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Article
Publication date: 15 November 2024

Kai Li, Cheng Zhu, Jianjiang Wang and Junhui Gao

With burgeoning interest in the low-altitude economy, applications of long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (LE-UAVs) have increased in remote logistics distribution. Given…

Abstract

Purpose

With burgeoning interest in the low-altitude economy, applications of long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicles (LE-UAVs) have increased in remote logistics distribution. Given LE-UAVs’ advantages of wide coverage, strong versatility and low cost, in addition to logistics distribution, they are widely used in military reconnaissance, communication relay, disaster monitoring and other activities. With limited autonomous intelligence, LE-UAVs require regular periodic and non-periodic control from ground control resources (GCRs) during flights and mission execution. However, the lack of GCRs significantly restricts the applications of LE-UAVs in parallel.

Design/methodology/approach

We consider the constraints of GCRs, investigating an integrated optimization problem of multi-LE-UAV mission planning and GCR allocation (Multi-U&G IOP). The problem integrates GCR allocation into traditional multi-UAV cooperative mission planning. The coupling decision of mission planning and GCR allocation enlarges the decision space and adds complexities to the problem’s structure. Through characterizing the problem, this study establishes a mixed integer linear programming (MILP) model for the integrated optimization problem. To solve the problem, we develop a three-stage iterative optimization algorithm combining a hybrid genetic algorithm with local search-variable neighborhood decent, heuristic conflict elimination and post-optimization of GCR allocation.

Findings

Numerical experimental results show that our developed algorithm can solve the problem efficiently and exceeds the solution performance of the solver CPLEX. For small-scale instances, our algorithm can obtain optimal solutions in less time than CPLEX. For large-scale instances, our algorithm produces better results in one hour than CPLEX does. Implementing our approach allows efficient coordination of multiple UAVs, enabling faster mission completion with a minimal number of GCRs.

Originality/value

Drawing on the interplay between LE-UAVs and GCRs and considering the practical applications of LE-UAVs, we propose the Multi-U&G IOP problem. We formulate this problem as a MILP model aiming to minimize the maximum task completion time (makespan). Furthermore, we present a relaxation model for this problem. To efficiently address the MILP model, we develop a three-stage iterative optimization algorithm. Subsequently, we verify the efficacy of our algorithm through extensive experimentation across various scenarios.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

Executive summary
Publication date: 28 November 2024

CHINA: Hostage diplomacy will continue

Details

DOI: 10.1108/OXAN-ES291336

ISSN: 2633-304X

Keywords

Geographic
Topical
Article
Publication date: 20 November 2024

Lingzhi Yi, Kai Ren, Yahui Wang, Wei He, Hui Zhang and Zongping Li

To ensure the stable operation of ironmaking process and the quality and output of sinter, the multi-objective optimization of sintering machine batching process was carried out.

Abstract

Purpose

To ensure the stable operation of ironmaking process and the quality and output of sinter, the multi-objective optimization of sintering machine batching process was carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

The purpose of this study is to establish a multi-objective optimization model with iron taste content and batch cost as targets, constrained by field process requirements and sinter quality standards, and to propose an improved balance optimizer algorithm (LILCEO) based on a lens imaging anti-learning mechanism and a population redundancy error correction mechanism. In this method, the lens imaging inverse learning strategy is introduced to initialize the population, improve the population diversity in the early iteration period, avoid falling into local optimal in the late iteration period and improve the population redundancy error correction mechanism to accelerate the convergence rate in the early iteration period.

Findings

By selecting nine standard test functions of BT series for simulation experiments, and comparing with NSGA-?, MOEAD, EO, LMOCSO, NMPSO and other mainstream optimization algorithms, the experimental results verify the superior performance of the improved algorithm. The results show that the algorithm can effectively reduce the cost of sintering ingredients while ensuring the iron taste of sinter, which is of great significance for the comprehensive utilization and quality assurance of sinter iron ore resources.

Originality/value

An optimization model with dual objectives of TFe content and raw material cost was developed taking into account the chemical composition and quality indicators required by the blast furnace as well as factors such as raw material inventory and cost constraints. This model was used to adjust and optimize the sintering raw material ratio. Addressing the limitations of existing optimization algorithms for sintering raw materials including low convergence accuracy slow speed limited initial solution production and difficulty in practical application we proposed the LILCEO algorithm. Comparative tests with NSGA-III MOEAD EO LMOCSO and NMPSO algorithms demonstrated the superiority of the proposed algorithm. Practical applications showed that the proposed method effectively overcomes many limitations of the current manual raw material ratio model providing scientific and stable decision-making guidance for sintering production operations.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2024

Jiamin Zhang, Liang Zhang, Xi Huang, Chuanjiang Wu, Kai Deng and Wei-Min Long

This paper aims to investigate the improvement of Sn58Bi solder properties by Ni nanoparticle to provide theoretical support in the field of electronic packaging.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the improvement of Sn58Bi solder properties by Ni nanoparticle to provide theoretical support in the field of electronic packaging.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) were doped into Sn58Bi solder as a reinforcing agent to prepare a composite solder. The wettability of composite solder, melting characteristics of solder alloy, microstructure of joints, mechanical properties and intermetallics growth at the interface were investigated.

Findings

Test results show that Ni had little substantial effect on the solders alloy melting temperature yet decreased the alloy undercooling. Notably, Ni enhanced solders wettability on Cu substrates. The spreading area increased by 14% at 0.6 wt.% Ni. The Ni refined the microstructure of Sn58Bi solder joints and inhibited the coarsening of the Bi-rich phase in the solder. At the same time, it also led to the production of free intermetallic compounds, increasing growth of the intermetallic compound (IMC) layer. However, upon surpassing 0.6 wt.% Ni, (Cu, Ni)6Sn5 accumulated and formed irregular clumps in the matrix. The grain size of the IMC layer gradually decreased as Ni was added. In shear tests, the fracture of joints occurred mainly inside the solder matrix. Sn58Bi-0.6Ni joints displayed a 40% rise in shear strength and a 25% rise in Vickers hardness. In addition, the appearance of dimples at the fracture indicated the improved flexibility of joints.

Originality/value

In this paper, Ni nanoparticle with different contents were added to Sn58Bi solder to prepare a composite solder, and the properties of the composite solder were investigated from different perspectives.

Details

Soldering & Surface Mount Technology, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0954-0911

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 December 2024

Chenglin Li and Jian Li

The research explores how these volunteering experiences in Chinese art museums influence students’ future teaching careers and employability.

Abstract

Purpose

The research explores how these volunteering experiences in Chinese art museums influence students’ future teaching careers and employability.

Design/methodology/approach

Our study delves into the educational value of art museum volunteering for higher education students, focussing particularly on those majoring in elementary education. Utilising a triangulation methodology that includes questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and observations, we collected data from 30 art museums across 17 provinces in China. Our research aims to understand how these volunteering experiences influence students’ future teaching careers and employability.

Findings

The study examines the types of educational activities offered, the art education experiences gained and the impact on students’ skills. The findings suggest that volunteering enhances students’ practical skills in art education, creativity, critical thinking, cultural understanding and employability, contributing positively to their future educator roles. The findings highlight the importance of partnerships between museums and higher education institutions to improve the quality of art education and the professional preparation of future educators.

Research limitations/implications

We identified some limitations. Because the period of investigation for this study was limited to a recent year, the unique strategies and techniques for conducting educational practices varied from museum to museum, resulting in different barriers and opportunities for improvement for volunteers. This study did not conduct a detailed analysis of gender- and region-specific differences, nor did it include interviews with museum educators and educational program spokespersons or an analysis of their opinions.

Originality/value

Our research fills a notable gap in the existing literature by focussing on the Asian context and underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between museums and higher education institutions.

Details

Asian Education and Development Studies, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-3162

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 January 2024

Jani Koskinen, Kai Kristian Kimppa, Janne Lahtiranta and Sami Hyrynsalmi

The competition in the academe has always been tough, but today, the academe seems to be more like an industry than an academic community as academics are evaluated through…

Abstract

Purpose

The competition in the academe has always been tough, but today, the academe seems to be more like an industry than an academic community as academics are evaluated through quantified and economic means.

Design/methodology/approach

This article leans on Heidegger’s thoughts on the essence of technology and his ontological view on being to show the dangers that lie in this quantification of researchers and research.

Findings

Despite the benefits that information systems (ISs) offer to people and research, it seems that technology has made it possible to objectify researchers and research. This has a negative impact on the academe and should thus be looked into especially by the IS field, which should note the problems that exist in its core. This phenomenon of quantified academics is clearly visible at academic quantification sites, where academics are evaluated using metrics that count their output. It seems that the essence of technology has disturbed the way research is valued by emphasising its quantifiable aspects. The study claims that it is important to look for other ways to evaluate researchers rather than trying to maximise research production, which has led to the flooding of articles that few have the time or interest to read.

Originality/value

This paper offers new insights into the current phenomenon of quantification of academics and underlines the need for critical changes if in order to achieve the academic culture that is desirable for future academics.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 37 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 September 2023

Mohamed Aboelmaged, Saadat M. Alhashmi, Gharib Hashem, Mohamed Battour, Ifzal Ahmad and Imran Ali

The literature on knowledge management in sustainable supply chain (KMSSC) has witnessed significant growth in the past two decades. However, a scientometric review that…

Abstract

Purpose

The literature on knowledge management in sustainable supply chain (KMSSC) has witnessed significant growth in the past two decades. However, a scientometric review that consolidates the primary trends and clusters within this topic has been notably absent. This paper aims to scrutinize recent advancements and identify the intellectual underpinnings of KMSSC research conducted between 2002 and 2022.

Design/methodology/approach

The present review employs a scientometric analysis approach via visualization maps of prolific contributions, co-citation, co-occurrence and thematic networks to examine a total of 114 articles and conference papers on KMSSC.

Findings

Emerging research frontiers and hotspots are revealed and a state-of-the-art framework of KMSSC research structure is developed.

Practical implications

The review provides significant implications that guide KMSSC research and better inform sustainability decisions in the supply chain context.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first review to thoroughly synthesize the intersected domain of KMSSC using scientometric analysis.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 31 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 May 2023

Kai Hänninen, Jouni Juntunen and Harri Haapasalo

The purpose of this study is to describe latent classes explaining the innovation logic in the Finnish construction companies. Innovativeness is a driver of competitive…

16506

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to describe latent classes explaining the innovation logic in the Finnish construction companies. Innovativeness is a driver of competitive performance and vital to the long-term success of any organisation and company.

Design/methodology/approach

Using finite mixture structural equation modelling (FMSEM), the authors have classified innovation logic into latent classes. The method analyses and recognises classes for companies that have similar logic in innovation activities based on the collected data.

Findings

Through FMSEM analysis, the authors have identified three latent classes that explain the innovation logic in the Finnish construction companies – LC1: the internal innovators; LC2: the non-innovation-oriented introverts; and LC3: the innovation-oriented extroverts. These three latent classes clearly capture the perceptions within the industry as well as the different characteristics and variables.

Research limitations/implications

The presented latent classes explain innovation logic but is limited to analysing Finnish companies. Also, the research is quantitative by nature and does not increase the understanding in the same manner as qualitative research might capture on more specific aspects.

Practical implications

This paper presents starting points for construction industry companies to intensify innovation activities. It may also indicate more fundamental changes for the structure of construction industry organisations, especially by enabling innovation friendly culture.

Originality/value

This study describes innovation logic in Finnish construction companies through three models (LC1–LC3) by using quantitative data analysed with the FMSEM method. The fundamental innovation challenges in the Finnish construction companies are clarified via the identified latent classes.

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2024

Andreawan Honora, Kai-Yu Wang and Wen-Hai Chih

This research investigates the role of customer forgiveness as the result of online service recovery transparency in predicting customer engagement. It also examines the…

Abstract

Purpose

This research investigates the role of customer forgiveness as the result of online service recovery transparency in predicting customer engagement. It also examines the moderating roles of timeliness and personalization in this proposed model.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey study using retrospective experience sampling and a scenario-based experimental study were conducted to test the proposed hypotheses.

Findings

Customer forgiveness positively influences customer engagement and plays a mediating role in the relationship between service recovery transparency and customer engagement. Additionally, timeliness and personalization moderate the positive influence of service recovery transparency on customer forgiveness. The positive influence of service recovery transparency on customer forgiveness is more apparent when levels of timeliness and personalization decrease.

Practical implications

To retain focal customers' engagement after a service failure, firms must obtain their forgiveness. One of the firm's online complaint handling strategies to increase the forgiveness level of focal customers is to provide a high level of service recovery transparency (i.e. responding to their complaints in a public channel), especially when the firm is unable to respond to online complaints quickly or provide highly personalized responses.

Originality/value

This research provides new insights into the underlying mechanism of customer engagement by applying the concept of customer forgiveness. It also contributes to the social influence theory by applying the essence of the theory to explain how other customers' virtual presence during the online complaint handling influences the forgiveness of focal customers in order to gain their engagement. Additionally, it provides insight into the conditions under which the role of service recovery transparency can be very effective in dealing with online complaints.

Article
Publication date: 26 November 2024

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.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

Keywords

1 – 10 of 33