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Article
Publication date: 19 March 2024

Mingke Gao, Zhenyu Zhang, Jinyuan Zhang, Shihao Tang, Han Zhang and Tao Pang

Because of the various advantages of reinforcement learning (RL) mentioned above, this study uses RL to train unmanned aerial vehicles to perform two tasks: target search and…

Abstract

Purpose

Because of the various advantages of reinforcement learning (RL) mentioned above, this study uses RL to train unmanned aerial vehicles to perform two tasks: target search and cooperative obstacle avoidance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study draws inspiration from the recurrent state-space model and recurrent models (RPM) to propose a simpler yet highly effective model called the unmanned aerial vehicles prediction model (UAVPM). The main objective is to assist in training the UAV representation model with a recurrent neural network, using the soft actor-critic algorithm.

Findings

This study proposes a generalized actor-critic framework consisting of three modules: representation, policy and value. This architecture serves as the foundation for training UAVPM. This study proposes the UAVPM, which is designed to aid in training the recurrent representation using the transition model, reward recovery model and observation recovery model. Unlike traditional approaches reliant solely on reward signals, RPM incorporates temporal information. In addition, it allows the inclusion of extra knowledge or information from virtual training environments. This study designs UAV target search and UAV cooperative obstacle avoidance tasks. The algorithm outperforms baselines in these two environments.

Originality/value

It is important to note that UAVPM does not play a role in the inference phase. This means that the representation model and policy remain independent of UAVPM. Consequently, this study can introduce additional “cheating” information from virtual training environments to guide the UAV representation without concerns about its real-world existence. By leveraging historical information more effectively, this study enhances UAVs’ decision-making abilities, thus improving the performance of both tasks at hand.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 20 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 April 2024

Matt Broadway-Horner

The purpose of this scoping review is to find studies testing out psychological interventions to help victims of conversion therapy. Life after conversion therapy can be…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this scoping review is to find studies testing out psychological interventions to help victims of conversion therapy. Life after conversion therapy can be devastating; nonetheless, what treatment modalities are available for this population?

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts scoping review process using JBI protocol.

Findings

There are minimal results to conclude upon. The paper presents discussion on future research and inquiry. The author introduces a positive autoethnography, adapting the model created by Tedeschi and Calhoun (2004) to create the post-conversion recovery process to aid recovery.

Research limitations/implications

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing and positive autoethnography offer valuable insights, but further research is needed to help survivors.

Practical implications

To reduce the current death-by-suicide trends, more education and training are needed to help this specialised group.

Social implications

The suicide rates for sexual minority conversion therapy victims are eight times higher than those of other sexual minority groups and isolation levels. A single point of entry pathway for conversion therapy survivors is needed.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review addressing gay conversion therapy and disfellowship. It requires further attention, and there are gaps in the knowledge that need to be filled.

Details

Mental Health and Social Inclusion, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-8308

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 August 2022

Khadija Echefaj, Abdelkabir Charkaoui, Anass Cherrafi, Anil Kumar and Sunil Luthra

The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize capabilities and practices to ensure a resilient supply chain during an unexpected disruption. In addition, this study…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to identify and prioritize capabilities and practices to ensure a resilient supply chain during an unexpected disruption. In addition, this study ranks maturity factors that influence the main capabilities identified.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is conducted in three stages. First, capabilities and practices are extracted through a literature review. Second, capabilities and practices are ranked using the analytical hierarchical process method. Third, a gray technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution method is used to rank maturity factors influencing capabilities.

Findings

The findings indicate that responsiveness, readiness, flexibility and adaptability are the most important capabilities for supply chain resilience. Also, commitment and communication are the highest maturity factors influencing resilience capabilities.

Research limitations/implications

The findings provide a hierarchical vision of capabilities and practices for industries to increase resilience. Limitations of the paper are related to capabilities, practices and number of experts consulted.

Practical implications

This paper highlights the importance of high-maturity practices in resilience capability adoption. The findings of this study will encourage decisions-makers to increase maturity practices to build resilience against disruption.

Originality/value

The paper reveals that developing powerful capabilities, good practices and a high level of maturity improve supply chain resilience.

Details

Journal of Global Operations and Strategic Sourcing, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-5364

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 3 May 2024

Lixiang Wang, Wendi Hou and Weian Li

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in assisting firms in their response to public emergency crises under the integrated view…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to investigate the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in assisting firms in their response to public emergency crises under the integrated view of government emergency response.

Design/methodology/approach

Using event study and survival analysis method, the authors examine whether CSR can act as a stock price stabilizer for companies from China by splitting the stock price fluctuations into two phases – CSR price insurance, which decrease the shock on stock prices during the emergency crisis, and CSR price recovery, which helps stock prices rebound faster during the postcrisis phase.

Findings

The authors’ empirical results confirm the stabilizer role of CSR during crisis and that effective government response can strengthen such effect. Furthermore, the authors examine the different aspects of the government’s response and the impact of multiple waves of public emergency.

Originality/value

This study provides empirical evidence on the topic of CSR and the government’s response to public emergency under the emerging context.

Details

Nankai Business Review International, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8749

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2024

Muhammad Ashraf Fauzi, Biswajeet Pradhan, Noraina Mazuin Sapuan and Ratih Dyah Kusumastuti

The purpose of this study is to review the role of knowledge management (KM) in disaster management and crisis. Disaster causes many detrimental impacts on human lives through…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to review the role of knowledge management (KM) in disaster management and crisis. Disaster causes many detrimental impacts on human lives through loss of life and damage to properties. KM has been shown to dampen the impact of the disaster on the utilization of knowledge among agencies involved and the local communities impacted by disasters.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a bibliometric methodology (co-citation, bibliographic coupling and co-word analysis), this study presents significant themes in the past, current and future predictions on the role of KM in disaster management. In this review paper, 437 publications were retrieved from the Web of Science and analyzed through VOSviewer software to visualize and explore the knowledge map on the subject domain.

Findings

Findings suggest that the significant themes derived are centralized to disaster preparedness during disaster and disaster postrecovery. This review presents a state-of-art bibliometric analysis of the crucial role of KM in building networks and interconnection among relevant players and stakeholders involved in disaster management.

Research limitations/implications

The main implication of this study is how the authorities, stakeholders and local community can integrate the KM system within the three stages of disasters and the crucial role of technologies and social media in facilitating disaster management.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to present a bibliometric analysis in mapping KM’s past, present and future trends in disaster management.

Details

Journal of Knowledge Management, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1367-3270

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 July 2023

Emma Wolverson, Leanne Hague, Juniper West, Bonnie Teague, Christopher Fox, Linda Birt, Ruth Mills, Tom Rhodes, Kathryn Sams and Esme Moniz-Cook

Recovery Colleges were developed to support the recovery of people with mental health difficulties through courses co-produced by professionals and people with lived experience…

Abstract

Purpose

Recovery Colleges were developed to support the recovery of people with mental health difficulties through courses co-produced by professionals and people with lived experience. This study aims to examine the use of Recovery Colleges to support people with dementia.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was circulated to UK Recovery College and memory service staff, exploring provision, delivery and attendance of dementia courses. Open responses provided insight into participant views about recovery in post-diagnostic support and the practicalities of running dementia courses.

Findings

A total of 51 Recovery College staff and 210 memory service staff completed the survey. Twelve Recovery College dementia courses were identified across the UK. Three categories emerged from the qualitative data: post-diagnostic support, recovery in the context of dementia, challenges and areas of innovation.

Originality/value

This study highlights the benefits and practicalities of running Recovery College courses with people with dementia. Peer-to-peer learning was seen as valuable in post-diagnostic support but opinions were divided about the term recovery in dementia.

Details

Working with Older People, vol. 28 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1366-3666

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 March 2023

Qi Sun, Yaya Gao, Qihui Lu and Yingyi Yan

Different external supply scenarios faced by the retailers will affect their choice of strategy when supply is disrupted and becomes far less than demand, urgently. This study…

Abstract

Purpose

Different external supply scenarios faced by the retailers will affect their choice of strategy when supply is disrupted and becomes far less than demand, urgently. This study focuses on analyzing both demand and supply side response strategies to meet customer demand and reduce the impact of the shortage during supply disruptions.

Design/methodology/approach

According to the quantity of products that the external market can provide, the external supply scenarios were divided into sufficient-type external supply and learning-type external supply. A two-echelon perishable goods supply chain was analyzed, and three kinds of contingency strategy models for downstream retailers were investigated. First, in the sufficient external supply scenario, the optimal price and transshipment quantity to maximize retailer's profits is discussed. Second, in the scenario of learning-type external supply, this study analyzes the optimal decision in three mechanisms of the hybrid strategy and their application: price priority mechanism, quantity priority mechanism and price–quantity balance mechanism. Furthermore, the influence of penalty cost and supply on the priority orders of different mechanisms was studied.

Findings

Results show that comparing the two pure strategies (pricing strategy and transshipment strategy)it was noted that the hybrid strategy produces the best results in sufficient-type external supply scenario. In the learning-type external supply scenario, a numerical study has shown the existence of three areas in case of penalty cost and supplier's capacity, and each areas has different priority orders of the three mechanisms. Under the situation of learning external supply, the retailer's optimal strategy is affected by parameters such as penalty cost and supply volume.

Originality/value

The main innovation of the work lies in the following: First; the external supply situation was divided into sufficiency type and learning type, which improves the external situation faced by retailers after the outbreak of emergencies, helps retailers understand the external situation, conforms to the actual situation and has certain practical application value. Second; in the context of learning external supply, there are three coping strategies for retailers, including: Price priority mechanism, Quantity priority mechanism and Pricing and transshipment balance mechanism. This will help retailers make strategic choices, make more scientific management decisions and improve the supply chain emergency management theory. Third; the demand side response was managed through the change of external supply during supply side recovery period and supply disruption. The proposed model enables managing and analyzing supply disruption efficiently and effectively via handling uncertainty by considering all aspects of decision-making process. The proposed model can be applied in various fields such as vegetable and fruit, fresh food, etc.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 53 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 March 2023

Jiaojiao Xu and Sijun Bai

This paper aims to develop an algorithm to study the impact of dynamic resource disruption on project makespan and provide a suitable resource disruption ratio for various complex…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an algorithm to study the impact of dynamic resource disruption on project makespan and provide a suitable resource disruption ratio for various complex industrial and emergency projects.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper addresses the RCPSP in dynamic environments, which assumes resources will be disrupted randomly, that is, the information about resource disruption is not known in advance. To this end, a reactive scheduling model is proposed for the case of random dynamic disruptions of resources. To solve the reactive scheduling model, a hybrid genetic algorithm with a variable neighborhood search is proposed.

Findings

The results obtained on the PSLIB instances prove the performance advantage of the algorithm; through sensitivity analysis, it can be obtained, the project makespan increases exponentially as the number of disruptions increase. Furthermore, if more than 50% of the project's resources are randomly disrupted, the project makespan will be significantly impacted.

Originality/value

The paper focuses on the impact of dynamic resource disruptions on project makespan. Few studies have considered stochastic, dynamic resource uncertainty. In addition, this research proposes a reasonable scheduling algorithm for the research problem, and the conclusions drawn from the research provide decision support for project managers.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 53 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 10 April 2023

An Thi Binh Duong, Tho Pham, Huy Truong Quang, Thinh Gia Hoang, Scott McDonald, Thu-Hang Hoang and Hai Thanh Pham

The present study is performed to identify the propagation mechanism of the ripple effect as well as examine the simultaneous impact of risks on supply chain (SC) performance.

2761

Abstract

Purpose

The present study is performed to identify the propagation mechanism of the ripple effect as well as examine the simultaneous impact of risks on supply chain (SC) performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A theoretical framework with many hypotheses regarding the relationships between SC risk types and performance is established. The data are collected from a large-scale survey supported by a project of the Japanese government to promote sustainable socioeconomic development for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region, with the participation of 207 firms. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is used to test the hypotheses of the theoretical framework.

Findings

It is indicated that human-made risk causes operational risk, while natural risk causes both supply risk and operational risk. Furthermore, the impacts of human-made risk and natural risk on performance are amplified through operational risk.

Research limitations/implications

This study is one of the first attempts that identifies the propagation mechanism of the ripple effect and examines the simultaneous impact of risks on performance in construction SCs.

Originality/value

Although many studies on risk management in construction SCs have been carried out, they mainly focus on risk identification or quantification of risk impact. It is observed that research on the ripple effect of disruptions has been very scarce.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 13
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 December 2023

Vandana Savara, Yousef Assaf, Mustafa Hariri, Haya Bassam Alastal and Rania Asad

This paper aims to shed light on how the composition of future blended learning (BL) courses can be changed to provide students with quality academic learning experiences. The…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to shed light on how the composition of future blended learning (BL) courses can be changed to provide students with quality academic learning experiences. The model suggested in this study will guide instructors on how to design their course learning outcomes to ensure effective delivery.

Design/methodology/approach

The new model has been developed by combining Bloom's taxonomy and Carman's model. Later, a new framework entitled “PATHCO” based on an extensive literature review is applied to enhance the quality of all five components of Carman's model.

Findings

The PATHCO conceptual framework has been developed to ensure quality in the five main teaching and learning factors. This framework covers criteria like pedagogical, assessments, technical, health care and organizational. Further research is required to broaden the main elements of the suggested framework and to validate this research through a case study.

Originality/value

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the landscape of the education sector by encouraging an extensive acceptance of technology-enhanced learning and teaching. Blended learning (BL) has become the most appropriate medium to deliver online learning (OL). However, educators and students have reported dissatisfaction with the BL mode of delivery. To address this dissatisfaction, this study outlines, using the PATHCO model, all the essential building blocks which are required to find the right blend of both face-to-face and online components.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

Keywords

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