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1 – 10 of 48Yan Xu, Yaqiu Liu, Xun Liu, Baoyu Wang, Lin Zhang and Zhengwen Nie
The purpose of this study is to address the welding demands within large steel structures by presenting a global spatial motion planning algorithm for a mobile manipulator. This…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to address the welding demands within large steel structures by presenting a global spatial motion planning algorithm for a mobile manipulator. This algorithm is based on an independently developed wall-climbing robot, which comprises a four-wheeled climbing mobile platform and a six-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator, ensuring high mobility and operational flexibility.
Design/methodology/approach
A convex hull feasible domain constraint is developed for motion planning in the mobile manipulator. For extensive spatial movements, connected sequences of convex polyhedra are established between the composite robot’s initial and target states. The composite robot’s path and obstacle avoidance optimization problem are solved by constraining the control points on B-spline curves. A dynamic spatial constraint rapidlye-xploring random trees-connect (RRTC) motion planning algorithm is proposed for the manipulator, which quickly generates reference paths using spherical spatial constraints at the manipulator’s end, eliminating the need for complex nonconvex constraint modeling.
Findings
Experimental results show that the proposed motion planning algorithm achieves optimal paths that meet task constraints, significantly reducing computation times in task conditions and shortening operation times in non-task conditions.
Originality/value
The algorithm proposed in this paper holds certain application value for the realization of automated welding operations within large steel structures using mobile manipulator.
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Tao Chen, Tiancheng Shang, Rongxiao Yan and Kang He
The study explores how mobile governance affects the administrative burden on older adults, focusing on learning, psychological and compliance costs.
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores how mobile governance affects the administrative burden on older adults, focusing on learning, psychological and compliance costs.
Design/methodology/approach
Using attribution theory, the research employs a quantitative research design, utilizing surveys to gather data from 516 older adults across three cities in China: Quzhou, Wuhan and Shanghai. The study examines how intrinsic factors and extrinsic factors of m-government interfaces impact older adults’ administrative burden.
Findings
Perceived complexity increases learning, psychological and compliance costs for older adults. Personalization and high-quality information decrease these costs, enhancing user satisfaction. Visual appeal decreases anxiety and psychological costs.
Originality/value
This research links attribution theory with m-government’s administrative burden on older adults, offering new insights into optimizing m-government to serve older adults better.
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Social network group decision-making (SNGDM) has rapidly developed because of the impact of social relationships on decision-making behavior. However, not only do social…
Abstract
Purpose
Social network group decision-making (SNGDM) has rapidly developed because of the impact of social relationships on decision-making behavior. However, not only do social relationships affect decision-making behavior, but decision-making behavior also affects social relationships. Such complicated interactions are rarely considered in current research. To bridge this gap, this study proposes an SNGDM model that considers the interaction between social trust relationships and opinion evolution.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the trust propagation and aggregation operators are improved to obtain a complete social trust relationship among decision-makers (DMs). Second, the evolution of preference information under the influence of trust relationships is measured, and the development of trust relationships during consensus interactions is predicted. Finally, the iteration of consensus interactions is simulated using an opinion dynamics model. A case study is used to verify the feasibility of the proposed model.
Findings
The proposed model can predict consensus achievement based on a group’s initial trust relationship and preference information and effectively captures the dynamic characteristics of opinion evolution in social networks.
Originality/value
This study proposes an SNGDM model that considers the interaction of trust and opinion. The proposed model improves trust propagation and aggregation operators, determines improved preference information based on the existing trust relationships and predicts the evolution of trust relationships in the consensus process. The dynamic interaction between the two accelerates DMs to reach a consensus.
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Jing (Daisy) Lyu, Yan Danni Liang and Durga Vellore Nagarajan
Live Streaming Marketing has emerged as a transformative medium, facilitating real-time product promotion and brand messaging and reshaping consumer engagement. However, knowledge…
Abstract
Purpose
Live Streaming Marketing has emerged as a transformative medium, facilitating real-time product promotion and brand messaging and reshaping consumer engagement. However, knowledge of the impact of Store Atmospheric cues within live streaming contexts remains scarce. This research delves into the dynamic interplay between streamers and viewers across diverse live streaming platforms, with a focus on the impact of distinct atmospheric cues. It also seeks to explore prosocial behavior and integrate elements of social comparison theory.
Design/methodology/approach
We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 streamers and 26 viewers. Participants who were active on streaming platforms and had experience of multiple live streaming sessions were purposively identified. The thematic coding approach and NVivo 12 software were employed to gain a nuanced understanding of live streaming dynamics.
Findings
Our findings highlight the significant role of emerging atmospheric cues in shaping immersive streaming experiences and fostering prosocial behavior. Additionally, we observed three formats of upward social comparisons between streamers and viewers, wherein viewers compared themselves with streamers and peers, and streamers engaged in comparisons with more experienced counterparts. This finding contributes to a sense of digital community and positive interactions because of live streaming adoptions.
Originality/value
By extending the application of social comparison theory, this study provides valuable insights for practitioners and scholars, enriching the understanding of both streamers’ and viewers’ psychological behavior and the dynamics of virtual retail settings.
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Abdul Quadir, Alok Raj and Anupam Agrawal
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of demand information sharing on products’ greening levels with downstream competition. Specifically, this study examine two…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of demand information sharing on products’ greening levels with downstream competition. Specifically, this study examine two types of green products, “development-intensive” (DI) and “marginal-cost intensive” (MI), in a two-echelon supply chain where the manufacturer produces substitutable products, and competing retailers operate in a market with uncertain demand.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors adopt the manufacturer-led Stackelberg game-theoretic framework and consider a multistage game. This study consider how retailers receive private signals about uncertain demand and decide whether to share this information with the manufacturer, who then decides whether to acquire this information at a certain given cost. This paper considers backward induction and Bayesian Nash equilibrium to solve the model.
Findings
The authors find that in the absence of competition, information sharing is the only equilibrium and improves the greening level under DI, whereas no-information sharing is the only equilibrium and improves the greening level under MI, an increase in downstream competition drives higher investment in greening efforts by the manufacturer in both DI and MI and the manufacturer needs to offer a payment to the retailers to obtain demand information under both simultaneous and sequential contract schemes.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the literature by examining how the nature of products (margin intensive green product or development intensive green product) influences green supply chain decisions under information asymmetry and downstream competition.
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Arpit Singh, Vimal Kumar and Pratima Verma
This study aims to focus on sustainable supplier selection in a construction company considering a new multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method based on dominance-based rough…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on sustainable supplier selection in a construction company considering a new multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method based on dominance-based rough set analysis. The inclusion of sustainability concept in industrial supply chains has started gaining momentum due to increased environmental protection awareness and social obligations. The selection of sustainable suppliers marks the first step toward accomplishing this objective. The problem of selecting the right suppliers fulfilling the sustainable requirements is a major MCDM problem since various conflicting factors are underplay in the selection process. The decision-makers are often confronted with inconsistent situations forcing them to make imprecise and vague decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a new method based on dominance-based rough sets for the selection of right suppliers based on sustainable performance criteria relying on the triple bottom line approach. The method applied has its distinct advantages by providing more transparency in dealing with the preference information provided by the decision-makers and is thus found to be more intuitive and appealing as a performance measurement tool.
Findings
The technique is easy to apply using “jrank” software package and devises results in the form of decision rules and ranking that further assist the decision-makers in making an informed decision that increases credibility in the decision-making process.
Originality/value
The novelty of this study of its kind is that uses the dominance-based rough set approach for a sustainable supplier selection process.
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Hong-Bo Jiang, Zou-Yang Fan, Jin-Long Wang, Shih-Hao Liu and Wen-Jing Lin
This study adopts the elaboration likelihood model and configuration perspectives to explore the internal mechanisms underlying the influence of live streaming on consumer trust…
Abstract
Purpose
This study adopts the elaboration likelihood model and configuration perspectives to explore the internal mechanisms underlying the influence of live streaming on consumer trust building and purchase intention.
Design/methodology/approach
This study invited 757 experienced live streaming e-commerce users from Chinese platforms such as TikTok and RED, who participated in survey by filling questionnaires collected online. The research employed a mixed-method approach using SEM and fsQCA. SEM was utilized to analyze quantitative data to determine the direct and mediated relationships within product trust, while fsQCA served as a complement to identify the combinations of conditions that enhance product trust.
Findings
The findings reveal three important insights. Firstly, in the context of live streaming e-commerce, both product characteristics and streamer characteristics significantly influence consumers' trust in products. The para-social interaction plays a partial mediating role in the relationship between streamer characteristics and product trust. Secondly, four distinct paths are identified that contribute to enhancing product trust in live streaming e-commerce. Thirdly, PSI emerging as a core condition across all four paths, underscores the importance for merchants to foster positive social interactions with consumers beyond the live streaming environment.
Originality/value
This study enhances understanding of the dynamic live streaming e-commerce industry, offering insights into consumer behavior and practical guidance for merchants seeking to build engaged, trustworthy customer relationships.
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Lin Sun, Chunxia Yu, Jing Li, Qi Yuan and Shaoqiong Zhao
The paper aims to propose an innovative two-stage decision model to address the sustainable-resilient supplier selection and order allocation (SSOA) problem in the single-valued…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to propose an innovative two-stage decision model to address the sustainable-resilient supplier selection and order allocation (SSOA) problem in the single-valued neutrosophic (SVN) environment.
Design/methodology/approach
First, the sustainable and resilient performances of suppliers are evaluated by the proposed integrated SVN-base-criterion method (BCM)-an acronym in Portuguese of interactive and multi-criteria decision-making (TODIM) method, with consideration of the uncertainty in the decision-making process. Then, a novel multi-objective optimization model is formulated, and the best sustainable-resilient order allocation solution is found using the U-NSGA-III algorithm and TOPSIS method. Finally, based on a real-life case in the automotive manufacturing industry, experiments are conducted to demonstrate the application of the proposed two-stage decision model.
Findings
The paper provides an effective decision tool for the SSOA process in an uncertain environment. The proposed SVN-BCM-TODIM approach can effectively handle the uncertainties from the decision-maker’s confidence degree and incomplete decision information and evaluate suppliers’ performance in different dimensions while avoiding the compensatory effect between criteria. Moreover, the proposed order allocation model proposes an original way to improve sustainable-resilient procurement values.
Originality/value
The paper provides a supplier selection process that can effectively integrate sustainability and resilience evaluation in an uncertain environment and develops a sustainable-resilient procurement optimization model.
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Hussam Al Halbusi, Khalid Al-Sulaiti, Fadi Abdelfattah, Ahmad Bayiz Ahmad and Salah Hassan
This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of online pharmacies in Qatar using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology-2 (UTAUT-2…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption of online pharmacies in Qatar using the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology-2 (UTAUT-2) framework. Specifically, this study examines the impact of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, habit, technology trust, perceived risk and users’ level of awareness of behavioral intention, which in turn affects the adoption of online pharmacies. Furthermore, this study explores the moderating role of word-of-mouth (WOM) recommendations on the relationship between behavioral intention and online pharmacy adaptation.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopted a descriptive, quantitative approach to investigate the UTAUT-2 model in the context of consumers’ adoption of e-pharmacy in Qatar. Through convenience sampling, 455 responses were collected from regular customers accessing online pharmacy services. The data were analyzed using Smart-PLS 3.2 software to examine the hypothesized relationships.
Findings
The results showed that WOM recommendations significantly enhanced the relationship between behavioral intention and adopting online pharmacies in Qatar. This study identified the factors that may hinder or enable the adoption of online pharmacies, including performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, hedonic motivation, habit, technology trust, perceived risk and users’ level of awareness.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the existing literature on technology acceptance by extending the UTAUT-2 model and recognizing three additional variables (perceived risk, technology trust and technology awareness). These need to be investigated against UTAUT-2 variables to detect the significance of their impact on adapting the e-health concept in Qatar. The potential for cultural change to accelerate the adoption of online pharmacies is highlighted. Future research should explore the role of moral and cultural factors in technology adoption.
Practical implications
The results underscore the economic and social significance of e-pharmacy adoption, particularly within the context of a developing country. Considering the positive intentions expressed by individuals toward e-pharmacy, it becomes crucial for managers and decision-makers to make strategic choices to address any challenges that may arise. Policymakers are encouraged to enhance their services and implement various development initiatives to expand e-pharmacy accessibility and availability.
Originality/value
This study builds upon previous research on e-commerce in the pharmaceutical industry and provides a comprehensive understanding of customers in developing countries. Extending the UTAUT-2 model and identifying additional variables contributes to the knowledge of e-health concepts in Qatar. The findings have practical implications for developing strategies to promote online pharmacy adoption in Qatar and other countries.
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Xuhong Xu, Tiancheng Hu, Rui Guo, Shang Chen and Lutao Ning
This paper proposes a framework for director evaluation in the context of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs), taking into account the influences of traditional and modern…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper proposes a framework for director evaluation in the context of Chinese state-owned enterprises (SOEs), taking into account the influences of traditional and modern Chinese ideologies.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the Delphi method, a series of semi-structured interviews were conducted with Chinese SOE directors.
Findings
The framework used has been validated by examining seven dimensions of virtue and four dimensions of competence functions in Chinese SOEs. Effective and representative characteristics of each dimension are identified through interviews.
Originality/value
First, through this research, indicators of virtue have been materialized and those of competence have been specified in a broader range. Second, this research provides advice for training of candidate directors whose experience were in private firms before they step in as SOE directors.
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