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Article
Publication date: 24 August 2010

Wei Wang, Boyan Tang, Houxiang Zhang and Guanghua Zong

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a robotic cleaning system for applying on the glass facade of the control tower at the Guangzhou Airport, in Guangzhou…

1226

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a robotic cleaning system for applying on the glass facade of the control tower at the Guangzhou Airport, in Guangzhou, China.

Design/methodology/approach

Four similar robotic cleaning systems are designed for a reversed cone‐shape glass facade at the top of the control tower. One system is composed of a robot moving along and cleaning the facade, and an automatic conveyer positioning, securing, supplying energy and water to, and recycling the dirty water from the robot. An on‐board controller enables the system to work in a remote control mode or a fully automated mode under the supervision of an operator.

Findings

This paper presents how to integrate the attaching, moving, cleaning and securing functions into one robotic system for the high rise glass facade, and focuses on the kinematics, the control and sensor system and the cleaning navigation. In particular, the real time control method of the vacuum in the cup is discussed to ensure high cleaning quality and security.

Research limitations/implications

Since the cleaning system proposed in this paper is a custom‐built one, the generalization of its design idea should be tested in other applications.

Practical implications

The paper includes the implications for the development of automatic cleaning system for the high‐rise buildings with reversed inclining glass façade.

Originality/value

The robotic cleaning system described in this paper is the first fully automated cleaning machine for the reversed inclining glass facade in China. It works effectively and reliably on the control tower of the Guangzhou airport.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 37 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 March 2023

Liangqiang Li, Boyan Yao, Xi Li and Yu Qian

This work aims to explore why people review their experienced online shopping in such a manner (promptness), and what is the potential relationship between the users’ review…

1432

Abstract

Purpose

This work aims to explore why people review their experienced online shopping in such a manner (promptness), and what is the potential relationship between the users’ review promptness and review motivation as well as reviewed contents.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the customers’ responses regarding their shopping experiences, in this paper, the “purchase-review” promptness is studied to explore the temporal characteristics of users’ reviewing behavior online. Then, an aspect mining method was introduced for assessment of review text. Finally, a theoretical model is proposed to analyze how the customers’ reviews were formed.

Findings

First, the length of time elapsed between purchase and review was found to follow a power-law distribution, which characterizes an important number of human behaviors. Within online review behaviors, this meant that a high frequency population of reviewers tended to publish relatively quick reviews online. This showed that the customers’ reviewing behaviors on e-commerce websites may have been affected by extrinsic motivations, intrinsic motivations or both. Second, the proposed review-to-feature mapping technique is a feasible method for exploring reviewers’ opinions in both massive and sparse reviews. Finally, the customers’ reviewing behaviors were found to be mostly consistent with reviewers’ motivations.

Originality/value

First, the authors propose that the “promptness” of users in posting online reviews is an important external manifestation of their motivation, product experience and service experience. Second, a semi-supervised method of review-to-aspect mapping is used to solve the data quality problem in mining information from massive text data, which vary in length, detail and quality. Finally, a huge amount of e-commerce customers’ purchase-review promptness are studied and the results indicate that not all product features are responsible for the “prompt” posting of users’ reviews, and that the platform’s strategy to encourage users to post reviews will not work in the long term.

Details

Journal of Electronic Business & Digital Economics, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-4214

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2006

Jiankang He, Dichen Li, Bingheng Lu, Zhen Wang and Tao Zhang

To present a custom design and fabrication method for a novel hemi‐knee joint substitute composed of titanium alloy and porous bioceramics based on rapid prototyping (RP) and…

2478

Abstract

Purpose

To present a custom design and fabrication method for a novel hemi‐knee joint substitute composed of titanium alloy and porous bioceramics based on rapid prototyping (RP) and rapid tooling (RT) techniques.

Design/methodology/approach

The three‐dimensional (3D) freeform model of a femur bone was reconstructed based on computerized tomography images via reverse engineering and the 3D reconstruction accuracy was evaluated. The negative image of artificial bone was designed with interconnected microstructures (250‐300 μm). The epoxy resin mould of a hemi‐knee joint and the negative pattern of an artificial bone were fabricated on Stereolithography apparatus. Based on these moulds, a titanium‐alloy hemi‐knee joint and a porous‐bioceramic artificial bone were created by quick casting and powder sintering (known as RT) techniques, respectively. After assembling, a composite hemi‐knee joint substitute was obtained.

Findings

The 3D reconstructed freeform model of the femur bone conformed to the original anatomy within a maximum deviation 0.206 mm. The sintered artificial bone had interconnected micropores (250 μm) and microchannels (300 μm). After implanting in vivo, the composite hemi‐knee joint substitute matched well with the surrounding tissues and bones with sufficient mechanical strength.

Research limitations/implications

Further in‐vivo research is needed to provide the evidence for tissue growth into the ceramic structures and long‐term viability and stability of the implant.

Originality/value

This method enhances the versatility of using RP in the fabrication of tissue‐engineered substitutes, especially when individual matching is considered. Although this paper took a customized hemi‐knee joint substitute as an example, it is capable of fabricating other artificial substitutes with a variety of biomaterials.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2021

Fangfang Sun, Tianze Wang and Yong Yang

Rapid prototyping (RP) technology is widely used in many fields in recent years. Bone tissue engineering (TE) is an interdisciplinary field involving life sciences, engineering…

Abstract

Purpose

Rapid prototyping (RP) technology is widely used in many fields in recent years. Bone tissue engineering (TE) is an interdisciplinary field involving life sciences, engineering and materials science. Hydroxyapatite (HAp) are similar to natural bone and it has been extensively studied due to its excellent biocompatibility and osteoconductivity. This paper aims to review nanoscaled HAp-based scaffolds with high porosity fabricated by various RP methods for bone regeneration.

Design/methodology/approach

The review focused on the fabrication methods of HAp composite scaffolds through RP techniques. The paper summarized the evaluation of these scaffolds on the basis of their biocompatibility and biodegradability through in vitro and in vivo tests. Finally, a summary and perspectives on this active area of research are provided.

Findings

HAp composite scaffold fabricated by RP methods has been widely used in bone TE and it has been deeply studied by researchers during the past two decades. However, its brittleness and difficulty in processing have largely limited its wide application in TE. Therefore, the formability of HAp combined with biocompatible organic materials and fabrication techniques could be effectively enhanced, and it can be used in bone TE applications finally.

Originality/value

This review paper presented a comprehensive study of the various types of HAp composite scaffold fabricated by RP technologies and introduced their potential application in bone TE, as well as future roadmap and perspective.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 7 December 2009

Jingping Sun

This chapter examines the similarities and differences between the concepts of transformational leadership as developed within North America and the Confucian idea of…

Abstract

This chapter examines the similarities and differences between the concepts of transformational leadership as developed within North America and the Confucian idea of transformation. It argues that Confucian tradition encompasses the essential elements embedded in the concept of transformational leadership. The former differentiates from the latter in its deeper degree of transformation, emphasis on morality and culture, and its focus on transformation from the inside outwards. The two greatest educators in Chinese history, Confucius and Cai Yuanpei, are evaluated in terms of their transformational leadership qualities in the Western sense. By looking at Confucius and Cai Yuanpei as successful transformational leaders, the chapter identifies four important factors from Chinese cases that may contribute to the success of this type of leadership. Implications of this comparison are discussed as they may inform the knowledge, research and practices of transformational leadership.

Details

Educational Leadership: Global Contexts and International Comparisons
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-84950-645-8

Article
Publication date: 6 August 2019

Sahil Dhiman, Sarabjeet Singh Sidhu, Preetkanwal Singh Bains and Marjan Bahraminasab

With technology advances, metallic implants claim to improve the quality and durability of human life. In the recent decade, Ti-6Al-4V biomaterial has been additively manufactured…

Abstract

Purpose

With technology advances, metallic implants claim to improve the quality and durability of human life. In the recent decade, Ti-6Al-4V biomaterial has been additively manufactured via selective laser melting (SLM) for orthopedic applications. This paper aims to provide state-of-the-art on mechanobiology of these fabricated components.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review has been done to explore the potential of SLM fabricated Ti-6Al-4V porous lattice structures (LS) as bone substitutes. The emphasize was on the effect of process parameters and porosity on mechanical and biological properties. The papers published since 2007 were considered here. The keywords used to search were porous Ti-6Al-4V, additive manufacturing, metal three-dimensional printing, osseointegration, porous LS, SLM, in vitro and in vivo.

Findings

The properties of SLM porous biomaterials were compared with different human bones, and bulk SLM fabricated Ti-6Al-4V structures. The comparison was also made between LS with different unit cells to find out whether there is any particular design that can mimic the human bone functionality and enhance osseointegration.

Originality/value

The implant porosity plays a crucial role in mechanical and biological characteristics that relies on the optimum controlled process variables and design attributes. It was also indicated that although the mechanical strength (compressive and fatigue) of porous LS is not mostly close to natural cortical bone, elastic modulus can be adjusted to match that of cortical or cancellous bone. Porous Ti-6Al-4V provide favorable bone formation. However, the effect of design variables on biological behavior cannot be fully conclusive as few studies have been dedicated to this.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 25 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

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