health centres (CHCs) play a vital role in healthcare service delivery in rural India and act as a crucial link between the primary and tertiary healthcare systems. The rural population in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir primarily depends on CHCs for healthcare services due to the scarcity of private healthcare infrastructure and the lack of access to tertiary hospitals. The purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of management capability, staff competence, waiting time and patient satisfaction on revisit intention among patients visiting CHCs for care needs. It further examines the mediational role of patient satisfaction between antecedents of patient satisfaction and revisit intention.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey by questionnaire was used to collect data from 318 inpatients and outpatients visiting CHCs. Partial least square-structural equation modelling was performed with the help of SmartPLS 3 software to evaluate the causal relationships between variables.
Findings
The findings of the study ascertain that staff competence and waiting time are strong predictors of patient satisfaction while management capability was reported as an insignificant factor. Patient satisfaction significantly affects revisit intention and successfully mediates the impact of management capability, staff competence and waiting time on revisit intention.
Originality/value
CHCs play a significant role in bridging the gap between primary healthcare and tertiary healthcare and in delivering healthcare services to the vast rural population in India. This study necessitates the active participation of management to ensure the smooth functioning of CHCs. There is a need to provide adequate staff and necessary infrastructural facilities to reduce the treatment waiting time.
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Mingjie Fang and Mengmeng Wang
Engaging suppliers in joint innovation can be an effective means for buyer firms to overcome internal resource/capability limitations. The purpose of this research is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Engaging suppliers in joint innovation can be an effective means for buyer firms to overcome internal resource/capability limitations. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impacts of cultural and trust congruences between the supplier and buyer firms on joint innovation. In addition, we examine the relationship commitment as an antecedent of cultural and trust congruences.
Design/methodology/approach
The study constructs a theoretical model based on social exchange theory (SET) and examines it using data from Chinese manufacturing firms.
Findings
The results suggest that cultural and trust congruences between suppliers and buyers positively influence joint processes and product innovations. Furthermore, we find that while normative relationship commitments of supplier firms promote cultural and trust congruences with buyers, instrumental relationship commitments only positively affect trust congruence.
Originality/value
This study enhances our understanding of social exchanges by adopting a dyadic view to examine the interconnectedness between relationship commitment, cultural and trust congruences, and joint innovation. These findings also offer practical managerial implications for managing collaborative innovation projects.
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Wenjing Zhang, Mengdi Wang and Dong Li
As the new frontier in online healthcare innovation, mobile health consultation (MHC) is transforming how traditional healthcare is delivered. Despite being known on a large scale…
Abstract
Purpose
As the new frontier in online healthcare innovation, mobile health consultation (MHC) is transforming how traditional healthcare is delivered. Despite being known on a large scale for its benefits, MHC still faces consumer resistance. MHC is a technology-enabled service, so an in-depth analysis of consumer resistance from the perspective of technology is crucial to enhance service adoption. This study sought to determine the mechanism by which two information technology (IT)-specific traits – IT affordance and IT identity – influence consumer resistance to MHC during consumer–platform interactions.
Design/methodology/approach
We used the Credamo platform to gather data from 786 users with medical consulting experience to validate the resulting relationships.
Findings
Based on partial least squares structural equation modeling, three of the six IT affordances (visibility, searching and guidance shopping) exerted a significant positive influence on IT identity, while trigger attending and association affordance had no significant effect on IT identity. Persistence affordance was negatively associated with IT identity, and IT identity negatively influenced consumer resistance to MHC.
Originality/value
Academically, this empirical paper primarily contributes to the MHC literature and the theory of IT affordance and IT identity. Practically, several valuable guidance for MHC platforms is provided.
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Muhammad Ashfaq, Marian Makkar, Ai-Phuong Hoang, Duy Dang-Pham, Mai Hoang Thi Do and Anh T.V. Nguyen
Drawing on the technology affordance and affinity theories, this study proposes a framework explaining the antecedents and consequences of customers’ smart experiences (CSEs) in…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the technology affordance and affinity theories, this study proposes a framework explaining the antecedents and consequences of customers’ smart experiences (CSEs) in the artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot context.
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative approach employing an online survey was adopted to obtain data from chatbot users (N = 761) and analyzed using structural equation modeling.
Findings
Results from a survey study show that chatbot affordances, including interactivity (two-way communication, active control and synchronicity), selectivity (customization and localization), information (argument quality and source credibility), association (connectivity and sense of safety) and navigation positively affect CSEs (hedonic and cognitive), leading to customer chatbot stickiness through affinity.
Originality/value
Our study provides evidence that supports and extends the affordances and affinity lens by highlighting the roles of specific chatbot affordances that contribute to a positive-smart experience and subsequently enhances customer chatbot stickiness through affinity.
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Jianlei Han, Stewart Jones, Zini Liang, Zheyao Pan and Jing Shi
This paper examines the evolving landscape of accounting and finance research on the Chinese capital market, building on a previous study published at Abacus in 2018.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the evolving landscape of accounting and finance research on the Chinese capital market, building on a previous study published at Abacus in 2018.
Design/methodology/approach
By incorporating data from 1999 to 2023, our analysis offers a detailed examination of shifts in academic focus, methodological advancements and thematic expansions over the last quarter-century.
Findings
The study reveals a substantial increase in accounting and finance publications related to the Chinese capital market in both Tier 1 and Asia-Pacific journals. The dynamic growth of the Chinese capital market during this period reflects profound economic transformations, characterized by technological innovations, sustainability commitments and regulatory reforms.
Originality/value
We conclude that the globally important Chinese capital market has attracted increasing academic attention, significantly advancing the understanding of accounting and finance research in China’s capital market.
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Translanguaging is a language-related pedagogy drawing upon all resources within a learner’s linguistic repertoire, in contrast to conventional monolingual pedagogy. Most research…
Abstract
Purpose
Translanguaging is a language-related pedagogy drawing upon all resources within a learner’s linguistic repertoire, in contrast to conventional monolingual pedagogy. Most research about translanguaging concerns English-language learning in primary schools and secondary schools and overlooks psychology subject matter, higher education and countries in southeast Asia. This article reports a small-scale practitioner enquiry into translanguaging on an English-medium undergraduate research methods course for psychology students in Vietnam and into the usefulness of the Multimodalities-Entextualization Cycle as a conceptual framework for integrating translanguaging into the course.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with students and reflective journaling by the teacher, and the data were analysed in a hybrid deductive-inductive thematic analysis.
Findings
The first theme about teaching and translanguaging consists of the following subthemes: (a) enhanced communication, (b) increased awareness of language use, (c) supported interaction in class and (d) time and workload issues. The second theme about learning and translanguaging is subdivided into the following subthemes: (a) a new approach to learning, (b) beneficial for learning, (c) developing confidence in learning in English and (d) enjoyment of translanguaging. The conceptual framework underpinning the study was useful for designing and implementing translanguaging activities for the course.
Research limitations/implications
The study is limited to one course and a small group of students in Vietnam learning English as a second language. It addresses limited research on translanguaging in psychology courses, higher education, and southeast Asia.
Practical implications
The study makes a valuable contribution to the teaching profession by offering practical insights into the application, benefits, and drawbacks of translanguaging for psychology and research methods subject matter.
Social implications
Moreover, the findings lay the groundwork for potential influences on education policy, aligning with broader societal impacts.
Originality/value
The study makes a valuable contribution to the literature by delving into a relatively unexplored domain.
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Amr A. Mohy, Hesham A. Bassioni, Elbadr O. Elgendi and Tarek M. Hassan
The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of using computer vision and deep learning (DL) techniques for improving safety on construction sites. It provides an…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential of using computer vision and deep learning (DL) techniques for improving safety on construction sites. It provides an overview of the current state of research in the field of construction site safety (CSS) management using these technologies. Specifically, the study focuses on identifying hazards and monitoring the usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) on construction sites. The findings highlight the potential of computer vision and DL to enhance safety management in the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The study involves a scientometric analysis of the current direction for using computer vision and DL for CSS management. The analysis reviews relevant studies, their methods, results and limitations, providing insights into the state of research in this area.
Findings
The study finds that computer vision and DL techniques can be effective for enhancing safety management in the construction industry. The potential of these technologies is specifically highlighted for identifying hazards and monitoring PPE usage on construction sites. The findings suggest that the use of these technologies can significantly reduce accidents and injuries on construction sites.
Originality/value
This study provides valuable insights into the potential of computer vision and DL techniques for improving safety management in the construction industry. The findings can help construction companies adopt innovative technologies to reduce the number of accidents and injuries on construction sites. The study also identifies areas for future research in this field, highlighting the need for further investigation into the use of these technologies for CSS management.