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Article
Publication date: 29 November 2024

Chaoyu Zheng, Zhaoqiang Zhong, Baiyu Wu, Xuan Zhao, Mu Yue and Benhong Peng

Owing to the limitations of traditional infectious disease dynamic systems in accurately encapsulating the nuances of China’s dynamic epidemic prevention policies and considering…

21

Abstract

Purpose

Owing to the limitations of traditional infectious disease dynamic systems in accurately encapsulating the nuances of China’s dynamic epidemic prevention policies and considering the varying sensitivity of local governments to the unfolding of public health emergencies (PHEs), this paper introduces a novel infectious disease dynamic system.

Design/methodology/approach

This system, rooted in the distinct characteristics of infectious diseases and nuanced prevention and control measures, leverages a learning model for enhanced precision. It intricately incorporates factors such as the infectivity in sealed and controlled areas and the role of asymptomatic patients, thereby refining the dynamics of isolation, sealing, control and the transition from asymptomatic to confirmed cases. Employing the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) parameter estimation approach significantly augments the accuracy in pinpointing the valid parameters of disease spread. Empirical analysis was meticulously carried out, using data from the Shanghai epidemic from 1 Mar 2022 to 1 Jul 2022.

Findings

This analysis not only illuminates the profound impact of control efforts on the trajectory of the epidemic but also underscores the pivotal role of social distancing in curbing the rapid transmission of infectious diseases. Furthermore, it reveals that an accelerated detection rate during the swift spread and peak of the epidemic paradoxically leads to a surge in confirmed cases and a consequent strain on medical resources, thereby impeding the pace of medical intervention.

Originality/value

A stage-wise dissection of the Shanghai epidemic and comparative analyses against the evolution profiles in ASEAN countries elucidates the five stages of PHE risk evolution in alignment with the crisis lifecycle theory. These stages encompass hidden transmission, multi-point dissemination, multi-chain parallelism, rapid spread, fluctuation rebound and multi-community spread, each presenting unique challenges and dynamics in the control and management of the epidemic.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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Article
Publication date: 12 July 2021

An Xia Wan, Zhaoqiang Zhong, Chaoyu Zheng, Xuan Zhao and Ehsan Elahi

Based on the perspective of stakeholders, this paper aims to construct the corporate social responsibility (CSR) evaluation system, aiming at encouraging enterprises to actively…

276

Abstract

Purpose

Based on the perspective of stakeholders, this paper aims to construct the corporate social responsibility (CSR) evaluation system, aiming at encouraging enterprises to actively undertake social responsibility, formulating targeted countermeasures to improve the performance level of social responsibility and realizing its sustainable development.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses data from 2014 to 2018 of pharmaceutical companies in China to estimate the CSR system. Based on the analytic hierarchy process, the coefficient of variation uses to determine the weight of each index. Moreover, the cloud model uses for empirical evaluation.

Findings

The results reveal that social responsibility evaluation of pharmaceutical companies is poor to average to good and it maintains a good development trend. The order of the weight of corporate stakeholders is shareholders, employees, consumers, creditors, suppliers and government. The importance of internal stakeholders is higher than that of external stakeholders. The comprehensive cloud evaluation value of the social responsibility evaluation of pharmaceutical companies are “ordinary,” and the effect of comprehensive social responsibility performance is not good.

Originality/value

The current study not only considers the uncertainty of the concept of CSR but also reflects the connection between the randomness of pharmaceutical companies and the ambiguity of CSR. Moreover, this study develops a three-dimensional evaluation of “enterprise-year-indicator” by studying the data of multiple companies in different years. In terms of the modeling concept, the two-way cognition between the connotation and conceptual extension of the cloud model is fully used to realize the uncertainty mapping between the evaluation set and the indicator set.

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Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Chaoyu Zheng, Benhong Peng, Xuan Zhao, Guo Wei, Anxia Wan and Mu Yue

How to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of public health emergencies (PHEs) is of great practical significance to carry out a scientific and effective risk assessment…

223

Abstract

Purpose

How to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of public health emergencies (PHEs) is of great practical significance to carry out a scientific and effective risk assessment. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors propose a new approach to identify the CSFs by hesitant fuzzy linguistic set and a Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) approach. First, a larger group of experts are clustered into three groups according to similarity degree. Then, the weight of each cluster is determined by the maximum consensus method, and the overall direct influence matrix is obtained by clustering with hesitant fuzzy linguistic weighted geometric (HFLWG) operators. Finally, the overall direct influence matrix is transformed into the crisp direct impact matrix by the score function, and 11 CSFs of PHEs are identified by using the extended DEMATEL method.

Findings

In addition, an example of PHEs shows that the approach has good identification applicability. The approach can be used to solve the problems of fuzziness and subjectivity in linguistic assessments, and it can be applied to identify the customer service framework with the linguistic assessments process in emergency management.

Originality/value

This paper extends the above DEMATEL method to study in the hesitant fuzzy linguistic context. This proposed hybrid approach has a wider application in the high-risk area where disasters frequently occur.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. 75 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

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Article
Publication date: 9 September 2021

Xuan Zhao, Hancheng Yu, Mingkui Feng and Gang Sun

Robot automatic grasping has important application value in industrial applications. Recent works have explored on the performance of deep learning for robotic grasp detection…

125

Abstract

Purpose

Robot automatic grasping has important application value in industrial applications. Recent works have explored on the performance of deep learning for robotic grasp detection. They usually use oriented anchor boxes (OABs) as detection prior and achieve better performance than previous works. However, the parameters of their loss belong to different coordinates, this may affect the regression accuracy. This paper aims to propose an oriented regression loss to solve the problem of inconsistency among the loss parameters.

Design/methodology/approach

In the oriented loss, the center coordinates errors between the ground truth grasp rectangle and the predicted grasp rectangle rotate to the vertical and horizontal of the OAB. And then the direction error is used as an orientation factor, combining with the errors of the rotated center coordinates, width and height of the predicted grasp rectangle.

Findings

The proposed oriented regression loss is evaluated on the YOLO-v3 framework to the grasp detection task. It yields state-of-the-art performance with an accuracy of 98.8% and a speed of 71 frames per second with GTX 1080Ti on Cornell datasets.

Originality/value

This paper proposes an oriented loss to improve the regression accuracy of deep learning for grasp detection. The authors apply the proposed deep grasp network to the visual servo intelligent crane. The experimental result indicates that the approach is accurate and robust enough for real-time grasping applications.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 49 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Article
Publication date: 13 March 2019

Weihua Liu, Di Wang, Xuan Zhao, Cheng Si and Ou Tang

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influencing factors of new logistics service product design (NLSPD) in China to establish a theoretical framework for the future…

739

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influencing factors of new logistics service product design (NLSPD) in China to establish a theoretical framework for the future development of the logistics industry.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper adopts the multi-case study method based on a sample of four Chinese logistics enterprises, in which the authors consider the logistics service maturity (LSM), a distinct characteristic of logistics enterprises.

Findings

NLSPD is directly related to the degree of supply–demand matching (SDM) and LSM. Customer demand, service capability and peer competition influence the performance of NLSPD through the SDM degree, whereas LSM moderates these influencing mechanisms. Moreover, the degree of SDM has a positive impact on LSM.

Practical implications

The findings can help the managers of logistics enterprises and practitioners in the logistics industry understand the complexity of NLSPD. First, they should broaden and deepen their service offering to enhance the degree of LSM. Second, they should pay attention to the factors that affect SDM systematically. Finally, it is vital to balance the relationship between LSM and SDM.

Originality/value

NLSPD has become an important tool affecting the competitiveness and sustainability of logistics service enterprises. This is the first paper to propose a theoretical framework for NLSPD that considers the characteristic of the logistics industry. It clarifies the mechanisms of influencing factors, and contributes to the literature by filling the research gap.

Details

Asia Pacific Journal of Marketing and Logistics, vol. 31 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-5855

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 18 January 2023

Chathuri Gunarathna, Rebecca Yang, Pabasara Wijeratne Mudiyanselage, Gayashan Amarasinghe, Tharushi Samarasinghalage, R.P. Nilmini Weerasinghe, Hongying Zhao, Chaoxiang Zhang, Chengyang Liu, Kaige Wang and Sujan Dev Sureshkumar Jayakumari

Project-based learning is one of the most effective methods of transferring academic knowledge and skills to real-world situations in higher education. However, its effectiveness…

452

Abstract

Purpose

Project-based learning is one of the most effective methods of transferring academic knowledge and skills to real-world situations in higher education. However, its effectiveness is not much investigated focusing on the students' narrative. This study aims at evaluating the students' experience and perspective on adopting project-based learning in master by research and doctoral programmes for proactive skills development.

Design/methodology/approach

This study evaluates the self-reflection of 10 postgraduate students and their supervisor who have participated in developing a software tool for solar photovoltaics (PV) integrated building envelope design, management and the related education.

Findings

Findings reveal that the students have effectively improved their knowledge on the subject via collaborating with the industry, self-learning/observation, peer learning, problem-solving and teamwork. Dividing the project into student-led tasks has improved the decision-making and leadership skills, risks identification, planning and time management skills. The overall experience has (1) built up confidence in students, (2) enhanced their creativity and critical thinking and (3) improved their proactive skills and context knowledge.

Originality/value

A clear research gap can be seen in exploring the effectiveness of project-based learning for master by research and doctoral programmes, which mainly focus on extensive research. These programmes do not necessarily focus on developing students' proactive skills, which is the main requirement if they intend to work in the construction industry. This paper addresses the above research gap by demonstrating the effectiveness of project-based learning for developing the proactive skills in a research-intensive learning environment.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

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Article
Publication date: 27 July 2010

Xuan Zhao, Run H. Niu and Ignacio Castillo

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the selection of a distribution channel strategy for a non‐profit organization selling products or services to its end customers.

5636

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to better understand the selection of a distribution channel strategy for a non‐profit organization selling products or services to its end customers.

Design/methodology/approach

Two channel strategies are generally considered: an integrated channel where the non‐profit organization sells its products or services using its own selling departments or branches; and a decentralized channel where the non‐profit organization sells through a for‐profit retailer. The fundamental question is: how should a non‐profit organization select its distribution channel strategy under certain market conditions?

Findings

It was found that selecting a decentralized channel strategy results in an optimal retail price that is higher than that under an integrated channel strategy, which results in lower customer welfare under the decentralized channel. It was also found that a decentralized channel behaves as an integrated fully for‐profit channel. Thus, whether a non‐profit organization should choose an integrated or a decentralized channel when facing competition from an integrated or a decentralized fully for‐profit channel depends on its cost structure and the level of substitutability of the products or services offered by the two channels.

Practical implications

When competing with an integrated fully for‐profit channel, the non‐profit organization is better off using an integrated channel under strong competition or a decentralized channel under weak competition. When competing with a decentralized fully for‐profit channel, the selection is more complicated. It was found that a decentralized channel is the best choice if the price competition factor, where threshold value depends on the cost structure, is large.

Originality/value

Non‐profit organizations have a clear (perhaps increasing) need for distribution centers or retailers in order to reach people who need their products or services. Moreover, it has been reported that the interactions between for‐profit and non‐profit sectors continue to grow, thus increasing the forms of community involvement available to reach people. It is thus clear that additional research is needed to better understand the selection of a distribution channel strategy for a non‐profit organization selling products or services to its end customers, and also the related managerial implications.

Details

European Journal of Marketing, vol. 44 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0309-0566

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 15 November 2018

Sultan Alamri

With the rapid development of the indoor spaces positioning technologies such as the radio-frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth and WI-FI, the locations of indoor spatial…

182

Abstract

Purpose

With the rapid development of the indoor spaces positioning technologies such as the radio-frequency identification (RFID), Bluetooth and WI-FI, the locations of indoor spatial objects (static or moving) constitute an important foundation for a variety of applications. However, there are many challenges and limitations associated with the structuring and querying of spatial objects in indoor spaces. The purpose of this study is to address the current trends, limitations and future challenges associated with the structuring and querying of spatial objects in indoor spaces. Also it addresses the related features of indoor spaces such as indoor structures, positioning technologies and others.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the author focuses on understanding the aspects and challenges of spatial database managements in indoor spaces. The author explains the differences between indoor spaces and outdoor spaces. Also examines the issues pertaining to indoor spaces positioning and the impact of different shapes and structures within these spaces. In addition, the author considers the varieties of spatial queries that relate specifically to indoor spaces.

Findings

Most of the research on data management in indoor spaces does not consider the issues and the challenges associated with indoor positioning such as the overlapping of Wi-Fi. The future trend of the indoor spaces includes included different shapes of indoors beside the current 2D indoor spaces on which the majority of the data structures and query processing for spatial objects have focused on. The diversities of the indoor environments features such as directed floors, multi-floors cases should be considered and studied. Furthermore, indoor environments include many special queries besides the common ones queries that used in outdoor spaces such as KNN, range and temporal queries. These special queries need to be considered in data management and querying of indoor environments.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this paper successfully addresses the current trends, limitations and future challenges associated with the structuring and querying of spatial objects in indoor spaces.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 12 July 2023

Nicola Cobelli and Emanuele Blasioli

The purpose of this study is to introduce new tools to develop a more precise and focused bibliometric analysis on the field of digitalization in healthcare management…

1588

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to introduce new tools to develop a more precise and focused bibliometric analysis on the field of digitalization in healthcare management. Furthermore, this study aims to provide an overview of the existing resources in healthcare management and education and other developing interdisciplinary fields.

Design/methodology/approach

This work uses bibliometric analysis to conduct a comprehensive review to map the use of the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and the unified theory of acceptance and use of technology 2 (UTAUT2) research models in healthcare academic studies. Bibliometric studies are considered an important tool to evaluate research studies and to gain a comprehensive view of the state of the art.

Findings

Although UTAUT dates to 2003, our bibliometric analysis reveals that only since 2016 has the model, together with UTAUT2 (2012), had relevant application in the literature. Nonetheless, studies have shown that UTAUT and UTAUT2 are particularly suitable for understanding the reasons that underlie the adoption and non-adoption choices of eHealth services. Further, this study highlights the lack of a multidisciplinary approach in the implementation of eHealth services. Equally significant is the fact that many studies have focused on the acceptance and the adoption of eHealth services by end users, whereas very few have focused on the level of acceptance of healthcare professionals.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to conduct a bibliometric analysis of technology acceptance and adoption by using advanced tools that were conceived specifically for this purpose. In addition, the examination was not limited to a certain era and aimed to give a worldwide overview of eHealth service acceptance and adoption.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 35 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 22 July 2024

Ozge Yetik

In this study, it is aimed to develop cooling models for the efficient use of batteries and to show how important the busbar material is. Batteries, which are indispensable energy…

76

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, it is aimed to develop cooling models for the efficient use of batteries and to show how important the busbar material is. Batteries, which are indispensable energy sources of electric aircraft, automobiles and portable devices, may eventually run out. Battery life decreases over time; the most critical factor is temperature. The temperature of batteries should not exceed the safe operating temperature of 313 K and it is recommended to have a balanced temperature distribution through the battery.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the effect on the battery temperature caused by using different busbar materials to connect batteries together was investigated. Gold, copper and titanium were chosen as the different busbar material. The Air velocities used were 1 m/s and 2 m/s, the air inlet temperatures were 295 and 300 K and the discharge rates 1.0–1.5–2.0–2.5C were chosen for cooling the batteries.

Findings

The best busbar material was identified as copper. Because these studies are long-term studies, it is also suggested to estimate the data obtained with ANN (Artificial Neural Networks). The purpose of ANN is to enable the solution of many different complex problems by creating systems that do not require human intelligence. Four different program (BR-LM-CGP-SCG) were used to estimate the data obtained with ANN. It was found that the most reliable algorithm was BR18. The R2 size of the BR18 algorithm in the test phase was 0.999552, the CoV size was 0.007697 and the RMSE size was 0.005076.

Originality/value

When the literature is considered, the cooling part of the battery modules has been taken into consideration during the temperature observation of the battery modules, but busbar materials connecting the batteries have always been ignored. In this study, various busbar materials were used and it was noticed how the temperature of the battery model changed under the same working conditions. These studies are very time-consuming and costly studies. Therefore, an estimation of the data obtained with artificial neural networks (ANN) was also evaluated.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 96 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

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