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Article
Publication date: 3 April 2023

Qiang Du, Xiaomin Qi, Patrick X.W. Zou and Yanmin Zhang

The purpose of this paper is to develop a bi-objective optimization framework to select prefabricated construction service composition. An improved algorithm-genetic simulated…

193

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a bi-objective optimization framework to select prefabricated construction service composition. An improved algorithm-genetic simulated annealing algorithm (GSA) is employed to demonstrate the application of the framework.

Design/methodology/approach

The weighted aggregate multi-dimensional collaborative relationship is used to quantitatively evaluate the synergistic effect. The quality of service is measured using the same method. The research proposed a service combination selection framework of prefabricated construction that comprehensively considers the quality of service and synergistic effect. The framework is demonstrated by using a GSA that can accept poor solutions with a certain probability. Furthermore, GSA is compared with the genetic algorithm (GA), simulated annealing algorithm (SA) and particle swarm optimization algorithm (PSO) to validate the performance.

Findings

The results indicated that GSA has the largest optimal fitness value and synergistic effect compared with other algorithms, and the convergence time and convergence iteration of the improved algorithm are generally at a low level.

Originality/value

The contribution of this study is that the proposed framework enables project managers to clarify the interactions of the prefabricated construction process and provides guidance for project collaborative management. In addition, GSA helps to improve the probability of successful collaboration between potential partners, therefore enhancing client satisfaction.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 4 January 2023

Xiaomin Qi, Qiang Du, Patrick X.W. Zou and Ning Huang

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model considering synergy effect for prefabricated construction service combination selection.

223

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model considering synergy effect for prefabricated construction service combination selection.

Design/methodology/approach

This research defines prefabricated construction service as a service-led construction method that meets the specific requirements of clients. Based on network theory, the multi-dimensional collaborative relationships of the prefabricated construction inter-services are formulated. The synergy effect is quantitatively calculated through the linear weighting of the strengths of collaborative relationships. Further, a weighted synergy network (WSN) is developed, from which a service composition selection model considering the synergy effect is established. Then, a genetic algorithm is employed to implement the model.

Findings

The results showed that (1) when the number of prefabricated construction services is increased, the synergy effect of combination options is enhanced; (2) The finer-grained prefabricated construction services, the stronger the synergy effect of service combination; (3) Clients have heterogeneous preferences for collaborative relationships, and there are differences in the synergy effect of service combination.

Originality/value

The contribution of this research includes proposed a method to quantify the synergy effect from the perspective of collaborative relationships, explored the specific procedure for the prefabricated construction service combination selection under the service-led construction, and provided a reference for promoting the development in construction. Besides, the model proposed could be applied to prefabricated construction service composition selection with diverse research boundaries or client preferences by executing the same procedure.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 3 September 2024

Yongming Wang, Jinlong Wang, Qi Zhou, Sai Feng and Xiaomin Wang

This study aims to address the issues of limited pipe diameter adaptability and low inspection efficiency of current pipeline inspection robots, a new type of pipeline inspection…

123

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to address the issues of limited pipe diameter adaptability and low inspection efficiency of current pipeline inspection robots, a new type of pipeline inspection robot capable of adapting to various pipe diameters was designed.

Design/methodology/approach

The diameter-changing mechanism uses a multilink elastic telescopic structure consisting of telescopic rods, connecting rods and wheel frames, driven by a single motor with a helical drive scheme. A geometric model of the position relationships of the hinge points was established based on the two extreme positions of the diameter-changing mechanism.

Findings

A pipeline inspection robot was designed using a simple linkage agency, which significantly reduced the weight of the robot and enhanced its adaptive pipe diameter ability. The analysis determined that the robot could accommodate pipe diameters ranging from 332 mm to 438 mm. A static equilibrium equation was established for the robot in the hovering state, and the minimum pressing force of the wheels against the pipe wall was determined to be 36.68 N. After experimental testing, the robots could successfully pass a height of 15 mm, demonstrating the good obstacle capacity of the robot.

Practical implications

This paper explores and proposes a new type of multilink elastic telescopic variable diameter pipeline inspection robot, which has the characteristics of strong adaptability and flexible operation, which makes it more competitive in the field of pipeline inspection robots and has great potential market value.

Originality/value

The robot is characterized by the innovative design of a multilink elastic telescopic structure and the use of a single motor to drive the wheel for spiral motion. On the basis of reducing the weight of the robot, it has good pipeline adaptability, climbing ability and obstacle-crossing ability.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 52 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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Article
Publication date: 6 February 2017

Xin Qi, Lin Wu, Xiaomin Zhou and Xianghua Ma

This study aims to drive the induction machine system with a low switching frequency.

132

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to drive the induction machine system with a low switching frequency.

Design/methodology/approach

An unconventional inverter control strategy – field-oriented predictive control (FOPC) – is presented. The strategy limits current distortion by setting a boundary circle. The voltage vector, which could keep current trajectories in boundary, is selected to obtain a low switching frequency.

Findings

A dual simulation step technique is developed to investigate the influence of sampling frequency on current distortion control and switching frequency. Current control distortion can be improved, i.e. reduced, by increasing the sampling frequency; however, the switching frequency will also increase. Such a law is discovered by the dual simulation step technique and finally verified by experiments.

Originality/value

A new predictive control method, FOPC, is derived from the rotor filed coordinate machine model and presented in this paper. FOPC circumvents derivative calculations, and thus avoids high-frequency noise amplification.

Details

Assembly Automation, vol. 37 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-5154

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Article
Publication date: 30 August 2013

Xiaomin Chen and Ramesh Agarwal

In recent years, the airfoil sections with blunt trailing edge (called flatback airfoils) have been proposed for the inboard regions of large wind‐turbine blades because they…

428

Abstract

Purpose

In recent years, the airfoil sections with blunt trailing edge (called flatback airfoils) have been proposed for the inboard regions of large wind‐turbine blades because they provide several structural and aerodynamic performance advantages. The purpose of this paper is to optimize the shape of these airfoils for optimal performance using a multi‐objective genetic algorithm.

Design/methodology/approach

A multi‐objective genetic algorithm is employed for shape optimization of flatback airfoils to achieve two objectives, namely the generation of maximum lift as well as the maximum lift to drag ratio. The commercially available software FLUENT is employed for calculation of the flow field using the Reynolds‐Averaged Navier‐Stokes (RANS) equations in conjunction with a two‐equation Shear Stress Transport (SST) turbulence model and a three‐equation k‐kl‐ω turbulence model.

Findings

It is shown that the multi‐objective genetic algorithm based optimization can generate superior flatback airfoils compared to those obtained by using a single objective genetic algorithm.

Research limitations/implications

The method of employing genetic algorithms for shape optimization of flatback airfoils could be considered as an excellent example for the optimization of other types of wind turbine blades such as DU FX and S series airfoils.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to employ the multi‐objective genetic algorithm for shape optimization of flatback airfoils for wind‐turbine blades to achieve superior performance.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 85 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0002-2667

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 3 April 2018

Qian Pu, Xiaomin Zhu, Donghua Chen and Runtong Zhang

This paper aims to provide an optimization method of workflow for publishing houses and electronic book (e-book) studies in the field of digital publishing.

478

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide an optimization method of workflow for publishing houses and electronic book (e-book) studies in the field of digital publishing.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the studies of publishing houses in Beijing, the present conversion workflow is illustrated using a functional modeling methodology. Then, the workflow is analyzed using 5W1H (why, who, what, where, when, how) methodology and optimized using ECRSI (eliminate, combine, rearrange, simplify and increase) principles. To validate the optimization effect, the workflow before and after optimization are generated and implemented by the ExtendSim® simulation software.

Findings

The simulation results show that under similar circumstances, both quantity and quality of the products are improved after optimization, which indicate that the optimization method is effective.

Practical implications

Electronic PUBlication (EPUB) has significant requirements to satisfy the needs of the mobile reading market and to earn increased profits, whereas some e-books are still preserved in a portable document format (PDF). This study results in the enhanced EPUB quality and production efficiency of the PDF-to-EPUB format conversion workflow in publishing houses. Publishing houses around the world can refer to this study to make a similar optimization when handling PDF-to-EPUB.

Originality/value

This research introduces the traditional industrial engineering analytical techniques to the workflow optimization of e-book conversion. Compared with the most of other methods used to optimize workflow, this method is simpler, more efficient and more suitable for e-book format conversion.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 10 June 2020

Gökhan Yılmaz, Doğuş Kılıçarslan and Meltem Caber

As one of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization initiatives, the creative cities network (CCN) declares the cities that are creative in the contexts…

1482

Abstract

Purpose

As one of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization initiatives, the creative cities network (CCN) declares the cities that are creative in the contexts of music, gastronomy, design, etc., with the aim of promoting cooperation amongst the member cities and maintaining sustainable urban development. This study aims to identify the destination food image of Gaziantep in Turkey, which is a member gastronomy city of the CCN since 2015. Identified destination food image elements were connected to the common targets of the CCN to show how the city may contribute to the network objectives.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-stage research process was used in the study. First, qualitative approach was adopted for the clarification of projected and perceived destination food image elements. Projected image elements were derived from a content analysis performed on a totally 113 official, semi-official and unofficial online documents in Turkish and English. Perceived destination food image elements were identified by face-to-face interviews, conducted on 10 participants. As a result, 18 projected and 20 perceived destination food image elements were obtained. These were then grouped under 4 main and 22 sub-categories. At the second stage, destination food image elements were matched with common targets of the CCN.

Findings

Destination food image elements, obtained by two qualitative studies, are grouped under 4 main and 22 sub-categories as follows: gastronomic identity (with sub-categories of destination’s identity and local culinary culture); diversity of the destination (with sub-categories of attractiveness of the local food, ease of promotion and high brand value); gastronomic attractions (with sub-categories of restaurants and cafes, culinary museums, farmer markets, orchards, gastronomy tours, gastronomy events (e.g. festivals, competitions), culinary education, books on gastronomy, certification systems, organizations, street foods and vendors and handmade or homemade foods); and qualified workforce and stakeholders (with sub-categories of expert chefs and cooks, specialist suppliers, service personnel, locals and local authorities). These are then connected to the common CCN targets (e.g. cuisine, tourism and festivals; extension of the creative value chain; fostering cultural creativity; and sustainability).

Originality/value

This is one of the early research attempts in examining a member gastronomy city’s food image elements and the role that they played in the success of the CCN’s common targets. Moreover, the study contributes to the literature on the identification of (projected and perceived) destination food image by using content analysis.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 6 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 17 July 2020

Nani Maiya Sujakhu, Sailesh Ranjitkar, Hua Yang, Yufang Su, Jianchu Xu and Jun He

This paper aims to document the adaptation strategies developed by local farmers to adjust to climate change and related hazards in Lijiang Prefecture in Southwest China, and…

2355

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to document the adaptation strategies developed by local farmers to adjust to climate change and related hazards in Lijiang Prefecture in Southwest China, and quantify the determinants of the adaptation measures.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducted a household survey with 433 respondents in Lijiang to documents adaptation measures. The authors used a multivariate probit model to quantify five categories of adaptation measures against a set of household features, extension and information, resources, social network, financial assets and perception variables.

Findings

The most significant determinants consisted of information on early climate warnings and impending hazards, ownership to land and livestock, irrigation membership in community-based organisations, household savings, cash crop farming and perceptions of climate change and its related hazards. Adaptation strategies and policies highlighting these determinants could help to improve climate change adaptation in the region.

Originality/value

This study quantified the determinants of adaptive strategies and mapped important determinants for the region that will provide farmers with the appropriate resources and information to implement the best practices for adapting to climatic changes. The method and findings could be useful and easily replicable for future agriculture policies.

Details

International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management, vol. 12 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-8692

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Article
Publication date: 16 November 2021

Pankaj Singh and Gaurav Agrawal

The purpose of this study is to explore and prioritize the barriers that affect weather index-insurance (WII) adoption among customers by utilizing interpretive structural…

316

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore and prioritize the barriers that affect weather index-insurance (WII) adoption among customers by utilizing interpretive structural modelling (ISM) and fuzzy-MICMAC.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper utilized the combined approach in two phases. In first phase comprehensive literature study and expert mining method have been performed to identify and validate WII adoption barriers. In second phase, ISM has been utilized to examine the direct relationships among WII adoption barriers in order to develop a structural model. Further, fuzzy-MICMAC method has been utilized to analyse indirect relationships among barriers to explore dependence and driver power.

Findings

This study has identified 15 key barriers of WII adoption among customers and developed a structural model based on binary direct relationship using ISM. Later, the outcomes of ISM model have been utilized for analysing the dependence and driver power of each WII adoption barriers in cluster form using fuzzy-MICMAC. The customer awareness related WII adoption barrier are mainly at the top level, WII demand related barriers are in the centre and WII supply related barriers at the bottom level in ISM model.

Practical implications

The findings offered important insights for WII insurers to understand mutual relationships amongst WII adoption barriers and assists in developing strategy to eliminate dominant key barriers in order to enhance their customer base.

Originality/value

Based on best of author's knowledge this paper firstly integrates the ISM fuzzy-MICMAC method into identification and prioritization of barriers that affects WII adoption among customers.

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 16 August 2022

Pankaj Singh

The purpose of the present paper is to review studies on weather index-insurance as a tool to manage the climate change impact risk on farmers and to explore the study gaps in the…

693

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the present paper is to review studies on weather index-insurance as a tool to manage the climate change impact risk on farmers and to explore the study gaps in the currently existing literature by using a systematic literature review.

Design/methodology/approach

This study analyzed and reviewed the 374 articles on weather index insurance (WII) based on a systematic literature search on Web of Science and Scopus databases by using the systematic literature review method.

Findings

WII studies shifted their focus on growing and emerging areas of climate change impact risk. The finding shows that the impact of climate change risk significantly influenced the viability of WII in terms of pricing and design of WII. Therefore, the cost of WII premium increases due to the uncertainty of climate change impact that enhances the probability of losses related to insured weather risks. However, WII has emerged as a risk management tool of climate insurance for vulnerable agrarian communities. The efficacy of WII has been significantly influenced by repetitive environmental disasters and climate change phenomena.

Research limitations/implications

This study will be valuable for scholars to recognize the missing and emerging themes in WII.

Practical implications

This study will help the policy planners to understand the influence of climate change impact on WII viability.

Originality/value

This study is the original work of the author. An attempt has been made in the present study to systematically examine the viability of WII for insuring the climate change risk.

Details

Journal of Science and Technology Policy Management, vol. 15 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2053-4620

Keywords

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