Yuqi Ren, Kai Gao, Tingting Liu, Yuan Rong and Arunodaya Mishra Raj
The main goal of this paper is to present a synthetic multiple criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) methodology for assessing the enterprise digital maturity with linear…
Abstract
Purpose
The main goal of this paper is to present a synthetic multiple criteria group decision-making (MCGDM) methodology for assessing the enterprise digital maturity with linear Diophantine fuzzy (LDF) setting.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper utilizes the presented LDF generalized Dombi operator to aggregate assessment information of experts. The developed combined weight model through merging the rank sum (RS) model and symmetry point of criterion (SPC) method is used to ascertain the comprehensive importance of criterion. The evaluation based on distance from average solution (EDAS) approach based upon regret theory (RT) is presented to achieve the sorting of candidate enterprises.
Findings
Firstly, the proposed method has strong stability. Secondly, the proposed method takes into consideration the psychological behavior of experts during the decision-making process which further enhances the rationality of the decision results. Finally, the proposed method integrates expert and criterion weight determination models which provides a practical evaluation framework for assessing the digital maturity of enterprises. The research outcomes confirm that the proposed approach fails to resolve the decision problems with unknown weight information flexibly, but also reflect the psychological behavior of expert in decision process. The presented weight approach also provides a rational algorithm to ascertain the weight more accurate.
Originality/value
A composite LDF group decision-making approach is presented by aggregating the proposed generalized Dombi operator, combined weight model and the EDAS model, which make the outcome more reasonable. Sensitivity analysis and comparison study are conducted to reflect the superiority of the proposed approach.
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Wenyao Niu, Yuan Rong and Liying Yu
The purpose of this study is to establish a synthetic group decision framework based on the Pythagorean fuzzy (PF) set to select the optimal medicine cold chain logistics provider…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to establish a synthetic group decision framework based on the Pythagorean fuzzy (PF) set to select the optimal medicine cold chain logistics provider (MCCLP). Fierce market competition makes enterprises must constantly improve every link in the process of enterprise sustainable development. The evaluation of MCCLP in pharmaceutical enterprises is an important link to enhance the comprehensive competitiveness. Because of the fuzziness of expert cognition and the complexity of the decision procedure, PF set can effectively handle the uncertainty and ambiguity in the process of multi-criteria group decision decision-making (MCGDM).
Design/methodology/approach
This paper develops an integrated group decision framework through combining the Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) technique and combined compromise solution (CoCoSo) approach to select a satisfactory MCCLP within PF circumstances. First, the PF set is used to process the ambiguity and uncertainty of the cognition ability of experts. Second, a novel PF knowledge measure is propounded to measure the vagueness of the PF set. Third, a comprehensive criterion weight determination technique is developed through aggregating subjective weights attained utilizing the PF DEMATEL approach and objective weight deduced by knowledge measure method. Furthermore, an integrated MCGDM approach based on synthetic weight and CoCoSo method is constructed.
Findings
The outcomes of sensibility analysis and comparison investigation show that the suggested decision framework can help decision experts to choose a satisfactory MCCLP scientifically and reasonably. Accordingly, the propounded comprehensive decision framework can be recommended to enterprises and organizations to assess the MCCLP for their improvement of core competitiveness.
Originality/value
MCCLP selection is not only momentous for pharmaceutical enterprises to improve transportation quality and ensure medicine safety but also provides a strong guarantee for enterprises to improve their core competitiveness. Nevertheless, enterprises face certain challenges due to the uncertainty of the assessment environment as well as human cognition in the process of choosing a satisfactory MCCLP. PF set possesses a formidable capability to address the uncertainty and imprecision information in the process of MCGDM. Therefore, pharmaceutical enterprises can implement the proposed method to evaluate the suppliers to further improve the comprehensive profit of enterprises.
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Liu Jian‐feng, Rong Si‐yuan and Cui Nai‐gang
The purpose of this paper is to consider relative navigation – a vital technology to satellites formation flying, and to propose a new concept for relative navigation…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to consider relative navigation – a vital technology to satellites formation flying, and to propose a new concept for relative navigation determination along with a technical approach for its practical implementation.
Design/methodology/approach
The determination of relative orbit is considered with the relative distance elevation and azimuth measurements about formation flying while the primary satellite is in a circle or ellipse orbit. This measurement is obtained by laser range finder and the estimations of the intersatellite relative position and velocity are obtained by utilizing the unscented Kalman filter instead of extended Kalman filter.
Findings
The simulation results show that the error of the relative position and velocity can be estimated with the order of cm and mm/s, respectively, under the effect of J2, converge faster than EKF, and then demonstrate that the approach is feasible.
Originality/value
The paper proposes a new concept for relative navigation determination and describes a technical approach for its practical implementation.
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Xiaoyue Ma and Hao Ma
Graphic-based tag clouds aim to visually represent tag content and tag structure, and then to better represent tagged information for later search. However, few studies have…
Abstract
Purpose
Graphic-based tag clouds aim to visually represent tag content and tag structure, and then to better represent tagged information for later search. However, few studies have clarified the features among varied visualization approaches involved in graphic-based tag clouds and compared them for the purpose of information search.
Design/methodology/approach
After reviewing four kinds of graphic-based tag clouds, an experimental demonstration was conducted in our study to verify how user performs in information search for a general seeking task by using them. Precision ratio, recall ratio, clicks on search and time for search were four variables tested in the experiment. Also, two supplementary tests were respectively carried out to manifest how graphic-based tag clouds contributed to the identification of target tags and tag clusters.
Findings
The experimental results showed that compared to tag content visual tag structure was more important to find related tags from tag clouds for information search. In addition, tag clouds that visually represented the semantic relationships within tags could make user more confident about their search result and carry out a shorter learning process during searching, which signified a tag-based information search path when visual elements were applied.
Originality/value
This research is one of the first to illustrate systematically the graphic-based tag clouds and their impacts on information search. The research findings could suggest on how to build up more effective and interactive tag clouds and make proposition for the design of search user interface by using graphic-based tag clouds.
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Wang Yajie, Wendong Zhang, Jiangong Cui, Xiaoxia Chu, Guojun Zhang, Renxin Wang, Haoming Huang and Xiaoping Zhai
In acoustic detection technology, optical microcavities offer higher detection bandwidth and sensitivity than traditional acoustic sensors. However, research on acoustic detection…
Abstract
Purpose
In acoustic detection technology, optical microcavities offer higher detection bandwidth and sensitivity than traditional acoustic sensors. However, research on acoustic detection technologies involving optical microcavities has not yet been reported. Therefore, this paper aims to design and construct an underwater acoustic detection system based on optical microcavities and study its acoustic detection technology to improve its performance.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the principles of optical microcavity acoustic sensors, a signal-detection circuit was designed to form a detection system in conjunction with a laser, an optical waveguide resonator and an oscilloscope. This circuit consists of two modules: a photodetection module and a filter amplification module.
Findings
The photodetection module features a baseline noise of −106.499 dBm and can detect device spectral line depths of up to 2410 mV. The gain stability of the filter amplification module was 58 dB ± 1 dB with a noise gain of −107.626 dBm. This design allows the acoustic detection system to detect signals with high sensitivity within the 10 Hz−1.2 MHz frequency band, achieving a maximum sensitivity of −126 dB re 1 V/µPa at 800 Hz and a minimum detectable pressure (MDP) of 0.37 mPa/Hz1/2, corresponding to a noise equivalent pressure (NEP) of 51.36 dB re 1 V/µPa.
Originality/value
This study designs and constructs a broadband underwater acoustic detection system specifically for optical waveguide resonators based on the sensing principles of silicon dioxide optical waveguide resonators. Experiments demonstrated that the signal detection module improves the sensitivity of underwater acoustic detection based on optical waveguides.
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Çağatay Özada, Merve Ünal, Eslem Kuzu Şahin, Hakkı Özer, Ali Riza Motorcu and Murat Yazıcı
This study produced epoxy-filled urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsules (MCs) and T-403 amine MCs using the in situ technique. The Taguchi method was used to determine the effects…
Abstract
Purpose
This study produced epoxy-filled urea-formaldehyde (UF) microcapsules (MCs) and T-403 amine MCs using the in situ technique. The Taguchi method was used to determine the effects of the control factors (temperature, stirring speed, core-shell ratio and surfactant concentration) affecting MCs’ core diameter and core content and optimizing their optimum levels with a single criterion. Optimum control factor levels, which simultaneously provide maximum core diameter and core content of MCs, were determined by the PROMETHEE-GAIA multi-criteria optimization method. In addition, the optimized MC yield was analyzed by thermal camera images and compression test.
Design/methodology/approach
Microcracks in materials used for aerospace vehicles and automotive parts cause serious problems, so research on self-healing in materials science becomes critical. The damages caused by micro-cracks need to heal themselves quickly. The study has three aims: (1) production of self-healing MCs, mechanical and chemical characterization of produced MCs, (2) single-criteria and multi-criteria optimization of parameters providing maximum MC core diameter and core content, (3) investigation of self-healing property of produced MCs and evaluation. Firstly, MCs were produced to achieve these goals.
Findings
The optimized micro cures are buried in the epoxy matrix at different concentrations. Thermal camera images after damage indicate the presence of healing. An epoxy-amine MC consisting of a 10% by weight filled aluminum sandwich panel was prepared and subjected to a quasi-static compression test. It was determined that there is a strong bond between the UF shell and the epoxy resin.
Originality/value
The optimization of production factors has been realized to produce the most efficient MCs that heal using less expensive and more accessible methods.
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– The purpose of this work was to prepare a catalyst-free microcapsules as self-healing agent in an automotive clearcoat to improve the scratch resistance of coatings.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this work was to prepare a catalyst-free microcapsules as self-healing agent in an automotive clearcoat to improve the scratch resistance of coatings.
Design/methodology/approach
In this research, microcapsule with isophorone diisocyanate (IDPI) core and polyurethane shell were prepared and used in self-healing coatings. Microcapsules synthesised were characterised by thermal gravimeter and infrared spectra. The microcapsules were dispersed in an acrylic-melamine clearcoat, and the scratch resistance was evaluated.
Findings
The triplex product and the formed polyurethane bonds were confirmed by thermal gravimeter and infrared spectra. In addition, smooth spherical particles with a diameter of 1.5 to 1.7 micronmeters were observed by a scanning electron microscope. The microcapsules dispersed in an acrylic-melamine clearcoat increased the scratch resistance of coatings. Also, the self-healing feature of those coatings was proved.
Research limitations/implications
The size of microcapsules can affect its dispersion in the clearcoat and consequently affect the properties of the cured films.
Practical implications
The self-healing coatings are interested for many industries such as building and automotive industries. The reported data can be used by the formulators working in the R & D departments.
Social implications
Self-healing systems are considered as one of the smart coatings. Therefore, the developing of its knowledge can help to extend its usage to different applications.
Originality/value
The application of microcapsules in the coating as healing agents is a great challenge, which has been hardly investigated so far. In the current research, the effect of polyurethane-IDPI microcapsules in an automotive clearcoat as a self-healing coating was investigated.
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Ratapol Wudhikarn, Nopasit Chakpitak and Gilles Neubert
In this study, an optimal green product is selected from three newly developed ecological products and a non-environmentally friendly product. An analytic network process (ANP)…
Abstract
Purpose
In this study, an optimal green product is selected from three newly developed ecological products and a non-environmentally friendly product. An analytic network process (ANP), used widely for multi-criteria decision making (MCDM), is applied to account for the tradeoff issues among the criteria (quality, cost and green issue) in the new green product selection processes. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper focuses on current social and consumer requirements. New product selection processes consider three major perspectives, i.e., quality, cost and environment, as criteria. The following two main methods are applied to respond to this multi-disciplinary issue: the eight quality dimensions proposed by Garvin are used to manage the quality issue, and a life cycle costing (LCC) method is applied for consideration of the cost and green issue. Therefore, the dependency issue among the criteria is considered, using a suitably selected method, the ANP method, and all the methods are applied to a real business, which produces roof tiles, for the delivery of a new optimal green product.
Findings
An optimal environmentally friendly product does not overcome the existing toxic product of the focused company. The environmental performance is necessarily balanced by the quality and cost capabilities.
Research limitations/implications
This paper focuses on the new product selection of roof tile products. The criteria or measuring indicators may be dissimilar, and cannot be applied to other products.
Practical implications
The proposed approach can be applied to other manufacturing companies or services to allow decision makers to make better determinations for a comprehensive dependency problem. The managers can apply the proposed model to benchmark the considered products as well as to find the weaknesses of products.
Originality/value
This method considers the relationship among quality, cost and environment for newly developed green products. The method produces better results than former MCDM studies which did not account for the dependency issue among the criteria.
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Zhenbin Chen, Jiapeng Long, Lei Kang, Xueyan Du, Duolong Di and Jingbo Liu
The purpose of this paper is to prepare a higher chloromethylation degree (CD) modified macroporous adsorption resin (MAR, LX1180-Cl) and further study their adsorption…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to prepare a higher chloromethylation degree (CD) modified macroporous adsorption resin (MAR, LX1180-Cl) and further study their adsorption performance.
Design/methodology/approach
CD and crosslinking degree were evaluated using stationary potential step and rotating-disk method, the adsorption performance of LX1180-Cl and LX1180 for flavonoids were studied using the UV-VIS spectrophotometry.
Findings
This research realized high CD (9.6 mass %) on high crosslinking MAR, LX1180. In tandem, the adsorption performance of them to flavonoids finds that the matching degree of polarity (presented with CD) and size were the critical factor to adsorption. It was also found that the reaction time had reduced to 24 h with the addition of iron particles into the zinc chloride (ZnCl2) catalyst.
Research limitations/implications
The study on reaction mechanism and the function principle of hybrid catalyst were speculated, but not the rigid experimental result.
Practical implications
This contribution can provide a rule for the separation and purification of natural products with the aim to improve food additive removal or isolation and purification of flavonoids used for healthcare applications.
Originality/value
This contribution provided a novel way to obtain high degree of CD with high crosslinking MAR, CD of commercially available MAR was improved by 2.5 times to 9.6 percent under crosslinking degree at 58.2 percent, compared with reported CD value (ca. 4.2 percent under crosslinking degree at 20.0 percent), which will be useful in the following further systematically research about the adsorption and separation selectivity of MAR. Besides, the primitive chosen principle of MAR according to the substrate was also presented. Moreover, the chloromethylation mechanism, although speculative, was briefly presented, which will stimulate the related study.
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The role of women entrepreneurs in family businesses is becoming increasingly important, a fact that is reflected in the scientific literature. The purpose of this study is to…
Abstract
Purpose
The role of women entrepreneurs in family businesses is becoming increasingly important, a fact that is reflected in the scientific literature. The purpose of this study is to identify the key research areas that address this issue. To this end, a bibliometric analysis has been carried out to obtain a perspective of the current situation in this field of research and to identify the key areas of research in recent years.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, the analysis is performed using a literature review and bibliometric analysis techniques. The bibliographic source supporting this analysis resulted from a Scopus search of the terms gender, entrepreneurship and family business. VOSviewer was used to facilitate the analysis.
Findings
This bibliometric analysis studies the evolutionary trend of publications on gender, entrepreneurship and family business and identifies current research trends. It also identifies authors, journals and countries with the highest impact levels to enhance collaboration and learning.
Research limitations/implications
It would be advisable to conduct further research with a broader bibliographic base and with other search criteria covering other aspects related to the role of women entrepreneurs in family businesses. This work can serve as a valuable source of information for future research in this field and to assist in the development of effective equality policies to address existing social stereotypes.
Originality/value
This research illustrates, using VOSviewer, the current growth of studies in the field of women entrepreneurship in family businesses.