Knowledge Networks Research Articles

The impact of ethical leadership on KM practices and performance

AbstractRecent advancements in leadership research emphasise the influential role of ethical leadership in shaping positive employee behaviour. However, there remains unclear the precise impact of ethical leadership on organisational performance and its interaction with knowledge creation and knowledge networks. Drawing on both the knowledge‐based view and the ethical leadership literature, this study asserts a positive influence of ethical leadership on both organisational performance and knowledge creation. Furthermore, we propose that knowledge creation positively impacts knowledge networks, which, in turn, exert a positive influence on organisational performance. To validate these propositions, we employ structural equation modelling on a dataset comprising 205 Turkish firms. Our study contributes to the (ethical) leadership literature as one of the initial attempts to examine the relationship between ethical leadership and organisational performance while considering the roles of knowledge creation and knowledge networks.

Knowledge-network-embedded deep reinforcement learning: An innovative way to high-efficiently develop an energy management strategy for the integrated energy system with renewable energy sources and multiple energy storage systems

Knowledge-network-embedded deep reinforcement learning: An innovative way to high-efficiently develop an energy management strategy for the integrated energy system with renewable energy sources and multiple energy storage systems

Research on scientific knowledge evolution patterns based on ego-centered fine-granularity citation network

Research on scientific knowledge evolution patterns based on ego-centered fine-granularity citation network

Indonesia-Malaysia Batik Pattern Collaboration Creation with Artificial Intelligence Platform

The problem with making batik in Indonesia and Malaysia so far is that it is still very manual and has not taken much advantage of technological advances. The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology is currently very advanced, continues to innovate, and has even touched various aspects of human life. Limitations in ideas, human resources, knowledge, tools, and internet networks are the dominant conditions that cause problems in Indonesian and Malaysian batik creations. This study aims to use Artificial Intelligence to describe the combination of Indonesian and Malaysian batik patterns. This paper uses a descriptive-qualitative method with an experimental approach in the form of trials for the creation of batik patterns using the Imagine Artificial Intelligence platform; each trial is based on three basic patterns of batik, namely Sawat and Gurdha (Indonesia) and Orchid and Tiger (Malaysia). The results of this paper generated eight totally new Indonesian-Malaysian batik patterns. Artificial Intelligence (AI) was very helpful for the development of batik patterns. Through the creation of new batik patterns with the support of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it certainly creates new opportunities for the creation and business of batik to become more advanced. It is hoped that this paper will succeed in solving the problem of limited ideas in creating Indonesian-Malaysian batik motifs. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, batik, creation, Indonesia-Malaysia

Building hybrids between higher education and society

In this study, the changed context for higher education institutions is analysed through the lens of various approaches to collaboration between higher education institutions and society. Three different approaches are discussed: the ivory tower, the factory, and the network. Although these approaches differ, higher education institutions are complex organisations and can embrace a mix of approaches. Nevertheless, depending on the approach applied, this impacts how collaboration between higher education institutions and organisations in society plays out. The study contextualised these approaches in a joint higher education-industry project focusing on developing work-integrated learning (WIL) in a Business Administration program. WIL should embrace practice-based pedagogical methods and strategies by integrating theoretical knowledge in the workplace. To achieve WIL, a network of stakeholders needs to be engaged actively in practice-based activities. The study aimed to report preliminary results from a higher education work-integrated learning project. The following research question was posed: How can higher education institutions, together with organisations in society, apply a networked approach to work-integrated learning? Thus, this paper contributes to knowledge regarding the networked aspects of the design and development of a preliminary framework, including the following themes: Exchanges of experiences and knowledge, Guest lecturers and Bring-Your-Own-Data (BYOD) assignments. These themes manifest a networked WIL framework as a hybrid between higher education and society. First, the networks of experiences and knowledge within academia merge with those of experiences and knowledge in society. Between these two, a hybrid networked work-integrated framework links higher education and society. Second, the same can be said to be true for guest lecturers. Here, guest lecturers became a link between higher education and society and therefore merge the two networks of learning through information and knowledge exchange. Third, BYOD assignments provided further manifestations of a networked WIL framework. Authentic data from the workplace meet the theories of higher education and a hybrid is created. When practice meets theory, they, too, become a link between higher education and society.

Efficacy and safety of mirror therapy for post-stroke aphasia: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

Aphasia is one of the most common complications of stroke. Mirror therapy (MT) is promising rehabilitation measure for the treatment of post-stroke aphasia. Although some studies suggested that MT is effective and safe for aphasia, the effects and safety remain uncertain due to lacking strong evidence, such as the relevant systematic review and meta- analysis. This study will search PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Medline, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), WANFANG, China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), from inception to 1th May 2023 to identify any eligible study. No language or date of publication shall be limited. We will only include randomised controlled trials of MT in the Treatment of poststroke aphasia. Two investigators will work separately on the study selection, data extraction, and study quality assessment. The western aphasia battery (WAB) and aphasia quotient (AQ) will be included as the main outcomes. Boston diagnostic aphasia examination method (BDAE), Chinese standard aphasia examination (CRRCAE) will be included as the secondary outcomes. The statistical analysis will be conducted by RevMan V.5.4 software. The risk of bias of included studies will be assessed by the Cochrane 'Risk of bias' tool. The quality of proof of the results will be evaluated by using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation guidelines. The finding will be presented in a journal or related conferences. This study will provide a basis for whether mirror therapy (MT) is effective and safe in the treatment of post-stroke aphasia. Systematic review registration INPLASY registration number: INPLASY 202340054.

The pathways to lean manufacturing for circular economy: Implications for sustainable development goals

Purpose This study aims to address the critical challenge of implementing lean manufacturing (LM) in emerging economies, where sustainability complexities on the production floor hinder production efficiency and the transition towards a circular economy (CE). Addressing a gap in existing research, the paper introduces a path analysis model to systematically identify, prioritize and overcome LM implementation barriers, aiming to enhance performance through strategic removal. Design/methodology/approach The authors used a mixed-method approach, combining empirical survey data with literature reviews to pinpoint key LM barriers. Using the grey-based Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) along with the Network Knowledge (NK) method, they mapped causal relationships and barrier intensities. This formed the basis for developing a path simulation algorithm, integrating heuristic considerations for practical decision-making. Findings This analysis reveals that the primary barriers to LM adoption is the negative perception and inadequate understanding of lean tools and CE principles. The study provides a strategic framework for managers, offering new insights into barrier prioritization and overcoming strategies to facilitate successful LM adoption. Research limitations/implications This research provides a strategic pathway for overcoming LM implementation barriers, empowering managers in emerging economies to enhance sustainability and competitive advantage through LM and CE integration. It emphasizes the significance of structured barrier management in the manufacturing sector. Originality/value This research pioneers a systematic exploration of LM implementation barriers in the CE context, making a significant contribution to the literature. It identifies, evaluates barriers and proposes a practical model for overcoming them, enriching sustainable manufacturing practices in emerging markets.

Incidence and risk factors of PICC-related thrombosis in breast cancer: a meta-analysis.

The incidence and risk factors of peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in patients with breast cancer have not been fully elucidated. Meta-analysis was performed by searching all studies on the incidence of peripherally inserted central catheter-associated thrombosis and risk factors for its formation in breast cancer patients from the establishment of the database to May 2023, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, China Knowledge Network, China Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed) and Wanfang databases. Then the incidence of peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis and risk factors for its formation were analyzed in breast cancer patients. A total of 15 articles were included, involving 8635 patients. The total incidence of peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in breast cancer patients was 7.0% (95% confidence interval: 4.0-13.0%) and 12.9% (95% confidence interval: 7.0-22.5%) after correction. Thirty-two risk factors were included, and eight risk factors could be combined. Among these risk factors, there were statistically significant differences (P<0.05) in body mass index≥25 (odds ratio=6.319, 95% confidence interval: 2.733-14.613; P<0.001), D-dimer >500ng/ml (odds ratio=1.436, 95% confidence interval: 1.113-1.854; P=0.005), increased fibrinogen (odds ratio=4.733, 95% confidence interval: 1.562-14.346; P=0.006), elevated platelet count (odds ratio=4.134, 95% confidence interval: 2.694-6.346; P<0.001) and catheter malposition (odds ratio=8.475, 95% confidence interval: 2.761-26.011; P<0.001). The incidence rate of peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in breast cancer patients was 7.0% (95% confidence interval: 4.0-13.0%). Body mass index≥25, D-dimer >500ng/ml, elevated fibrinogen, elevated platelet count and catheter malposition were risk factors for peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in breast cancer patients.

Advancing UAV Sensor Fault Diagnosis based on Prior Knowledge and Graph Convolutional Network

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are commonly equipped with multiple sensors to facilitate control and navigation. However, due to the complexity of the flight environment, the UAV sensors are prone to damage, which can cause serious accidents or even economic losses. Therefore, it is of great importance to propose an effective UAV sensor fault diagnosis method. The following weaknesses are obtained by the existing fault diagnosis methods: 1) The model-based methods, such as parameter estimation, state estimation, and equivalent space method, require introducing high-precision system models and expert knowledge. 2) Conventional graph convolutional network (GCN)-based methods fail to guarantee the accuracy of association graphs. To address the above two challenges, the dynamics model of quadrotor as prior knowledge is proposed in this paper to construct the association graph first. Then, a spatial-temporal difference graph convolutional network (STDGCN) consisting of a difference layer and multiple spatial-temporal graph convolutional modules is built. The difference layer enhances the feature extraction of the graph nodes, while the spatial-temporal graph convolutional modules extract the spatial-temporal dependencies of sensor data. Finally, the robustness and effectiveness of STDGCN are demonstrated in fault diagnosis compared with the commonly used data-driven methods. The experimental result shows that the proposed STDGCN method exhibits outstanding feature extraction ability with the highest diagnostic accuracy.

Better Ways to Protect Indigenous Knowledge and Cultures Through Intellectual Property

Indigenous knowledge can be understood as a network of knowledge, beliefs and traditions that can be preserved and have some commercial value over time. Along with the increasing visibility of indigenous cultures in the global marketplace, there are also significant challenges. These challenges are often related to the physical destruction and utilization of indigenous lands and knowledge. The historical context and uniqueness of indigenous cultures suggest that they require greater attention and special protection under the law. From the current provisions and judgments, some individual authors have been compensated while the rights of the broader indigenous community have not been adequately protected. From an international perspective, the focus of the work of international organizations has expanded to include indigenous peoples' land claims and cultural rights. In addition to various international organizations and related instruments, a number of countries and regions are working to protect the intellectual property rights of indigenous cultures. Australia is a country that is typically faced with the protection of indigenous intellectual property. For Australia, the effective protection of indigenous knowledge remains an issue that needs to be addressed and managed through the legal realm. The positioning of indigenous knowledge in the law is complex and incomplete. Australia has played an important role at the international level, but the actual response within Australia to the international level has been minimal. Australia should therefore recognize and respond to these developments in legislation as soon as possible.

Social Capital and Cross-Border Venture Capital Investments in China

In the context of the Chinese market, foreign cross-border venture capitalists have devised specific strategies to mitigate the challenges associated with the liabilities of foreignness, such as risks and information asymmetry. They have strategically leveraged social capital to not only decrease investment risk but also to influence their investment preferences and behaviors. To investigate the influence of different types of social capital on the investment decisions of cross-border venture capitalists, hypotheses are proposed and tested using regression analysis. Our research reveals several key findings in this regard. Firstly, cross-border venture capitalists with a robust structural social capital network exhibit a greater propensity to invest in early-stage companies. This suggests that well-established connections and partnerships within the Chinese entrepreneurial ecosystem provide a level of comfort and confidence when investing in ventures at their infancy. Interestingly, relational and cognitive social capital, though undoubtedly valuable, do not significantly impact the decision to make early-stage investments. Furthermore, we have observed that venture capitalists with higher levels of structural and cognitive social capital are more inclined to form syndications. Collaborative partnerships and shared knowledge networks seem to be crucial factors that drive syndication decisions. Lastly, venture capitalists endowed with substantial structural and relational social capital tend to allocate larger investment amounts, signifying the influence of business or personal relationships and network connections on the scale of their investments.

Fundamentals of the development of innovation and investment activities of small and medium-sized businesses in Kazakhstan

The article starts by highlighting the significance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Kazakhstan economy, emphasizing their role as drivers of innovation, job creation, and overall economic development. It discusses the challenges faced by SMEs in accessing finance, technology, and markets, which often hinder their ability to innovate and invest effectively. Moreover, the article delves into the regulatory and institutional frameworks governing SMEs in Kazakhstan, examining the policies and initiatives aimed at fostering a conductive environment for innovation and investment. It explores government support programs, tax incentives, and regulatory reforms designed to stimulate SME growth and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the paper explores the importance of fostering collaboration and partnerships between SMEs, larger enterprises, research institutions, and government agencies to promote innovation and investment. It discusses the role of industry clusters, innovation hubs, and incubators in facilitating knowledge exchange, networking, and access to resources for SMEs. The article also examines the role of education and skills development in enhancing the innovative capacity of SMEs in Kazakhstan. It highlights the need for targeted training programs, capacity–building initiatives, and entrepreneurship education to equip SMEs with the necessary skills and knowledge to innovate and compete in a globalized economy. Additionally, the article explores the potential of digitalization and technology adoption in driving innovation and investment among Kazakhstan SMEs. It discusses the opportunities presented by digital platforms, e–commerce, and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain in enhancing SME productivity, efficiency, and competitiveness.

Invisible Iterations: How Formal and Informal Organization Shape Knowledge Networks for Coordination

AbstractThis study takes a network approach to investigate coordination among knowledge workers as grounded in both formal and informal organization. We first derive hypotheses regarding patterns of knowledge‐sharing relationships by which workers pass on and exchange tacit and codified knowledge within and across organizational hierarchies to address the challenges that underpin contemporary knowledge work. We use survey data and apply exponential random graph models to test our hypotheses. We then extend the quantitative network analysis with insights from qualitative interviews and demonstrate that the identified knowledge‐sharing patterns are the micro‐foundational traces of collective coordination resulting from two underlying coordination mechanisms which we label ‘invisible iterations’ and ‘bringing in the big guns’. These mechanisms and, by extension, the associated knowledge‐sharing patterns enable knowledge workers to perform in a setting that is characterized by complexity, uncertainty and ambiguity. Our research contributes to theory on the interplay between formal and informal organization for coordination by showing how self‐directed, informal action is supported by the formal organizational hierarchy. In doing so, it also extends understanding of the role that hierarchy plays for knowledge‐intensive work. Finally, it establishes the collective need to coordinate work as a previously overlooked driver of knowledge network relationships and network patterns.

Factors that facilitate consumer uptake of sustainable dietary patterns in Western countries: a scoping review

ObjectivesThis scoping review aims to describe factors that facilitate consumer-level transitions to more environmentally sustainable diets.MethodsUsing scoping review methods, four databases were searched for articles published in English examining facilitators to consuming an environmentally sustainable diet and focused on consumers, using data collected in Western countries, and were published between 2012 and 2022. Researchers extracted study characteristics and factors influencing adoption or uptake of sustainable foods or dietary patterns. Using this data, researchers conducted a thematic analysis to determine five main themes describing leverage points (modifiable) for dietary transitions.ResultsResults are reported per PRISMA guidelines: 21 studies were included with data from the U.K., U.S., Australia, and Europe. The results of this review indicate that values, knowledge, marketing, consumer-product relationships, and support networks, along with their respective subthemes, may be central drivers of consumer adoption of sustainable dietary patterns. Consumers are more likely to purchase and consume products which are familiar and appealing and align with their values. Cost, lack of knowledge, and lack of social support act as barriers to dietary change to more sustainable food choices. Income, education, ethnicity, sex, and employment were common individual-level characteristics identified as influential over likelihood of adopting environmentally sustainable dietary patterns. Individual-level characteristics create nuances in both likelihood to adopt, and the experience of barriers to adopting, sustainable dietary patterns.ConclusionKnowledge of leverage points and individual-level nuances is useful in informing strategies to facilitate transitions to more sustainable diets.

Progress and Prospects of Non-Grain Production of Cultivated Land in China

Cultivated land is essential for grain production. As a major agricultural country, China’s non-grain use of cultivated land not only affects national food security and sustainable agricultural development but also impacts the quality of cultivated land and farmers’ livelihoods. This study used bibliometrics to visualize and analyze 413 articles from the China Knowledge Network (CNKI) and Web of Science (WOS) databases concerning non-grain production of cultivated land (NGPCL). The results reveal the following: (1) The number of annual publications in this area has increased from 2009 to 2023 with the focus of NGPCL research shifting from describing the phenomenon to analyzing its driving mechanisms and then to exploring spatial patterns and governance. (2) The spatial distribution of research institutions is marked by the convergence of multiple entities with the central and eastern regions of China being pivotal research areas and transnational collaborative research becoming increasingly visible. (3) High-frequency keywords include NGPCL, food security, and farmland transfer, focusing on the historical context, effects, driving mechanisms and preventative strategies related to NGPCL. There is a notable evolutionary relationship between farmland transfer and NGPCL themes. (4) Future research should broaden the geographical scope and assess NGPCL trends from global, regional, and multiscale perspectives. Efforts should be made to enhance data accuracy and conduct spatial and temporal simulations, trend analyses, and risk assessments. Furthermore, policy design should consider the structure of human–land relationships to support sustainable agricultural development. This study provides an important reference for deepening and broadening the field of NGPCL.

The use of enterprise social networks for knowledge sharing: the impact of intra-organizational trust and governance

PurposeThis study aims to understand how organizations in the service industry can encourage the use of enterprise social networks (ESNs) for knowledge sharing, focusing on the concepts of intra-organizational trust and governance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors gathered data through an online survey of 104 participants from the financial services industry. Data were analyzed using structural equation modelling to test the proposed model and evaluate the constructs’ reliability and validity.FindingsThe findings of the survey data indicate that intra-organizational trust and governance are related to the use of ESN for knowledge sharing to enhance service innovation. Further, the findings suggest that, although trust directly affects service innovation, using ESN for knowledge sharing partially mediates the relationship between trust and service innovation. The findings also reveal that governance significantly moderates the relationship between ESN for knowledge sharing and innovation.Originality/valueThis paper provides insights into the relationship between trust, knowledge sharing and innovation. The novelty of this study demonstrates that governance strengthens the relationship between ESN for knowledge sharing and innovation. Further, the study suggests that firms using or intending to use ESNs could keep track of the evolving nature of ESNs, develop an open culture and create a trusted environment in their organizations.

Evolution of system connectivity to support food production in the Indus Basin in Pakistan

Sustainability challenges related to food production arise from multiple nature-society interactions occurring over long time periods. Traditional methods of quantitative analysis do not represent long-term changes in the networks of system components, including institutions and knowledge that affect system behavior. Here, we develop an approach to study system structure and evolution by combining a qualitative framework that represents sustainability-relevant human, technological, and environmental components, and their interactions, mediated by knowledge and institutions, with network modeling that enables quantitative metrics. We use this approach to examine the water and food system in the Punjab province of the Indus River Basin in Pakistan, exploring how food production has been sustained, despite high population growth, periodic floods, and frequent political and economic disruptions. Using network models of five periods spanning 75 y (1947 to 2022), we examine how quantitative metrics of network structure relate to observed sustainability-relevant outcomes and how potential interventions in the system affect these quantitative metrics. We find that the persistent centrality of some and evolving centrality of other key nodes, coupled with the increasing number and length of pathways connecting them, are associated with sustaining food production in the system over time. Our assessment of potential interventions shows that regulating groundwater pumping and phasing out fossil fuels alters network pathways, and helps identify potential vulnerabilities for future food production.

El chile tabiche: memoria, reencuentro y acción comunitaria en Santo Domingo Tomaltepec, Oaxaca, México

Chile tabiche, a cultivariety (variety defined by a cultural context) of the species Capsicum annuum var. annuum L., was consumed in the community of Santo Domingo Tomaltepec in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca until approximately 70 years ago; however, it fell into disuse in recent decades. Through the story of the loss and reencounter of chile tabiche in this community, we reflect on the role of memory in re-establishing networks of use, knowledge, and value. This work is carried out within the context of Cocina Colaboratorio, a project that seeks to strengthen food sovereignty in three communities in Mexico, including Santo Domingo Tomaltepec. In a transdisciplinary way, the collective uses the kitchen table as a metaphor for horizontal exchange, collaboration, and community action. This research ran from the summer of 2021 to the summer of 2022 and materialized through semi-structured conversations and activities designed from art and participatory action research. According to older women in the community, chile tabiche was grown in nearby fields and was an essential ingredient in daily life and celebrations. Our research found that this chili pepper is still produced and consumed in the Sierra Sur of Oaxaca. Thus, we planned a series of events with the community for a reencounter and to be able to share it with women who already knew it and younger generations who had not tried it. This study seeks to highlight the nuances of loss and value, not as something definitive but as a network that can be rewoven in different ways. This contributes to critical discussions on the heritage boom by presenting an example in which memory can be a tool for action and where flavors, practices, and narratives can be reformulated and re-appropriated to reclaim identities.

Building a knowledge graph to enrich ChatGPT responses in manufacturing service discovery

Building a knowledge graph to enrich ChatGPT responses in manufacturing service discovery

Knowledge Transfer and Networking Upon Implementation of a Transdisciplinary Digital Health Curriculum in a Unique Digital Health Training Culture: Prospective Analysis.

Digital health has been taught at medical faculties for a few years. However, in general, the teaching of digital competencies in medical education and training is still underrepresented. This study aims to analyze the objective acquisition of digital competencies through the implementation of a transdisciplinary digital health curriculum as a compulsory elective subject at a German university. The main subject areas of digital leadership and management, digital learning and didactics, digital communication, robotics, and generative artificial intelligence were developed and taught in a transdisciplinary manner over a period of 1 semester. The participants evaluated the relevant content of the curriculum regarding the competencies already taught in advance during the study, using a Likert scale. The participants' increase in digital competencies were examined with a pre-post test consisting of 12 questions. Statistical analysis was performed using an unpaired 2-tailed Student t test. A P value of <.05 was considered statistically significant. Furthermore, an analysis of the acceptance of the transdisciplinary approach as well as the application of an alternative examination method (term paper instead of a test with closed and open questions) was carried out. In the first year after the introduction of the compulsory elective subject, students of human medicine (n=15), dentistry (n=3), and medical biotechnology (n=2) participated in the curriculum. In total, 13 participants were women (7 men), and 61.1% (n=11) of the participants in human medicine and dentistry were in the preclinical study stage (clinical: n=7, 38.9%). All the aforementioned learning objectives were largely absent in all study sections (preclinical: mean 4.2; clinical: mean 4.4; P=.02). The pre-post test comparison revealed a significant increase of 106% in knowledge (P<.001) among the participants. The transdisciplinary teaching of a digital health curriculum, including digital teaching methods, considers perspectives and skills from different disciplines. Our new curriculum facilitates an objective increase in knowledge regarding the complex challenges of the digital transformation of our health care system. Of the 16 student term papers arising from the course, robotics and artificial intelligence attracted the most interest, accounting for 9 of the submissions.