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Article
Publication date: 2 January 2019

Ke Zhang, Hao Gui, Zhifeng Luo and Danyang Li

Laser navigation without a reflector does not require setup of reflector markers at the scene and thus has the advantages of free path setting and flexible change. This technology…

Abstract

Purpose

Laser navigation without a reflector does not require setup of reflector markers at the scene and thus has the advantages of free path setting and flexible change. This technology has attracted wide attention in recent years and shows great potential in the field of automatic logistics, including map building and locating in real-time according to the environment. This paper aims to focus on the application of feature matching for map building.

Design/methodology/approach

First, an improved linear binary relation algorithm was proposed to calculate the local similarity of the feature line segments, and the matching degree matrix of feature line segments between two adjacent maps was established. Further, rough matching for the two maps was performed, and both the initial rotation matrix and the translation vector for the adjacent map matching were obtained. Then, to improve the rotation matrix, a region search optimization algorithm was proposed, which took the initial rotation matrix as the starting point and searched gradually along a lower error-of-objective function until the error sequence was nonmonotonic. Finally, the random-walk method was proposed to optimize the translation vector by iterating until the error-objective function reached the minimum.

Findings

The experimental results show that the final matching error was controlled within 10 mm after both rotation and translation optimization. Also, the algorithm of map matching and optimization proposed in this paper can realize accurately the feature matching of a laser navigation map and basically meet the real-time navigation and positioning requirements for an automated-guided robot.

Originality/value

A linear binary relation algorithm was proposed, and the local similarity between line segments is calculated on the basis of the binary relation. The hill-climbing region search algorithm and the random-walk algorithm were proposed to optimize the rotation matrix and the translation vector, respectively. This algorithm has been applied to industrial production.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 46 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2022

Yi Hu and Hui Shu

As the saying goes, “food is heaven of people” the development of agriculture is not only related to the quality of human life but also profoundly affects the efficiency of…

Abstract

Purpose

As the saying goes, “food is heaven of people” the development of agriculture is not only related to the quality of human life but also profoundly affects the efficiency of economic operation. However, under the background of rapid economic and technological development, China’s agricultural modernization process is very slow and incompatible with the development trend of economic modernization. Therefore, it is particularly necessary to innovate the traditional agricultural development model to break through the bottlenecks encountered in the transformation process of agricultural modernization. The proposal of the agricultural logistics ecosphere is to solve the problems of poor industrial linkage, low technical level and backward operation mode in the development process of traditional agriculture, and it is an important starting point for agricultural supply-side structural reform. This study aims to answer three questions in three aspects, namely, what is the agricultural logistics ecosphere, analyzes the general composition of the agricultural logistics ecosphere and how the subjects of the agricultural logistics ecosphere cooperate. It also puts forward suggestions for the coordinated development of the agricultural logistics ecosphere under the leadership of Taoxin. Also, it inspires the transformation of the agricultural development model in other regions and countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts a case study and a qualitative analysis method to collate the first-hand and secondary data obtained from the interview and form a tertiary coding. It explores the mechanism of coordinated development of the agricultural logistics ecosphere from four levels: goal synergy, resource synergy, ability synergy and benefit synergy.

Findings

First, the formation of the agricultural logistics ecosphere will not be achieved overnight, as operational management matures and ecosphere experiences the germination-development-mature evolution process. Second, target synergy is the foundation and premise for the formation of agricultural logistics ecosphere: to attract external resources with Taoxin characteristic core resources, to attract external resources to achieve synergy, to provide a guarantee for the realization of the maximum value of the agricultural logistics ecosphere and then to realize the interest synergy of internal and external subjects. Third, driving agricultural products upward in the “10 + 1” model: it is the core resource of the agricultural logistics ecosphere led by Taoxin and attracts external subjects to gather with core resources to further improve the value of the ecosphere. The improvement of the value of the ecosphere can broaden the ecosphere network. This is both an important construction of the ecosphere, and it is also the path choice of the coordinated development of the agricultural logistics ecosphere.

Originality/value

This study has a very important practical value and theoretical significance. In practical terms, the integration of “primary, secondary and tertiary industries” is helpful to foster new momentum for the development of agriculture and rural areas and promote the general framework of the agricultural logistics economy, the analysis of the general mechanism and extension of the transition of the new economy.

Details

Nankai Business Review International, vol. 14 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-8749

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 July 2020

Yu Luo, Zewei Fang, Juzhi Guo, Hao Lu and Juan Li

This paper aims to improve the scene sense of a virtual scene, the welding model of a virtual reality system of riser automatic equipment was constructed using Unity3D and UG…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to improve the scene sense of a virtual scene, the welding model of a virtual reality system of riser automatic equipment was constructed using Unity3D and UG software, which mainly included a welding car, welding guide rail, welding power supply, virtual camera and other equipment and the model was rendered.

Design/methodology/approach

The human-computer interaction page and simulation test of the system was produced using the user interface GUI system for creating a human-computer interaction scene. The operator could capture the welding status of the physical equipment accurately and in real-time so the virtual reality technology was very suitable for the remote monitoring operation integrated with the welding system.

Findings

Human-computer interaction design and collision detection were realized. In addition, the system simulation experiment was accomplished. With the continuous improvement and development of virtual reality technology real-time virtual simulation and monitoring, technology will become the main development trend.

Research limitations/implications

Based on virtual reality, the monitoring system can capture the operation status of physical welding equipment in real-time and accurately, which is very suitable for remote monitoring operation integrated with the welding system and also conducive to improving the monitoring level of the welding process.

Practical implications

This technology is time-saving and money-saving, for the operators do not have to be in a real welding environment and therefore they can get away from dangerous places. Consequently, it can avoid unnecessary injuries and problems.

Social implications

This technology can replace people to enter the dangerous and extreme environment to carry out welding operation, so it becomes the most effective means of nuclear power plant maintenance, space structure construction and marine engineering construction. In addition, it is time-saving and money-saving.

Originality/value

With the rapid development of virtual reality technology in recent years, it is a new research direction to apply virtual reality technology to the remote welding operation. This technology is different from the traditional way of welding for the operators can stay away from the welding scene especially some dangerous places.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 March 2016

Gui-Yu Zhou, He Hao, Meng-Jia Jin and Jian-Xin Shen

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the interlocking process on the iron loss in the lamination core and to increase the efficiency of electrical machines…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the interlocking process on the iron loss in the lamination core and to increase the efficiency of electrical machines.

Design/methodology/approach

A 3D electromagnetic model of the interlocking dowels is proposed in order to simulate the eddy current distribution in the lamination core. Considering the time-consuming of the 3D finite element method (FEM), a 2D electromagnetic model is then proposed based on the 3D model. Influence of the interlocking process on the motor performances is analyzed with 2D FEM, considering the electrical connection of the dowels and the magnetic property deterioration of the electrical steel sheets.

Findings

The interlocking process removes the insulation between the laminations at the cut-edges of the interlocking dowels, causing extra eddy current loss in the lamination core. The effect of the interlocking process is dependent on the number, location and size of the interlocking dowels.

Practical implications

The interlocking dowel model is established in order to simulate the effects of the interlocking process. By using the FEM calculation, optimal solution is discussed to minimize the undesired effect of the interlocking dowels.

Originality/value

In this paper, the FEM model of the induction motor with interlocked stator core is first established, then simulation analysis is implemented. Results shows that choosing a proper number of interlocking dowels with suitable location and size can reduce the extra loss.

Details

COMPEL: The International Journal for Computation and Mathematics in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, vol. 35 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 February 2000

Hao Ma

Competitive advantage is perhaps the most widely used term in strategic management, yet it remains poorly defined and operationalized. This paper makes three observations…

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Abstract

Competitive advantage is perhaps the most widely used term in strategic management, yet it remains poorly defined and operationalized. This paper makes three observations regarding competitive advantage and conceptually explores the various patterns of relationship between competitive advantage and firm performance. First, competitive advantage does not equate to superior performance. Second, competitive advantage is a relational term. Third, it is context‐specific. This paper examines three patterns of relationship between competitive advantage and firm performance: 1) competitive advantage leading to superior performance; 2) competitive advantage without superior performance, and 3) superior performance without competitive advantage. The ultimate purpose of this article is to help generate a healthy debate among strategy scholars on the usefulness of the competitive advantage construct for our theory building and testing. This paper proposes that we re‐examine the notion of competitive advantage and formally assess its usefulness for theory building and testing in the field of Strategic Management. The notion of competitive advantage has been a cornerstone of our field. As such, research on competitive advantage occupies a central position in strategy literature (e.g., Porter, 1980, 1985; Rumelt, 1984, 1987; Barney, 1986, 1991; Ghemawat, 1986, 1991; Peteraf, 1993; Teece, Pisano, & Shuen, 1997). However, the notion of competitive advantage itself has rarely been systematically addressed and, to date, remains poorly defined and operationalized. Is competitive advantage what it takes to compete, a characterization observed during competition, or an outcome of competition? Is competitive advantage contingent on the competitive situation or is it a more general trait of the firm? Put differently, how is competitive advantage different from competence, strengths and, ultimately, performance? This article, addressing the above questions, makes three observations regarding competitive advantage. First, competitive advantage does not equate to (superior) performance. Second, competitive advantage is a relational construct. Third, competitive advantage is context‐specific. In presenting these three observations, this article proposes suggestions to refine and operationalize “competitive advantage.” It then conceptually explores the relationship between competitive advantage and performance, which is argued to be much more complex than it is currently being treated in the literature. Concluding remarks follow.

Details

Competitiveness Review: An International Business Journal, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1059-5422

Article
Publication date: 23 November 2010

Hao Han and Takehiro Tokuda

The purpose of this paper is to present a method to realize the flexible and lightweight integration of general web applications.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a method to realize the flexible and lightweight integration of general web applications.

Design/methodology/approach

The information extraction and functionality emulation method are proposed to realize the web information integration for the general web applications. All the processes of web information searching, submitting and extraction are run at client‐side by end‐user programming like a real web service.

Findings

The implementation shows that the required programming techniques are within the abilities of general web users, and without needing to write too many programs.

Originality/value

A Java‐based class package was developed for web information searching/submitting/extraction, which users can integrate easily with the general web applications.

Details

International Journal of Web Information Systems, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1744-0084

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2018

Hao Zhang and Brenda Chawner

Homelessness has been a growing problem in many countries since the 1980s. The purpose of this paper is to examine homeless peoples’ perspectives on public library services, and…

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Abstract

Purpose

Homelessness has been a growing problem in many countries since the 1980s. The purpose of this paper is to examine homeless peoples’ perspectives on public library services, and to compare these with the attitudes of library staff.

Design/methodology/approach

Eight interviews have been conducted with rough sleepers and formerly homeless library patrons to examine their experiences, needs and expectations or the library. In addition, four library staff have been interviewed about their attitudes to services for members of the homeless community.

Findings

Most rough sleepers and formerly homeless patrons who participated in this research viewed the public library as a safe place because it offered a welcoming atmosphere, access to a variety of resources and services targeted at the homeless. Nonetheless, sleeping has always been a major reason for their use of the library. Most staff members agreed that providing services targeted toward rough sleepers changed the dynamic between staff and the homeless patrons, but there was some disagreement between staff members about whether targeted services were the most appropriate approach.

Practical implications

Understanding homeless and rough sleepers’ expectations for public library services may be useful in revising policy and developing services for this community. In particular, developing partnerships with organisations supporting the homeless is an effective way of developing relevant services for this often-marginalised group.

Originality/value

Little research has considered public library services from the perspective of homeless people. This research is intended to fill that gap.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 67 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 July 2019

Yoichiro Kunieda, Ricardo Codinhoto and Stephen Emmitt

The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel tool to support decision making for enhanced demolition process efficiency and material waste sortability through computerised 4D…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel tool to support decision making for enhanced demolition process efficiency and material waste sortability through computerised 4D motion workflow simulation.

Design/methodology/approach

A time-lapse evaluation model was developed to classify and estimate the impact of building demolition processes and material waste recovery. The dynamic assessment of demolition, collision and mechanical impact was measured through computerised 4D motion game and physics engines. Waste recovery and treatment complemented the simulation algorithm. The simulation of the information workflow was tested through case study using two demolition strategies.

Findings

The simulation successfully estimated the efficiency and efficacy of the different demolition strategies. Thus, simulation results can potentially support better decision making related to the definition of demolition strategies associated with recycling and re-use targets.

Research limitations/implications

The simulation was limited to a simple machine-led demolition strategy. Further research is required to understand the impact of complex machine mechanic movements and processes on complex building fabrics.

Originality/value

Modelling and evaluating the demolition process and its impact on material waste recovery with a time dimension is novel. The comparative analysis of quantitative data allows demolition professionals to find optimal and more sustainable demolition solutions and more efficient and safer implementation on site. It also contributes to a better understanding of the relationship between demolition strategy and waste sortability. This research represents a significant advancement in applied computing for building demolition waste recycling and notably, it improves the quality of information available in the definition of building demolition strategies.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 26 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1999

Zhang Weidong

Suggests that misunderstandings frequently occur when trying to understand Chinese language and culture, and so gives the implied meaning of various Chinese expressions and…

830

Abstract

Suggests that misunderstandings frequently occur when trying to understand Chinese language and culture, and so gives the implied meaning of various Chinese expressions and sayings such as greetings, thanks, respect, age, congratulations and taboo subjects.

Details

Cross Cultural Management: An International Journal, vol. 6 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1352-7606

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 October 2022

Yao Xiao, Jie Cen and Jie Hao

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the transactive memory system (TMS) on green innovation and examine the mediation role of the social network at all…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the transactive memory system (TMS) on green innovation and examine the mediation role of the social network at all hierarchical levels.

Design/methodology/approach

Three hypotheses were examined by performing regression analyses on survey data from manufacturing firms in China. Especially, the nested sets of data from 389 individual observations nested in 53 work teams, including individual level and collective level have been investigated.

Findings

The study results show that the TMS has a positive effect on green innovation. Furthermore, the results indicate that at the team level, structure holes' mediation in this relationship is stronger than degree centrality; at the individual level, weak ties mediation in the relationship of specialization and green innovation is stronger than strong ties, conversely, strong ties mediation in the relationship of credibility and green innovation is stronger than weak ties.

Originality/value

This study expands previous research by highlighting the significance of multilevel social network elements in the context of the TMS and sustainable development and enriches the present research on green innovation.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 122 no. 12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

Keywords

1 – 10 of 116