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1 – 10 of over 2000Zhaoyang Chen, Kang Min, Xinyang Fan, Baoxu Tu, Fenglei Ni and Hong Liu
This paper aims to propose a real-time evolutionary multi-objective semi-analytical inverse kinematics (IK) algorithm (EMSA-IK) for solving the multi-objective IK of redundant…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a real-time evolutionary multi-objective semi-analytical inverse kinematics (IK) algorithm (EMSA-IK) for solving the multi-objective IK of redundant manipulators.
Design/methodology/approach
Within EMSA-IK, the parameterization method is applied to reduce the number of optimization variables of the evolutionary algorithm and calculate semi-analytical solutions that meet high target pose accuracy. The original evolutionary algorithm is improved with the proposed adaptive search sub-space strategy so that the improved evolutionary algorithm can be used to efficiently perform global search within the parametric joint space to obtain the global optimal parametric joint angles that satisfy multi-objective constraints.
Findings
Ablation experiments show the effectiveness of the improved strategy used for evolutionary algorithms. Comparative experiments on different manipulators demonstrate the advantages of EMSA-IK in terms of generalizability and balancing multiple objectives, for example, motion continuity, joint limits and obstacle avoidance. Real-world experiments further validate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for real-time application.
Originality/value
The semi-analytical IK solution that simultaneously satisfies high target pose accuracy and multi-objective constraints can be obtained in real time. Compared to existing semi-analytical IK algorithms, the proposed algorithm achieves obstacle avoidance for the first time. The proposed algorithm demonstrates superior generalizability, applicable to not only redundant manipulators with revolute joints but also those with prismatic joints.
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Blockchains used by e-commerce consortia are a novel form of governance that facilitates coordination and collaboration among the numerous organisations that comprise e-commerce…
Abstract
Purpose
Blockchains used by e-commerce consortia are a novel form of governance that facilitates coordination and collaboration among the numerous organisations that comprise e-commerce supply chains. Despite the increasing prevalence of consortium blockchain networks for e-commerce, there is a limited understanding of the economic and social dynamics that influence the behaviour of blockchain consortium members. By utilising transaction cost theory and social exchange theory, this research investigates the interplay between blockchain transaction-specific investment (BTSI), trust, adaptive collaboration (ADC) and the overall performance of supply chains in consortium blockchains
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative research approach was employed to collect data from a representative sample of blockchain organisations affiliated with e-commerce consortium blockchains worldwide. Following this, the data obtained from 361 participants were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings
The results of our study indicate that BTSI has a substantial impact on trust. Furthermore, trust plays a pivotal role in shaping ADC, and ADC, in turn, acts as a mediator in the relationship between trust and performance outcomes.
Originality/value
This study underlines these economic and social dynamics in the evolving context of consortium blockchain networks, offering insights into their significance within a technology-driven environment.
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Fengwen Chen, Lu Zhang, Fu-Sheng Tsai and Bing Wang
This study focuses on the self-organized cooperative consumption of platform participants on social media platform, and reveals how the brand owner cooperates with two-sided…
Abstract
Purpose
This study focuses on the self-organized cooperative consumption of platform participants on social media platform, and reveals how the brand owner cooperates with two-sided customers to achieve value co-creation.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopted a case study approach to explore how a Chinese beauty startup developed collaborative networks from 2013 to 2022, and tracked the the changes of network structure and cooperation mechanism.
Findings
The study finds that the brand owner cooperates with two-sided customers to integrate resources and establish diverse relational trust, which enhances the evolution of a heterogeneous collaborative network for value co-creation.
Originality/value
The study builds upon traditional dyadic actor-to-actor interactions between providers and customers, develops a novel interaction framework of actor-to-network to explain the value co-creation by collaborative networking, reveals the self-organized mechanism of cooperative consumption on social media.
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Xueyan Dong, Zhenya Tang and Houcai Wang
Unverified information avoidance behavior refers to the conscious effort made by individuals to avoid consuming information that has not been verified by credible sources. This…
Abstract
Purpose
Unverified information avoidance behavior refers to the conscious effort made by individuals to avoid consuming information that has not been verified by credible sources. This behavior is essential in preventing the spread of misinformation that can hinder effective public health responses. While previous studies have examined information avoidance behavior in general, there is a lack of research specifically focusing on the avoidance of unverified information during health crises. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring factors that lead to social media users’ unverified information avoidance behavior during health crises, providing novel insights into the determinants of this protective behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
We based our research model on the health belief model and validated it using data collected from 424 individuals who use social media. The proposed model was tested by using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) approach.
Findings
Our results indicate that individuals’ government social media participation (following accounts and joining groups) affects their health beliefs (perceived severity and benefits of information avoidance), which in turn trigger their unverified information avoidance behavior.
Originality/value
Our study contributes to the current literature of social media crisis management and information avoidance behavior. The implications of these findings for policymakers, social media platforms and theory are further discussed.
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Eric Weisz, David M. Herold, Nadine Kathrin Ostern, Ryan Payne and Sebastian Kummer
Managers and scholars alike claim that artificial intelligence (AI) represents a tool to enhance supply chain collaborations; however, existing research is limited in providing…
Abstract
Purpose
Managers and scholars alike claim that artificial intelligence (AI) represents a tool to enhance supply chain collaborations; however, existing research is limited in providing frameworks that categorise to what extent companies can apply AI capabilities and support existing collaborations. In response, this paper clarifies the various implications of AI applications on supply chain collaborations, focusing on the core elements of information sharing and trust. A five-stage AI collaboration framework for supply chains is presented, supporting managers to classify the supply chain collaboration stage in a company’s AI journey.
Design/methodology/approach
Using existing literature on AI technology and collaboration and its effects of information sharing and trust, we present two frameworks to clarify (a) the interrelationships between information sharing, trust and AI capabilities and (b) develop a model illustrating five AI application stages how AI can be used for supply chain collaborations.
Findings
We identify various levels of interdependency between trust and AI capabilities and subsequently divide AI collaboration into five stages, namely complementary AI applications, augmentative AI applications, collaborative AI applications, autonomous AI applications and AI applications replacing existing systems.
Originality/value
Similar to the five stages of autonomous driving, the categorisation of AI collaboration along the supply chain into five consecutive stages provides insight into collaborations practices and represents a practical management tool to better understand the utilisation of AI capabilities in a supply chain environment.
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Basharat Ullah and Faisal Khan
This paper aims to present an overview of permanent magnet linear flux-switching machines (PMLFSM), field excited LFSM and hybrid excited LFSM (HELFSM) topologies as presented in…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to present an overview of permanent magnet linear flux-switching machines (PMLFSM), field excited LFSM and hybrid excited LFSM (HELFSM) topologies as presented in literature for transportation systems such as high-speed trains and maglev systems.
Design/methodology/approach
The structural designs of different configurations are thoroughly investigated, and their respective advantages and disadvantages are examined. Based on the geometry and excitation sources, a detailed survey is carried out. Specific design and space issues, such as solid and modular structures, structure strength, excitation sources placement, utilization of PM materials, and flux leakage are investigated.
Findings
PMLFSM provide higher power density and efficiency than induction and DC machines because of the superior excitation capability of PMs. The cost of rare-earth PMs has risen sharply in the past few decades because of their frequent use, so the manufacturing cost of PMLFSM is increasing. Owing to the influence of high-energy PMs and magnetic flux concentration, the efficiency and power density are higher in such machines. PM is the only excitation source in PMLFSM and has constant remanence, limiting its applications in a wide speed operation range. Therefore, the field winding is added in the PMLFSM to flexibly regulate the magnetic field, making it a hybrid excited one. The HELFSM possess better flux linkage, high thrust force density and better flux controlling ability, leading to a wide speed range. However, the HELFSM have problems with the crowded mover, as PM, field excited and armature excitation are housed on a short mover. So, for better performance, the area of each excitation component has to compete with each other.
Originality/value
Transportation of goods and people by vehicles is becoming increasingly prevalent. As railways play a significant role in the transportation system and are an integral part of intercity transportation. So, this paper presents an overview of various linear machines that are presented in literature for rail transit systems to promote sustainable urban planning practices.
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Indian railways (IR) is one of the largest railway networks in the world. As a part of its strategic development initiative, demand forecasting can be one of the indispensable…
Abstract
Purpose
Indian railways (IR) is one of the largest railway networks in the world. As a part of its strategic development initiative, demand forecasting can be one of the indispensable activities, as it may provide basic inputs for planning and control of various activities such as coach production, planning new trains, coach augmentation and quota redistribution. The purpose of this study is to suggest an approach to demand forecasting for IR management.
Design/methodology/approach
A case study is carried out, wherein several models i.e. automated autoregressive integrated moving average (auto-ARIMA), trigonometric regressors (TBATS), Holt–Winters additive model, Holt–Winters multiplicative model, simple exponential smoothing and simple moving average methods have been tested. As per requirements of IR management, the adopted research methodology is predominantly discursive, and the passenger reservation patterns over a five-year period covering a most representative train service for the past five years have been employed. The relative error matrix and the Akaike information criterion have been used to compare the performance of various models. The Diebold–Mariano test was conducted to examine the accuracy of models.
Findings
The coach production strategy has been proposed on the most suitable auto-ARIMA model. Around 6,000 railway coaches per year have been produced in the past 3 years by IR. As per the coach production plan for the year 2023–2024, a tentative 6551 coaches of various types have been planned for production. The insights gained from this paper may facilitate need-based coach manufacturing and optimum utilization of the inventory.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature on rail ticket demand forecasting and adds value to the process of rolling stock management. The proposed model can be a comprehensive decision-making tool to plan for new train services and assess the rolling stock production requirement on any railway system. The analysis may help in making demand predictions for the busy season, and the management can make important decisions about the pricing of services.
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Kabir Ibrahim, Fredrick Simpeh and Oluseyi Julius Adebowale
Construction organizations must maintain a productive workforce without sacrificing their health and safety. The global construction sector loses billions of dollars yearly to…
Abstract
Purpose
Construction organizations must maintain a productive workforce without sacrificing their health and safety. The global construction sector loses billions of dollars yearly to poor health and safety practices. This study aims to investigate benefits derivable from using wearable technologies to improve construction health and safety. The study also reports the challenges associated with adopting wearable technologies.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a quantitative design, administering close-ended questions to professionals in the Nigerian construction industry. The research data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings
The study found that the critical areas construction organizations can benefit from using WSDs include slips and trips, sensing environmental concerns, collision avoidance, falling from a high level and electrocution. However, key barriers preventing the organizations from adopting wearable technologies are related to cost, technology and human factors.
Practical implications
The time and cost lost to H&S incidents in the Nigerian construction sector can be reduced by implementing the report of this study.
Originality/value
Studies on WSDs have continued to increase in developed countries, but Nigeria is yet to experience a leap in the research area. This study provides insights into the Nigerian reality to provide directions for practice and theory.
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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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Pu Lai, Eugene Cheng-Xi Aw and Garry Wei-Han Tan
This study examines the effects and driving mechanisms of relational bonds (i.e. financial, social, and structural bonds), live-streaming shopping atmosphere factors (i.e…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the effects and driving mechanisms of relational bonds (i.e. financial, social, and structural bonds), live-streaming shopping atmosphere factors (i.e. suspense, entertainment, perceived crowdedness, and vicarious experience), consumer empowerment and customer commitment on consumers’ impulse consumption behavior. Additionally, the study examines the moderating influence of product involvement and collectivism.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was conducted with 665 valid respondents. The authors empirically validated the collected data through the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) technique, complemented by the artificial neural network (ANN) analysis.
Findings
The results suggest that financial bonds, structural bonds, suspense, entertainment, and vicarious experience promote consumer empowerment, which in turn leads to customer commitment and impulse consumption behavior. Second, collectivism moderates the relationship between customer commitment and impulse consumption behavior.
Originality/value
This study provides empirical evidence that relational bonds and live-streaming shopping atmosphere factors play predictive roles in enhancing consumer empowerment, which further promotes impulse consumption behavior through customer commitment. Also, collectivism is found as a moderator.
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