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Article
Publication date: 7 December 2023

Hui Zhao, Xian Cheng, Jing Gao and Guikun Yu

Building a smart city is a necessary path to achieve sustainable urban development. Smart city public–private partnership (PPP) project is a necessary measure to build a smart…

103

Abstract

Purpose

Building a smart city is a necessary path to achieve sustainable urban development. Smart city public–private partnership (PPP) project is a necessary measure to build a smart city. Since there are many participants in smart city PPP projects, there are problems such as uneven distribution of risks; therefore, in order to ensure the normal construction and operation of the project, the reasonable sharing of risks among the participants becomes an urgent problem to be solved. In order to make each participant clearly understand the risk sharing of smart city PPP projects, this paper aims to establish a scientific and practical risk sharing model.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the literature review method and the Delphi method to construct a risk index system for smart city PPP projects and then calculates the objective and subjective weights of each risk index through the Entropy Weight (EW) and G1 methods, respectively, and uses the combined assignment method to find the comprehensive weights. Considering the nature of the risk sharing problem, this paper constructs a risk sharing model for smart city PPP projects by initially sharing the risks of smart city PPP projects through Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) to determine the independently borne risks and the jointly borne risks and then determines the sharing ratio of the jointly borne risks based on utility theory.

Findings

Finally, this paper verifies the applicability and feasibility of the risk-sharing model through empirical analysis, using the smart city of Suzhou Industrial Park as a research case. It is hoped that this study can provide a useful reference for the risk sharing of PPP projects in smart cities.

Originality/value

In this paper, the authors calculate the portfolio assignment by EW-G1 and construct a risk-sharing model by TOPSIS-Utility Theory (UT), which is applied for the first time in the study of risk sharing in smart cities.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 54 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 29 January 2025

Feifei Shao, Nianxin Wang and Xing Wan

Research on decision rights partitioning and its impact on platform performance has predominantly focused on single rights, leading to inconclusive results. This study is driven…

19

Abstract

Purpose

Research on decision rights partitioning and its impact on platform performance has predominantly focused on single rights, leading to inconclusive results. This study is driven by a more nuanced objective of exploring diverse governance models that can enhance the performance of sharing platforms across different contexts. Rather than delegating single decision right to users, this approach partitions several essential decision rights concurrently throughout the transaction process. By examining the complex relationships between multiple decision rights partitioning and platform performance, this study identifies and explains suitable governance models that are tailored to specific contextual factors for improving the performance of sharing platforms.

Design/methodology/approach

Collecting data from 60 sharing platforms in China, this study employs a combination of cluster and configuration analyses to address research questions.

Findings

The study explores three strategic decision rights partitioning modes widely adopted by sharing platforms. It further identifies four governance models for sharing platforms, which are termed as conservative seller model, conservative buyer model, aggressive seller model and aggressive buyer model, related to certain contextual factors.

Originality/value

In addressing platform governance as key to sharing platform success, the study contributes to the literature by investigating how multiple-rights partitioning portfolios and strategic differentiation in decision rights partitioning can enhance platform performance.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 125 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 27 May 2024

Bahati Sanga and Meshach Aziakpono

Lack of access to finance is a major constraint to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship in developing countries. The recent proliferation…

1434

Abstract

Purpose

Lack of access to finance is a major constraint to the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and entrepreneurship in developing countries. The recent proliferation of mobile phone services, access to the internet and emerging technologies has led to a surge in the use of FinTech in Africa and is transforming the financial sector. This paper aims to examine whether FinTech developments heterogeneously contribute to the growth of digital finance for SMEs and entrepreneurship in 47 African countries from 2013 to 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a novel method of moments quantile regression, which deals with heterogeneity and endogeneity in diverse conditions for asymmetric and nonlinear models.

Findings

The empirical results reveal that the rise of FinTech companies offering services in Africa heterogeneously increases digital finance for SMEs and entrepreneurship in their different stages of growth. FinTech developments have a strong and positive impact in countries with higher levels of digital finance than those with lower levels. FinTech developments and digital finance positively and significantly influence entrepreneurship in Africa, particularly in the nascent and transitional development stages of entrepreneurship. Institutional quality has a considerable positive moderating effect when used as a control rather than an interaction variable.

Practical implications

The results suggest the need to promote FinTech developments in Africa: to provide a wide range of alternative digital finance schemes to SMEs and to promote entrepreneurship, especially in countries where entrepreneurship is in the nascent and transitional development stages. The results also underscore the need to promote FinTech development through supportive regulations and institutional quality to reduce risks related to FinTech and digital financing schemes.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is one of the first attempts to account for the often overlooked heterogeneity effects and show that the influence of FinTech developments is not homogenous across the varying development stages of digital finance and entrepreneurship.

Details

Journal of Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies, vol. 17 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4604

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Article
Publication date: 28 February 2023

Fei Hui Lim, Nurhidayah Bahar, Siti Norida Wahab and Muhammad Iskandar Hamzah

This paper aims to investigate the motivational drivers for knowledge sharing (KS) through the application of mobile social networking (MSN) and their influence on employee…

248

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the motivational drivers for knowledge sharing (KS) through the application of mobile social networking (MSN) and their influence on employee productivity in the Malaysian construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The data was collected by distributing a self-administered questionnaire among employees working in the construction industry. A total of 250 questionnaires were collected and analysed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. This study used a variety of analysis methodologies including correlation analysis, reliability and validity testing, as well as a structural model in evaluating the relationships between KS, motivational factors and influence on productivity.

Findings

The empirical results of this study reveal that utilitarian motivation is positively related to internal and external KS. Similarly, internal and external KS have a positive influence on productivity, while internal and external hedonic motivation does not show any significant relationship with productivity.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the paucity of evidence regarding the determinants of KS motivational drives on employee productivity in the Malaysian construction industry, this study enriches the social cognitive theory-based literature on KS.

Practical implications

This study provides some insights to the players in the construction industry in implementing the most appropriate KS promotion strategies that could potentially influence employee productivity. Organisations in the construction industry that place great emphasis on utilitarian motivation including competency, reward and incentives are more likely to have a better influence on KS and, in turn, positively impact employee productivity.

Originality/value

This study meaningfully contributes to enhancing the understanding of the motivational drivers for sharing knowledge on MSN and its influence on productivity. The findings of this study potentially assist construction practitioners in developing a holistic blueprint for managing their KS towards improving the overall productivity of their employees.

Details

VINE Journal of Information and Knowledge Management Systems, vol. 55 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5891

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Article
Publication date: 19 December 2024

Yueyong Wang, Tianjiao Liu, Dan Luo, Zunling Du, Liang Yao and Yimin Zhang

This paper aims to investigate the influence of various laser texture parameters (diameter of pit, depth of pit and area density) on the tribological and tribo-vibration…

22

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the influence of various laser texture parameters (diameter of pit, depth of pit and area density) on the tribological and tribo-vibration characteristics of tapered roller bearings (TRBs) under full oil lubricate conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

The laser surface texture parameters include: the diameter of pit (D: 60 µm, 100 µm, 200 µm), the depth of pit (H: 5 µm, 10 µm, 20 µm) and the area density (S: 6%, 12%, 24%). The outer raceway used laser marking device to prepare many regular pits. The tribological and tribo-vibration characteristics of pitting laser textured TRBs under full oil lubrication were studied by using the MMX-1A universal wear tester machine and vibration testing equipment. Through experiment and analysis, the effects of raceway pitting textures on tribological and tribo-vibration noise performance of TRBs were summarized.

Findings

When pit-textured TRBs operate under full oil, compared with the non-textured bearings, the average coefficient of friction and wear amount are significantly reduced. When D = 100 µm, H = 10 µm, S = 12%, average coefficient of friction = 0.00195 and wear amount = 0.12 mg, they are all at their minimum values. Compared to the same condition of non-textured groups, the coefficient of friction decreases by 66.6%, and the wear amount decreases by 79.3%. The energy from time-frequency and power spectrum analyses is mainly concentrated at high frequencies, with the signal power of pitting textured groups being lower than non-textured when the Y-direction is around 3600 Hz.

Originality/value

The experimental work can provide a reference for the investigation on the pitting textured TRBs.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2024-0357/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 77 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 25 February 2025

Navnit Jha and Ekansh Mallik

This study aims to explore the influence of Fourier-feature enhanced physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) on effectively solving two-dimensional local time-fractional…

2

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore the influence of Fourier-feature enhanced physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) on effectively solving two-dimensional local time-fractional anomalous diffusion equations with nonlinear thermal diffusivity. By tackling the shortcomings of conventional numerical methods in managing fractional derivatives and nonlinearities, this research addresses a significant gap in the literature regarding efficient solution strategies for complex diffusion processes.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a quantitative methodology featuring a feed-forward neural network architecture combined with a Fourier feature layer. Automatic differentiation is implemented to ensure precise gradient calculations for fractional derivatives. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is showcased through numerical simulations across various sub-diffusion and super-diffusion scenarios, with fractal space parameters adjusted to examine behavior. In addition, the training process is assessed using the Fisher information matrix to analyze the loss landscape.

Findings

The results demonstrate that the Fourier-feature enhanced PINNs effectively capture the dynamics of the anomalous diffusion equation, achieving greater solution accuracy than traditional methods. The analysis using the Fisher information matrix underscores the importance of hyperparameter tuning in optimizing network performance. These findings support the hypothesis that Fourier features improve the model’s capacity to represent complex solution behaviors, providing the relationship between model architecture and diffusion dynamics.

Originality/value

This research presents a novel approach to solving fractional anomalous diffusion equations through Fourier-feature enhanced PINNs. The results contribute to the advancement of computational methods in areas such as thermal engineering, materials science and biological diffusion modeling, while also providing a foundation for future investigations into training dynamics within neural networks.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

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Article
Publication date: 4 February 2025

Siqi Wang, Xiaofei Zhang and Fanbo Meng

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the convergence of linguistic features between physicians and patients with chronic diseases facilitates the effectiveness of…

25

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether the convergence of linguistic features between physicians and patients with chronic diseases facilitates the effectiveness of physician–patient communication in online health communities (OHCs). Drawing on communication accommodation theory (CAT), the authors develop a research model that illustrates how the convergence of semantic features (language concreteness and emotional intensity) and stylistic features (language style) influence patient satisfaction and compliance. The model also incorporates the moderating effects of the physician's social status and the patients' complications.

Design/methodology/approach

The data, collected from a prominent online health platform in China, include 15,448 consultation records over five years. The logistic regression is leveraged to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings reveal that convergent semantic features, such as language concreteness and emotional intensity, along with stylistic features like language style, enhance patient satisfaction, which in turn leads to increased compliance. Additionally, the physician’s social status strengthens the effect of convergent emotional intensity but weakens the effect of convergent language concreteness. The physician’s social status has no significant impact on the link between convergent language style and satisfaction. Patients' complications weaken the effect of satisfaction on their compliance.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the CAT and OHC literature by enhancing the understanding of the role of linguistic convergence in the effectiveness of online physician–patient communication and provides managerial implications for physicians on how to accommodate their communicative styles toward chronic patients to improve patient satisfaction and compliance.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 125 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 January 2025

Sheila Namagembe and Shamim Nantumbwe

Environmental emissions are increasing in the urban areas. Much of the emissions arise from public procurement activities given that public sector firms are major customers to…

124

Abstract

Purpose

Environmental emissions are increasing in the urban areas. Much of the emissions arise from public procurement activities given that public sector firms are major customers to many supplying firms. Given the tremendous contribution, this study aims to examine the adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices among public sector firms through assessing the impact of urban environmental governance, government environmental communication and organizational environmental governance.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were collected in a single time period from central procuring and disposing entities (public sector firms) in the urban areas. A sample of 105 public sector firms in were used. One procurement officer and one member of the contracts committee were the key informants in the study. AMOS SPSS version 26 was used to obtain the results for the structural model and measurement model, respectively.

Findings

The findings indicate that the adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices among public sector firms is significantly influenced by government environmental communication, organizational environmental governance and urban environmental governance. Urban environmental governance significantly influences organizational environmental governance. Urban environmental governance fully mediates the relationship between government environmental communication and public sector firms’ adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices. Also, urban environmental governance and organizational environmental governance mediate the relationship between government environmental communication and adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices.

Research limitations/implications

This study examined the adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices among public sector firms. However, the study was conducted in a public procurement setting rather than a private sector procurement setting. Also, the study examined the impact of government environmental communication on public sector firms’ adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices ignoring the impact of internal communications made within the public sector firms on environmental issues.

Originality/value

This study examined the adoption of environmentally friendly urban freight logistics practices among public sector firms. Freight logistics in public sector procurement has not been given significant attention in earlier research. Emphasis is placed on sustainable public sector procurement ignoring other aspects that would help curb environmental emissions that may arise during and after the delivery of public procurement requirements.

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Article
Publication date: 20 January 2025

Erpeng Wang, Yefan Nian and Zhifeng Gao

This paper aims to identify Chinese consumers’ dish value systems and investigate whether and to what extent their dish values vary by type of consumers.

18

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to identify Chinese consumers’ dish value systems and investigate whether and to what extent their dish values vary by type of consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

We used a best–worst scaling (BWS) developed based on previous literature on food values and attributes of Chinese dishes to elicit Chinese consumers’ dish value structure. Then, we estimated each participant’s share of preferences for dish values and applied Ward’s linkage cluster analysis to identify the heterogeneity of their dish values.

Findings

Our results indicate that food safety values, including the safety of agricultural products, additives and food processing, are valued most by Chinese consumers. They rate health-nutrition values as the second most important dish values. There is significant heterogeneity in Chinese consumers' dish values. Their dish values tend to drive their dish consumption patterns.

Originality/value

The dish is the mainstay of the Chinese meal. This study is among a few studies that examine Chinese consumers’ dish values that underlie consumer dish preferences and choices. The results provide essential information to promote a healthy and sustainable diet among Chinese consumers by understanding their values and motivations for making dish choices.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 127 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 15 January 2025

Zhiqing Tian, Bin Xu, Xiaobing Fan, Bingli Pan, Shuang Zhao, Bingchan Wang and Hongyu Liu

This paper aims to investigate the crucial roles of textured surfaces on oil-impregnated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) created by a facile tattoo strategy in improving…

11

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the crucial roles of textured surfaces on oil-impregnated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) created by a facile tattoo strategy in improving tribological properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Pored PTFE (PPTFE) was prepared by mixing powder PTFE and citric acid and experienced a cold-press sintering molding process. Subsequently, textured surfaces were obtained with using a tattoo strategy. Surface-textured PPTFE was thus impregnated with polyethylene glycol 200, yielding oil-impregnated and pore-connected PPTFE.

Findings

This study found that oil-impregnated and surface-textured PPTFE exhibited excellent tribological performances with an 82% reduction in coefficient of friction and a 72.5% lowering in wear rate comparing to PPTFE.

Originality/value

This study shows an efficient strategy to improve the tribological property of PTFE using a tattoo-inspired surface texturing method.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0378/

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 77 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

Keywords

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