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21 – 30 of 44
Article
Publication date: 22 July 2021

Zirui Guo, Huimin Lu, Qinghua Yu, Ruibin Guo, Junhao Xiao and Hongshan Yu

This paper aims to design a novel feature descriptor to improve the performance of feature matching in challenge scenes, such as low texture and wide-baseline scenes. Common…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to design a novel feature descriptor to improve the performance of feature matching in challenge scenes, such as low texture and wide-baseline scenes. Common descriptors are not suitable for low texture scenes and other challenging scenes mainly owing to encoding only one kind of features. The proposed feature descriptor considers multiple features and their locations, which is more expressive.

Design/methodology/approach

A graph neural network–based descriptors enhancement algorithm for feature matching is proposed. In this paper, point and line features are the primary concerns. In the graph, commonly used descriptors for points and lines constitute the nodes and the edges are determined by the geometric relationship between points and lines. After the graph convolution designed for incomplete join graph, enhanced descriptors are obtained.

Findings

Experiments are carried out in indoor, outdoor and low texture scenes. The experiments investigate the real-time performance, rotation invariance, scale invariance, viewpoint invariance and noise sensitivity of the descriptors in three types of scenes. The results show that the enhanced descriptors are robust to scene changes and can be used in wide-baseline matching.

Originality/value

A graph structure is designed to represent multiple features in an image. In the process of building graph structure, the geometric relation between multiple features is used to establish the edges. Furthermore, a novel hybrid descriptor for points and lines is obtained using graph convolutional neural network. This enhanced descriptor has the advantages of both point features and line features in feature matching.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 48 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2019

Qinghua He, Ting Wang, Albert P.C. Chan, Hanzhang Li and Yangxue Chen

The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on project success in academic journals, specifically within the context of construction engineering and management…

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Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the existing literature on project success in academic journals, specifically within the context of construction engineering and management (CEM). It also aims to provide a holistic picture of existing research and to identify research implications in this specific area.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an extensive literature review of a total of 164 peer-reviewed journal papers between 2007 and 2017, using a mixed bibliographic and bibliometric method that considers annual circulation, institutional and regional contributions, author contributions, citations, categories of research methods and keywords networking.

Findings

There has been an increasing research interest in CEM project success. The largest number of published studies targets the developed regions, especially in Hong Kong, whereas the papers related to the developing economies remain weak. Questionnaire, interview and case study have comprised the main data collection methods, and descriptive data analysis was performed in most of the case/field studies. The subtopic related to the critical success factors (CSFs) is considered as the most popular in the keywords network in the targeted research area. Four implications, namely, megaproject success, project success in developing countries, relationships between CSFs and success outcomes, and the influence of human factors are highlighted in future research.

Originality/value

This paper departs from earlier research by using a mixed bibliographic and bibliometric method, especially facilitating to analyze and illustrate the interlinkages between keywords effectively. Additionally, it provides a clear picture of the existing literature on CEM project success, which contributes to insights for successful construction project management. Finally, the holistic analysis identifies gaps in the body of knowledge, revealing avenues for future research.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 26 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 18 June 2019

Qinghua Zhu, Joseph Sarkis and Kee-hung Lai

Due to the different institutional pressure such as those from market, regulations and competitors, companies have implemented green supply chain management (GSCM). Unfortunately…

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Abstract

Purpose

Due to the different institutional pressure such as those from market, regulations and competitors, companies have implemented green supply chain management (GSCM). Unfortunately, tens of GSCM practices exist. Whether all companies should implement GSCM and how to achieve both environmental and economic performance are still not clear for many companies. The purpose of this paper is to develop models that can be helpful for companies to identify right GSCM practices and implement GSCM effectively and efficiently.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on about 18 years of study on GSCM with four surveys in China in 2001, 2005, 2012 and 2016, as well as numerous site visits and interviews mainly in China but also in Japan, Germany and Canada, this paper explores institutional drivers as well as opportunities and challenges using theoretical analysis and case studies. GSCM is defined considering a product life cycle. A key three-step GSCM approach is theoretically developed considering opportunities and challenges through life cycle analysis (LCA) of a product and position of a company.

Findings

All companies should implement GSCM practices to avoid risks. To effectively implement GSCM practices, a company should understand the life cycle of its product and its position in the supply chain. A key three-step LCA-based approach can help companies to identify the critical GSCM practices.

Originality/value

A key three-step LCA-based approach for GSCM implementation is originally developed based on theoretical analysis and eight years of study.

Details

Modern Supply Chain Research and Applications, vol. 1 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2631-3871

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 December 2020

Xiaoting Xu, Mengqing Yang, Yuxiang Chris Zhao and Qinghua Zhu

Based on the examination of the roles of message framing and evidence type, this study made an analysis of the promotion methods of intention and information need towards HPV…

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Abstract

Purpose

Based on the examination of the roles of message framing and evidence type, this study made an analysis of the promotion methods of intention and information need towards HPV vaccination.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a 2 (gain-framed messages vs loss-framed messages) × 2 (statistical evidence vs narrative evidence) quasi-experimental design built upon theories of message framing and evidence type. This experiment recruited college students who were not vaccinated against HPV as participants. The analysis of variance (ANOVA), the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), and the independent sample T-test were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The results (N = 300) indicate that (1) Loss-framed messages will lead to a more favorable intention towards HPV vaccination than gain-framed messages. (2) Statistical evidence will lead to a more explicit information need than narrative evidence. (3) Message framing and evidence type will interact and (a) for statistical evidence, loss-framed messages will lead to a more favorable intention towards HPV vaccination than gain-framed messages and (b) for narrative evidence, gain-framed messages will lead to a more favorable intention towards HPV vaccination than loss-framed messages. (4) Message framing and evidence type will interact and (a) for loss-framed messages, statistical evidence will stimulate more explicit information need of HPV vaccination than narrative evidence and (b) for gain-framed messages, narrative evidence will stimulate more explicit information need of HPV vaccination than statistical evidence.

Originality/value

This paper can help to further understand the important roles of message framing and evidence type in health behavior promotion. The study contributes to the literature on how health information can be well organized to serve the public health communication and further enhance the health information service.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. 73 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 April 2021

Yifan Xu, Xiang Gu, Qinghua Meng, Bin Wang and Jun Fan

This paper aims to show a series of hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties, which can be cured quickly with visible light. The hydrogel is prepared conveniently with…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to show a series of hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties, which can be cured quickly with visible light. The hydrogel is prepared conveniently with hydroxyethyl acrylate, cross-linker, gelatin and photoinitiator, and can be printed into certain 3D patterns with the direct ink write (DIW) 3D printer designed and developed by the research group.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors designed a composite sensitization initiation system that is suitable for hydrogels. The concentration of photoinitiator, gelatin and cross-linker was studied to optimize the curing efficiency and adjust the mechanical properties. A DIW 3D printer was designed for the printing of hydrogel. Pre-gel solution was loaded into printer for printing into established models. The models were made and sliced with software.

Findings

The hydrogels can be cured efficiently with 405-nm visible light. While adding various content of gelatin and cross-linker, the mechanical properties of hydrogels show from soft and fragile (elastic modulus of 121.18 kPa and work of tension of 218.11 kJ·m−3) to rigid and tough (elastic modulus of 505.15 kPa and work of tension of 969.00 kJ·m−3). The hydrogels have high capacity of water absorption. With the DIW 3D printer, pre-gel hydrogel solution can be printed into objects with certain dimension.

Originality/value

In this work, a composite sensitization initiation system was designed, and fast curing hydrogels with adjustable mechanical properties had been prepared conveniently, which has high equilibrium water content and 3D printability with the DIW 3D printer.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 27 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2007

Low Sui Pheng

The Chinese civilization is an important part of the history of mankind. The purpose of this paper is to show that there are project management lessons to be learned from Chinese…

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Abstract

Purpose

The Chinese civilization is an important part of the history of mankind. The purpose of this paper is to show that there are project management lessons to be learned from Chinese history, including that relating to the management of the building process in ancient China.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a review of the literature, this paper discusses the key management and economic practices in the building process of ancient China and highlights these practices from an important document, the Yingzao Fashi or (“Treatise on Architectural Methods”), that was compared with the modern‐day project management framework.

Findings

This paper explains the official systems instituted for public projects; the management of labour, design and planning of construction works; quantity surveying practices; the use, control and recycling of building materials; and inspection of building elements in ancient China.

Practical implications

The study suggests that lessons in the principles of construction project management in ancient China bear many similarities with the nine areas of modern‐day project management body of knowledge relating to integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resource, communications, risk, and procurement management. An area for future research would be to compare the Yingzao Fashi with modern‐day codes of practice for building works to determine which of its “ancient” provisions relating to quality management are still relevant today.

Originality/value

It was found that much emphasis was placed by the ancient Chinese on the quality aspects of prominent building projects. This is one facet from which modern‐day project managers and clients can draw lessons.

Details

Journal of Management History, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1348

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 January 2015

Guanjun Bao, Kun Li, Sheng Xu, Pengcheng Huang, Luan Wu and Qinghua Yang

This paper aims to avoid the precise modeling and controlling problems of rigid structures of hand recovery device, by proposing a hand rehabilitator based on flexible pneumatic…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to avoid the precise modeling and controlling problems of rigid structures of hand recovery device, by proposing a hand rehabilitator based on flexible pneumatic actuator with its safety and adaptability.

Design/methodology/approach

The hand rehabilitator is designed based on a flexible pneumatic bending joint. The recovery training program for an injured finger is developed via forearm sEMG (surface electromyogram) sampling, analysis, classification and motion consciousness identification. Four typical movement models of the index finger and middle finger were defined and the corresponding sEMG signals were sampled. After simulation and comparative analysis, autoregressive (AR) model back propagation (BP) network was selected for sEMG analysis and hand recovery planning because of its best recognition performance. A verification test was designed and the results showed that the soft hand rehabilitator and recovery conception are feasible.

Findings

AR model BP network can identify the index finger and middle finger movement intention via an sEMG analysis. The developed flexible pneumatic hand rehabilitator is safe and suitable for finger recovering therapy.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the limitation of experimental samples, the prototype rehabilitator of this work may lack generalizability for other situations. Therefore, for further study and application, systematic structure revising, experiments, data and training are necessary to improve the performance.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development and application of a new style, safe and dexterous hand rehabilitator.

Originality/value

The paper tries a new approach to design a safe, flexible and easily controlled hand rehabilitator.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 42 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 14 January 2014

Shaomin Li, Seung Ho Park and Rosey Shuji Bao

The success and reliability of business transactions and research in emerging markets depend on the quality of financial information. Due to the institutional and historical…

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Abstract

Purpose

The success and reliability of business transactions and research in emerging markets depend on the quality of financial information. Due to the institutional and historical backgrounds, financial information provided by firms in emerging markets has often been questioned for their accuracy. This study aims to examine the reliability of financial information through various descriptive and statistical analyses in major emerging markets, including Brazil, Russia, India, and China (the BRICs).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use firm-level data from the BRIC countries and apply statistical models to identify patterns of profit misreporting by firms in these countries.

Findings

The results show significant and systemic signs of misreporting of financial information in these countries, particularly in China and Russia, which are further examined to understand the possible reasons behind their more severe misreporting.

Originality/value

The study then concludes with practical and specific recommendations for investors, managers, and policy makers on how to detect and avoid potential risks due to inaccurate financial information and improve the overall quality of decision making.

Details

International Journal of Emerging Markets, vol. 9 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1746-8809

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 October 2009

Zhihuai Xiao, Jiang Guo, Hongtao Zeng, Pan Zhou and Shuqing Wang

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new hybridized controller based on fuzzy reasoning and neural network (NN) for hydropower generator unit (HGU).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a new hybridized controller based on fuzzy reasoning and neural network (NN) for hydropower generator unit (HGU).

Design/methodology/approach

The approach contains fuzzy neural networks controller (FNNC), RBF network identification (RBFNI) and HGU system. FNNC may give control value to control HGU via fuzzy NN reasoning and computing according to HGU rotate speed error and error varying rate. RBFNI is used to identify the character of HGU system and predict its output. FNNC may adjust parameters and member function according to the identifying and predictive outcome of RBFNI.

Findings

Sees that the hybridized control system is feasible and stable, and the controlling performance of the hybridized system is superior to conventional fuzzy controller.

Research limitations/implications

The theoretical proof of stability of the proposed scheme still remains to be studied. Accessibility and availability of membership functions and control rules is also a limitation applied.

Practical implications

The main advantage of the proposed method is that FNNC has reasoning, learning, and optimizing capability which can control effectively HGU. This will be useful for control engineers to control complex industrial plants.

Originality/value

The paper proposes new combined approach to optimal control of HGU using FNNC, and it is aimed at operational researches and engineers, especially those who dealt with HUG controller.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 38 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 August 2019

Lei Guo, Lien Zhu, Lei Ma, Jian Zhang, QiuYu Meng, Zheng Jin, Meihua Liu and Kai Zhao

The purpose of this paper is to prepare a spherical modifier-modified activated carbon fiber of high specific capacitance intended for electrode materials of supercapacitor.

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to prepare a spherical modifier-modified activated carbon fiber of high specific capacitance intended for electrode materials of supercapacitor.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, phenolic-based microspheres are taken as modifiers to prepare PAN-based fiber composites by electrospinning, pre-oxidation and carbonization. Pearl-chain structures appear in RFC/ACF composites, and pure polyacrylonitrile fibers show a dense network. The shape and cross-linking degree are large. After the addition of the phenolic-based microspheres, the composite material exhibits a layered pearlite chain structure with a large porosity, and the RFC/ACF composite material is derived because of the existence of a large number of bead chain structures in the composite material. The density increases, the volume declines and the mass after being assembled into a supercapacitor as a positive electrode material decreases. The specific surface area of RFC/ACF composites is increased as compared to pure fibers. The increase in specific surface area could facilitate the diffusion of electrolyte ions in the material. Owing to the large number of bead chains, plenty of pore channels are provided for the diffusion of electrolyte ions, which is conducive to enhancing the electrochemical performance of the composite and improving the RFC/ACF composite and the specific capacitance of the material. The methods of electrochemical testing on symmetric supercapacitors (as positive electrodes) are three-electrode cyclic voltammetry, alternating current impedance and cycle stability.

Findings

The specific capacitance value of the composite material was found to be 389.2 F/g, and the specific capacitance of the electrode operating at a higher current density of 20 mA/cm2 was 11.87 F/g (the amount of the microsphere modifier added was 0.3 g). Using this material as a positive electrode to assemble into asymmetrical supercapacitor, after 2,000 cycles, the specific capacitance retention rate was 87.46 per cent, indicating excellent cycle stability performance. This result can be attributed to the fact that the modifier embedded in the fiber changes the porosity between the fibers, while improving the utilization of the carbon fibers and making it easier for electrolyte ions to enter the interior of the composites, thereby increasing the capacitance of the composites.

Originality/value

The modified PAN-based activated carbon fibers in the study had high specific surface area and significantly high specific capacitance, which makes it applicable as an efficient and environment-friendly absorbent, as well as an advanced electrode material for supercapacitor.

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