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…
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.
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Dan Luo, Xiewen Ni, Eugene Cheng-Xi Aw and Garry Wei-Han Tan
This study aims to propose and validate a research framework pertaining to the willingness to disclose information in the context of mobile banking apps. The interrelationships…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to propose and validate a research framework pertaining to the willingness to disclose information in the context of mobile banking apps. The interrelationships between privacy protection, perceived personalization, social presence, design aesthetics, consumer empowerment, parasocial interactions and privacy concerns are assessed as antecedents of willingness to disclose information.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a self-administered survey, this study gathered data from 450 Chinese consumers. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling via SmartPLS 4 software.
Findings
The findings indicate that (1) privacy concerns are negatively related to willingness to disclose information, (2) parasocial interaction reduces privacy concerns, (3) consumer empowerment is positively influenced by privacy protection and perceived personalization and (4) social presence and design aesthetics positively contribute to the formation of parasocial interaction.
Originality/value
The current study serves to reinforce a theoretical understanding of the willingness to disclose information in mobile banking apps, which is underresearched. The findings offer alternative psychological mechanisms (i.e. consumer empowerment and parasocial interaction) and relevant mobile banking app attributes to explain the willingness to disclose information.
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Mengsha Bai, Junning Li, Long Zhao and Yuan Wang
The purpose of this study is to reveal the significant contribution of MXene on enhancing tribological properties and to obtain the influence mechanism of various factors on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to reveal the significant contribution of MXene on enhancing tribological properties and to obtain the influence mechanism of various factors on friction characteristics of rolling bearing under extreme conditions.
Design/methodology/approach
Under extreme working conditions, the friction characteristics of rolling bearings directly determine the safety and reliability of the transmission system. In this study, MXene is added to the origin lubricating grease (OLG) of rolling bearing to enhance their friction characteristics. Then, the effects of inner ring speed, radial load, grease filling volume and other factors on the friction coefficient of rolling bearing are analyzed using the Taguchi method.
Findings
The results indicate that the ranking of various factors affecting the friction coefficient is: radial load, inner ring speed, MXene additive content in grease and grease filling volume. Especially, the radial load and inner ring speed exhibit extremely significant effects, while the MXene additive content in grease (P < 0.05) has a significant influence on the friction coefficient of rolling bearing. The optimal condition for rolling bearing lubricated with MXene additives lubricating grease (MALG) achieves the lowest friction coefficient of 0.0049 under 1,000 rpm, 9 kN and 35% grease filling volume.
Originality/value
This study could offer reference solution for utilizing MXene nano-lubrication to fufill the demands of precision, heavy-load, or long-lifespan bearings. Furthermore, the lubrication approach has the potential to be expanded into aerospace, defense, and various industrial fields, thereby significantly promoting its practial engineering applications.
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Yuhua Yan and Zhenzhou Lu
This study aims to efficiently estimate the extremely small failure probability with high-dimensional inputs and multiple failure domains.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to efficiently estimate the extremely small failure probability with high-dimensional inputs and multiple failure domains.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposed an adaptive stratified mixture importance sampling method. The proposed method first constructs an explicit and regular mixture importance sampling probability density function (M-IS-PDF) by taking the clustering centroids as the density centers. Then by the constructed M-IS-PDF, the proposed method explores the rare multiple failure domains by adaptively stratifying, thereby addressing the issue of estimating extremely small failure probability robustly and efficiently.
Findings
Compared with the existing cross-entropy based IS method, the constructed M-IS-PDF not only covers the domains significantly contributing to the failure probability through clustering centroids to reduce the variance of failure probability estimation, but also has no undetermined parameter set to optimize, enhancing the adaptability in high-dimensional problems. Compared with the subset simulation method, the adaptive stratified M-IS-PDF constructed is explicit, regular and easy sampling. It not only has high sampling efficiency but also avoids estimating conditional failure probabilities layer by layer, improving the algorithmic robustness for estimating extremely small failure probability.
Originality/value
Both numerical and engineering examples indicate that, under the similar failure probability estimation accuracy, the proposed method requires significantly smaller sample size and lower computational cost than subset simulation and cross-entropy based IS methods, demonstrating higher efficiency and robustness in addressing intractable reliability analysis problems with high-dimensional inputs, multiple failure domains and rare failure.
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Luke Booker, Paula K Mowbray, Keith Townsend and Xi Wen Chan
The well-being of employees in distributed work has never been of more importance. This study aims to investigate the factors that empower or undermine the connectivity agency of…
Abstract
Purpose
The well-being of employees in distributed work has never been of more importance. This study aims to investigate the factors that empower or undermine the connectivity agency of teleworkers. Connectivity agency is an important form of autonomy for managing work–home boundaries, recuperation from work and psychological detachment. With this in mind it becomes vital to understand how connectivity agency is shaped by various contextual factors.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study draws upon data collected from 27 teleworkers representing a variety of industries and roles. We employed a semi-structured interview protocol and analysed the data using Tracy’s (2013) iterative coding technique.
Findings
Factors that influence one’s likelihood or capacity to exercise connectivity agency exist at the individual, group or organisational level. Our data elucidate factors such as the provision of home and technological resources, the state of team norms and shared expectations and the level of organisational (dis)trust as having significant influence on whether a teleworker exercises connectivity agency, or whether attempts to do so fail altogether.
Originality/value
Whilst we have a comprehensive understanding of types of connectivity agency behaviours, it is unclear how one’s agency may be influenced by contextual factors. The originality and key contribution of our study is in enriching our understanding of connectivity agency to appreciate it as a dynamic phenomenon that is shaped by various contextual factors. This presents a variety of important insights for professionals leading, implementing or partaking in distributed work.
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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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Song-Yik Lim, Yiqi Tan, Xiu-Ming Loh, Tat-Huei Cham, Mun-Yee Ooi and Garry Wei-Han Tan
This study aims to look into the role of gamification as an effective marketing tool to engage with consumers and influence purchase behaviours. As there are a plethora of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to look into the role of gamification as an effective marketing tool to engage with consumers and influence purchase behaviours. As there are a plethora of gamified elements, it is crucial to determine which of them can significantly facilitate consumer purchase behaviour. Therefore, a unique stimulus–organism–response (SOR) framework which encompasses four popular gamified elements (i.e. fun, rewards, competition and badges) was employed to investigate consumers’ engagement.
Design/methodology/approach
An online survey was utilized to collect the data which yielded 307 responses. Subsequently, partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyse the data.
Findings
Among the gamification elements assessed in this study, fun was revealed to be the strongest facilitating antecedent of shopping engagement. However, reward was revealed to have an insignificant effect on shopping engagement. In addition, it was found that consumers undergo a processual development with regard to their impulse buying of retail food products. More precisely, shopping engagement is a significant facilitator of customer satisfaction which subsequently motivates impulse buying.
Originality/value
This is among the pioneering studies to provide detailed insights into the effect of different gamified elements on consumer engagement. Furthermore, a number of practical and theoretical implications for the relevant stakeholders were discussed.
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XuJin Lang, Xiaoyu Suo, ZhiYong Niu, Liping Wang, Lixia Li, Yanchao Zhang and Dongya Zhang
This study aims to explore the use of modified graphene (MG) in copper wire drawing lubricants to enhance their friction-reducing and anti-wear capabilities.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the use of modified graphene (MG) in copper wire drawing lubricants to enhance their friction-reducing and anti-wear capabilities.
Design/methodology/approach
Graphene was modified using oleic and stearic acids to improve its dispersibility in lubricants. Various concentrations of MG were then introduced into a copper wire drawing lubricant to investigate their tribological performance. Wear mechanisms were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS).
Findings
The best concentration of MG is 1.5 Wt.%, at which the copper wire drawing oil exhibits a friction coefficient and wear rate of 0.085 and 2.11 × 10−6 mm3/Nm, respectively, representing decreases of 22.7% and 47.6% compared to the base oil. It was further found that the addition of 1.5 Wt.% MG to a copper wire drawing fluid with a water content of 70% resulted in a 30.3% reduction in friction coefficient compared to the base oil. Raman spectroscopy and EDS analysis confirmed that the MG tribo-film formed on the worn copper disc effectively minimized friction and wear.
Originality/value
This study analyzes the tribological performance of different concentrations of MG in copper wire drawing oils, establishing a basis for the application of MG in copper wire drawing fluids.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-10-2024-0399/
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Han Xu, Xi Li, Jonathan C. Lovett and Lewis T.O. Cheung
This study uses the pleasure–arousal–dominance (PAD) theory to explore how users’ emotional engagement with ChatGPT drives their continued adoption of ChatGPT and word-of-mouth…
Abstract
Purpose
This study uses the pleasure–arousal–dominance (PAD) theory to explore how users’ emotional engagement with ChatGPT drives their continued adoption of ChatGPT and word-of-mouth (WOM) behaviour in the context of travel-related service.
Design/methodology/approach
This study obtained reliable data from 428 Chinese respondents who used ChatGPT for travel-related purposes. Structural equation modelling was used to test a series of hypotheses based on the PAD framework.
Findings
This study identifies three key features of human–artificial intelligence (AI) interaction, namely, service ubiquity, entertainment and anthropomorphism, which significantly influence users’ emotional responses, including pleasure, arousal and dominance. Dominance and pleasure are found to enhance emotional experiences, driving continued adoption and positive WOM recommendations for ChatGPT, whereas arousal influences WOM but does not affect continued adoption. The results also confirm that users’ perceived pleasure from interacting with ChatGPT has the strongest effect. These findings advance theoretical understanding by clarifying the emotional mechanisms underlying human–AI interactions in the tourism context.
Originality/value
This study examines the emerging trend of tourists’ continuous adoption of ChatGPT for travel-related services. The results highlight how different emotions in human–AI interaction influence long-term use of AI-powered tool for travel-related services.
目的
本研究基于愉悦-兴奋-支配(PAD)理论, 探讨在旅行相关服务中, 用户对 ChatGPT 的情感投入如何推动其持续使用该技术, 并激发口碑行为。
设计/方法/途径
本研究基于428名使用过ChatGPT进行旅游相关服务的中国受访者所提供的可靠数据, 运用结构方程模型(SEM), 结合PAD框架, 对一系列假设进行了验证。
研究结果
本研究确定了用户与人工智能互动的三个关键特征:服务无处不在、娱乐性和拟人化, 这些特征对用户的情感反应(包括愉悦感、兴奋感和主导感)产生了显著影响。研究发现, 主导性和愉悦感增强了用户的情感体验, 推动了对ChatGPT的持续采用和积极的口碑推荐(WOM), 而兴奋感仅影响口碑推荐, 但不影响持续采用。研究结果还证实, 用户在与ChatGPT互动中感知到的愉悦感具有最强的影响力。这些发现阐明了旅游业中人与人工智能互动的情感机制, 推动了相关理论的深入理解。
原创性/价值
本研究探讨了游客持续采用ChatGPT进行旅游相关服务的这一新兴趋势。研究结果突显了在人机交互中, 不同情感如何影响游客对人工智能驱动工具在旅游服务中的长期使用。
Propósito
Propósito: El estudio emplea la teoría del placer-despertar-dominio (PAD) para explorar cómo el compromiso emocional de los usuarios con ChatGPT impulsa su adopción continuada de ChatGPT y el comportamiento boca a boca en el contexto de un servicio relacionado con los viajes.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Este estudio recopiló datos fiables de 428 participantes chinos que utilizaron ChatGPT para fines relacionados con viajes. Se empleó el modelado de ecuaciones estructurales para evaluar una serie de hipótesis fundamentadas en el marco PAD.
Resultados
Este estudio identifica tres características clave de la interacción entre humanos e IA: la ubicuidad del servicio, el entretenimiento y el antropomorfismo, que influyen significativamente en las respuestas emocionales de los usuarios, como el placer, la excitación y la dominación. La dominación y el placer mejoran las experiencias emocionales, impulsando la adopción continuada y las recomendaciones boca a boca positivas de ChatGPT, mientras que la excitación solo influye en las recomendaciones boca a boca, sin afectar la adopción continuada. Los resultados también confirman que el placer percibido por los usuarios al interactuar con ChatGPT es el factor con mayor impacto. Estos hallazgos contribuyen a la comprensión teórica al esclarecer los mecanismos emocionales que subyacen en las interacciones entre humanos e IA en el contexto del turismo.
Originalidad/valor
Este estudio analiza la tendencia emergente de la adopción sostenida de ChatGPT por parte de los turistas en el ámbito de los servicios de viaje. Los resultados subrayan cómo las diversas emociones generadas en la interacción humano-IA inciden en el uso prolongado de herramientas basadas en IA para servicios turísticos.
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Ke Cao, Li Tong and Yongzhi Du
An increasing consensus has been built on advancing management scholarship in contexts other than Anglophone North America. However, debates and arguments about how to do so…
Abstract
Purpose
An increasing consensus has been built on advancing management scholarship in contexts other than Anglophone North America. However, debates and arguments about how to do so remain, and there has not been a clear understanding of the progress made. This study aims to conduct a comprehensive and historical assessment of related scholarship and provide recommendations for the path forward.
Design/methodology/approach
Around 2,700 international context-based empirical papers published from 1990 to 2020 in 4 elite general management journals were reviewed. Other relevant publications on the margins and related academic discussions were also analyzed.
Findings
At elite outlets, international-context-based research is characterized by a gradual decrease in intellectual vigor and methodological variety, a disregard for context and indifference to practice. At outlets on the edge, research is less constrained by dominant and rigid academic discourse.
Research limitations/implications
The paper prioritizes liberatory thinking about theoretical contribution as the key solution for the academic impasse. Extant theories shall be conceptualized as context-bounded heuristics rather than universal truths. Additional provocations and suggestions about reforming research practice were provided.
Originality/value
The study is the first comprehensive literature survey in this area. Meanwhile, new, grounded and provocative recommendations have been outlined for a bold and robust reset of academic discourse.