Alice Sarantopoulos, Gabriela Spagnol, Maria Rosa Colombrini, Leticia Minatogawa, Vinicius Minatogawa, Renata Cristina Gasparino and Li Li Min
This paper aims to evaluate the measurement properties of the Employee Perception to Assess the Lean Implementation Tool (EPLIT) in the Brazilian hospital context.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to evaluate the measurement properties of the Employee Perception to Assess the Lean Implementation Tool (EPLIT) in the Brazilian hospital context.
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-sectional study was conducted in two Brazilian hospitals, adhering to COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) guidelines. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and Cronbach's alpha were used for construct validity and reliability.
Findings
The adapted tool comprises 27 items across five domains, explaining 63.3% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha ranged from 0.78 to 0.86, indicating satisfactory reliability.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations include convenience sampling and exclusive use of EFA for validation. Future studies may employ Confirmatory Factor Analysis for further validation.
Practical implications
The tool aids healthcare managers in Brazil to systematically evaluate Lean implementation, contributing to process optimization and quality improvement.
Social implications
Effective Lean implementation using the validated tool could lead to improved healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
Originality/value
This is the first study to adapt and validate EPLIT for the Brazilian healthcare sector, offering a robust tool for managers and researchers.
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Keywords
Peng Wu, Heng Su, Hao Dong, Tengfei Liu, Min Li and Zhihao Chen
Robotic arms play a crucial role in various industrial operations, such as sorting, assembly, handling and spraying. However, traditional robotic arm control algorithms often…
Abstract
Purpose
Robotic arms play a crucial role in various industrial operations, such as sorting, assembly, handling and spraying. However, traditional robotic arm control algorithms often struggle to adapt when faced with the challenge of dynamic obstacles. This paper aims to propose a dynamic obstacle avoidance method based on reinforcement learning to address real-time processing of dynamic obstacles.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper introduces an innovative method that introduces a feature extraction network that integrates gating mechanisms on the basis of traditional reinforcement learning algorithms. Additionally, an adaptive dynamic reward mechanism is designed to optimize the obstacle avoidance strategy.
Findings
Validation through the CoppeliaSim simulation environment and on-site testing has demonstrated the method's capability to effectively evade randomly moving obstacles, with a significant improvement in the convergence speed compared to traditional algorithms.
Originality/value
The proposed dynamic obstacle avoidance method based on Reinforcement Learning not only accomplishes the task of dynamic obstacle avoidance efficiently but also offers a distinct advantage in terms of convergence speed. This approach provides a novel solution to the obstacle avoidance methods for robotic arms.
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Xi Luo, Jun-Hwa Cheah, Xin-Jean Lim, T. Ramayah and Yogesh K. Dwivedi
The increasing popularity of live-streaming commerce has provided a new opportunity for e-retailers to boost sales. This study integrated signaling theory and social exchange…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing popularity of live-streaming commerce has provided a new opportunity for e-retailers to boost sales. This study integrated signaling theory and social exchange theory to investigate how streamer- and product-centered signals influence customers’ likelihood of making an impulsive purchase in the live-streaming commerce context.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was designed and distributed to the target respondents in China using purposive sampling. A total of 735 valid responses were analyzed with partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
Both streamer-centered signals, i.e. streamer credibility and streamer interaction quality, were discovered to significantly influence product-centered signal, i.e. product information quality. Additionally, streamer interaction quality was found to have a significant impact on streamer credibility. Furthermore, it was observed that customer engagement played a significant mediating role in the relationship between product information quality and impulsive buying tendency. Moreover, the paths between product information quality and customer engagement, as well as the connection between engagement and impulsive buying tendency, were found to be moderated by guanxi orientation.
Originality/value
Despite the prevalence of impulsive purchases in live-streaming commerce, few studies have empirically investigated the impact of streamer and product signals on influencing customers’ impulsive purchase decisions. Consequently, to the best of our knowledge, this study distinguishes itself by offering empirical insights into how streamers use reciprocating relationship mechanisms to communicate signals that facilitate impulsive purchase decisions.
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Wei Lin, Cheng Wang, Qingyi Zou, Min Lei and Yulong Li
This paper aims to conduct work to obtain high-quality brazed joint of YAG ceramic and kovar alloy.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to conduct work to obtain high-quality brazed joint of YAG ceramic and kovar alloy.
Design/methodology/approach
Wetting and spreading behavior of AgCuTi filler alloy on YAG ceramic and kovar alloy under vacuum (2∼3 × 10–4 Pa) and argon conditions was investigated and compared. Then, YAG ceramic was brazed to kovar alloy under a high vacuum of 2∼3 × 10–4 Pa; the influence of holding time on the interface structure of the joint was investigated.
Findings
The wettability of AgCuTi on YAG is poor in the argon atmosphere, the high oxygen content in the reaction layer hinders the formation of the TiY2O5 reaction layer, thereby impeding the wetting of AgCuTi on YAG; in the vacuum, a contact angle (?=16.6°) is obtained by wetting AgCuTi filler alloy on the YAG substrate; the microstructure of the YAG/AgCuTi/kovar brazed joint is characterized to be YAG/Y2O3/(Fe, Ni)Ti/Ag(s, s) + Cu(s, s)/Fe2Ti + Ni3Ti/Fe2Ti/kovar; at 870 °C for the holding time of 10 min, a (Fe, Ni) Ti layer of approximately 1.8 µm is formed on the YAG side.
Originality/value
Wetting and spreading behavior of the brazing filler alloy under different conditions and the influence of the holding time on the interface microstructure of the joint were studied to provide references for obtaining high-quality brazed joints.
Details
Keywords
Monojit Das, V.N.A. Naikan and Subhash Chandra Panja
The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the prediction of cutting tool life. Tool life is typically estimated by predicting the time to reach the threshold flank wear…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to review the literature on the prediction of cutting tool life. Tool life is typically estimated by predicting the time to reach the threshold flank wear width. The cutting tool is a crucial component in any machining process, and its failure affects the manufacturing process adversely. The prediction of cutting tool life by considering several factors that affect tool life is crucial to managing quality, cost, availability and waste in machining processes.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has undertaken the critical analysis and summarisation of various techniques used in the literature for predicting the life or remaining useful life (RUL) of the cutting tool through monitoring the tool wear, primarily flank wear. The experimental setups that comprise diversified machining processes, including turning, milling, drilling, boring and slotting, are covered in this review.
Findings
Cutting tool life is a stochastic variable. Tool failure depends on various factors, including the type and material of the cutting tool, work material, cutting conditions and machine tool. Thus, the life of the cutting tool for a particular experimental setup must be modelled by considering the cutting parameters.
Originality/value
This submission discusses tool life prediction comprehensively, from monitoring tool wear, primarily flank wear, to modelling tool life, and this type of comprehensive review on cutting tool life prediction has not been reported in the literature till now. The future suggestions provided in this review are expected to provide avenues to solve the unexplored challenges in this field.
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Keywords
Min Zhao, Fuan Li, Francis Cai, Haiyang Chen and Zheng Li
This study aims to examine the ability of Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4), one of the most powerful large language models, to generate a literature review for…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the ability of Generative Pre-trained Transformer 4 (GPT-4), one of the most powerful large language models, to generate a literature review for peer-reviewed journal publications. The objective is to determine whether business scholars can rely on GPT-4’s assistance with literature reviews and how the nature of human–artificial intelligence (AI) interaction may affect the quality of the reviews generated by GPT-4.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey of 30 experienced researchers was conducted to assess the quality of the literature reviews generated by GPT-4 in comparison with a human-authored literature review published in a Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) journal. The data collected were then analyzed with analysis of variance to ascertain whether we may trust GPT-4’s assistance in writing literature reviews.
Findings
The statistical analysis reveals that when a highly structured approach being used, GPT-4 can generate a high-quality review comparable to that found in an SSCI journal publication. However, when a less structured approach is used, the generated review lacks comprehensive understating and critical analysis, and is unable to identify literature gaps for future research, although it performed well in adequate synthesis and quality writing. The findings suggest that we may trust GPT-4 to generate literature reviews that align with the publication standards of a peer-reviewed journal when using a structured approach to human–AI interaction.
Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest that we may trust GPT-4 to generate literature reviews that align with the publication standards of a peer-reviewed journal when using a structured approach to human–AI interaction. Nonetheless, cautions should be taken due to the limitations of this study discussed in the text.
Originality/value
By breaking down the specific tasks of a literature review and using a quantitative rather than qualitative assessment method, this study provides robust and more objective findings about the ability of GPT-4 to assist us with a very important research task. The findings of this study should enhance our understanding of how GPT-4 may change our research endeavor and how we may take a full advantage of the advancement in AI technology in the future research.
Details
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Jing Wang, Ting-Ting Dong and Ding-Hong Peng
Green innovation in human-centric smart manufacturing (HSM-GI) has emerged as a new paradigm in innovation management for Industry 5.0. The evaluation analysis method is crucial…
Abstract
Purpose
Green innovation in human-centric smart manufacturing (HSM-GI) has emerged as a new paradigm in innovation management for Industry 5.0. The evaluation analysis method is crucial for measuring the development progress and guiding continual improvements of HSM-GI. Since this process of HSM-GI can be regarded as complex and interactive, a holistic picture is often required to describe the interrelations of its antecedents and consequences. In this respect, this study aims to construct a causality network indicator system and proposes a synergy evaluation method for HSM-GI.
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, based on the Driver force-State-Response (DSR) causal-effect framework, this study constructs a holistic indicator system to analyze the interactions between environmental and human concerns of HSM-GI. Secondly, owing to the imprecision of human cognition and synergy interaction in the evaluation process, a flexible hesitant fuzzy (HF) superiority-inferiority synergetic evaluation method is presented. This method quantifies the strengths of causal relationships and expresses the incentives and constraints attitudes of humans. Finally, the proposed framework is applied to six HSMs in the electronic technology industry.
Findings
The driving force and state of the HSM-GI system exhibit an upward trend, while the response continues to decline due to changing market demands. The order and synergy degree have shown an increasing trend during 2021–2023, particularly significant for BOE and Haier Smart Home. HSM-GI systems with higher scores mostly have functional coordination and a coherent synergy structure.
Originality/value
This study demonstrates the proposed approach’s applicability and assists policymakers in formulating targeted strategies for green innovation systems.
Details
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Jing Xia, Siqi Zhu, XinYuan He, Junfu Shen, XiaoPan Li, YiYun Kong and Chun Yao
This paper aims to explore how thermal activation enhances the oxidation complexation of the titanium alloy, aiming to enhance surface quality and processing efficiency.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how thermal activation enhances the oxidation complexation of the titanium alloy, aiming to enhance surface quality and processing efficiency.
Design/methodology/approach
The titanium alloys were chemically mechanically polished under various temperatures. The removal rate and surface roughness were characterized using a three-dimensional topography tester. The surface composition, content and valence state were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The abrasion performance of the surface reaction layers was conducted using a friction wear testing machine.
Findings
The thermal activation temperature can enhance the chemical-mechanical polishing effect of titanium alloy. The thermal activation temperature can enhance the oxidation complexation synergistic effect of K2S2O8 and KF on titanium alloy, thereby improving the polishing effect. With the increase in temperature, the wear resistance of titanium alloy decreases after oxidation corrosion, making it more susceptible to removal through friction. By promoting the oxidation and corrosion of K2S2O8 and KF on the titanium alloy, higher temperatures can facilitate the formation of easily removable film layers on the surface, thereby enhancing the polishing effect.
Practical implications
This research contributes to enriching the theoretical framework of precision machining of titanium alloy and enhancing surface quality and machining efficiency.
Originality/value
With this statement, the authors hereby certify that the manuscript is the result of their own effort and ability. They have indicated all quotes, citations and references. Furthermore, the authors have not submitted any essay, paper or thesis with similar content elsewhere. No conflict of interest exists in the submission of this manuscript.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-05-2024-0167/
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Keywords
Zhong Du, Xiang Li and Zhi-Ping Fan
In the practice of live streaming e-commerce, the consumer demand is usually uncertain, and the inventory and prices can be decided by brand owners or streamers. To this end, this…
Abstract
Purpose
In the practice of live streaming e-commerce, the consumer demand is usually uncertain, and the inventory and prices can be decided by brand owners or streamers. To this end, this study examines the inventory and pricing decisions of the brand owner and streamer in a live streaming e-commerce supply chain under demand uncertainty.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, four scenarios are considered, i.e. the brand owner determines the inventory and price (Scenario BB), the brand owner determines the inventory and the streamer determines the price (Scenario BS), the streamer determines the inventory and the brand owner determines the price (Scenario SB), and the streamer determines the inventory and price (Scenario SS).
Findings
The results show that the inventory and prices, as well as the profits of the brand owner and streamer increase with the consumer sensitivity to streamer’s sales effort level under the four scenarios. The inventory (price) is the highest under Scenario SS (SB), while that is the lowest under Scenario BB (BS). In addition, when the sensitivity is low, the brand owner’s profit is the highest under Scenario BB, otherwise, the profit is the highest under Scenario SS. Regardless of the sensitivity, the streamer’s profit is always the highest under Scenario SS.
Originality/value
Few studies focused on the inventory and pricing decisions of brand owners and streamers in live streaming e-commerce supply chains under demand uncertainty, while this work bridges the research gap. This study can provide theoretical basis and decision support for brand owners and streamers.
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Xiangbin Liu, Fandi Meng, Ruiping Liu, Junlin Kou, Zeyang Zhang, Jianrong Feng, Li Liu and Fuhui Wang
The marine environment presents a great challenge to the anticorrosion properties of organic coatings applied on equipment. Since the compactness of coatings is critical in marine…
Abstract
Purpose
The marine environment presents a great challenge to the anticorrosion properties of organic coatings applied on equipment. Since the compactness of coatings is critical in marine environments, a novel nepheline-epoxy resin (N-EP) composite was introduced into organic coatings to improve the interfacial compatibility between the pigments and the binder. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the N-EP composite in enhancing the corrosion resistance of the coatings in marine conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
These composite particles were prepared via the mechanical ball milling method at thermofield-assisted, leading to chemical bonding between inorganic nepheline and epoxy resin, the agglomeration of particles was avoided by this method. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, particle size distribution, sedimentation and thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis were used to verify the feasibility of thermal field-assisted mechanochemistry for achieving a direct reaction between epoxy resin and nepheline powder, as well as to determine the optimal reaction conditions. Additionally, water absorption tests, Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope were conducted to assess the anticorrosive properties of the modified nepheline coatings.
Findings
The results further indicated that N-EP improved the barrier performance and mechanical properties of the coating. For example, after modified, the tensile strength of coating had increased from 41.96 ± 0.05–63.14 ± 0.05 MPa. This can be attributed to the less defective N-EP/binder interface and the uniform dispersion of N-EP in the coating. The optimal preparation conditions (500 r/min of ball grinding speed and 6 h of ball grinding time) for the composites were also studied for a superior corrosion resistance of the coating.
Originality/value
Thermofield-assisted mechanochemistry enables direct reactions between epoxy resin and nepheline powder, enhancing the dispersion stability and interfacial compatibility of N-EP. This modification improves coating compactness, reduces porosity and enhances corrosion resistance by strengthening the labyrinth effect on water diffusion.