Sirsha Pattanayak, M. Ramkumar, Mohit Goswami, Gopalakrishnan Narayanamurthy and Nripendra P. Rana
Anchored in the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) and Dynamic Capabilities theory, this study examines blockchain’s role in facilitating firms' transition to a circular economy…
Abstract
Purpose
Anchored in the Natural Resource-Based View (NRBV) and Dynamic Capabilities theory, this study examines blockchain’s role in facilitating firms' transition to a circular economy (CE), aiming to provide a robust framework for understanding the interplay between blockchain, CE and sustainability.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses an interpretivistic approach and semi-structured interviews to explore how blockchain can drive the transition to a CE.
Findings
The study shows blockchain can expedite the shift to a CE through pollution prevention, product stewardship and sustainable development, by leveraging dynamic capabilities (DC). It emphasizes blockchain as a micro foundation of DCs, with these capabilities enabling NRBV strategic capabilities.
Originality/value
This study investigates the intersection of blockchain and CE, offering empirical validation for a robust conceptual framework and revealing the societal impact of the CE transition.
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Zhaohua Deng, Rongyang Ma, Manli Wu and Richard Evans
This study analyzes the evolution of topics related to COVID-19 on Chinese social media platforms with the aim of identifying changes in netizens' concerns during the different…
Abstract
Purpose
This study analyzes the evolution of topics related to COVID-19 on Chinese social media platforms with the aim of identifying changes in netizens' concerns during the different stages of the pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 793,947 posts were collected from Zhihu, a Chinese Question and Answer website, and Dingxiangyuan, a Chinese online healthcare community, from 31 December, 2019, to 4 August, 2021. Topics were extracted during the prodromal and outbreak stages, and in the abatement–resurgence cycle.
Findings
Netizens' concerns varied in different stages. During the prodromal and outbreak stages, netizens showed greater concern about COVID-19 news, the impact of COVID-19 and the prevention and control of COVID-19. During the first round of the abatement and resurgence stage, netizens remained concerned about COVID-19 news and the prevention and control of the pandemic, however, less attention was paid to the impact of COVID-19. During later stages, popularity grew in topics concerning the impact of COVID-19, while netizens engaged more in discussions about international events and the raising of spirits to fight the global pandemic.
Practical implications
This study contributes to the practice by providing a way for the government and policy makers to retrospect the pandemic and thereby make a good preparation to take proper measures to communicate with citizens and address their demands in similar situations in the future.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by applying an adapted version of Fink's (1986) crisis life cycle to create a five-stage evolution model to understand the repeated resurgence of COVID-19 in Mainland China.
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Sui-Xin Fan, Xiaoni Yan, Yan Cao, Yi cong Liu, Sheng Wei Cao, Jun-Hu Meng and Junde Guo
Nano graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is an emerging lubrication technology with excellent performance and significant potential for future applications. This study aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Nano graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is an emerging lubrication technology with excellent performance and significant potential for future applications. This study aims to investigate the effect of nano g-C3N4 as a lubricant additive on the wear performance of bearing steel disk.
Design/methodology/approach
Various mass fractions of g-C3N4 were introduced into the base oil. Combining tribological testing, rheological testing and surface analysis methods, the anti-wear properties and lubrication mechanisms were analyzed.
Findings
Transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the size of the nanoparticles of g-C3N4 ranges from 10 to 100 nm. Phase analysis of the g-C3N4 sample was conducted using X-ray diffraction. Further, 1.0% mass fraction of g-C3N4 in the base oil provides excellent anti-wear and friction-reducing performance. Compared to the base oil alone, it reduces the average friction coefficient by 63.8% and decreases the wear rate by 43.1%, significantly reducing the depth and width of the wear scar. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope analysis revealed that the oil sample containing nano g-C3N4 can form a lubricating film on the sliding surface of bearing steel after wear, which enhances the lubricating properties of the base oil.
Originality/value
The synergistic effect of the base oil and nanoparticles reduces friction and wear and is expected to extend the service life of bearing steel. These findings suggest that incorporating nano g-C3N4 as a lubricant additive offers significant potential for improving the performance of mechanical components.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-12-2024-0456/
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Hui Guo, Jinzhou Jiang, Suoting Hu, Chun Yang, Qiqi Xiang, Kou Luo, Xinxin Zhao, Bing Li, Ziquan Yan, Liubin Niu and Jianye Zhao
The bridge expansion joint (BEJ) is a key device for accommodating spatial displacement at the beam end, and for providing vertical support for running trains passing over the gap…
Abstract
Purpose
The bridge expansion joint (BEJ) is a key device for accommodating spatial displacement at the beam end, and for providing vertical support for running trains passing over the gap between the main bridge and the approach bridge. For long-span railway bridges, it must also be coordinated with rail expansion joint (REJ), which is necessary to accommodate the expansion and contraction of, and reducing longitudinal stress in, the rails. The main aim of this study is to present analysis of recent developments in the research and application of BEJs in high-speed railway (HSR) long-span bridges in China, and to propose a performance-based integral design method for BEJs used with REJs, from both theoretical and engineering perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
The study first presents a summary on the application and maintenance of BEJs in HSR long-span bridges in China representing an overview of their state of development. Results of a survey of typical BEJ faults were analyzed, and field testing was conducted on a railway cable-stayed bridge in order to obtain information on the major mechanical characteristics of its BEJ under train load. Based on the above, a performance-based integral design method for BEJs with maximum expansion range 1600 mm (±800 mm), was proposed, covering all stages from overall conceptual design to consideration of detailed structural design issues. The performance of the novel BEJ design thus derived was then verified via theoretical analysis under different scenarios, full-scale model testing, and field testing and commissioning.
Findings
Two major types of BEJs, deck-type and through-type, are used in HSR long-span bridges in China. Typical BEJ faults were found to mainly include skewness of steel sleepers at the bridge gap, abnormally large longitudinal frictional resistance, and flexural deformation of the scissor mechanisms. These faults influence BEJ functioning, and thus adversely affect track quality and train running performance at the beam end. Due to their simple and integral structure, deck-type BEJs with expansion range 1200 mm (± 600 mm) or less have been favored as a solution offering improved operational conditions, and have emerged as a standard design. However, when the expansion range exceeds the above-mentioned value, special design work becomes necessary. Therefore, based on engineering practice, a performance-based integral design method for BEJs used with REJs was proposed, taking into account four major categories of performance requirements, i.e., mechanical characteristics, train running quality, durability and insulation performance. Overall BEJ design must mainly consider component strength and the overall stiffness of BEJ; the latter factor in particular has a decisive influence on train running performance at the beam end. Detailed BEJ structural design must stress minimization of the frictional resistance of its sliding surface. The static and dynamic performance of the newly-designed BEJ with expansion range 1600 mm have been confirmed to be satisfactory, via numerical simulation, full-scale model testing, and field testing and commissioning.
Originality/value
This research provides a broad overview of the status of BEJs with large expansion range in HSR long-span bridges in China, along with novel insights into their design.
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Heyong Wang, Long Gu and Ming Hong
This paper aims to provide a reference for the development of digital transformation from the perspective of manufacturing process links.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide a reference for the development of digital transformation from the perspective of manufacturing process links.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper applies canonical correlation analysis based on digital technology patents in the key links of manufacturing industries (product design, procurement, product manufacturing, warehousing and transportation, and wholesale and retail) and the related indicators of economic benefits of regions in China.
Findings
(1) The degree of digitalization of manufacturing process links is significantly correlated with economic benefits. (2) The improvement of the degree of digitalization in the “product design” link, the “warehousing and transportation” link, the “product manufacturing” link and the “wholesale and retail” link has significant impacts on the economic benefits of manufacturing industry. (3) The digital degree of the “procurement” link has no obvious influence on the economic benefits of manufacturing industry.
Practical implications
The research results can provide reference for the formulation and implementation of micro policies. The strategy of improving the level of digital transformation of key links of manufacturing industry is put forward to better promote both the digital transformation of manufacturing industry and economic development.
Originality/value
This paper innovatively studies the relationship between digitalization of manufacturing process links and economic benefits. The findings can provide theoretical and empirical support for the digital transformation of China's manufacturing industry and high-quality development of economy.
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This study aims to examine the association between institutional investors’ ownership (IOW), politically connected firms (POCF) and audit report lag (AUDRL).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the association between institutional investors’ ownership (IOW), politically connected firms (POCF) and audit report lag (AUDRL).
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs a feasible generalised least squares (FGLS) model for panel data to examine the association between IOW, POCF and AUDRL for Malaysian publicly listed companies.
Findings
The findings reveal a statistically significant negative relationship between IOW and AUDRL, with this negative relationship being more pronounced amongst POCF. Additionally, the results demonstrate that the relationship between IOW and AUDRL varies depending on the domicile of IIs (local vs. foreign). Specifically, local institutional investors exhibit a negative and statistically significant relationship with AUDRL, whilst foreign institutional investors show a positive and statistically significant relationship with AUDRL.
Originality/value
The results of this study provide a new understanding of auditor responses to institutional investor monitoring and political connections (PCs) in an emerging economy.
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Shanshan Guo, Jinnan Wu and Paijie Wan
Limited empirical research has examined the impact of enterprise social media (ESM) use in the workplace on employees’ well-being and job satisfaction. Moreover, there remains a…
Abstract
Purpose
Limited empirical research has examined the impact of enterprise social media (ESM) use in the workplace on employees’ well-being and job satisfaction. Moreover, there remains a notable gap in effective management strategies to fully leverage the benefits of ESM while mitigating its potential drawbacks. This study employs the theories of self-depletion and resource conservation to investigate the mechanisms through which ESM use influences employees’ work flourishing, with particular emphasis on the mediating role of fatigue and the moderating roles of work autonomy and psychological detachment.
Design/methodology/approach
This study collected data from Chinese employees in two waves via an online survey platform. After two rounds of data collection, a total of 304 matched responses were obtained for analysis. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using Mplus, and multi-level linear regression analysis was employed to examine the relationships between corporate enterprise media use, fatigue, job autonomy, psychological detachment and job prosperity.
Findings
Social ESM use in the workplace increases employee fatigue (β = 0.258, p < 0.001), with fatigue negatively impacting thriving at work (β = −0.362, p < 0.001). Job autonomy mitigates the adverse relationship between social ESM use and fatigue, whereas psychological detachment moderates the negative impact of fatigue on thriving at work. The mediating effect of fatigue is most pronounced when both job autonomy and psychological detachment are low.
Research limitations/implications
The findings of this study enhance our understanding of the psychological impacts of using ESM in the workplace and underscore the critical role of job autonomy and psychological detachment in mitigating the effects of social ESM use on employee well-being and performance.
Practical implications
This study provides guidance for the use of ESM in the workplace. Management should pay attention to improving the functionality of ESM, effectively managing employees’ social ESM use in the workplace, and clearly defining the boundaries between work and social activities. It is also beneficial for organizations to provide employees with autonomy and create opportunities for psychological detachment to mitigate the potential negative effects of social ESM use on employees.
Originality/value
This research contributes to the literature by identifying fatigue as a key mediator and job autonomy and psychological detachment as important moderators in the relationship between social-related ESM use and thriving at work.
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Wan Zurina Nik Abdul Majid, Marziana Madah Marzuki, Romzie Rosman and Siti Dalina Tumiran Kamal Nasser
This study aims to explore on how the Islamic social finance mechanism, specifically zakat, influences the corporate social responsibilities (CSRs) of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore on how the Islamic social finance mechanism, specifically zakat, influences the corporate social responsibilities (CSRs) of Bank Pembangunan Malaysia Berhad (BPMB) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Design/methodology/approach
A content analysis was used to examine the disclosure of BPMB for six years (2015–2020). This duration covers the period before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The content analysis was then analysed manually and also by using NVivo.
Findings
It is apparent that BPMB not only actively engages in CSR activities, especially during difficult times like the COVID-19 pandemic, but also fulfils its religious commitments by making regular zakat payments. The finding also shows that BPMB concentrates more on CSR that covers all population, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Practical implications
This study provides implication to the body of knowledge by highlighting the connection between zakat and CSR and implication to the society and regulators on how zakat plays a role in CSR activities before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Originality/value
The novelty of the research and the original study on content analysis of zakat and CSR information in BPMB attest to the originality of this work.
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Lu Wan, Yanqi Fang, Nannan Ban, Guo Cheng and Guohua Huang
This paper aims to explore the relationship between digital transformation, international competition and productivity progress by examining the dual margins of export, thereby…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the relationship between digital transformation, international competition and productivity progress by examining the dual margins of export, thereby identifying the digital development pathway for key industrial chains within the context of regional medical and health cooperation.
Design/methodology/approach
By constructing models incorporating both the extensive margin and intensive margin, this paper delves into the reasons underlying changes in product trade value and variety within international market competition. Utilizing export data for medical products from China to Belt and Road Initiative partner countries spanning from 2007 to 2020, an industry–destination–time panel benchmark model is established to assess the impact of digital transformation on product expansion and international competition.
Findings
The findings reveal the following insights. First, digital transformation positively impacts the intensive margin of medical products, whereas it does not exert a positive influence on the extensive margin. Second, the impact mechanism test indicates that digital transformation fosters the intensive export margin by enhancing the technical efficiency of exports but exhibits an inverted U-shaped effect on technological progress. Third, digital transformation demonstrates a notable non-linear characteristic, with a substantial increase in the lifting effect once a certain threshold is surpassed.
Originality/value
While previous research has extensively explored the effects of digital transformation on export trade, this study uniquely integrates the concepts of the intensive and extensive margins of export, thereby enriching the research insights derived from existing literature. It focuses on the nonlinear effects and threshold dynamics of digital transformation, particularly in relation to total factor productivity. Additionally, the paper makes a contribution to the understanding of the Health Silk Road by incorporating the health index.
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Christine Wan Shean Liew, T. Ramayah and Noorliza Karia
The purpose of this study is to examine factors influencing consumers’ intention to purchase Halal cosmetics through the lens of theory of consumption values (TCV).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine factors influencing consumers’ intention to purchase Halal cosmetics through the lens of theory of consumption values (TCV).
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a quantitative research methodology, collecting data from 185 respondents through an online questionnaire. The participants, selected via purposive sampling, were all current purchasers of cosmetics. The data were analyzed using partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) with the assistance of IBM SPSS and SmartPLS software.
Findings
This research reveals that emotional value is the most substantial value predictor, followed by epistemic value, conditional value and functional value. Further, the moderation analysis shows that the effect of conditional value is strengthened when the consumer are from a higher social class.
Originality/value
This study reveals that consumption values with context-specific attributes directly impact consumer purchase intentions towards Halal cosmetics, while social class acts as a significant catalyst. This offers a fresh perspective that mitigates the traditional misconceptions about Halal cosmetics among Malaysians, highlighting the complexity and resilience of consumer adoption in this innovative sector.