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1 – 10 of 555Jia-Jhou Wu, Sue-Ting Chang, Yung-Ping Lin and Tom M.Y. Lin
When encountering novel technology, customers often use the term “cool” to express their thoughts; therefore, coolness has become crucial for launching service robots. However…
Abstract
Purpose
When encountering novel technology, customers often use the term “cool” to express their thoughts; therefore, coolness has become crucial for launching service robots. However, research on the impact mechanism of “coolness” is lacking. This study explored the relationship between delight and behavioral intention regarding the coolness of service robots in the food and beverage industry while discussing the mediating roles of utilitarian and hedonic values.
Design/methodology/approach
Questionnaires were distributed online with links to the survey posted on restaurant discussion boards on Facebook and online community platforms such as Dcard. In total, 540 responses were deemed valid. The hypotheses were tested using the partial least squares structural equation modeling method.
Findings
The results indicate that coolness positively impacted both utilitarian and hedonic values and that both perceived values positively impacted delight. Moreover, coolness does not directly impact delight but must be mediated by perceived value to be effective.
Practical implications
Increasing customer perceptions of the coolness of service robots is recommended. Moreover, regarding customer revisits, utilitarian value services can delight customers more effectively than hedonic value services.
Originality/value
The stimulus-organism-response model was used to identify the relationships among coolness, perceived value, delight and behavioral intention. Moreover, the authors investigated the impact of coolness on utilitarian and hedonic values. These findings are significant for the development of smart restaurants and provide a critical reference for exploring service robots.
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Jun Huang, Haijie Mo and Tianshu Zhang
This paper takes the Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect as a quasi-natural experiment and investigates the impact of capital market liberalization on the corporate debt…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper takes the Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect as a quasi-natural experiment and investigates the impact of capital market liberalization on the corporate debt maturity structure. It also aims to provide some policy implications for corporate debt financing and further liberalization of the capital market in China.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing the exogenous event of Shanghai-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect and using the data of Chinese A-share firms from 2010 to 2020, this study constructs a difference-in-differences model to examine the relationship between capital market liberalization and corporate debt maturity structure. To validate the results, this study performed several robustness tests, including the parallel test, the placebo test, the Heckman two-stage regression and the propensity score matching.
Findings
This paper finds that capital market liberalization has significantly increased the proportion of long-term debt of target firms. Further analyses suggest that the impact of capital market liberalization on the debt maturity structure is more pronounced for firms with lower management ownership and non-Big 4 audit. Channel tests show that capital market liberalization improves firms’ information environment and curbs self-interested management behavior.
Originality/value
This research provides empirical evidence for the consequences of capital market liberalization and enriches the literature on the determinants of corporate debt maturity structure. Further this study makes a reference for regulators and financial institutions to improve corporate financing through the governance role of capital market liberalization.
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Shanshan Yue, Bajuri Hafiz Norkhairul, Saleh F.A. Khatib and Yini Lee
This study delves into the nuanced relationship between financial constraints, ownership structures (state-owned and foreign) and innovation engagement within China’s A-share…
Abstract
Purpose
This study delves into the nuanced relationship between financial constraints, ownership structures (state-owned and foreign) and innovation engagement within China’s A-share market, aiming to uncover how these dynamics vary across different industries and regional contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
By retrieving data from various datasets in China (2010–2022), this study analyzed the effectiveness of each variable, employing various dimensions to reflect innovation engagement among Chinese listed companies. Meanwhile, for the measurement of financial constraints, this study tested all four typical ones and opted for the KZ Index, as it is the most suitable for China’s A-share market. Then, by fixing the industry and year effects, the study examined the main and moderating effects. At last, in order to address endogeneity issues and capture the dynamic nature of innovation activities, this study follow the suggestion of Khatib (2024) and employed the two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation.
Findings
The results demonstrate that while the government has introduced many policies to promote innovation, state-owned ownership does not consistently enhance innovation engagement as expected, especially when firms are in financial dilemma. Particularly, in Hi-tech industries, foreign ownership demonstrates greater interest and confidence in the innovation capabilities of China’s A-share market. Findings also reveal significant regional heterogeneity in the moderating role of ownership structures. While state-owned and foreign ownerships have a buffering effect against financial constraints in the eastern and western regions, but this effect is notably different in the middle part, even though it is China’s political heartland.
Originality/value
The findings offer a different insight for policymakers and corporate strategists, suggesting that targeted financial and regulatory policies that leverage specific ownership structures can foster innovation in different ways, particularly in financially constrained environments. However, how to stimulate innovation vitality in the middle part of China still requires further research.
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Bo Feng, Manfei Zheng and Yi Shen
An emerging body of literature has pinpointed the role of supply chain structure in influencing the extent to which supply chain members disclose information about their internal…
Abstract
Purpose
An emerging body of literature has pinpointed the role of supply chain structure in influencing the extent to which supply chain members disclose information about their internal practices and performance. Nevertheless, empirical research investigating the effects of firm-level relational embeddedness on network-level transparency still lags. Drawing on social network analysis, this research examines the effect of relational embeddedness on supply chain transparency and the contingent role of digitalization in the context of environmental, social and governance (ESG) information disclosure.
Design/methodology/approach
In their empirical analysis, the authors collected secondary data from the Bloomberg database about 2,229 firms and 14,007 ties organized in 107 extended supply chains. The authors employed supplier and customer concentration metrics to measure relational embeddedness and performed multiple econometric models to test the hypothesis.
Findings
The authors found a positive effect of supplier concentration on supply chain transparency, but the effect of customer concentration was not significant. Additionally, the digitalization of focal firms reinforced the impact of supplier concentration on supply chain transparency.
Originality/value
The study findings contribute by underscoring the critical effect of relational embeddedness on supply chain transparency, extending prior literature on social network analysis, providing compelling evidence for the intersection of digitalization and supply chain management, and drawing important implications for practices.
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Zhaoyang 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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Yu Fu, Junwen Zhao, Xujia Li and Yiwen Peng
This paper aims to prepare high corrosion-resistant chromium-free zinc-aluminum (Zn–Al) coatings reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nano-ZnO particle…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to prepare high corrosion-resistant chromium-free zinc-aluminum (Zn–Al) coatings reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and nano-ZnO particle composites.
Design/methodology/approach
The morphology, composition and corrosion resistance of the coatings were analyzed by electrochemical tests, water contact angle tests, immersion tests, scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive spectrometer and X-ray diffraction.
Findings
The composite coating with 0.3% MWCNTs and 0.5% nano-ZnO particles demonstrated both high shielding performance and cathodic protection performance, which was attributed to the porosity filling of MWCNTs and nano-ZnO particles together with the electrical connection of MWCNTs between the zinc and aluminum powders.
Originality/value
This work laid an experimental foundation for the preparation and corrosion mechanism of high corrosion-resistant chromium-free Zn–Al coating reinforced with MWCNTs and nano-ZnO particles.
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Jingqi Zhang and Shaohua Jiang
This paper provides a thorough examination of the advancements and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on construction management (CM) over the past five years, particularly…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper provides a thorough examination of the advancements and impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on construction management (CM) over the past five years, particularly focusing on its role in mitigating prevalent challenges such as inefficiency and ensuring quality. By methodically reviewing and synthesizing the body of research conducted in this period, it underscores key contributions and breakthroughs in the application of AI within construction management (AICM). Additionally, the study aims to shed light on emerging trends and forecast future directions for technological innovation in the construction management sector.
Design/methodology/approach
Guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework, this research conducts a bibliometric analysis of 176 relevant publications from the past five years. The analysis focuses on the adoption of AICM across three critical areas: construction equipment management, improvement of construction safety and construction cost optimization. Additionally, the study systematically identifies and examines 14 emerging themes within this domain, ensuring a comprehensive exploration aligned with PRISMA guidelines.
Findings
This manuscript summarizes recent research from the past five years in three key areas: construction equipment management, construction safety management and construction cost management within the realm of AICM. It identifies key gaps and outlines future research directions, including enhancing AI-driven equipment integration, developing sophisticated AI-based safety systems and optimizing cost management with advanced data analytics. These findings and directions are essential for steering the field toward greater digital innovation and sustainability.
Originality/value
This research provides a detailed analysis of the literature within the AICM domain, thoughtfully compiling significant findings and highlighting the importance of addressing user needs. The insights and recommendations shared aim to be beneficial for both academic researchers and industry professionals, contributing to the ongoing development of AICM as it moves toward a future characterized by digital innovation and sustainability.
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Shi Xu, Hongyu Gao, Fukang Yang, Ziyue Zhang, Shuolei Wang, Xiaojian Jiang and Yubing Dong
The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical properties, thermal insulation properties and flame retardant properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the organic…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical properties, thermal insulation properties and flame retardant properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the organic montmorillonite (OMMT)/SiO2 aerogel/PET composites and fibers were prepared, and the effects of the OMMT/SiO2 aerogel on the structure, thermal conductivity and flame retardance of the OMMT/SiO2 aerogel/PET composites and their fibers were systematically investigated.
Design/methodology/approach
The OMMT/SiO2 aerogel/PET composites and fibers were prepared by in-situ polymerization and melt spinning using SiO2 aerogel as thermal insulation filler and OMMT (DK2) as comodified filler.
Findings
The experimental results showed that OMMT improved the crystallization properties of PET. Compared with the crystallinity of SiO2 aerogel/PET composites (34.8%), SiO2 aerogel/PET composites and their fibers reached 45.1% and 49.2%, respectively. The breaking strength of the OMMT/SiO2 aerogel/PET composite fibers were gradually increased with the OMMT content. When the content of OMMT was 0.8 wt.%, the fracture strength of the composite fibers reached 4.40 cN/dtex, which was 54% higher than that of the SiO2 aerogel/PET fiber. In addition, the thermal insulation properties of the composites and their fibers were improved by addition of fillers, and at the same time reached the flame retardant level. The thermal conductivity of the 0.8 wt.% OMMT/SiO2 aerogel/PET composites was 101.78 mW/(m·K), which was 49.3% and 58.8% lower than that of the SiO2 aerogel/PET composites and the pure PET, respectively. The thermal conductivity of the fiber fabrics woven from the 0.8 wt.% OMMT/SiO2 aerogel/PET composites was 28.18 mW/(m·K), which was 29.0% and 44.6% lower than that of the SiO2 aerogel/PET composite fiber fabrics and PET fiber fabrics. The flame retardancy of the composites was improved, with an limiting oxygen index value of 29.2% for the 0.8 wt.% OMMT/SiO2 aerogel/PET composites, which was 4.1% higher compared to the SiO2 aerogel/PET composites, and achieved the flame retardant level.
Research limitations/implications
The SiO2 aerogel/PET composites and their fibers have good mechanical properties, flame retardant properties and thermal insulation properties, exhibited good potential for application in the field of thermal insulation, such as warm clothing. Nowadays, as the energy crisis is becoming more and more serious, it is very important to improve the thermal insulation properties of PET to reduce energy losses and mitigate the energy crisis.
Originality/value
In this study, PET based composites and their fibers with excellent mechanical properties, thermal insulation properties and flame retardant property were obtained by using three-dimensional network porous silica aerogel with low density and low thermal conductivity as the thermal insulation functional filler and two-dimensional layered OMMT as the synergetic modified filler.
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Carlos Giraldo, Iader Giraldo-Salazar, Nathalie Peña-García and Mauricio Losada-Otálora
In this paper, we ask: how do individual factors affect individuals’ intentions of adopting fast payment systems (FPS)? We examine the role of financial literacy and beliefs about…
Abstract
Purpose
In this paper, we ask: how do individual factors affect individuals’ intentions of adopting fast payment systems (FPS)? We examine the role of financial literacy and beliefs about cash as individual-related variables that complement the technology acceptance model (TAM) in explaining the individuals’ intention to adopt financial innovations.
Design/methodology/approach
We surveyed consumers in 11 Latin American countries to measure relevant variables. By applying structural equation modeling, we extended the TAM. We demonstrated that financial literacy and beliefs about cash contribute to developing a fine-grained understanding of what stimulates individuals’ adoption of financial innovations like FPS.
Findings
Our results support the claim that individuals with higher levels of financial literacy exhibit a higher intention to adopt FPS through the mediation role of beliefs about cash, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and attitude.
Practical implications
To improve FPS’s acceptance probability, designers must add highly usable platforms. However, it could be more important to increase the perceived usefulness of FPS as the system competes directly with traditional payment methods such as cash. If individuals exhibit strong positive beliefs about cash, their attitudes and intentions of adopting FPS will decrease. In addition, policymakers and designers may modify beliefs about cash individuals exhibit by identifying and intervening in their determinants (e.g. financial literacy).
Originality/value
Besides technology-related factors, we demonstrate that beliefs about alternative technologies (e.g. cash) influence the intention to adopt financial innovations like FPS.
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Ranran Yang, Zhaojun Liu, Jingjing Li and Jianling Jiao
Waste classification plays an important role in reducing pollution, promoting waste recycling and resource utilization. This paper aims to explore the multiple reasons that affect…
Abstract
Purpose
Waste classification plays an important role in reducing pollution, promoting waste recycling and resource utilization. This paper aims to explore the multiple reasons that affect the performance of waste classification governance.
Design/methodology/approach
Content analysis of the existing waste classification policies is conducted using the Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model. Based on this analysis, influencing factors are identified through the technology-organization-environment (TOE) research framework. The condition configurations and action paths that cause differences in governance performance are derived using the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis method (fsQCA).
Findings
The results show that there are spatial and temporal disparities in waste classification policies among different provinces/cities. In most situations, the implementation effect of policy combinations is better than that of a single type of policy, with mandatory policies playing a key role. Additionally, a single influencing factor cannot constitute the bottleneck of high governance performance. Policy topics coordinate with environmental and technical factors to influence governance performance. Finally, in light of China's actual governance situation, several targeted implications are proposed for the practical optimization of local government waste classification governance.
Originality/value
This paper presents a novel approach by integrating multiple heterogeneous data sources from both online and offline channels, adopting a public-government perspective and applying the fsQCA method to investigate the combined effects of technical, organizational and environmental factors on waste classification governance performance across 31 provinces and cities in China.
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