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Article
Publication date: 12 February 2025

Jianchun Sun, Shiyong Yang, Shengping Huang, Zhijiang Shang and Weihao Ling

This paper addresses the issue of internal spatial environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnel construction by proposing a comprehensive evaluation model. The model aims to…

37

Abstract

Purpose

This paper addresses the issue of internal spatial environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnel construction by proposing a comprehensive evaluation model. The model aims to provide a scientific basis for environmental pollution prevention in non-blasting tunnel construction, thereby facilitating green tunnel construction and sustainable development management.

Design/methodology/approach

The study firstly refines and constructs the evaluation index system from the perspective of pollution sources. A novel weight calculation method is introduced by integrating the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) with the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) operator, and a comprehensive evaluation model for internal environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnels is established by incorporating the grey clustering evaluation method. Finally, an empirical study is conducted using the Erbaoshan Tunnel as a case study to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the model.

Findings

The study develops an evaluation system for internal environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnels and applies it to the Erbaoshan Tunnel. The results classify the pollution level as “general pollution,” confirming the rationality and applicability of the evaluation system and model while also identifying the primary pollution factors.

Originality/value

This study first developed a comprehensive evaluation system for environmental pollution in non-blasting tunnel construction from the pollution source perspective, making the system more comprehensive. Additionally, it innovatively combined AHP–OWA and gray clustering methods to scientifically assess pollution levels, providing valuable scientific guidance for the evaluation and management of non-blasting tunnels and similar underground projects.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 November 2024

Yankun Qi, Xiaoyu Li, Jinghui Liu, Hanqiu Li and Chen Yang

To systematically characterize and objectively evaluate basic railway safety management capability, creating a closed-loop management approach which allows continuous improvement…

62

Abstract

Purpose

To systematically characterize and objectively evaluate basic railway safety management capability, creating a closed-loop management approach which allows continuous improvement and optimization.

Design/methodology/approach

A basic railway safety management capability evaluation index system based on a comprehensive analysis of national safety management standards, railway safety rules and regulations and existing safety data from railway transport enterprises is presented. The system comprises a guideline layer including safety committee formation, work safety responsibility, safety management organization and safety rules and regulations as its components, along with an index layer consisting of 12 quantifiable indexes. Game theory combination weighting is utilized to integrate subjective and objective weight values derived using AHP and CRITIC methods and further combined using the TOPSIS method in order to construct a comprehensive basic railway safety management capability evaluation model.

Findings

The case study presented demonstrates that this evaluation index system and comprehensive evaluation model are capable of effectively characterizing and evaluating basic railway safety management capability and providing directional guidance for its sustained improvement.

Originality/value

Construction of an evaluation index system that is quantifiable, generalizable and accessible, accurately reflects the main aspects of railway transportation enterprises’ basic safety management capability and provides interoperability across various railway transportation enterprises. The application of the game theoretic combination weighting method to derive composite weights which combine experts’ subjective evaluations with the objectivity of data.

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Article
Publication date: 3 March 2025

Yuan Feng, Jing Zhang, Wei Han and Yongtao Luo

As China is on an inevitable march into the digital era, firms have accumulated abundant digital assets, such as algorithms and data. Facing the possibility of using digital…

5

Abstract

Purpose

As China is on an inevitable march into the digital era, firms have accumulated abundant digital assets, such as algorithms and data. Facing the possibility of using digital assets as a new type input, besides traditional inputs such as capital and labor, would powerful managers perform better? Would managerial power help managers increase the efficiency of how a firm combines traditional and digital inputs and converts them into outputs? Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate whether powerful managers promotes corporate productivity by using digital assets as a new input.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from listed Chinese firms between 2008 and 2020, the authors constructed panel regressions with three-way fixed effects to examine whether and how managerial power influences corporate productivity in the current digital context, particularly under market uncertainty.

Findings

The findings reveal no consistent relationship between managerial power and corporate productivity. The results explain this from two contrasting effects: while managerial power promotes technological change it hinders technical efficiency – two components of total productivity. Moreover, this study identifies market uncertainty as a significant external contingency. In uncertain markets, strong managerial power positively impacts corporate productivity.

Originality/value

The results extend extant theoretical insights in the literature on how managerial power might influence corporate productivity.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

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Article
Publication date: 21 February 2025

Xiao Meng, Xiaohui Wang and Xinyan Zhao

The persistence and virality of conspiracy theories online have raised significant concerns. This study revisits Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory to examine the spread of…

29

Abstract

Purpose

The persistence and virality of conspiracy theories online have raised significant concerns. This study revisits Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovations theory to examine the spread of conspiracy theories on social media, specifically focusing on how factors influencing their diffusion evolve over time.

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes over 1.18 million COVID-19-related tweets using a combination of natural language processing, social network analysis and machine learning techniques. It explores the dynamic roles of novelty, content negativity, influencers, echo chamber members and social bots in the diffusion of conspiracy theories.

Findings

The results indicate that novelty, influencers, echo chamber members and social bots are positively associated with the spread of conspiracy theories. The initial dissemination of conspiracy theories is primarily driven by content novelty and influencer involvement. Over time, the perpetuation of these theories becomes increasingly influenced by content negativity and the involvement of echo chamber members and social bots. Social bots serve as important connectors within echo chambers and their removal significantly reduces network cohesion.

Practical implications

The findings provide practical guidance for social media platforms and policymakers in monitoring diffusion patterns and applying targeted interventions.

Originality/value

This study introduces a time-sensitive approach to understanding the spread of conspiracy theories on social media. By identifying the key drivers at different stages of the diffusion process, this study offers valuable insights for developing effective strategies to counteract the proliferation of conspiracy theories at various points in their lifecycle.

Details

Internet Research, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1066-2243

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Article
Publication date: 28 February 2025

Tian Xu, Zhanping Song, Shengyuan Fan and Desai Guo

The assessment of risk to existing tunnels within the context of pit construction is influenced by a multitude of factors. The conventional fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP…

3

Abstract

Purpose

The assessment of risk to existing tunnels within the context of pit construction is influenced by a multitude of factors. The conventional fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP) method may lack precision due to its inability to incorporate the inherent randomness associated with numerous risk factors. To enhance the precision of risk evaluation for existing tunnels, this research introduces an improved FAHP approach grounded in cloud modeling theory.

Design/methodology/approach

We developed a risk assessment index system for existing tunnels, categorizing risk sources into three areas: hydrogeological conditions, foundation pit construction and tunnel structural bearing capacity. The system includes 11 evaluation indicators linked to these sources, with defined risk level thresholds for each. Using the cloud model, we calculated the membership degree of these indicators to risk levels, replacing traditional membership function formulas. The cloud model’s three digital characteristics (Ex, En and He) account for the randomness and ambiguity between qualitative descriptions and quantitative values, enhancing assessment accuracy. We applied hierarchical analysis to determine the weights of each risk factor and combined these with the membership degrees to evaluate overall risk levels. Engineering applications and model comparisons confirmed the method’s reliability, while sensitivity analysis identified key risk indicators affecting evaluation outcomes, allowing for targeted risk control measures to safeguard existing tunnels during foundation pit construction.

Findings

The evaluation results of engineering applications show the same results with the traditional FAHP method, which proves the reliability of the improved method. Furthermore, when comparing the evaluation result vectors between the two methods, it is observed that the outcomes of the improved method are more concentrated on a specific risk level compared to the traditional FAHP. This concentration mitigates the potential for bias in the evaluation results, thereby enhancing their accuracy. Through sensitivity analysis, four indicators were identified to have a significant influence on the evaluation result. After implementing targeted risk control measures, a downgrade in risk level to III was revealed. This aligns with the actual construction circumstances, as no safety incidents occurred in the Line 1 metro tunnel throughout the duration of the pit construction. This confirms the efficacy of the measures taken based on the evaluation results.

Originality/value

The novelty of this study is demonstrated through two key advancements. First, in response to the lack of a mature evaluation index system for risk assessment of existing tunnels during pit construction, the authors have meticulously curated a comprehensive risk evaluation index system. This system provides a valuable reference for the selection of appropriate risk evaluation indices in similar projects. Second, building upon the established index system, the study introduces a cloud model FAHP risk evaluation method. This method automates the generation of the membership degree between indicators and risk levels. The improved method has good reliability for the risk evaluation of existing tunnels, and it can provide decision-making reference for related studies when they carry out risk evaluations of similar projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 26 February 2025

ShengYi Du, DongHong Tan and Zitong Chen

This study aims to propose a comprehensive optimization and scheduling method for the combined heat and power (CHP) systems that takes into account the uncertainties of wind power…

3

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to propose a comprehensive optimization and scheduling method for the combined heat and power (CHP) systems that takes into account the uncertainties of wind power and demand response.

Design/methodology/approach

The uncertainty of wind power and the “thermal-electric coupling” characteristics of CHP units have led to an increasing issue of wind power curtailment in CHP systems. With the objective of minimizing the overall scheduling cost of the CHP system, this paper considers the characteristics of interactive loads and wind power uncertainty, and establishes a coordinated optimization scheduling model for the generation-load-storage of the system, based on the inclusion of thermal energy storage devices.

Findings

During the optimization scheduling process, the proposed method in this paper reduces the scheduling cost by ¥99,900 (approximately 36.3%) compared to traditional methods, and significantly decreases the wind power curtailment rate by 53.7%. These results clearly demonstrate the significant advantages of the proposed method in enhancing the economic efficiency of the system and improving wind power integration.

Research limitations/implications

However, the planning process did not take into account the impact of unit combinations and grid structures.

Practical implications

This study proposes a comprehensive optimization and scheduling method for the CHP systems that takes into account the uncertainties of wind power and demand response. The objective function is to minimize the wind curtailment rate’s total scheduling cost, considering the impact of wind power uncertainties and demand response. A coordinated optimization and scheduling model for the generation-load-storage of CHP system is established.

Social implications

CHP units achieve the coupling of electric and thermal energy, significantly improving energy efficiency. In this study, the planning of the CHP system considers the coupling relationships among multiple energy sources, various devices and the pricing optimization spaces of electric and thermal forms of generation, storage and load-side. This approach has achieved favorable results in terms of economic operation scheduling and wind power accommodation improvement.

Originality/value

The case method is used to handle the uncertainty of wind power output on the generation side. Demand response is integrated on the load side to adjust user load curves. On the storage side, the thermal-electric coupling constraints of the CHP units are decoupled using thermal energy storage devices, while considering the economic benefits of all three parties involved: the power source, the load and the energy storage.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

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Article
Publication date: 20 December 2024

Zijun Lin, Chaoqun Ma, Olaf Weber and Yi-Shuai Ren

The purpose of this study is to map the intellectual structure of sustainable finance and accounting (SFA) literature by identifying the influential aspects, main research streams…

119

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to map the intellectual structure of sustainable finance and accounting (SFA) literature by identifying the influential aspects, main research streams and future research directions in SFA.

Design/methodology/approach

The results are obtained using bibliometric citation analysis and content analysis to conduct a bibliometric review of the intersection of sustainable finance and sustainable accounting using a sample of 795 articles published between 1991 and November 2023.

Findings

The most influential factors in the SFA literature are identified, highlighting three primary areas of research: corporate social responsibility and environmental disclosure; financial and economic performance; and regulations and standards.

Practical implications

SFA has experienced rapid development in recent years. The results identify the current research domain, guide potential future research directions, serve as a reference for SFA and provide inspiration to policymakers.

Social implications

SFA typically encompasses sustainable corporate business practices and investments. This study contributes to broader social impacts by promoting improved corporate practices and sustainability.

Originality/value

This study expands on previous research on SFA. The authors identify significant aspects of the SFA literature, such as the most studied nations, leading journals, authors and trending publications. In addition, the authors provide an overview of the three major streams of the SFA literature and propose various potential future research directions, inspiring both academic research and policymaking.

Details

Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal, vol. 16 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8021

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 14 November 2024

Peng Wang, Luyu Liu, Fanghao Nan and RenQuan Dong

Assisted training using upper limb rehabilitation robots is beneficial for flaccid paralysis patients in recovering their functional abilities. In the assisted training mode, the…

11

Abstract

Purpose

Assisted training using upper limb rehabilitation robots is beneficial for flaccid paralysis patients in recovering their functional abilities. In the assisted training mode, the patient’s motor ability is limited by factors such as limb muscle tension, and it is prone for the rehabilitation robot to deviate from the prescribed training trajectory. A sliding mode control method based on a fixed time observer is proposed to address the problem of delayed trajectory tracking response of upper limb rehabilitation robots caused by external disturbances such as patient limbs.

Design/methodology/approach

First, aiming at the problem of estimating and compensating for external disturbances in the upper limb rehabilitation robot system, a fixed time observer was designed based on the robot’s dynamic model. Second, the composite sliding mode reaching law combining the smooth function and the power-exponential function is proposed to shorten the convergence time of system states in the startup phase, thereby reducing chattering in the control process and realizing the real-time tracking of the training trajectory by the control system.

Findings

The proposed method provides a solution for the trajectory tracking speed of upper limb rehabilitation robot controllers. In the circular trajectory tracking control, compared to the sliding-mode control method combined with the variable-exponential composite reaching law based on the fixed-time observer, the method in this paper reduces the time for the system state to reach the sliding surface by 0.89 s and improves the response speed by 0.66%.

Originality/value

The composite sliding mode approach law based on smooth function and power exponent function can reduce the time it takes for the system state to reach and remain on the sliding surface and improve the trajectory tracking speed of upper limb rehabilitation robots. This controller improves the accuracy of trajectory control and ensures the robustness of auxiliary rehabilitation training.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 52 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Article
Publication date: 31 December 2024

Tingzhuang Han, Qingxia Wang, Cheng Zhang, Peng Peng, Shuai Long, Qingshan Yang and Qingwei Dai

This paper aims to explore the impact of Sc element on the microstructure and corrosion properties of Mg-0.5Zn alloy.

10

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the impact of Sc element on the microstructure and corrosion properties of Mg-0.5Zn alloy.

Design/methodology/approach

Three kinds of Mg-0.5Zn-xSc (x = 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5 Wt.%) alloys were obtained, and the microstructure and corrosion properties were both analyzed.

Findings

As the Sc concentration increases, the corrosion resistance of the alloys initially improves and subsequently deteriorates. The trace addition of Sc can effectively reduce the grain size of Mg-Zn-Sc alloys and enhance the density of the corrosion products film. Consequently, an appropriate amount of Sc can reduce the corrosion rate of Mg-0.5Zn alloy.

Originality/value

However, the addition of Sc also introduces the second phase particles in the alloy, leading to galvanic corrosion, which adversely affects the corrosion resistance of Mg-0.5Zn alloy. Therefore, the amount of Sc added should be carefully controlled.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 72 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

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Article
Publication date: 27 August 2024

Hui Shan, Daeyoung Ko, Lan Wang and Gang Wang

This study aims to examine the relationship between managerial ability and innovation efficiency, the mediating effect of digital transformation and the moderating effect of…

208

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between managerial ability and innovation efficiency, the mediating effect of digital transformation and the moderating effect of internal control.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collected A-share manufacturing listed companies in China from 2008 to 2019 and analyzed the data by means of multiple regression analysis, mediating effect test, moderating effect test and heterogeneity test. Finally, the authors conducted robustness test by remeasuring key variables and adding control variables.

Findings

The empirical results show that the higher managerial ability can improve innovation efficiency, internal control has a positive moderating effect and digital transformation plays a partial mediating effect on the relationship between managerial ability and innovation efficiency. Specially, it is found that the mediating effect of digital transformation is not significant in non-state-owned firms.

Practical implications

This study suggests that it is necessary to focus on the managerial ability in terms of both cultivation and supervision, to further deepen the digital transformation from the aspects of firms, government and society, especially to support the digital transformation of non-state-owned firms, and to make efforts to improve the corporate governance mechanism and internal control system, so as to better comprehensively realize the improvement of enterprise innovation efficiency.

Originality/value

Based on the mediating effect analysis of digital transformation and the moderating effect analysis of internal control, this study explores the role of managerial ability on innovation efficiency from a new perspective, expanding the related theoretical framework and research boundaries.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 19 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

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