Tianliang Wang, Ya-Meng He, Zhen Wu and Jun-jun Li
This paper aims to study the impacts of groundwater seepage on artificial freezing process of gravel strata, the temperature field characteristics of the strata, and the strata…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to study the impacts of groundwater seepage on artificial freezing process of gravel strata, the temperature field characteristics of the strata, and the strata process, closure time and thickness evolution mechanism of the frozen wall.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper several laboratory model tests were conducted, considering different groundwater seepage rate.
Findings
The results show that there is a significant coupling effect between the cold diffusion of artificial freezing pipes and groundwater seepage; when there is no seepage, temperature fields upstream and downstream of the gravel strata are symmetrically distributed, and the thickness of the frozen soil column/frozen wall is consistent during artificial freezing; groundwater seepage causes significant asymmetry in the temperature fields upstream and downstream of the gravel strata, and the greater the seepage rate, the more obvious the asymmetry; the frozen wall closure time increases linearly with the increase in the groundwater seepage rate, and specifically, the time length under seepage rate of 5.00 m d−1 is 3.2 times longer than that under no seepage; due to the erosion from groundwater seepage, the thickness of the upstream frozen wall decreases linearly with the seepage velocity, while that of the downstream frozen wall increases linearly, resulting in a saddle-shaped frozen wall.
Originality/value
The research results are beneficial to the optimum design and risk control of artificial freezing process in gravel strata.
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Chao Yu, Haiying Li, Xinyue Xu and Qi Sun
During rush hours, many passengers find it difficult to board the first train due to the insufficient capacity of metro vehicles, namely, left behind phenomenon. In this paper, a…
Abstract
Purpose
During rush hours, many passengers find it difficult to board the first train due to the insufficient capacity of metro vehicles, namely, left behind phenomenon. In this paper, a data-driven approach is presented to estimate left-behind patterns using automatic fare collection (AFC) data and train timetable data.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a data preprocessing method is introduced to obtain the waiting time of passengers at the target station. Second, a hierarchical Bayesian (HB) model is proposed to describe the left behind phenomenon, in which the waiting time is expressed as a Gaussian mixture model. Then a sampling algorithm based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is developed to estimate the parameters in the model. Third, a case of Beijing metro system is taken as an application of the proposed method.
Findings
The comparison result shows that the proposed method performs better in estimating left behind patterns than the existing Maximum Likelihood Estimation. Finally, three main reasons for left behind phenomenon are summarized to make relevant strategies for metro managers.
Originality/value
First, an HB model is constructed to describe the left behind phenomenon in a target station and in the target direction on the basis of AFC data and train timetable data. Second, a MCMC-based sampling method Metropolis–Hasting algorithm is proposed to estimate the model parameters and obtain the quantitative results of left behind patterns. Third, a case of Beijing metro is presented as an application to test the applicability and accuracy of the proposed method.
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Laura Kauppinen, Petteri Annunen and Harri Haapasalo
Industrialized construction has brought about expectations of improved productivity in the construction industry. However, the lack of a commonly accepted definition has created…
Abstract
Purpose
Industrialized construction has brought about expectations of improved productivity in the construction industry. However, the lack of a commonly accepted definition has created confusion regarding the types of development covered by the industrialized construction umbrella. These inconsistent definitions convoluted the discussion on this phenomenon. This study aims to clarify the definition of industrialized construction through a systematic literature review.
Design/methodology/approach
This systematic literature review was conducted according to PRISMA principles. Records were gathered from Scopus and Web of Science. Following the scientometric analysis, content analysis was conducted according to the template analysis approach.
Findings
The analysis of 121 articles revealed four main themes related to industrialized construction: 1) the construction concept, 2) construction methodologies, 3) systematization, rationalization and automatization and 4) societal and industrial change processes. Definitions of industrialized construction can be analyzed with seven clusters: 1) prefabrication, 2) standardization, 3) sector, 4) integration, 5) manufacturing practices, 6) technological investment and 7) none. Based on the content analysis, the proposed definition is: industrialized construction is the adoption of practices that minimize project-specific work in construction from the start of the design to the end of the building’s life cycle.
Originality/value
This study proposes a definition for industrialized construction following content analysis of broadly sampled literature. The proposed definition can provide a basis on which developments in the construction industry can be reflected.
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Oluseyi Julius Adebowale and Justus Ngala Agumba
A significant amount of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons is emitted during the production of building materials. With the world population expected to increase by 21.3% from…
Abstract
Purpose
A significant amount of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons is emitted during the production of building materials. With the world population expected to increase by 21.3% from 2030 to 2050, the demand for construction materials is set to rise, necessitating a shift toward eco-friendly options to preserve the ecosystem. Bamboo emerges as a promising solution to meet sustainable construction goals. This study aims to investigate bamboo’s potential as a sustainable construction material, evaluating its impact on construction productivity and safety.
Design/methodology/approach
A systematic literature review was conducted, using relevant keywords to retrieve journal articles from the Scopus, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases. Articles were screened, and only those meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed.
Findings
Bamboo offers numerous advantages as a construction material, including cost-effectiveness, abundance and strength, making it a viable alternative to traditional building materials with a reduced environmental impact. However, its widespread acceptance encounters significant challenges. The use of bamboo in construction can both positively and negatively affect productivity and safety in construction organizations.
Practical implications
This study proposes a framework for improvement that construction stakeholders can adopt to enhance bamboo’s utilization in construction while maintaining high productivity and safety standards.
Originality/value
While previous studies have advocated for increased bamboo utilization in construction, this study goes further to explore the implications for productivity and safety in construction.
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Kai Feng, Shengnan Wang, Lina He and Yongxin Li
This study investigated the impact of leader-member exchange (LMX) on emotional exhaustion among Chinese registered construction engineers by examining the mediating role of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigated the impact of leader-member exchange (LMX) on emotional exhaustion among Chinese registered construction engineers by examining the mediating role of active management by exception (AMbE) and the moderating role of self-esteem.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a sample of 304 registered construction engineers, the study applies the job demands-resources (JD-R) model to explore how LMX, AMbE and self-esteem interact to influence emotional exhaustion.
Findings
The findings indicate a significant negative relationship between LMX and emotional exhaustion, suggesting that higher-quality exchanges between leaders and members reduce emotional exhaustion. Additionally, AMbE was found to mediate this relationship, where high-quality LMX relationships decrease the extent of AMbE, subsequently lowering emotional exhaustion. Self-esteem was also found to moderate the relationship between AMbE and emotional exhaustion, with high self-esteem exacerbating the negative impact of AMbE and low self-esteem buffering this impact.
Originality/value
These results extend the JD-R model by incorporating leadership quality and management style as critical factors influencing emotional well-being. The study underscores the need for balanced management approaches that consider both supportive and corrective behaviors and highlights the importance of tailoring interventions based on individual differences in self-esteem. The findings provide valuable insights for both theory and practice in managing stress and enhancing the well-being of professionals in high-stress industries. Future research should aim to replicate these findings with larger samples to further validate and extend the results.
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In the face of diverse national and international threats, the purpose of this paper is to explore the transformational leadership challenges in emergency services systems in…
Abstract
Purpose
In the face of diverse national and international threats, the purpose of this paper is to explore the transformational leadership challenges in emergency services systems in Canada. These adaptive complex systems respond to critical mass emergencies, disasters and catastrophes.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative research study uses grounded theory to examine the phenomenology of emergency services leadership from systems perspective. Using the theoretical Wu-Shi-Ren (WSR)-Li systems paradigm, this key informant study of 103 emergency leaders from 81 organizations focusses on the systemic challenges that transformational leaders face in emergency services systems. The response rate was 83.5 percent using a semi-structured and open-ended questionnaire.
Findings
This key informant study underscores the competencies for transformational leadership and identifies 12 key leadership challenges in the context of the future evolution of emergency services systems. From the use of a grounded theory methodology, the new theory of transcendental transformational emergency leadership is posited.
Research limitations/implications
Qualitative studies such as this key informant study underscores the relevance of the WSR-Li systems paradigm and grounded theory approach in discerning leadership challenges that are specific if not unique to emergency services systems.
Practical implications
This study underscores the theoretical and pragmatic implications of the transformational leadership challenges for leadership paradigms, innovation and inter-sectorial collaborative networks and possible future emergency services research.
Social implications
This study stresses the importance of addressing leadership challenges of emergency services systems as instrumental in ultimately saving lives, minimizing injuries and assuring complete health and social recovery from the scourges of emergency events nationally and internationally.
Originality/value
Qualitative studies of the perspectives of strategic emergency leadership of systemic emergency services systems has not hitherto been done in Canada nor internationally. This key informant study underscores the relevance of the WSR-Li systems paradigm and grounded theory approach in discerning transformational leadership challenges that are specific if not unique to emergency services systems. Moreover, from the use of a grounded theory approach, a new theory of transcendental transformational emergency leadership emerged.
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Miroslav Despotovic, David Koch, Eric Stumpe, Wolfgang A. Brunauer and Matthias Zeppelzauer
In this study the authors aim to outline new ways of information extraction for automated valuation models, which in turn would help to increase transparency in valuation…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study the authors aim to outline new ways of information extraction for automated valuation models, which in turn would help to increase transparency in valuation procedures and thus contribute to more reliable statements about the value of real estate.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors hypothesize that empirical error in the interpretation and qualitative assessment of visual content can be minimized by collating the assessments of multiple individuals and through use of repeated trials. Motivated by this problem, the authors developed an experimental approach for semi-automatic extraction of qualitative real estate metadata based on Comparative Judgments and Deep Learning. The authors evaluate the feasibility of our approach with the help of Hedonic Models.
Findings
The results show that the collated assessments of qualitative features of interior images show a notable effect on the price models and thus over potential for further research within this paradigm.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first approach that combines and collates the subjective ratings of visual features and deep learning for real estate use cases.
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Xiaojie Xu and Yun Zhang
Forecasts of commodity prices are vital issues to market participants and policy makers. Those of corn are of no exception, considering its strategic importance. In the present…
Abstract
Purpose
Forecasts of commodity prices are vital issues to market participants and policy makers. Those of corn are of no exception, considering its strategic importance. In the present study, the authors assess the forecast problem for the weekly wholesale price index of yellow corn in China during January 1, 2010–January 10, 2020 period.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors employ the nonlinear auto-regressive neural network as the forecast tool and evaluate forecast performance of different model settings over algorithms, delays, hidden neurons and data splitting ratios in arriving at the final model.
Findings
The final model is relatively simple and leads to accurate and stable results. Particularly, it generates relative root mean square errors of 1.05%, 1.08% and 1.03% for training, validation and testing, respectively.
Originality/value
Through the analysis, the study shows usefulness of the neural network technique for commodity price forecasts. The results might serve as technical forecasts on a standalone basis or be combined with other fundamental forecasts for perspectives of price trends and corresponding policy analysis.
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Xinghua Shan, Zhiqiang Zhang, Fei Ning, Shida Li and Linlin Dai
With the yearly increase of mileage and passenger volume in China's high-speed railway, the problems of traditional paper railway tickets have become increasingly prominent…
Abstract
Purpose
With the yearly increase of mileage and passenger volume in China's high-speed railway, the problems of traditional paper railway tickets have become increasingly prominent, including complexity of business handling process, low efficiency of ticket inspection and high cost of usage and management. This paper aims to make extensive references to successful experiences of electronic ticket applications both domestically and internationally. The research on key technologies and system implementation of railway electronic ticket with Chinese characteristics has been carried out.
Design/methodology/approach
Research in key technologies is conducted including synchronization technique in distributed heterogeneous database system, the grid-oriented passenger service record (PSR) data storage model, efficient access to massive PSR data under high concurrency condition, the linkage between face recognition service platforms and various terminals in large scenarios, and two-factor authentication of the e-ticket identification code based on the key and the user identity information. Focusing on the key technologies and architecture the of existing ticketing system, multiple service resources are expanded and developed such as electronic ticket clusters, PSR clusters, face recognition clusters and electronic ticket identification code clusters.
Findings
The proportion of paper ticket printed has dropped to 20%, saving more than 2 billion tickets annually since the launch of the application of E-ticketing nationwide. The average time for passengers to pass through the automatic ticket gates has decreased from 3 seconds to 1.3 seconds, significantly improving the efficiency of passenger transport organization. Meanwhile, problems of paper ticket counterfeiting, reselling and loss have been generally eliminated.
Originality/value
E-ticketing has laid a technical foundation for the further development of railway passenger transport services in the direction of digitalization and intelligence.
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Megha Agarwalla, Tarak Nath Sahu and Shib Sankar Jana
This study aims to establish the dynamic relationship between international crude oil prices and Indian stock prices represented by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) energy index.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to establish the dynamic relationship between international crude oil prices and Indian stock prices represented by the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) energy index.
Design/methodology/approach
Using Johansen’s cointegration test, vector error correction (VEC) model, impulse response function and variance decomposition test the study tries to ascertain the short-term and long-term dynamic association between the oil price shock and the movement of stock price and Granger causality test is applied to find out the nature of causality.
Findings
Considering vector autoregression estimation, the present study analyzes the relationship between the variables and tries to make a valid conclusion. The result of the co-integration test exhibits the presence of a long-term association between these two macro-economic variables during the period under study. Also, in the short-run VEC Granger causality result reveals that the movement of international crude oil price significantly influences the Indian stock price.
Research limitations/implications
To get a more robust result the study can be further extended by taking a longer time period with data of shorter time-frequency such as daily or weekly and further by using more sophisticated econometric and statistical tools. Further, the study can be extended to firm-level investigation considering the forward trading concentration with the Indian oil basket.
Social implications
In today’s globalized era, forecasting of share price movement helps investors in predicting the market and invest accordingly. Through this liquidity of the markets enhance and markets become more active in the global arena.
Originality/value
This study represents fresh findings in the changing time period the linkage between crude oil prices and stock prices which are of value to the academicians, researchers, policymakers, investors, market regulators, etc.