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Article
Publication date: 16 January 2024

Xing Chen and Ashley D. Lloyd

Blockchain is a disruptive technology that has matured to deliver robust, global, IT systems, yet adoption lags predictions. The authors explore barriers to adoption in the…

Abstract

Purpose

Blockchain is a disruptive technology that has matured to deliver robust, global, IT systems, yet adoption lags predictions. The authors explore barriers to adoption in the context of a global challenge with multiple stakeholders: integration of carbon markets. Going beyond the dominant economic-rationalistic paradigm of information system (IS) innovation adoption, the authors reduce pro-innovation bias and broaden inter-organizational scope by using technological frames theory to capture the cognitive framing of the challenges perceived within the world’s largest carbon emitter: China.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with 15 key experts representing three communities in China’s carbon markets: IT experts in carbon markets; carbon market experts with conceptual knowledge of blockchain and carbon market experts with practical blockchain experience.

Findings

Perceived technical challenges were found to be the least significant in explaining adoption. Significant challenges in five areas: social, political legal and policy (PLP), data, organizational and managerial (OM) and economic, with PLP and OM given most weight. Mapping to frames developed to encompass these challenges: nature of technology, strategic use of technology and technology readiness resolved frame incongruence that, in the case explored, did not lead to rejection of blockchain, but a decision to defer investment, increase the scope of analysis and delay the adoption decision.

Originality/value

Increases scope and resolution of IS adoption research. Technological frames theory moves from predominant economic-rational models to a social cognitive perspective. Broadens understanding of blockchain adoption in a context combining the world’s most carbon emissions with ownership of most blockchain patents, detailing socio-technical challenges and delivering practical guidance for policymakers and practitioners.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 April 2024

Yanmin Zhou, Zheng Yan, Ye Yang, Zhipeng Wang, Ping Lu, Philip F. Yuan and Bin He

Vision, audition, olfactory, tactile and taste are five important senses that human uses to interact with the real world. As facing more and more complex environments, a sensing…

1243

Abstract

Purpose

Vision, audition, olfactory, tactile and taste are five important senses that human uses to interact with the real world. As facing more and more complex environments, a sensing system is essential for intelligent robots with various types of sensors. To mimic human-like abilities, sensors similar to human perception capabilities are indispensable. However, most research only concentrated on analyzing literature on single-modal sensors and their robotics application.

Design/methodology/approach

This study presents a systematic review of five bioinspired senses, especially considering a brief introduction of multimodal sensing applications and predicting current trends and future directions of this field, which may have continuous enlightenments.

Findings

This review shows that bioinspired sensors can enable robots to better understand the environment, and multiple sensor combinations can support the robot’s ability to behave intelligently.

Originality/value

The review starts with a brief survey of the biological sensing mechanisms of the five senses, which are followed by their bioinspired electronic counterparts. Their applications in the robots are then reviewed as another emphasis, covering the main application scopes of localization and navigation, objection identification, dexterous manipulation, compliant interaction and so on. Finally, the trends, difficulties and challenges of this research were discussed to help guide future research on intelligent robot sensors.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. 44 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Shankar A., Parammasivam K.M. and Subramanian Surya Narayanan

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the computational progress in the development of hydrogen-fired gas turbines. This review aims to identify suitable…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the computational progress in the development of hydrogen-fired gas turbines. This review aims to identify suitable combustion models, appropriate NOx chemistry mechanisms and NOx emission levels for effective utilization of hydrogen as an alternative fuel in gas turbines.

Design/methodology/approach

Hydrogen is recognized as a potential alternative fuel for achieving exceptionally low emissions in gas turbines. The developments in conventional, trapped vortex combustor and micromix combustors are discussed, along with various computational models aimed at accurately predicting combustion and emission characteristics. The results of numerical simulations were then discussed with emphasis on their role in optimizing the combustor geometry.

Findings

Computational studies that were used to optimize the combustor geometry to reduce NOx emissions and the flashback phenomenon are discussed. To retrofit existing gas turbines for hydrogen fuel, minor modifications that are required were discussed by analyzing extensive literature. The influence of key design and geometrical parameters on NOx emissions and the appropriate selection of combustion models for numerical simulations in optimizing various combustion systems are elaborated.

Originality/value

The review emphasizes the computational studies in the progress of hydrogen-fired gas turbine developments. The previous reviews were primarily focused on the combustion technologies for hydrogen-fired gas turbines. This comprehensive review focuses on the key design parameters, flame structure, selection of combustion models, combustion efficiency improvement and impact of parametric studies on NOx formation of various combustion systems, in particular hydrogen combustion for gas turbine applications.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 May 2024

Yiqi Yang, Eric Macintosh and Xiaoyan Xing

The study’s purpose is to investigate the constraints and facilitators influencing skiing participation in Beijing. This research includes three segments based on the frequency of…

67

Abstract

Purpose

The study’s purpose is to investigate the constraints and facilitators influencing skiing participation in Beijing. This research includes three segments based on the frequency of skiing participation (i.e. non-, low-frequency-, and high-frequency skiers). By doing so, the study offers an enhanced understanding of the Chinese skiing market and unveils insights assisting industry professionals to effectively address their customers' diverse needs and expectations.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was developed based on prior research and consisted of four sections: (1) skiing participation; (2) constraints; (3) facilitators; (4) demographics. Items in the constraint and facilitator scale were measured using a 7-point Likert scale. A total of 409 participants completed the survey. The participants included 137 non-skiers, 134 low-frequency skiers, and 138 high-frequency skiers.

Findings

Through an exploratory factor analysis, three constructs emerged: general constraints, facilitators and learning constraints. As expected, facilitators were a positive predictor of skiing participation. Importantly, the emergent construct of learning constraints was a negative predictor of skiing and yet, the construct of general constraints was insignificant. Furthermore, the three segments differ significantly in household status, income, and education level.

Originality/value

These results support previous research noting the relevance in skiing participation of the dimensions: facilitators and learning constraints. The findings point to the need for ski resorts in Beijing to offer instructional sessions for beginners so they may become familiar with skiing fundamentals and enhance their confidence, particularly among nonskiers and low-frequency skiers.

Details

International Journal of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship, vol. 25 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1464-6668

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 May 2022

Lucas B. Nhelekwa, Joshua Z. Mollel and Ismail W.R. Taifa

Industry 4.0 has an inimitable potential to create competitive advantages for the apparel industry by enhancing productivity, production, profitability, efficiency and…

Abstract

Purpose

Industry 4.0 has an inimitable potential to create competitive advantages for the apparel industry by enhancing productivity, production, profitability, efficiency and effectiveness. This study, thus, aims to assess the digitalisation level of the Tanzanian apparel industry through the Industry 4.0 perspectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed-methods-based approach was deployed. This study deployed semi-structured interviews, document review and observation methods for the qualitative approach. For the quantitative approach, closed-ended questionnaires were used to ascertain the digitalisation levels and maturity level of the textiles and apparel (T&A) factories and small and medium-sized textile enterprises in Tanzania. The sample size was 110, with participants engaged through the purposive sampling technique.

Findings

Industry 4.0 frameworks evolved into practices mainly since 2011 in several service and manufacturing industries globally. For Tanzania, the findings indicate that the overall maturity level of the T&A industries is 2.5 out of 5.0, demonstrating a medium level of adoption. Thus, the apparel industries are not operating under the industry 4.0 framework; they are operating within the third industrial revolution – Industry 3.0 – framework. For such industries to operate within the fourth industrial revolution – Industry 4.0 – that is only possible if there is significantly well-developed industrial infrastructure, availability of engineering talent, stable commercial partnerships, demand from the marketplace and transactional relationship with customers.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s limitations include: firstly, Industry 4.0 is an emerging area; this resulted in limited theoretical underpinnings in the Tanzanian perspectives. Secondly, the studied industries may not suffice the need to generalise the findings for the entire country, thus needing another study.

Originality/value

Although Industry 4.0 conceptual frameworks have been on trial in several industries since 2011, this is amongst the first empirical research on Industry 4.0 in the Tanzanian apparel industry that assesses the digitalisation levels.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2024

Xiaohong Shi, Ziyan Wang, Runlu Zhong, Liangliang Ma, Xiangping Chen and Peng Yang

Smart contracts are written in high-level programming languages, compiled into Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) bytecode, deployed onto blockchain systems and called with the…

Abstract

Purpose

Smart contracts are written in high-level programming languages, compiled into Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) bytecode, deployed onto blockchain systems and called with the corresponding address by transactions. The deployed smart contracts are immutable, even if there are bugs or vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is critical to verify smart contracts before deployment. This paper aims to help developers effectively and efficiently locate potential defects in smart contracts.

Design/methodology/approach

GethReplayer, a smart contract testing method based on transaction replay, is proposed. It constructs a parallel transaction execution environment with two virtual machines to compare the execution results. It uses the real existing transaction data on Ethereum and the source code of the tested smart contacts as inputs, conditionally substitutes the bytecode of the tested smart contract input into the testing EVM, and then monitors the environmental information to check the correctness of the contract.

Findings

Experiments verified that the proposed method is effective in smart contract testing. Virtual environmental information has a significant effect on the success of transaction replay, which is the basis for the performance of the method. The efficiency of error locating was approximately 14 times faster with the proposed method than without. In addition, the proposed method supports gas consumption analysis.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the difficulty that developers encounter in testing smart contracts before deployment and focuses on helping develop smart contracts with as few defects as possible. GethReplayer is expected to be an alternative solution for smart contract testing and provide inspiration for further research.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 20 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 March 2024

Shuowen Yan, Pu Xue, Long Liu and M.S. Zahran

This study aims to investigate the design and optimization of landing gear buffers to improve the landing-phase comfort of civil aircraft.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the design and optimization of landing gear buffers to improve the landing-phase comfort of civil aircraft.

Design/methodology/approach

The vibration comfort during the landing and taxiing phases is calculated and evaluated based on the flight-testing data for a type of civil aircraft. The calculation and evaluation are under the guidance of the vibration comfort standard of GB/T13441.1-2007 and related files. The authors establish here a rigid-flexible coupled multibody dynamics finite element model of one full-size aircraft. Furthermore, the authors also implement a dynamic simulation for the landing and taxiing processes. Also, an analysis of how the main parameters of the buffers affect the vibration comfort is presented. Finally, the optimization of the single-chamber and double-chamber buffers in the landing gear is performed considering vibration comfort.

Findings

The double-chamber buffer with optimized parameters in landing gear can improve the vibration comfort of the aircraft during the landing and taxiing phases. Moreover, the comfort index can be increased by 25.6% more than that of a single-chamber type.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study first investigates the evaluation methods and evaluation indexes on the aircraft vibration comfort, then further conducts the optimization of the parameters of landing gear buffer with different structures, so as to improve the comfort of aircraft passengers during landing process. Most of the current studies on aircraft landing gear have focused on the strength and safety of the landing gear, with very limited research on cabin vibration comfort during landing and subsequent taxiing because of the coupling of runway surface unevenness and airframe vibration.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 October 2024

Lidia Tiggemann Prando, Jeovani Schmitt, Anny Key de Souza Mendonça, Fabrícia S. Rosa, Rogério João Lunkes, Antonio Cezar Bornia and Dalton Francisco de Andrade

This study aims to develop a scale using item response theory (IRT) to assess the entrepreneurial potential for digital transformation in Brazilian companies.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop a scale using item response theory (IRT) to assess the entrepreneurial potential for digital transformation in Brazilian companies.

Design/methodology/approach

IRT was used to develop a scale for entrepreneurial potential in digital transformation. This scale was constructed from a questionnaire, covering the domains: (1) data-driven culture, (2) openness to knowledge and adaptation to change, (3) connectivity and (4) creativity and innovation. The questionnaire was administered to a sample of 216 entrepreneurs from small business enterprise (SBE) and startups in Brazil.

Findings

A questionnaire was developed and validated to assess the latent trait of entrepreneurial potential within the context of digital transformation. Additionally, a three-level scale of entrepreneurial potential was established: low (level I), intermediate (level II) and high (level III). The interpretation of this scale provides valuable information on which domains, such as data-driven culture, innovation, among others, can be enhanced to improve the potential of entrepreneur for digital transformation.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was limited to small Brazilian companies and startups, which may restrict the applicability of the results to other business or geographic contexts. Additionally, the items evaluated in the scale may not fully capture all nuances of entrepreneurial potential for digital transformation. Future research should consider including new items that cover a broader range of entrepreneurial characteristics.

Practical implications

The findings of this study have significant practical implications for the Brazilian entrepreneurial ecosystem, the entrepreneurs themselves, public policy makers and entrepreneurship support institutions. These results can guide digital transformation strategies, adjustments in public policies and investments, thereby promoting economic development and innovation in the country.

Originality/value

This study stands out for using IRT as a robust methodology to develop an interpretative scale to assess entrepreneurial potential in the digital transformation era. By focusing on Brazilian SBEs and startups, the study offers an original contribution on how these companies are handling the challenges of digitalization and identifying areas for improvement to further promote digital transformation among entrepreneurs.

Details

European Journal of Innovation Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1460-1060

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 July 2024

Reshmi Lahiri-Roy, Achinto Roy, Rahul Karnik and Sandesh Likhite

This paper is based on the personal connections of the four authors to Shivaji Park, the largest public space in Mumbai. Three of the authors are childhood friends and were once…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is based on the personal connections of the four authors to Shivaji Park, the largest public space in Mumbai. Three of the authors are childhood friends and were once long-term residents of that area. The focus of this article is Shivaji Park, anecdotally the largest park in the island city of Mumbai, with its historical connotations and its ongoing role as a relational and cultural artefact in the lives of these authors. The ongoing member status of all four authors in connection with the public space is explored despite all of them now ceasing to be locals.

Design/methodology/approach

This article uses a qualitative approach utilising informal conversations between the four authors recorded on zoom as the research method. Supported by belonging and emotional reflexivity as conceptual frames, it investigates how the spatial context fosters a binding relationality, which is ongoing despite the now disparate locations of the authors.

Findings

Based on a critical analysis of the recorded conversations between the authors the findings highlight that belonging/unbelonging centres around emotionally tinged representations of place.

Originality/value

The core of this paper rests in the emotional connections between the authors based on their collective memories with a public space and its surrounding areas as a focus. The use of informal conversations is crucial in teasing out nuanced aspects of data collected based on human relationalities. The paper emphasises the repercussions of ongoing changes stemming from urban progress. They incur emotional and human costs through a “culling” of connections and belongings.

Details

Qualitative Research Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1443-9883

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 11 November 2024

Arpit Tiwari, Pawan Kumar and Lokesh Jasrai

Organisations using advanced technology, like ChatGPT, for executing their marketing practices are proliferating, but such fast growth also comes with different adverse impacts of…

Abstract

Organisations using advanced technology, like ChatGPT, for executing their marketing practices are proliferating, but such fast growth also comes with different adverse impacts of ChatGPT. This interaction of ChatGPT with the humanly implemented marketing 5.0 approach complements the marketing effectiveness. However, while considering the brighter aspects of this techno-marketing integration, marketers should also keep its dark side in mind. Therefore, this chapter investigates the integration of AI-enabled ChatGPT into marketing 5.0 practices. However, both the concepts under study are growing in terms of literature, and the research gap is even more extended when considering their associated views. Furthermore, significantly less literature is available emphasising the negative aspects of this advanced technology. This chapter bridges these gaps by reviewing the literature and presenting the gold-plating effect of ChatGPT usage while implementing marketing 5.0 practices. It also proposes a framework for showing the relationship between ChatGPT utilisation and practicing marketing 5.0, depicting the dark side of this techno-marketing integration. It also emphasised the need for conscious and learned associations between the concepts under study.

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