Lili Wan, Bowen Wang, Xiaodong Wang, Wenmei Huang and Ling Weng
The purpose of this study is to develop an output model to extract surface microstructure characteristics of different objects, so as to predict the response of the output voltage…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to develop an output model to extract surface microstructure characteristics of different objects, so as to predict the response of the output voltage obtained from tactile texture sensor.
Design/methodology/approach
The model is based on the consideration of the inverse-magnetostrictive effect, the flexure mode, the linear constitutive equations and the strain principle.
Findings
This research predicts and investigates the effect of the texture properties on the tactile texture sensor output characteristics.
Originality/value
The surface texture characteristic is regarded to be important information to evaluate and recognize the object.
Details
Keywords
Wendong Zheng, Huaping Liu, Bowen Wang and Fuchun Sun
For robots to more actively interact with the surrounding environment in object manipulation tasks or walking, they must understand the physical attributes of objects and surface…
Abstract
Purpose
For robots to more actively interact with the surrounding environment in object manipulation tasks or walking, they must understand the physical attributes of objects and surface materials they encounter. Dynamic tactile sensing can effectively capture rich information about material properties. Hence, methods that convey and interpret this tactile information to the user can improve the quality of human–machine interaction. This paper aims to propose a visual-tactile cross-modal retrieval framework to convey tactile information of surface material for perceptual estimation.
Design/methodology/approach
The tactile information of a new unknown surface material can be used to retrieve perceptually similar surface from an available surface visual sample set by associating tactile information to visual information of material surfaces. For the proposed framework, the authors propose an online low-rank similarity learning method, which can effectively and efficiently capture the cross-modal relative similarity between visual and tactile modalities.
Findings
Experimental results conducted on the Technischen Universität München Haptic Texture Database demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed framework and the method.
Originality/value
This paper provides a visual-tactile cross-modal perception method for recognizing material surface. By the method, a robot can communicate and interpret the conveyed information about the surface material properties to the user; it will further improve the quality of robot interaction.
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Keywords
Xuewei Fang, Zhengying Wei, Jun Du, Lu Bingheng, Pengfei He, Bowen Wang, Jian Chen and Ruwei Geng
This paper aimed to propose a novel fused-coating-based additive manufacturing (FCAM); the study of key process parameters and mechanical tests are performed to determine the…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aimed to propose a novel fused-coating-based additive manufacturing (FCAM); the study of key process parameters and mechanical tests are performed to determine the proper parameters when building metal components.
Design/methodology/approach
Sn63Pb37 alloy is deposited in an induction heating furnace with a fused-coating nozzle to build metal parts on a copper-clad substrate. The process parameters including nozzle pressure, nozzle and substrate temperature and nozzle gap between substrate are analyzed and found to have great influence on parts quality. The mechanical property tests between the fused-coating and casting parts are performed in horizontal and vertical directions. Also, the optical microscopy images are used to ascertain under which conditions good bonding can be achieved.
Findings
A FCAM method is proposed, and the exploration study about the manufacturing process is carried out. The critical parameters are analyzed, and microscopy images prove the suitable temperature range that requires to fabricate metal parts. The mechanical tests confirm that tensile strength of printing parts is improved by 20.4 and 11.9 per cent in horizontal and vertical direction than casting parts. The experimental results indicate that there is a close relationship between process parameters and mechanical properties.
Originality/value
This paper proves that FCAM provides an alternative way to quickly make functional metal parts with good quality and flexibility compared with other additive manufacturing methods. Moreover, good mechanical property is achieved than conventional casting parts.
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Karin Sanders, Rebecca Hewett and Huadong Yang
Human resource (HR) process research emerged as a response to questions about how (bundles of) HR practices related to organizational outcomes. The goal of HR process research is…
Abstract
Human resource (HR) process research emerged as a response to questions about how (bundles of) HR practices related to organizational outcomes. The goal of HR process research is to explain variability in employee and organization outcomes by focusing on how HR practices are intended (adopted) by senior managers, the way that these HR practices are implemented and communicated by line managers, and how employees perceive, understand, and attribute these HR practices. In the first part of this chapter, we present a review of 20 years of HR process research from the start, to how it developed, and is now maturing. Within the body of HR process research, several different research theoretical streams have emerged, which are largely studied in isolation without benefiting from each other. Therefore, in the second part of this chapter, we draw on previous work to propose a staged process model in which we integrate the different research streams of HR process research, recognizing contingencies in the model. This leads us to an agenda for future research and practical implications in the final part of the chapter.
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Maryam Tavosi, Nader Naghshineh, Mohammad Zerehsaz and Siamak Mahboub
Computational aesthetics involves the application of computer-based methods to analyse and understand various phenomena. Given the significance of university library websites in…
Abstract
Purpose
Computational aesthetics involves the application of computer-based methods to analyse and understand various phenomena. Given the significance of university library websites in the advancement of science and knowledge, it is essential to consider their aesthetic qualities in conjunction with their web visibility, particularly regarding search engine optimisation (SEO). This study aims to investigate the relationship between visual complexity as an important aspect of the aesthetics of a website and its SEO rankings of top university library websites.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed an analytical survey research design, analysing 35 library websites affiliated with top universities as ranked by Times Higher Education in 2023. Visual complexity was assessed using Python Athec programming, a tool specifically developed for computational aesthetic analysis in social science research. Additionally, the AIOSEO online smart tool was utilised to extract SEO scores. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS and Excel.
Findings
The study found no significant correlation between visual complexity and SEO rankings, with a significance level of 0.125 indicated by linear regression and correlation analyses. This suggests that top university library websites may not require extensive SEO optimisation due to their established credibility and branding. Notably, even those with lower SEO rankings continue to attract international users.
Originality/value
This research is distinguished by its innovative use of Python programming to measure user experience in the context of aesthetics. It offers new insights into the field of computational aesthetics for the managers of libraries.
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Xu Wang, Xin Feng and Kaixuan Guo
Quantitative analysis of existing literature is conducted to compare the textual features of ethics education in science and technology under the broad theme of ethics in science…
Abstract
Purpose
Quantitative analysis of existing literature is conducted to compare the textual features of ethics education in science and technology under the broad theme of ethics in science and technology. On this basis, the authors reveal the research hotspots and topic evolution in this field, and propose development suggestions in conjunction with the 5W theory.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, the authors visualize the graph and quantify the indicators in four aspects: time series, institutional collaboration, author co-authorship, and research hotspots.
Findings
Compared to ethics of science and technology, the research results in the field of ethics of science and technology education are limited. There is still room for improvement in the low density of cooperation between authors and institutions. The research themes are focused on theoretical discussions and countermeasure research. At present, the reform of ethics of science and technology is still in its infancy and has not yet formed a perfect system for education and personnel training. It is necessary for research on the ethical theory of technology to provide theoretical support.
Originality/value
In the context of sustainable development strategies, it is beneficial to explore the path of pedagogical optimization of ethics of science and technology in this study. This includes the maintenance of a good research environment and the realization of a healthy development in the field of science and technology.
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Albert P.C. Chan and Goodenough D. Oppong
The consideration of external stakeholders has proven to be more critical than internal stakeholders in construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to present the diverse…
Abstract
Purpose
The consideration of external stakeholders has proven to be more critical than internal stakeholders in construction projects. The purpose of this paper is to present the diverse expectations of external stakeholder groups, i.e. governmental authorities, general public, and affected local communities, in construction projects. The practical steps to manage the expectations are also outlined.
Design/methodology/approach
A three-stage methodology was adopted for the review. The primary terms “stakeholder,” “project participants,” or “project environment” were first searched in four popularly search engines and eight top journals that publish construction research to retrieve publications. After a second-stage filtering process, the selected data were then analyzed and reviewed in line with the objectives.
Findings
In total, 49 common expectations were identified and classified. The results indicate that each stakeholder group pursues expectations in line with the social, environmental, and economic sustainability objectives. For effective management, project managers (PMs) must know stakeholder opportunities and threats, fulfill social responsibilities, establish common goals, apply appropriate strategies, and enhance stakeholder satisfaction.
Research limitations/implications
The identified expectations are only based on the selected publications. Even though the expectations have been categorized in line with the triple bottom line model, the relative importance of the expectations cannot be ascertained since there is no empirical support.
Practical implications
PMs can play safe by acknowledging the stakeholder expectations and employ such strategies to curtail resulting impacts and maximize mutual benefits. The list of expectations could also be used to promote equitable value optimization in projects, enhance needs fulfillment, and facilitate the evaluation of external stakeholder satisfaction.
Originality/value
This study provides a comprehensive checklist of construction stakeholder expectations which hitherto, is lacked in the literature. Moreover, practical steps to manage the expectations of external stakeholders have been discussed.
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Wei Zhang, Hui Yuan, Chengyan Zhu, Qiang Chen, Richard David Evans and Chen Min
Although governments have used social media platforms to interact with the public in an attempt to minimize anxiety and provide a forum for public discussion during the pandemic…
Abstract
Purpose
Although governments have used social media platforms to interact with the public in an attempt to minimize anxiety and provide a forum for public discussion during the pandemic, governments require sufficient crisis communication skills to engage citizens in taking appropriate action effectively. This study aims to examine how the National Health Commission of China (NHCC) has used TikTok, the leading short video–based platform, to facilitate public engagement during COVID-19.
Design/methodology/approach
Building upon dual process theories, this study integrates the activation of information exposure, prosocial interaction theory and social sharing of emotion theory to explore how public engagement is related to message sensation value (MSV), media character, content theme and emotional valence. A total of 354 TikTok videos posted by NHCC were collected during the pandemic to explore the determinants of public engagement in crises.
Findings
The findings demonstrate that MSV negatively predicts public engagement with government TikTok, but that instructional information increases engagement. The presence of celebrities and health-care professionals negatively affects public engagement with government TikTok accounts. In addition, emotional valence serves a moderating role between MSV, media characters and public engagement.
Originality/value
Government agencies must be fully aware of the different combinations of MSV and emotion use in the video title when releasing crisis-related videos. Government agencies can also leverage media characters – health professionals in particular – to enhance public engagement. Government agencies are encouraged to solicit public demand for the specific content of instructing information through data mining techniques.