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1 – 10 of 29Jintian Yun, Deqiang Zhang, Weisheng Cui, Shuai Li and Guan Miao
The purpose of this paper is to improve the problem of kinematics incompatibility of human–exoskeleton in the existing rigid lower-limb exoskeleton (LLE).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to improve the problem of kinematics incompatibility of human–exoskeleton in the existing rigid lower-limb exoskeleton (LLE).
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, following an introduction, the motion characteristics of the human knee joint and the design method of the exoskeleton were introduced. A kinematics model of the LLE based on cross-four-bar linkage was obtained. The structural parameters of the LLE mechanism were optimized by the particle swarm optimization algorithm. The predefined trajectories used in the optimization process were derived from the ankle joint, not the instantaneous center of rotation of the knee joint. Finally, the motion deviation of the optimization result was simulated, and the human–exoskeleton coordination experiment was designed to compare with the traditional single-axis knee joint in terms of comfort and coordination.
Findings
The lower limb exoskeleton mechanism obtained in this paper has a good tracking effect on human movement and has been improved in terms of comfort and coordination compared with the traditional single-axis knee joint.
Originality/value
The customized exoskeleton design method introduced in this paper is relatively simple, and the obtained exoskeleton has better movement coordination than the traditional exoskeleton. It can provide a reference for the design of lower limb exoskeleton and lower limb orthosis.
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Givemore Muchenje, Marko Seppänen and Hongxiu Li
The study explores the extent to which business analytics can address business problems using the task-technology fit theory.
Abstract
Purpose
The study explores the extent to which business analytics can address business problems using the task-technology fit theory.
Design/methodology/approach
The qualitative research approach of pattern matching was adopted for data analysis and 12 semi-structured interviews were conducted. Four propositions derived from the literature on task-technology fit are compared to emerging core themes from the empirical data.
Findings
The study establishes the relationships between various forms of fit, arguing that the iterative application of business analytics improves problem understanding and solutions, and contends that both under-fit and over-fit can be acceptable due to the increasing costs of achieving ideal fit and potential unaffected outcomes, respectively. The study demonstrates that managers should appreciate that there may be a distinction between those who create business analytics solutions and those who apply business analytics solutions to solve problems.
Originality/value
Extant studies on business analytics have not focused on how the match between business analytics and tasks affects the level to which problems can be addressed that determines business value. This study enriches the literature on business analytics by linking business analytics and business value through problem resolution demonstrated by task-technology fit. To the authors’ knowledge, this study might be the first to apply pattern matching to study the fit between technology and tasks.
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The purpose of this paper is to introduce an aid for teaching transverse flux permanent magnet machines (TFPMs) with emphasis on their torque production.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to introduce an aid for teaching transverse flux permanent magnet machines (TFPMs) with emphasis on their torque production.
Design/methodology/approach
The Lorentz force law is applied to fictitious current loops emulating the permanent magnets (PMs) mounted on the rotor according to different arrangements; the air gap flux density is created by the armature current.
Findings
Implemented in a master lecture on special AC machines, the proposed approach has revealed a renewed interest in electromagnetic fundamentals for pedagogical purposes. It makes simple the explanation of the principle of operation of a class of AC machines reputed by the complexity of their magnetic circuits. The latter incorporates axially stacked decoupled sub-circuits, one per phase generating alternating magnetic fields. More specifically, there is common air gap, shared by the machine phases, in which a rotating magnetic field is created by the superposition of the PM contribution and the armature one.
Research limitations/implications
Accounting for the complexity of the magnetic circuits and the three-dimensional (3D) flux paths characterizing TFPMs, a 3D finite element analysis (FEA) is required for the validation of the analytical predictions. Nevertheless, such a 3D FEA validation is far from being obvious to be carried on within a master lecture.
Originality/value
While the basis of Lorentz forces resulting from fictitious current loops emulating PMs has been considered in some referenced papers, its simple and pedagogical application to assess the torque production of several TFPM concepts represents the added value of the present paper.
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Shilei Cui, Donasius Pathera, Yajuan Li and Xiaoqiang Jiao
Smallholders are essential in ensuring food security; however, smallholder-dominated food production often involves high resource-environmental costs. This study analyzed the…
Abstract
Purpose
Smallholders are essential in ensuring food security; however, smallholder-dominated food production often involves high resource-environmental costs. This study analyzed the factors that differentiate horticultural practices, willingness to adopt technology and social networks between optimized practices (OPT) and farmer practices (FP) to provide localized and systematic solutions for the sustainable apple production.
Design/methodology/approach
To explore the approach of smallholder-dominated sustainable apple production, 257 apple producers in the Bohai Bay region, a major apple planting area in China, were investigated. Life cycle assessment (LCA), emergy analysis and social network analysis methods were used for evaluation.
Findings
The results showed that the net economic profit and emergy sustainability index (ESI) in OPT was 15.8 × 104 RMB·ha-1 and 1.2, respectively, which were 126.9 and 128.0% higher than FP. In contrast, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under OPT was 29.3% lower than those under FP. OPT has a higher percentage of adoption of scientific fertilizer application and water-saving irrigation technologies compared to FP. OPT has strong learning abilities, more social resources (such as technical training and sharing technical experience with others) and connections with stakeholders in the apple supply chain. Optimizing smallholders' social capital, willingness to adopt technology, behavioral willingness and technological awareness can promote sustainable apple production.
Originality/value
Considering the horticultural practices employed by smallholders in conjunction with their social networks, these factors contributed to the transition of smallholder-led apple production toward sustainability. The findings provided viable options and a theoretical basis for smallholder-dominated crop production to move toward sustainability, with significant implications for policymakers.
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While previous research has demonstrated the positive effects of digital business strategies on operational efficiency, financial performance and value creation, little is known…
Abstract
Purpose
While previous research has demonstrated the positive effects of digital business strategies on operational efficiency, financial performance and value creation, little is known about how such strategies influence innovation performance. To address the gap, this paper aims to investigate the impact of a firm’s digital business strategy on its innovation performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on the dynamic capability view, this study examines the mechanism through which a digital business strategy affects innovation performance. Data were collected from 215 firms in China and analyzed using multiple regression and structural equation modeling.
Findings
The empirical analysis reveals that a firm’s digital business strategy has positive impacts on both product and process innovation performance. These impacts are partially mediated by knowledge-based dynamic capability. Additionally, a firm’s digital business strategy interacts positively with its entrepreneurial orientation in facilitating knowledge-based dynamic capability. Moreover, market turbulence enhances the strength of this interaction effect. Therefore, entrepreneurial-oriented firms operating in turbulent markets can benefit more from digital business strategies to enhance their knowledge-based dynamic capabilities and consequently improve their innovation performance.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the understanding of how a firm’s digital business strategy interacts with entrepreneurial orientation in turbulent markets to shape knowledge-based dynamic capability, which in turn enhances the firm’s innovation performance.
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Pedro Nascimento, Tiago Oliveira and Joana Neves
This investigation delves into the elements influencing social networking sites (SNS) use reduction behavior through the lens of the cognitive-affective (CA) model to understand…
Abstract
Purpose
This investigation delves into the elements influencing social networking sites (SNS) use reduction behavior through the lens of the cognitive-affective (CA) model to understand the driving forces behind the decline in SNS use.
Design/methodology/approach
Following the CA model, this research introduces a theoretical framework that integrates the emotions of regret and guilt along with the principles of cognitive dissonance theory. The proposed theoretical framework was subjected to empirical validation, utilizing 453 responses gathered from Instagram users.
Findings
The results suggest that the emotions of regret and guilt have a favorable impact on users’ intention to decrease their SNS usage, with cognitive dissonance exerting an indirect positive influence through these emotions. Additionally, further examination unveils that fear moderates the connection between users’ SNS addiction and the CA components.
Research limitations/implications
Additional cognitive and affective responses may influence the intricate relation between SNS addiction and SNS use reduction intention.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge on the information system use lifecycle by examining shifts in user behavior, notably the transition from excessive use to the adoption of use reduction strategies. Furthermore, it sheds light on the intricate role of cognitive dissonance in elucidating the intention to reduce SNS use from the perspective of the CA model. Additionally, this study advances our current understanding of how the fear of negative consequences arising from excessive usage plays a role as a moderating factor in elucidating the underlying internal factors related to reducing SNS usage.
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Aurora Martínez-Martínez, Silvia Martelo-Landroguez, Gabriel Cepeda and Juan-Gabriel Cegarra-Navarro
This study aims to explore the role of sustainable fashion knowledge in shaping individual sustainable responsibility within the dynamic landscape of the fashion industry from a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the role of sustainable fashion knowledge in shaping individual sustainable responsibility within the dynamic landscape of the fashion industry from a novel perspective, by exploring the intricate interplay between sustainable fashion knowledge, emotional and spiritual sustainable capacities.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative study was used, and a causal model with partial least squares structural equation modeling was developed. A total of 211 valid responses were obtained, and data were analysed to confirm the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
The findings confirm the positive impact of sustainable fashion knowledge on individual sustainable responsibility, mediated by both spiritual and emotional sustainable capacities. This study underscores the significance of individuals in influencing societal norms, prompting fashion companies to adopt sustainable practices.
Research limitations/implications
The proposed conceptual framework integrates insights from the emotional and spiritual knowledge dynamics. This study uncovers the pathways through which individuals contribute to a more sustainable society.
Originality/value
The study not only advances the understanding of sustainable fashion practices but also provides actionable insights for policymakers, businesses and individuals seeking to foster a culture of sustainability in the fashion ecosystem.
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Faisal Binsar, Tirta Nugraha Mursitama, Mohammad Hamsal and Rano Kartono Rahim
The adoption of digital technology has not been able to overcome the problem of patient healthcare service quality in Indonesian hospitals, especially in lower middle-class…
Abstract
Purpose
The adoption of digital technology has not been able to overcome the problem of patient healthcare service quality in Indonesian hospitals, especially in lower middle-class hospitals that are widely distributed in the regions, because its utilization has not been well coordinated. This research explores the influence of Digital Adoption Capability (DAC) on Hospital Performance (HP) for these service problems.
Design/methodology/approach
This research used a quantitative methodology design approach. Survey data were collected from 285 leaders of class C and D hospitals throughout Indonesia, who were selected at simple random from March to August 2023. Data analysis was carried out using the structural equation modeling method with the help of LISREL version 8.80 software.
Findings
The research found a positive and significant influence of DAC on HP. Digital Leadership (DL) plays an important role in performance, both directly and indirectly. ICT Literacy (ICT) and Patient-Centric (PC) do not have a direct influence on HP but provide significant results through DAC. This research also found Environmental Dynamism (ED) factors that significantly drive the need to improve performance through digital adoption.
Practical implications
Providing insight into increasing the role of digital technology to connect healthcare workers and patients to produce safe and quality healthcare services in an ever-changing environmental condition.
Originality/value
This model is very important for the management of small hospital organizations in the context of adopting digital technology to be able to provide better services to patients and improve hospital performance.
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K.S. Nivedhitha, Gayathri Giri and Palvi Pasricha
Gamification has been constantly demonstrated as an effective mechanism for employee engagement. However, little is known about how gamification reduces cyberloafing and the…
Abstract
Purpose
Gamification has been constantly demonstrated as an effective mechanism for employee engagement. However, little is known about how gamification reduces cyberloafing and the mechanism by which it affects cyberloafing in the workplace. This study draws inspiration from self-determination and social bonding theories to explain how game dynamics, namely, personalised challenges, social interactivity and progression status, enhance tacit knowledge sharing behaviour, which, in turn, reduces cyberloafing. In addition, the study also examines the negative moderating effect of fear of failure on the positive relationship between game dynamics and tacit knowledge sharing.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a sample of 250 employees from information technology organisations, the study employed a 3-wave study to examine the conditional indirect effects.
Findings
The results ascertain that tacit knowledge sharing plays a central role in the relationship between gamification and cyberloafing. Further, game dynamics positively influenced tacit knowledge sharing, which in turn reduced cyberloafing. Especially, social interactivity and progression status greatly reduced cyberloafing behaviour when the fear of failure was low.
Originality/value
This study is one of the initial studies that suggest gamification as a progressive tool to reduce workplace cyberloafing behaviours. It utilises a problematisation approach to analyse and criticise the in-house assumptions regarding cyberloafing prevention measures. Further, the study proposes a conceptual model explaining the link between gamification and cyberloafing through alternate assumptions.
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Islam Elgammal, Swathi Ravichandran, Christian Nedu Osakwe and Jun-Hwa Cheah
This paper aims to examine desirable post-adoption outcomes related to food delivery apps using the involvement-commitment model (ICM) and the boundary of (Islamic) religiosity…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine desirable post-adoption outcomes related to food delivery apps using the involvement-commitment model (ICM) and the boundary of (Islamic) religiosity, which is an important facet of communities in many parts of the world today. Importantly, the study provides an in-depth understanding of the boundary role of religiosity in the links between involvement, commitment, resistance to negative information and advocacy intention in relation to food delivery app use.
Design/methodology/approach
Data collected from 498 respondents in Saudi Arabia was used to test the research hypothesized model.
Findings
The results from the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique lend credence to past research calling for the contextualization of theories, especially since this paper find religiosity to be an important boundary condition to the ICM in relation to food delivery apps in an Arab nation.
Originality/value
This paper focuses specifically on the ICM and the boundary of (Islamic) religiosity. The cardinal contribution of this study, therefore, lies in the contextualization of ICM within the Arab world concerning post-adoption behavior related to food delivery apps. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is likely the first study to do so in the marketing, hospitality and technology-based literatures.
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