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1 – 10 of 12Antonio Llanes, Baldomero Imbernón Tudela, Manuel Curado and Jesús Soto
The authors will review the main concepts of graphs, present the implemented algorithm, as well as explain the different techniques applied to the graph, to achieve an efficient…
Abstract
Purpose
The authors will review the main concepts of graphs, present the implemented algorithm, as well as explain the different techniques applied to the graph, to achieve an efficient execution of the algorithm, both in terms of the use of multiple cores that the authors have available today, and the use of massive data parallelism through the parallelization of the algorithm, bringing the graph closer to the execution through CUDA on GPUs.
Design/methodology/approach
In this work, the authors approach the graphs isomorphism problem, approaching this problem from a point of view very little worked during all this time, the application of parallelism and the high-performance computing (HPC) techniques to the detection of isomorphism between graphs.
Findings
Results obtained give compelling reasons to ensure that more in-depth studies on the HPC techniques should be applied in these fields, since gains of up to 722x speedup are achieved in the most favorable scenarios, maintaining an average performance speedup of 454x.
Originality/value
The paper is new and original.
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Manuel Alejandro Ibarra Cisneros and Felipe Hernandez-Perlines
The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the relationship between the various components of intellectual capital (IC) (human, organizational, technological and relational…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to empirically test the relationship between the various components of intellectual capital (IC) (human, organizational, technological and relational) and organization performance (OP) in small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing sector in the region of Baja California, Mexico.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 127 surveys was applied to CEOs, CFOs or managers of SMEs. In order to test the research hypotheses, a multiple regression was run prior to the development of exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.
Findings
The results showed that the four capitals have a positive influence on OP; the evidence is consistent with several studies in Mexico and abroad. Furthermore, knowledge management was introduced as a moderating variable and the result was that it negatively moderates the relationship between IC and OP.
Research limitations/implications
The main limitation of this research is that it only focused on one region and a single sector in Mexico. However, future research at the national level might verify the hypotheses tested.
Originality/value
This research contributes to enrich the theoretical framework for the Mexican context regarding IC; additionally, it allows contrasting the evidence with other studies at national and international levels.
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Francesco Gangi, Mario Mustilli and Nicola Varrone
Assuming that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is “a process of accumulating knowledge and experience” (Tang et al., 2012, p. 1298), this paper aims to investigate whether…
Abstract
Purpose
Assuming that corporate social responsibility (CSR) is “a process of accumulating knowledge and experience” (Tang et al., 2012, p. 1298), this paper aims to investigate whether and how CSR knowledge (Asif et al., 2013; Kim, 2017) affects financial performance in the European banking industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The empirical research analyses a panel of 72 banks from 20 European countries over seven years (2009-2015). The hypotheses were tested using fixed effects regression analysis and the two-stage Heckman model (1976) to address endogeneity bias.
Findings
The findings of this work are twofold. First, consistent with the concept of knowledge absorptive capacity (Cohen and Levinthal, 1990), the internal CSR of banks (Kim et al., 2010) positively affects citizenship performance (Peterson, 2004a). Second, in line with the reputational effect of CSR (Margolis et al., 2009; Bushman and Wittenberg-Moerman, 2012), citizenship performance is a positive predictor of a bank’s financial performance.
Practical implications
From a knowledge-based perspective, the analysis shows that accrued internal CSR knowledge plays a key role in implementing effective CSR programs for external stakeholders. Moreover, this study shows how CSR engagement in external initiatives can improve a bank’s competitiveness because of the relationship between citizenship performance and the positive reputation of a bank.
Social implications
The management of CSR initiatives may favor the sharing of knowledge and creation of trust relationships among banks and internal and external stakeholders. CSR knowledge contributes to expanded value creation for both society and banks.
Originality/value
The knowledge management perspective of CSR provides new insights into the sustainability of banks’ business models and contributes to advancing the debate on the governance modes and effects of CSR. Moreover, the CSR perspective offers additional opportunities for addressing the challenges associated with sharing tacit knowledge within and outside of organizations.
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Patrick Dallasega, Manuel Woschank, Joseph Sarkis and Korrakot Yaibuathet Tippayawong
This study aims to provide a measurement model, and the underlying constructs and items, for Logistics 4.0 in manufacturing companies. Industry 4.0 technology for logistics…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to provide a measurement model, and the underlying constructs and items, for Logistics 4.0 in manufacturing companies. Industry 4.0 technology for logistics processes has been termed Logistics 4.0. Logistics 4.0 and its elements have seen varied conceptualizations in the literature. The literature has mainly focused on conceptual and theoretical studies, which supports the notion that Logistics 4.0 is a relatively young area of research. Refinement of constructs and building consensus perspectives and definitions is necessary for practical and theoretical advances in this area.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a detailed literature review and practitioner focus group interviews, items of Logistics 4.0 for manufacturing enterprises were further validated by using a large-scale survey with practicing experts from organizations located in Central Europe, the Northeastern United States of America and Northern Thailand. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to define a measurement model for Logistics 4.0.
Findings
Based on 239 responses the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses resulted in nine items and three factors for the final Logistics 4.0 measurement model. It combines “the leveraging of increased organizational capabilities” (factor 1) with “the rise of interconnection and material flow transparency” (factor 2) and “the setting up of autonomization in logistics processes” (factor 3).
Practical implications
Practitioners can use the proposed measurement model to assess their current level of maturity regarding the implementation of Logistics 4.0 practices. They can map the current state and derive appropriate implementation plans as well as benchmark against best practices across or between industries based on these metrics.
Originality/value
Logistics 4.0 is a relatively young research area, which necessitates greater development through empirical validation. To the best of the authors knowledge, an empirically validated multidimensional construct to measure Logistics 4.0 in manufacturing companies does not exist.
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Carlo Ricciardi, Alfonso Sorrentino, Giovanni Improta, Vincenzo Abbate, Imma Latessa, Antonietta Perrone, Maria Triassi and Giovanni Dell'aversana Orabona
Head and neck cancers are multi-factorial diseases that can affect many sides of people's life and are due to a lot of risk factors. According to their characteristics, the…
Abstract
Purpose
Head and neck cancers are multi-factorial diseases that can affect many sides of people's life and are due to a lot of risk factors. According to their characteristics, the treatment can be surgical, use of radiation or chemotherapy. The use of a surgical treatment can lead to surgical infections that are a main theme in medicine. At the University hospital of Naples “Federico II”, two antibiotics were employed to tackle the issue of the infections and they are compared in this paper to find which one implies the lowest length of hospital stay (LOS) and the reduction of infections.
Design/methodology/approach
The Six Sigma methodology and its problem-solving strategy DMAIC (define, measure, analyse, improve, control), already employed in the healthcare sector, were used as a tool of a health technology assessment between two drugs. In this paper the DMAIC roadmap is used to compare the Ceftriaxone (administered to a group of 48 patients) and the association of Cefazolin plus Clindamycin (administered to a group of 45 patients).
Findings
The results show that the LOS of patients treated with Ceftriaxone is lower than those who were treated with the association of Cefazolin plus Clindamycin, the difference is about 41%. Moreover, a lower number of complications and infections was found in patients who received Ceftriaxone. Finally, a greater number of antibiotic shifts was needed by patients treated with Cefazolin plus Clindamycin.
Research limitations/implications
While the paper enhances clearly the advantages for patients' outcomes regarding the LOS and the number of complications, it did not analyse the costs of the two antibiotics.
Practical implications
Employing the Ceftriaxone would allow the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery to obtain lower LOS and a limited number of complications/infections for recovered patients, consequently reducing the hospitalization costs.
Originality/value
There is a double value in this paper: first of all, the comparison between the two antibiotics gives an answer to one of the main issues in medicine that is the reduction of hospital-acquired infections; secondly, the Six Sigma through its DMAIC cycle can be employed also to compare two biomedical technologies as a tool of health technology assessment studies.
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Ben M. Roberts, David Allinson and Kevin J. Lomas
Accurate values for infiltration rate are important to reliably estimate heat losses from buildings. Infiltration rate is rarely measured directly, and instead is usually…
Abstract
Purpose
Accurate values for infiltration rate are important to reliably estimate heat losses from buildings. Infiltration rate is rarely measured directly, and instead is usually estimated using algorithms or data from fan pressurisation tests. However, there is growing evidence that the commonly used methods for estimating infiltration rate are inaccurate in UK dwellings. Furthermore, most prior research was conducted during the winter season or relies on single measurements in each dwelling. Infiltration rates also affect the likelihood and severity of summertime overheating. The purpose of this work is to measure infiltration rates in summer, to compare this to different infiltration estimation methods, and to quantify the differences.
Design/methodology/approach
Fifteen whole house tracer gas tests were undertaken in the same test house during spring and summer to measure the whole building infiltration rate. Eleven infiltration estimation methods were used to predict infiltration rate, and these were compared to the measured values. Most, but not all, infiltration estimation methods relied on data from fan pressurisation (blower door) tests. A further four tracer gas tests were also done with trickle vents open to allow for comment on indoor air quality, but not compared to infiltration estimation methods.
Findings
The eleven estimation methods predicted infiltration rates between 64 and 208% higher than measured. The ASHRAE Enhanced derived infiltration rate (0.41 ach) was closest to the measured value of 0.25 ach, but still significantly different. The infiltration rate predicted by the “divide-by-20” rule of thumb, which is commonly used in the UK, was second furthest from the measured value at 0.73 ach. Indoor air quality is likely to be unsatisfactory in summer when windows are closed, even if trickle vents are open.
Practical implications
The findings have implications for those using dynamic thermal modelling to predict summertime overheating who, in the absence of a directly measured value for infiltration rate (i.e. by tracer gas), currently commonly use infiltration estimation methods such as the “divide-by-20” rule. Therefore, infiltration may be overestimated resulting in overheating risk and indoor air quality being incorrectly predicted.
Originality/value
Direct measurement of air infiltration rate is rare, especially multiple tests in a single home. Past measurements have invariably focused on the winter heating season. This work is original in that the tracer gas technique used to measure infiltration rate many times in a single dwelling during the summer. This work is also original in that it quantifies both the infiltration rate and its variability, and compares these to values produced by eleven infiltration estimation methods.
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Mahdieh Ahmad Amouei, Changiz Valmohammadi and Kiamars Fathi
In the digital age, emerging technologies have affected every industry. Information and communications technology and digital technologies have transformed traditional supply…
Abstract
Purpose
In the digital age, emerging technologies have affected every industry. Information and communications technology and digital technologies have transformed traditional supply chains into smart and more resilient ones, enabling effective management of challenges. Given the importance of the two topics, namely sustainable supply chain management and Industry 4.0 in supply chain management, on the one hand, and the dearth of theoretical research performed in this area on the other, this study aims to propose a conceptual model on a sustainable digital supply chain management in manufacturing companies.
Design/methodology/approach
This study utilized a qualitative approach. First, an in-depth review of the relevant literature was done. Then, following a multi-grounded theory methodology, relevant data were gathered by reviewing 92 papers and conducting nine semi-structured interviews with industry experts. These data were analyzed using the MAXQDA software.
Findings
A total of 41 concepts, ten sub-components and three main components (dimensions) were extracted, and the proposed conceptual model was presented. Finally, based on this conceptual model, three propositions were suggested.
Research limitations/implications
Considering that the present study was performed in the context of Iranian manufacturing companies, caution should be exercised in relation to the generalizability of the obtained results. Also, due to the problems in the digital technology infrastructure and the limited use of these technologies by manufacturing companies (emphasized by the interviewees), this study focused on the theoretical dimension of using digital technologies by these companies.
Practical implications
The proposed comprehensive model can help academicians as well as practitioners to focus better and explore the variables and constructs of the model, paving the way toward successful implementation of digital technologies in the manufacturing supply chain.
Originality/value
To the best knowledge of the authors, this study is among the first of its kind which presents a holistic and comprehensive digital supply chain model aimed at guiding companies to consider sustainability from all the main dimensions and their relevant indicators.
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This study aims to present the overview of intellectual capital creation micro-mechanisms concerning formal and informal knowledge processes. The organizational culture…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to present the overview of intellectual capital creation micro-mechanisms concerning formal and informal knowledge processes. The organizational culture, transformational leadership and innovativeness are also included in the investigation as ascendants and consequences of the focal relation of intellectual capital and knowledge processes.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on a sample of 1,418 Polish knowledge workers from the construction, healthcare, higher education and information technology (IT) industries, the empirical model was developed using the structural equation modeling (SEM) method.
Findings
The study exposes that the essence of transformational leadership innovativeness oriented is developing all intellectual capital components. To do so, leaders must support both formal and informal knowledge processes through the organizational culture of knowledge and learning. Furthermore, for best results of the knowledge transformation into intellectual capital, the learning culture must be shaped by both components: learning climate and acceptance of mistakes.
Practical implications
Presented findings can be directly applied to organizations to enhance innovativeness. Namely, leaders who observe that the more knowledge is formally managed in their organizations, the less effective the knowledge exchange is-should put more effort into supporting informal knowledge processes to smoothly develop human and relational intellectual capital components. Shortly, leaders must implement an authentic learning culture, including the mistakes acceptance component, to use the full organizational potential to achieve intellectual capital growth. Intellectual capital growth is essential for innovativeness.
Originality/value
This study presents the “big picture” of all intellectual capital creation micro-mechanisms linking transformational leadership with organizational innovativeness and explains the “knowledge paradox” identified by Mabey and Zhao (2017). This explanation assumes that intellectual capital components are created informally (i.e. human and relational ones) and formally (i.e. structural ones). Therefore, for best effects, both formal and informal knowledge processes, must be supported. Furthermore, this study exposes that the intensity of all explored micro-mechanisms is industry-specific.
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Patience Tunji-Olayeni, Clinton Aigbavboa, Ayodeji Oke and Nissi Chukwu
Industry 5.0 provides significant social, environmental and economic benefits over previous industrial revolutions. However, research in the field of industry 5.0 is still at a…
Abstract
Purpose
Industry 5.0 provides significant social, environmental and economic benefits over previous industrial revolutions. However, research in the field of industry 5.0 is still at a very nascent stage. Little is known about research trends in the field and its applications in specific sectors as construction which have relatively low sustainability index. Hence, this study aims to explore research trends in industry 5.0 and its applications in the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a bibliometric analysis with the use of the vosviewer. The main search words used in the study were “Industry 5.0”, “Society 5.0” AND “Fifth Industrial Revolution”. Initial extracted papers with these keywords were 1036. After refining based on language, document type, key words and timeframe, a total of 188 papers were found suitable for the analysis.
Findings
The most impactful research on Industry 5.0 to date was from the United States, Australia and Sweden while the journal sustainability was found to be the highest document source on Industry 5.0. The application areas of industry 5.0 in the construction industry include health and safety, collaborative working, waste management, measurement of environmental features (indoor air quality, atmospheric pressure, noise, humidity and temperature) and forecasting of environmental, social or financial outcomes.
Research limitations/implications
The study used review based papers which form the bulk of the existing research on industry 5.0. This limits understanding of the practical applications, benefits and challenges associated with the use of industry 5.0.
Originality/value
This work contributes to the theory and practice of industry 5.0 by providing baseline data for future research directions on industry 5.0. The work specifically highlights the application areas of industry 5.0 in the construction industry and also indicates the need for questionnaire, interviews or case study based research to enhance understanding of the practical applications of industry 5.0.
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