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Open Access
Article
Publication date: 4 April 2020

Marco Morabito, Alessandro Messeri, Alfonso Crisci, Junzhe Bao, Rui Ma, Simone Orlandini, Cunrui Huang and Tord Kjellstrom

Agricultural workers represent an important part of the population exposed to high heat-related health and productivity risks. This study aims to estimate the heat-related…

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Abstract

Purpose

Agricultural workers represent an important part of the population exposed to high heat-related health and productivity risks. This study aims to estimate the heat-related productivity loss (PL) for moderate work activities in sun and shady areas and evaluating the economic cost locally in an Italian farm and generally in the whole province of Florence. Benefits deriving by working in the shade or work-time shifting were provided. Comparisons between PL estimated in Mediterranean (Florence, Italy) and subtropical (Guangzhou, China) areas were also carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

Meteorological data were collected during summers 2017–2018 through a station installed in a farm in the province of Florence and by two World Meteorological Organization (WMO)‐certified meteorological stations located at the Florence and Guangzhou airports. These data were used to calculate the wet-bulb globe temperature and to estimate the hourly PL and the economic cost during the typical working time (from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and by advancing of 1 h and 2 h the working time. Significant differences were calculated through nonparametric tests.

Findings

The hourly PL and the related economic cost significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by working in the shade and by work-time shifting. Higher PL values were observed in Guangzhou than in Florence. The decrease of PL observed by work-time shifting was greater in Florence than in Guangzhou.

Originality/value

Useful information to plan suitable heat-related prevention strategies to counteract the effects of heat in the workplace are provided. These findings are essential to quantify the beneficial effects due to the implementation of specific heat-related adaptation measures to counter the impending effects of climate change.

Details

International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, vol. 70 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1741-0401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 August 2023

Nan Wang, Yuxiang Luan, Guolong Zhao and Rui Ma

This study aims to examine the antecedents of career decision self-efficacy (CDSE) and provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence this critical construct…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the antecedents of career decision self-efficacy (CDSE) and provide a comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence this critical construct in career development and decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

This study employed a meta-analysis of 43 independent studies, comprising 90 correlations and 17,143 participants. The Hunter-Schmidt method meta-analysis was used to analyze the data and identify the factors associated with CDSE. Random-effect meta-regression analysis was applied to detect the potential moderators.

Findings

The study found that CDSE is positively associated with social support (ρ = 0.41), age (ρ = 0.05), agreeableness (ρ = 0.23), conscientiousness (ρ = 0.48), emotional intelligence (ρ = 0.48), extraversion (ρ = 0.41), openness (ρ = 0.35) and proactive personality (ρ = 0.68), while negatively related to neuroticism (ρ = −0.33). Furthermore, the results indicate that sample gender (%female) and mean age partially moderate the relationship between CDSE and age, core-self evaluations and neuroticism.

Originality/value

In this study, the authors have contributed significantly to the existing research on CDSE antecedents by conducting a thorough analysis of the various factors associated with this critical construct. The findings offer an accurate understanding of the factors that influence CDSE, and this paper's moderation analysis sheds light on the boundary conditions in the CDSE literature. Moreover, this research has practical implications for practitioners such as teachers, parents and career counselors. By leveraging the insights gained from this study, practitioners can provide more effective career support and intervention to young people, which can help increase their CDSE and improve their overall career development and well-being.

Details

Career Development International, vol. 28 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1362-0436

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 August 2021

Huayi Li, Qingxian Jia, Rui Ma and Xueqin Chen

The purpose of this paper is to accomplish robust actuator fault isolation and identification for microsatellite attitude control systems (ACSs) subject to a series of space…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to accomplish robust actuator fault isolation and identification for microsatellite attitude control systems (ACSs) subject to a series of space disturbance torques and gyro drifts.

Design/methodology/approach

For the satellite attitude dynamics with Lipschitz constraint, a multi-objective nonlinear unknown input observer (NUIO) is explored to accomplish robust actuator fault isolation based on a synthesis of Hinf techniques and regional pole assignment technique. Subsequently, a novel disturbance-decoupling learning observer (D2LO) is proposed to identify the isolated actuator fault accurately. Additionally, the design of the NUIO and the D2LO are reformulated into convex optimization problems involving linear matrix inequalities (LMIs), which can be readily solved using standard LMI tools.

Findings

The simulation studies on a microsatellite example are performed to prove the effectiveness and applicability of the proposed robust actuator fault isolation and identification methodologies.

Practical implications

This research includes implications for the enhancement of reliability and safety of on-orbit microsatellites.

Originality/value

This study proposes novel NUIO-based robust fault isolation and D2LO-based robust fault identification methodologies for spacecraft ACSs subject to a series of space disturbance torques and gyro drifts.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 January 2022

Xifang Ma, Zhengyun Rui and Genyuan Zhong

This study aims to provide a better understanding into how large-scale companies overcome their rigidity and bureaucracy, and transform entrepreneurial orientation (EO) into…

1104

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to provide a better understanding into how large-scale companies overcome their rigidity and bureaucracy, and transform entrepreneurial orientation (EO) into organizational responsiveness (e.g. interdepartmental collaboration [IDC]). It also clarifies the double-edged role of organizational culture in shaping IDC, specifically within the Chinese economy that is deeply influenced by Confucianism.

Design/methodology/approach

Datas were randomly collected from companies that reside in the Yangtze River Delta region. With a sample of 115 large-scale EO Chinese firms, consisting of 402 department managers and 115 executives. The study aggregates the scores to create an overall measurement for EO, collectivism, power distance and IDC in the analysis. Further, confirmatory factor analyses were used to measure the structural model fitness, and multiple regression analysis was used to assess the hypotheses.

Findings

The results show that in competitive environments, IDC, as a strategic response to EO and a risk aversion of inertia and bureaucracy, fully mediates the positive relationship between EO and organizational creativity. Furthermore, the positive association is more pronounced under high cultural collectivism or low power distance in large-scale firms.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to the understanding of EO approach at the organizational level. The results posit that when large companies adopt EO, they are proactive rather than passive and would exhibit IDC as an important strategic responsiveness. Moreover, different organizational cultural orientations (i.e. high collectivism and low power distance) help to build IDC before cultivating innovation.

Practical implications

The results in this study suggest that large companies should focus on developing IDC to overcome knowledge fragmentation, bureaucracy and inertia. Also, large firms should develop Human Resource Management practices, such as creating job rotation and workflow, as well as cultural trust and common beliefs. In contrast, they should be on guard against status differences and workplace hierarchy’s cultural context.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that considers the roles of IDC and organizational culture and examines how large-scale entrepreneurial-oriented companies breed innovation.

Details

Chinese Management Studies, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1750-614X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 18 September 2023

Xiao-Yu Xu, Syed Muhammad Usman Tayyab, Qingdan Jia and Albert H. Huang

Video game streaming (VGS) is emerging as an extremely popular, highly interactive, inordinately subscribed and very dynamic form of digital media. Incorporated environmental…

Abstract

Purpose

Video game streaming (VGS) is emerging as an extremely popular, highly interactive, inordinately subscribed and very dynamic form of digital media. Incorporated environmental elements, gratifications and user pre-existing attitudes in VGS, this paper presents the development of an extended model of uses and gratification theory (EUGT) for predicting users' behavior in novel technological context.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed model was empirically tested in VGS context due to its popularity, interactivity and relevance. Data collected from 308 VGS users and structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to assess the hypotheses. Multi-model comparison technique was used to assess the explanatory power of EUGT.

Findings

The findings confirmed three significant types elements in determining VGS viewers' engagement, including gratifications (e.g. involvement), environmental cues (e.g. medium appeal) and user predispositions (e.g. pre-existing attitudes). The results revealed that emerging technologies provide potential opportunities for new motives and gratifications, and highlighted the significant of pre-existing attitudes as a mediator in the gratification-uses link.

Originality/value

This study is one of its kind in tackling the criticism on UGT of considering media users too rational or active. The study achieved this objective by considering environmental impacts on user behavior which is largely ignored in recent UGT studies. Also, by incorporating users pre-existing attitudes into UGT framework, this study conceptualized and empirically verified the higher explanatory power of EUGT through a novel multi-modal approach in VGS. Compared to other rival models, EUGS provides a more robust explanation of users' behavior. The findings contribute to the literature of UGT, VGS and users' engagement.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 October 2012

Shulin Liu, Rui Ma, Rui Cong, Hui Wang and Haifeng Zhao

Embedding dimension determination in phase space reconstruction is difficult. The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach for embedding dimension determination based on…

Abstract

Purpose

Embedding dimension determination in phase space reconstruction is difficult. The purpose of this paper is to present a new approach for embedding dimension determination based on empirical mode, showing that embedding dimensions for phase space reconstruction could be easily determined according to the number of intrinsic mode functions decomposed by empirical mode decomposition.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the relation analysis of intrinsic mode functions and embedding dimensions, the approach for embedding dimension determination by the number of intrinsic mode functions is presented. First, a time series is decomposed into several intrinsic mode functions. Second, correlation analysis between intrinsic mode functions and original signals is investigated, and then false intrinsic mode functions could be eliminated by the analysis of correlation coefficient thresholds, which makes the embedding dimension precise. Finally, the method presented is applied to the Lorenz system, Chen's system, and the Duffing equation. Simulation results prove this method is feasible.

Findings

A new approach for embedding dimension determination based on empirical mode decomposition is presented. Compared with G‐P algorithms, this new method is effective and decreases computational complexity.

Research limitations/implications

This method provides an effective qualitative criterion to the selection of embedding dimensions in phase space reconstruction.

Practical implications

This method could be used to determine embedding dimensions of phase space reconstruction and degree‐of‐freedom of nonlinear dynamical systems.

Originality/value

The paper proposes a new method of embedding dimension determination in phase space reconstruction.

Article
Publication date: 8 February 2016

Rui Ma, Hamish D. Anderson and Ben R. Marshall

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on liquidity in international stock markets, highlights differences and similarities in empirical results across existing…

3916

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on liquidity in international stock markets, highlights differences and similarities in empirical results across existing studies, and identifies areas requiring further research.

Design/methodology/approach

International cross-country studies on stock market liquidity are categorized and reviewed. Important relevant single-country studies are also discussed.

Findings

Market liquidity is influenced by exchange characteristics (e.g. the presence of market makers) and regulations (e.g. short-sales constraints). The literature has identified the most appropriate liquidity measures for global research, and for emerging and frontier markets, respectively. Major empirical facts are as follows. Liquidity co-varies within and across countries. Both the liquidity level and liquidity uncertainty are priced internationally. Liquidity is positively associated with firm transparency and share issuance, and negatively related to dividends paid out. The impact of internationalization on liquidity is not universal across firms and countries. Some suggested areas for future studies include: dark pools, high-frequency trading, commonality in liquidity premium, funding liquidity, liquidity and capital structure, and liquidity and transparency.

Research limitations/implications

The paper focusses on international stock markets and does not consider liquidity in international bond or foreign exchange markets.

Originality/value

This paper provides a comprehensive survey of empirical studies on liquidity in international developed and emerging stock markets.

Details

Managerial Finance, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4358

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2024

Chen Yang, Lu Zhang, Xuehang Ling, Xin Qin and Mingyue Li

Digital product and service innovations (DPSI) has attracted widespread attention from both management scholars and practitioners. Previous studies have documented that…

Abstract

Purpose

Digital product and service innovations (DPSI) has attracted widespread attention from both management scholars and practitioners. Previous studies have documented that information technology (IT) capability and digital orientation positively influence DPSI performance. However, the question of whether and how digitalization capability can facilitate DPSI performance remains unresolved. This paper fills these gaps by investigating the mediating role of improvisation capability and the moderating role of technological turbulence.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used two-wave data from 240 matched digital transformation department leaders and senior managers from Chinese firms and examined the hypotheses deploying hierarchical regression and bootstrapping.

Findings

Our analyses reveal positive, significant links between digitalization capability and improvisation capability and between improvisation capability and DPSI performance. The findings further show that the effect of digitalization capability on DPSI performance is partially mediated by improvisation capability and that technological turbulence strengthens the indirect relationship between digitalization capability and DPSI performance through improvisation capability.

Originality/value

Integrating resource-based view, this research provides evidence that the extent to which improvisation capability mediates the relationship between digitalization capability and DPSI performance depends on technological turbulence. It provides a new direction for digitalization capability and DPSI performance.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 August 2020

Khadeeja Nusrath T.K., Lulu V.P. and Jatinder Singh

This paper aims to build an accurate mathematical model which is necessary for control design and attitude estimation of a miniature unmanned rotorcraft and its subsequent…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to build an accurate mathematical model which is necessary for control design and attitude estimation of a miniature unmanned rotorcraft and its subsequent conversion to an autonomous vehicle.

Design/methodology/approach

Frequency-domain system identification of a small-size flybar-less remote controlled helicopter is carried out based on the input–output data collected from flight tests of the instrumented vehicle. A complete six degrees of freedom quasi-steady dynamic model is derived for hover and cruise flight conditions.

Findings

The veracity of the developed model is ascertained by comparing the predicted model responses to the actual responses from flight experiments and from statistical measures. Dynamic stability analysis of the vehicle is carried out using eigenvalues and eigenvectors. The identified model represents the vehicle dynamics very well in the frequency range of interest.

Research limitations/implications

The model needs to be augmented with additional terms to represent the high-frequency dynamics of the vehicle.

Practical implications

Control algorithms developed using the first principles model can be easily reconfigured using the identified model, because the model structure is not altered during identification.

Originality/value

This paper gives a practical solution for model identification and stability analysis of a small-scale flybar-less helicopter. The estimated model can be easily used in developing control algorithms.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 92 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 July 2024

Dian Palupi Restuputri, Ilyas Masudin, Auraria Putri Septira, Kannan Govindan and Widayat Widayat

This study highlights the significance of knowledge management in the relationship between organizational ambidexterity and organizational performance within the context of…

Abstract

Purpose

This study highlights the significance of knowledge management in the relationship between organizational ambidexterity and organizational performance within the context of Indonesian SMEs.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a quantitative research approach, employing a survey questionnaire to collect data from a sample of SMEs operating in Indonesia. Structural Equation Modeling using Partial Least Square is used to investigate the relationship between variables.

Findings

The findings of this study show that in the context of small and medium enterprises, the variables of environmental and technological uncertainty are not driving factors in organizational ambidexterity. In contrast, market uncertainty has a significant effect on organizational ambidexterity. Moreover, it is also found that knowledge management does not support the variables of environmental, market, and technological uncertainty on organizational ambidexterity in small and medium enterprises. The results show that knowledge management plays a significant role in organizational ambidexterity. It also shows that knowledge management could support a significant way between organizational ambidexterity and organizational performance.

Originality/value

The findings of this study give insights for SMEs to attain a sustainable competitive edge in a dynamic business landscape by implementing efficient knowledge management techniques that bolster their ambidextrous capacities.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

Keywords

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