Fang Liu, Zhongwei Duan, Runze Gong, Jiacheng Zhou, Zhi Wu and Nu Yan
Ball grid array (BGA) package is prone to failure issues in a thermal vibration-coupled environment, such as deformation and fracture of solder joints. To predict the minimum…
Abstract
Purpose
Ball grid array (BGA) package is prone to failure issues in a thermal vibration-coupled environment, such as deformation and fracture of solder joints. To predict the minimum equivalent stress of solder joints more accurately and optimize the solder joint structure, this paper aims to compare the machine learning method with response surface methodology (RSM).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduced a machine learning algorithm using Grey Wolf Optimization (GWO) Support Vector Regression (SVR) to optimize solder joint parameters. The solder joint height, spacing, solder pad diameter and thickness were the design variables, and minimizing the equivalent stress of solder joint was the optimization objective. The three dimensional finite element model of the printed circuit board assembly was verified by a modal experiment, and simulations were conducted for 25 groups of models with different parameter combinations. The simulation results were employed to train GWO-SVR to build a mathematical model and were analyzed using RSM to obtain a regression equation. Finally, GWO optimized these two methods.
Findings
The results show that the optimization results of GWO-SVR are closer to the simulation results than those of RSM. The minimum equivalent stress is decreased by 8.528% that of the original solution.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates that GWO-SVR is more precise and effective than RSM in optimizing the design of solder joints.
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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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Pedram Pam, Maryam Behrooz, Mehrdad Jamali, Hosna Ghorbani, Amirataollah Hiradfar, Azim Rezamand and Zohreh Ghoreishi
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) with inflammatory status in…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC) and the dietary inflammatory index (DII) with inflammatory status in children recently diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). As the relationship between diet quality scores and inflammation remains uncertain in this population, the authors carried out a hospital-based cross-sectional study.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used a cross-sectional design involving 54 children recently diagnosed with ALL. Dietary data was collected using a 147-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire developed for the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study. Inflammatory status was evaluated using various indicators like C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS) and Complete blood count-based inflammatory score.
Findings
The authors found no significant relationship between DII with inflammatory indices and length of hospitalization in patients. However, a significant inverse relationship was observed between the antioxidant indices ferric-reducing ability of plasma, total reactive antioxidant potential and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity with the inflammatory index MLR, respectively (ß: −0.19, p = 0.001), (ß: −0.42, p = 0.02), (ß: −0.53, p = 0.005). Also, a significant inverse relationship between FRAP and CRP was observed in the crude model (ß: −0.13, p = 0.05). FRAP was also inversely correlated with GPS and PLR, respectively (ß: −0.08, p = 0.02), (ß: −0.26, p = 0.03). No additional significant links were discovered between food scores and the outcomes studied.
Originality/value
This study found no link between DII with inflammatory markers or hospitalization duration in children with ALL. However, the authors did observe a noteworthy inverse relationship between DTAC and certain inflammatory markers like MLR. To achieve more dependable findings, further research in this area is necessary.
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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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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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Yuangao Chen, Liyan Tao, Shuang Zheng, Shuiqing Yang and Fujun Li
The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing viewers’ engagement intention in travel live streaming (TLS) from a perceived value perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore the factors influencing viewers’ engagement intention in travel live streaming (TLS) from a perceived value perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a mixed-methods approach. In Study 1, 48 semistructured interviews were analyzed based on grounded theory and perceived value theory, and a research framework was established to investigate the impact of viewers’ engagement intentions in TLS. In Study 2, partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to empirically validate survey data from 255 TLS viewers.
Findings
Through an analysis of the interview content, it was found that the expertise and interaction of the live streamer in TLS as well as the immersion, aesthetics and novelty of the live streaming scene are key influencing factors that affect the engagement of TLS viewers. This finding was confirmed through empirical research.
Practical implications
This research provides practical suggestions for live streamers, TLS platforms and local government to increase viewer engagement. Specifically, it provides methods and directions for the individual improvement of live streamers, further promotes the development and construction of the platform and underscores the importance of government initiatives in policy support and regulatory framework development.
Originality/value
This study focuses on the less-researched field of TLS. Using a mixed-methods approach combining interviews and PLS-SEM, this study explores the key factors that affect the engagement of TLS viewers based on the characteristics of live streamers and live streaming scenes.
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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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Kai Wang, Xiang Wang, Chao Tan, Shijie Dong, Fang Zhao and Shiguo Lian
This study aims to streamline and enhance the assembly defect inspection process in diesel engine production. Traditional manual inspection methods are labor-intensive and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to streamline and enhance the assembly defect inspection process in diesel engine production. Traditional manual inspection methods are labor-intensive and time-consuming because of the complex structures of the engines and the noisy workshop environment. This study’s robotic system aims to alleviate these challenges by automating the inspection process and enabling easy remote inspection, thereby freeing workers from heavy fieldwork.
Design/methodology/approach
This study’s system uses a robotic arm to traverse and capture images of key components of the engine. This study uses anomaly detection algorithms to automatically identify defects in the captured images. Additionally, this system is enhanced by digital twin technology, which provides inspectors with various tools to designate components of interest in the engine and assist in defect checking and annotation. This integration facilitates smooth transitions from manual to automatic inspection within a short period.
Findings
Through evaluations and user studies conducted over a relatively long period, the authors found that the system accelerates and improves the accuracy of engine inspections. The results indicate that the system significantly enhances the efficiency of production processes for manufacturers.
Originality/value
The system represents a novel approach to engine inspection, leveraging robotic technology and digital twin enhancements to address the limitations of traditional manual inspection methods. By automating and enhancing the inspection process, the system offers manufacturers the opportunity to improve production efficiency and ensure the quality of diesel engines.
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Although there is growing critical awareness in ELT around the rise of English as a global language, studies on teachers’ investment in critical pedagogy remain limited in…
Abstract
Purpose
Although there is growing critical awareness in ELT around the rise of English as a global language, studies on teachers’ investment in critical pedagogy remain limited in mainstream ELT curricula, and the impact of such investment on teachers’ identities is not clear. To address this gap, with the inclusive paradigm of Global Englishes (GE), the paper presents a case study of an English teacher’s investment in GE at a middle school in China.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a qualitative approach. Semi-structured interview was conducted with the participant – May, focusing on her reported practices and her understanding of her roles during the investment in GE. The interview process was guided by an interview protocol which was designed based on related literature on GE, the theoretical framework, and the research context. A content analysis method was utilized to generate descriptive categories concerning participant’s identities and investment in GE.
Findings
Analysis of interview data reveals that through investment in GE, May not only constructed her identity as an English teacher, but also explored identities as a student inspirer, and a peer mentor. These identities exploration and construction were primarily driven by her increased cultural and social capital, despite facing challenges such as high-stakes test policies, native-speakerism ideology, institutional requirements, and limited resources.
Research limitations/implications
Future research incorporating triangulating data such as interviews, and classroom observations, would provide a more comprehensive understanding of English teachers’ identities, and investment in GE. Besides, the findings of this study are primarily from one teacher, they may not fully represent the broader population of English teachers in China.
Practical implications
The findings have several implications for English teaching and teacher education. First, elementary schools, the lower grades of middle schools (grades 7 and 8), or the after-school programs may have opportunities for teachers to integrate GE in teaching. Second, teacher education programs should be designed to provide more chances that enable student teachers to invest in their learning and teaching of GE. Third, proposals for incorporating GE practices in the classroom must adopt a critical perspective, so as to to expose, deconstruct, and reconstruct power dynamics that influence teachers’ investment in GE.
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in its exploration of English teachers’ investment of GE in their teaching, and the impact of this investment on their identities as English teachers. By investigating these aspects, the study addresses the research gaps in English teachers’ practice of integration of GE in mainstream ELT curricula and provides insights on how to encourage English teachers to incorporate a GE-aware perspective in their teaching.