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1 – 10 of 29Bin Lei, Zhuoxing Hou, Yifei Suo, Wei Liu, Linlin Luo and Dongbo Lei
The volume of passenger traffic at metro transfer stations serves as a pivotal metric for the orchestration of crowd flow management. Given the intricacies of crowd dynamics…
Abstract
Purpose
The volume of passenger traffic at metro transfer stations serves as a pivotal metric for the orchestration of crowd flow management. Given the intricacies of crowd dynamics within these stations and the recurrent instances of substantial passenger influxes, a methodology predicated on stochastic processes and the principle of user equilibrium is introduced to facilitate real-time traffic flow estimation within transfer station streamlines.
Design/methodology/approach
The synthesis of stochastic process theory with streamline analysis engenders a probabilistic model of intra-station pedestrian traffic dynamics. Leveraging real-time passenger flow data procured from monitoring systems within the transfer station, a gradient descent optimization technique is employed to minimize the cost function, thereby deducing the dynamic distribution of categorized passenger flows. Subsequently, adhering to the tenets of user equilibrium, the Frank–Wolfe algorithm is implemented to allocate the intra-station categorized passenger flows across various streamlines, ascertaining the traffic volume for each.
Findings
Utilizing the Xiaozhai Station of the Xi’an Metro as a case study, the Anylogic simulation software is engaged to emulate the intra-station crowd dynamics, thereby substantiating the efficacy of the proposed passenger flow estimation model. The derived solutions are instrumental in formulating a crowd control strategy for Xiaozhai Station during the peak interval from 17:30 to 18:00 on a designated day, yielding crowd management interventions that offer insights for the orchestration of passenger flow and operational governance within metro stations.
Originality/value
The construction of an estimation methodology for the real-time streamline traffic flow augments the model’s dataset, supplanting estimated values derived from surveys or historical datasets with real-time computed traffic data, thereby enhancing the precision and immediacy of crowd flow management within metro stations.
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Jiawen Chen, Xiaotao Yao and Linlin Liu
This paper aims to examine how a firm’s capability affects its political networking in emerging economies and how the institutional environment influences the relationship between…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine how a firm’s capability affects its political networking in emerging economies and how the institutional environment influences the relationship between a firm’s capability and its political networking.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors test the theoretical model by analyzing a database from a World Bank survey in China.
Findings
The results show a nonlinear (U-shaped) relationship between a firm’s capability and its efforts in political networking. The relationship between a firm’s capability and political networking is contingent on the institutional environment, as reflected in institutional development and industry regulation.
Originality/value
This study elucidates political networking in emerging economies and contributes to research on corporate political strategy.
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Zhaozhao Tang, Wenyan Wu, Po Yang, Jingting Luo, Chen Fu, Jing-Cheng Han, Yang Zhou, Linlin Wang, Yingju Wu and Yuefei Huang
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors have attracted great attention worldwide for a variety of applications in measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters. However…
Abstract
Purpose
Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors have attracted great attention worldwide for a variety of applications in measuring physical, chemical and biological parameters. However, stability has been one of the key issues which have limited their effective commercial applications. To fully understand this challenge of operation stability, this paper aims to systematically review mechanisms, stability issues and future challenges of SAW sensors for various applications.
Design/methodology/approach
This review paper starts with different types of SAWs, advantages and disadvantages of different types of SAW sensors and then the stability issues of SAW sensors. Subsequently, recent efforts made by researchers for improving working stability of SAW sensors are reviewed. Finally, it discusses the existing challenges and future prospects of SAW sensors in the rapidly growing Internet of Things-enabled application market.
Findings
A large number of scientific articles related to SAW technologies were found, and a number of opportunities for future researchers were identified. Over the past 20 years, SAW-related research has gained a growing interest of researchers. SAW sensors have attracted more and more researchers worldwide over the years, but the research topics of SAW sensor stability only own an extremely poor percentage in the total researc topics of SAWs or SAW sensors.
Originality/value
Although SAW sensors have been attracting researchers worldwide for decades, researchers mainly focused on the new materials and design strategies for SAW sensors to achieve good sensitivity and selectivity, and little work can be found on the stability issues of SAW sensors, which are so important for SAW sensor industries and one of the key factors to be mature products. Therefore, this paper systematically reviewed the SAW sensors from their fundamental mechanisms to stability issues and indicated their future challenges for various applications.
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Linlin Xie, Ziyuan Luo and Bo Xia
From a psychosocial perspective, this study aims to understand the impact of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on the intent to stay of construction workers and provides practical…
Abstract
Purpose
From a psychosocial perspective, this study aims to understand the impact of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on the intent to stay of construction workers and provides practical recommendations for construction enterprises to retain construction workers.
Design/methodology/approach
This study proposes the conceptual framework explained by the conservation of resources (COR) theory and develops a mediation model of “PSC – job satisfaction – intent to stay” within the framework supported by the stimulus–organism–response (SOR) model. Then, a questionnaire survey of 489 construction workers in Guangzhou was conducted and structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis was performed on the data collected.
Findings
Results show that PSC has a significant and positive effect on job satisfaction and intent to stay. In addition, job satisfaction partially mediates the effect of PSC on intent to stay. Hence, the theoretical model of “PSC – job satisfaction – intent to stay” has been empirically tested and supported.
Originality/value
This study is the first to investigate the effect of PSC on intent to stay and enriches the research on the retention of construction workers. The COR theory explains well the mechanism of PSC influence on intent to stay, thus expanding its application to the construction field. Moreover, this study provides practical recommendations for construction enterprises to retain workers so as to build a stable and productive workforce.
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Manzhi Liu, Yaxin Yang, Yue Ren, Yangzhou Jia, Haoyu Ma, Jie Luo, Shuting Fang, Mengxuan Qi and Linlin Zhang
As information technology advances, the prevalence of AI chatbot products is on the rise. Despite optimistic market projections, consumer skepticism towards these agents persists…
Abstract
Purpose
As information technology advances, the prevalence of AI chatbot products is on the rise. Despite optimistic market projections, consumer skepticism towards these agents persists. This paper aims to expand the scope of the technology acceptance model by integrating the aspect of appearance. It examines the influence of different attributes of AI chatbot, such as usefulness, ease of use and appearance, individually and in combination, on consumers' intentions to share and purchase.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an exploratory study of Web Texts, a 2 (usefulness: high vs low) × 2 (ease of use: high vs low) mixed design and a 2 (usefulness: high vs low) × 2 (ease of use: high vs low) × 2 (anthropomorphism appearance: humanoid vs cartoon) for between-subjects designs and the price level (high vs low) for within-subjects designs. The hypotheses were tested by Octoparse and SPSS 22.0.
Findings
The research highlights the significant role of usefulness, ease of use and anthropomorphic appearance in shaping consumer attitudes towards AI chatbots, thus influencing their intentions to share information and make purchases. Grouped regression analysis reveals that lower prices exert a more pronounced positive influence on consumers' inclinations to both share and purchase, compared to higher prices. Moreover, novelty-seeking behavior moderates the effect of perceived usefulness or ease of use on attitude. Specifically, heightened novelty-seeking tendencies mitigate the impact of low perceived usefulness or ease of use, leading to sustained positive attitudes towards AI chatbots among consumers.
Originality/value
This study innovatively incorporates product appearance into the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), considering both the functional attributes and appearance of AI chatbot and their impact on consumers. It offers valuable insights for marketing strategies, extends the scope of TAM application and holds significant practical implications for enhancing enterprise product planning.
研究目的
随着信息技术的进步, AI聊天机器人产品的普及正在增长。尽管市场对这些代理人持乐观态度, 但消费者对这些代理人的怀疑仍然存在。本文旨在通过整合外观方面来扩展技术接受模型的范围。它考察了AI聊天机器人的不同属性(如有用性、易用性和外观)对消费者分享和购买意图的影响, 单独以及组合。
研究方法
使用Web文本的探索性研究, 一个2(有用性:高vs低)× 2(易用性:高vs低)的混合设计和一个2(有用性:高vs低)× 2(易用性:高vs低)× 2(人格化外观:类人形vs卡通)用于受试者间设计和价格水平(高vs低)用于受试者内设计。通过 Octoparse 和 SPSS 22.0 测试假设。
研究发现
研究突出了有用性、易用性和拟人化外观在塑造消费者对AI聊天机器人态度方面的重要作用, 从而影响了他们分享信息和购买的意图。分组回归分析显示, 相对于高价格, 低价格对消费者分享和购买的倾向产生了更为显著的正面影响。此外, 新奇寻求行为调节了感知有用性或易用性对态度的影响。具体来说, 增强的新奇寻求倾向减轻了对低感知有用性或易用性的影响, 导致消费者对AI 聊天机器人持续保持积极态度。
研究创新
本研究将产品外观创新地纳入技术接受模型(TAM)中, 考虑了AI 聊天机器人的功能属性和外观以及它们对消费者的影响。它为营销策略提供了有价值的见解, 拓展了TAM的应用范围, 并对增强企业产品规划产生了重要的实际影响。
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Linlin Chai, Jin Li, Thomas Clauss and Chanchai Tangpong
The purpose of this study is to investigate the antecedents and the conditions of coopetition at the inter-organizational level.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to investigate the antecedents and the conditions of coopetition at the inter-organizational level.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on survey research methodology and analyzes the data from 138 companies regarding the antecedents and the conditions of their coopetition.
Findings
The results indicate that the interdependence between partners (i.e. the antecedent) positively affects interfirm coopetition, and that this relationship is contingent on the joint occurrence of opportunism (a behavioral condition) and technology uncertainty (a contextual condition). Specifically, highly interdependent firms are more likely to be involved in a coopetitive relationship when both opportunism and technology uncertainty are high. Interestingly, the authors’ data also show that opportunism or technology uncertainty alone may not be adequate in moderating the interdependence–coopetition relationship.
Research limitations/implications
This study contributes to the current literature in two meaningful ways. First, it empirically examines interdependence as a potential antecedent of interfirm coopetition. Second, it improves our understanding of the behavioral and contextual conditions that facilitate the formation of coopetitive relationships by examining the moderating roles of opportunisms and technology uncertainty in the relationship between interdependence and interfirm coopetition. The limitations of this study lie in its confined method of cross-sectional survey from the focal firm’s perspective. Future research may advance beyond this study through experimental and/or longitudinal research designs.
Practical implications
This study provides managers with two important practical insights in coopetition management. First, the findings suggest a two-step approach to help a firm assess and manage the level of coopetition in its relationship with a business partner. In addition, the findings provide a counterintuitive suggestion to managers that the joint conditions of high opportunism and high technology uncertainty indeed prime the relationship for the rise of coopetition, provided that managerial efforts are made to somewhat increase the level of interdependence in the relationship.
Originality/value
Despite the growing number of studies on coopetition, research still lacks knowledge about the antecedents and the conditions of inter-organizational coopetition, and this study aims to fill this gap.
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Jiawen Chen, Linlin Liu and Yong Wang
This study investigates business model innovation in small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) and its impact on firm growth.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates business model innovation in small- and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises (SMEs) and its impact on firm growth.
Design/methodology/approach
The study was based on analyzing data collected through a questionnaire survey. Structural equation modeling was applied to test the hypotheses.
Findings
Business model innovation has a positive effect on SME growth in the manufacturing sectors. Moreover, growth is also achieved through the indirect effect of business model innovation on customer trust and commitment.
Practical implications
Managers will benefit from understanding how business model innovation can help their companies to overcome resource constraints and achieve sustained growth. When manufacturing SMEs engage in modular or structural changes to their business model, they may find it worthwhile to focus on maintaining a relationship of trust and commitment with their customers.
Originality/value
This study highlights business model innovation as a unique and important, yet underexplored, factor in manufacturing SME growth. The findings also untangle the complex processes of customer relationship management by which business model innovation improves manufacturing competitive advantage for SMEs.
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Karine Dupre, Linlin Dai and Bixia Xu
In recent Chinese history, rural villages have suffered extensive depopulation due to the intensive urbanisation of the country. In the early 1990s, the rediscovery of villages…
Abstract
Purpose
In recent Chinese history, rural villages have suffered extensive depopulation due to the intensive urbanisation of the country. In the early 1990s, the rediscovery of villages for tourism purposes caused a change in approach to conservation policies and village management. Today, villages are subjected to climate change with mass tourism as a contributing factor. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate whether the village community is climate change aware and to identify best practises for it.
Design/methodology/approach
In this case study, the authors adopted a visual research technique called Photovoice. It is a research method which combines preliminary data collection and initial analysis processes. The main goals of adopting Photovoice are to enable community members to record and reflect their community’s strengths and concerns, to promote dialogue and knowledge exchange among community members regarding critical local social or environmental issues through small group discussion, and to report to policymakers.
Findings
This research demonstrated that both visitors and hosts shared common thoughts on tourism interests, impacts and current actions regarding climate change. Age, level of education or origin did not interfere and it shows a common awareness regarding the effects of climate change. It confirms the structural assumption that local and expertise knowledge are complementary.
Originality/value
At a time when awareness of climate change is affecting almost every debate concerning development strategies, future planning, governance and action implementations, very little has been written on the climate change impact on villages from a community perspective. Even less has been researched on what are called “urban rural villages”, that are villages located at the close periphery of a large urban agglomerations or cities in China.
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Linlin Bai and Jiu Zhou
The purpose of this paper, on innovative design of traditional weft-backed woven fabric, is to investigate a design principle and method for full-backed structure with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper, on innovative design of traditional weft-backed woven fabric, is to investigate a design principle and method for full-backed structure with double-faced shading effect to realize two types of double-faced shading effects for traditional weft-backed fabric that are impossible to be realized under plane design mode. In addition, the study on the color rendering law is conducive to the design application, and the effectiveness of the design method has been verified by the design practices.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a design method for full-backed structure with two shaded weave databases (SWDs) by selecting two primary weaves (PWs), establishing the corresponding SWDs, selecting the proper compound structures for database of full-backed structure with double-faced shading effect. Color card fabric with 544 specimens is produced and their color values are measured, their color difference and variance are analyzed to evaluate the color rendering characteristics. Finally, double-faced weft-backed fabrics are produced under layered-combination design mode to verify the practicality of full-backed structure with double-faced shading effect.
Findings
Weft-backed woven fabrics with “SPDC” (same pattern and different color) and “DPDC” (different pattern and different color) shading effects can be produced using full-backed structure with double-faced shading effect. The color expression is extremely enhanced (136 compound structures on one side for one color weft). In the shading process, two sets of wefts do not affect each other, and stable and ideal color shading effect with high color purity can be expressed according to the analyses on the L* (lightness) values, color purity, color differences (0.47–3.20) and variance (0.25–1.21) of the color card fabric.
Originality/value
Breaking through the structural limitations and achieving the double-faced shading effects that cannot be expressed in plane design mode. The research on two weft-backed fabric with the most basic weft-backed structure provides not only a theoretical base for further study on weft-backed structures, but also some references for structure innovation design of traditional weft-backed woven fabrics.
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Linlin Zhang, Haoran Jiang, Tongwen Hu and Zhenduo Zhang
Drawing upon person–supervisor fit theory, a model is developed to illustrate how leader–member trait mindfulness (in)congruence may impact leader–member exchange (LMX) and how…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing upon person–supervisor fit theory, a model is developed to illustrate how leader–member trait mindfulness (in)congruence may impact leader–member exchange (LMX) and how such trait mindfulness (in)congruence can indirectly influence taking charge.
Design/methodology/approach
Polynomial regression and response surface methodology are used to analyze 237 valid matched leader–member dyads.
Findings
LMX increases as leaders' and members' trait mindfulness become more aligned; LMX is higher when leader–member dyads are congruent at high levels (vs low levels). In the case of incongruence, LMX is higher when the member's trait mindfulness exceeds that of the leader. Furthermore, the relationship between leader–member trait mindfulness (in)congruence and taking charge is mediated by LMX.
Practical implications
The joint and interactive role of high trait mindfulness in leader–member dyads can help them to generate high-quality interpersonal exchange, as well as to cope with challenges posed by present and future changes.
Originality/value
The linear, nonlinear, simultaneous and interactive effects of dyadic trait mindfulness expand previous research, clarifying that the evaluation of leader–member congruence and incongruence at various degrees, and for various patterns of trait mindfulness, is more informative than examining the direct effect alone.
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