Qinghua Huang, Yingchen Wang, Hao Luo and Jianyi Li
This paper aims to develop a new robotic ultrasound system for spine imaging with more anthropomorphic scanning manipulation in comparison with previously reported techniques.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop a new robotic ultrasound system for spine imaging with more anthropomorphic scanning manipulation in comparison with previously reported techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
The system evaluates the imaging quality of ultrasound (US) B-scans by detecting vertebral landmarks and groups the images with relatively low quality into several sub-optimal types. By imitating the scanning skills of sonographers, the authors defined a set of adjustment strategies for certain sub-optimal types. In this way, the robot can recollect the US images with high quality by adaptively adjusting the pose of the probe like a sonographer.
Findings
The results from phantom experiments and in vivo experiments showed that the proposed method could improve the quality of B-scans during the scanning. The 3 D US volume reconstruction has also verified the feasibility of the proposed method.
Originality/value
This paper demonstrates how to adapt a robotic spinal ultrasound scanning using a preliminary anthropomorphic approach.
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Yiming Wu, Ning Sun, He Chen, Jianyi Zhang and Yongchun Fang
From practical perspectives and to improve the working efficiency, trolley transportation and payload hoisting/lowering should be simultaneously controlled. Moreover, in practical…
Abstract
Purpose
From practical perspectives and to improve the working efficiency, trolley transportation and payload hoisting/lowering should be simultaneously controlled. Moreover, in practical crane applications, the transportation time is an important criterion for improving transportation efficiency. Based on these requirements, this paper aims to solve positioning and antiswing control problems and shorten the transportation time for underactuated varying-rope-length overhead cranes.
Design/methodology/approach
By choosing trolley acceleration and varying-rope-length acceleration as system inputs, the crane system dynamic model is converted into an equivalent model without linearizing/approximating. Then, based on the converted model and system state constraints, a time-optimal problem is formulated. Further, the original problem is converted into an optimization problem with algebraic constraints which can be conveniently solved. Finally, by solving the optimization problem, the optimal trajectories of system states, including displacements, velocities and accelerations, are obtained.
Findings
This paper first provides a nonlinear time-optimal trajectory planner for varying-rope-length overhead cranes, which achieves accurate and fast trolley positioning and eliminates payload residual swings. Meanwhile, all system states satisfy the given constraints during the entire process. Hardware experimental results show that the proposed time-optimal planner is effective and has better performance compared with existing methods.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a time-optimal trajectory planner for overhead crane systems with hoisting/lowering motion. The proposed planner achieves fast trolley positioning and eliminates payload residual swing with all the system states being constrained within given scopes. The planner is presented based on the original nonlinear system dynamics without linearization/approximation.
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With the analysis of the causes of corruption, this study aims to investigate specific anti-corruption measures that can be implemented to reform the political system and the…
Abstract
Purpose
With the analysis of the causes of corruption, this study aims to investigate specific anti-corruption measures that can be implemented to reform the political system and the social climate of China.
Design/methodology/approach
This study examines 97 severe corruption cases of high-ranking officials in China, which occurred between 2012 and 2015. As this insinuates that both institutional and social corruption are major problems in China, the analysis delves into multiple facts of corruption, including different types, four primary underlying causes, and suggestions regarding the implementation of three significant governmental shifts that focus on investigation, prevention tactics and legal regulations.
Findings
China’s corruption is not only individual-based but also it has developed into institutional corruption and social corruption. Besides human nature and instinct, the causes of corruption can be organised into four categories, namely, social customs, social transitions, institutional designs and institutional operations. For the removed high-ranking officials, the formation of interest chains was an important underlying cause behind their corruption.
Originality/value
This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because this study provides a well-rounded approach to a complex issue by highlighting the significance of democracy and the rule of law as ways to regulate human behaviour to combat future corruption.
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Xiangwen Kong, Liufang Su, Heng Wang and Huanguang Qiu
To achieve the dual goals of decarbonization and food security, this paper examines China's carbon footprint reduction in 2050 based on current mitigation strategies.
Abstract
Purpose
To achieve the dual goals of decarbonization and food security, this paper examines China's carbon footprint reduction in 2050 based on current mitigation strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Considering publications as featured evidence, this study develops an investigation of agricultural decarbonization in China. First, the authors summarize the mitigation strategies for agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the existing literature. Second, the authors demonstrate the domestic food production target in 2050 and the projection target's projected life-cycle-based GHG emissions at the commodity level. Lastly, the authors forecast China's emission removal in the agri-food sector in 2050 concerning current mitigation strategies and commodity productions. The authors highlight the extent to which each mitigation strategy contributes to decarbonization in China.
Findings
Practices promoting sustainable development in the agri-food sector significantly contribute to GHG emission removal. The authors find mitigation strategies inhibiting future GHG emissions in the agri-food sector comprise improving nitrogen use efficiency in fertilizers, changing food consumption structure, manure management, cover crops, food waste reduction, dietary change of livestock and covered manure. A 10% improvement in nitrogen use efficiency contributes to 5.03% of GHG emission removal in the agri-food sector by 2050. Reducing food waste and food processing from 30% to 20% would inhibit 1.59% of the total GHG emissions in the agri-food sector.
Originality/value
This study contributes to policy discussions by accounting for agricultural direct and indirect emission components and assessing the dynamic changes in those related components. This study also extends existing research by forecasting to which extent the decarbonization effects implemented by current mitigation strategies can be achieved while meeting 2050 food security in China.
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Chun-Mei Kai, Feng-Jun Zhang, Cong-Liang Cheng and Qian-Bao Chen
The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of different factors on mud performance, find the best conditions and synthesize a new type of anti-collapse drilling polymer…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study the influence of different factors on mud performance, find the best conditions and synthesize a new type of anti-collapse drilling polymer mud with higher stability. The anti-collapse mechanism of drilling polymer mud was also suggested.
Design/methodology/approach
Exploring the influence of different molecular weight thickeners, filtrate reducers, soda ash addition and film-forming components on the mud performance, so as to obtain the best ratio of anti-collapse drilling polymer mud.
Findings
The results show that the use of vegetable glue, sulfonate copolymer and vegetable fiber powder can synthesize a high-viscosity, high-stability, collapse-resistant mud. When the mass ratio of vegetable fiber powder: vegetable glue: sulfonate copolymer is 40:1:2, the mud viscosity is 21.2 s, the fluid loss in 30 min is only 12.5 mL, and the mud film thickness is 1.5 mm, which is one ideal anti-collapse polymer mud.
Originality/value
Compared with ordinary polymer mud and bentonite mud, this anti-collapse polymer mud not only uses vegetable glue instead of traditional tackifiers but also effectively uses vegetable fiber powder produced from waste wood, which is environmentally friendly and highly stable specialty. It can effectively improve the safety and quality of construction during drilling in water-sensitive geology.
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Since China’s “opening-up” in the late 1970s, Singapore has played a major role in enhancing China’s engagement with the world, especially in economic terms. This traditional…
Abstract
Purpose
Since China’s “opening-up” in the late 1970s, Singapore has played a major role in enhancing China’s engagement with the world, especially in economic terms. This traditional relationship is well manifested in the third government-to-government (G–G) project under the BRI, which is known as the Chongqing Connectivity Initiative (CCI). The purpose of this paper is to address the following question: despite Singapore’s initial reluctance to agree on a third G–G project with China, why did Singapore eventually decide to join the CCI?
Design/methodology/approach
This paper draws on archives of over 700 Chinese language media reports and over 400 English language media reports, as well as private interactions with scholars interested in Sino-Singapore relations and with both sides’ officials in charge of the CCI project.
Findings
The paper finds that it is the goal of connecting the region, along with the need to maintain Singapore’s relevance to China and the regional economy that led to Singapore’s participation in the third G–G project. This paper also uses this case to analyse the changes that are taking place in the bilateral economic relations.
Originality/value
Despite wide media coverage, op-ed commentaries and respective government statements, there are a limited number of academic studies on the rationale of the third G–G project and contemporary Sino-Singapore relations in the literature. The scholarship has not addressed the rationale for Singapore’s changing attitude towards CCI and the manner in which the CCI has improved cooperation (or upgraded cooperation to a broader and regional level).
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Bing Zhang, Cui Wang, Xuan Ze Ren and Bo Xia
The construction industry has been investigating “where Henry Ford is in the industry system.” Given that listed construction enterprises are the backbone of the promotion of the…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry has been investigating “where Henry Ford is in the industry system.” Given that listed construction enterprises are the backbone of the promotion of the high-quality development of the industry, their research and innovation are of considerable importance. This study aims to comprehensively assess the research and development (R&D) status quo and trends within various types of construction enterprises in order to identify effective strategies to enhance R&D efficiency in the construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the data won from annual reports and the CSMAR database for the period 2016–2020, this study examines 104 listed construction enterprises in China. By applying both the data envelopment analysis (DEA) method and the Malmquist productivity index, this research compares and analyzes the static and dynamic differences in R&D efficiency across different types of construction enterprises.
Findings
Results suggest that the magnitude of change in the Malmquist decomposition index of 104 listed construction enterprises gradually narrowed, but the comprehensive technological level remained relatively low. Although state-owned enterprises had an advantage in scale efficiency, meaning they could maximize output with given inputs, their technological progress efficiency, also known as the degree of technological innovation, was significantly lower than that of private enterprises. As one finding, state-owned enterprises in comparison with private enterprises experience significant R&D inefficiency. It represents the main cause of their low degree of technological innovation and efficiency.
Originality/value
This study assesses the R&D efficiency of listed construction enterprises in China from the perspective of different market segments, state-owned and private enterprises and suggests approaches to improve strategies for various corporate types. Thus, the study’s new findings contribute to addressing the challenge of low R&D levels in the construction industry in the fields of engineering, construction and architectural management.
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In human history, poverty for most and prosperity for few is the norm. Thus, no theory or practice of common prosperity has been developed. Marxism first formulated the theory of…
Abstract
Purpose
In human history, poverty for most and prosperity for few is the norm. Thus, no theory or practice of common prosperity has been developed. Marxism first formulated the theory of common prosperity, and the classical Marxist authors conducted theoretical exploration on the issue of common prosperity, forming a series of scientific conclusions.
Design/methodology/approach
The century-long practical history of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is the great practice of leading the Chinese people in getting rid of poverty, letting some people and regions get rich first and ultimately achieving the goal of common prosperity.
Findings
Common prosperity is the great practice of the CPC that leads all Chinese people in building a modern socialist country in an all-round way in the new era.
Originality/value
The path of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics will certainly arise in the process of the great practice of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics. Based on the anti-poverty theory and the “spirit of poverty alleviation” from the battle against poverty with Chinese characteristics, the theory of common prosperity and its spirit with Chinese characteristics will certainly be formed. The above conclusions constitute the basic principles of the theory of common prosperity with Chinese characteristics.
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Maria Gravari-Barbas, Sandra Guinand, Yue Lu and Xinyu Li
Between 1840s and 1940s, 27 occidental concessions have been created in several cities in China which represented difficult signs and memories for Chinese. Nowadays, these…
Abstract
Purpose
Between 1840s and 1940s, 27 occidental concessions have been created in several cities in China which represented difficult signs and memories for Chinese. Nowadays, these territories are experiencing a joint phenomenon of heritagization and tourismification which makes them experimental theaters for modern urban life and identity. Taking the former concessions of Tianjin as place study, the purpose of this study is to analyze the role of the heritage and tourism in the former concessions in city branding and more specifically the actors, approaches and products of this phenomenon.
Design/methodology/approach
This research draws on the comparison and analysis of two place studies in China. The authors base their analysis on semi-structured interviews in Chinese with previously identified stakeholders. In all, 20 individuals, including developers, public authority representatives, business owners, academics and conservation association members, were interviewed. This research was completed, updated and triangulated by content analysis of Web-based materials; official documents such as urban plans, guidelines and urban and tourism strategies collected during the fieldwork, as well as non-intrusive spatial observations of the concession and its various developments.
Findings
The results of this study show that the heritage in the former concessions has become an attractive tool for the city branding through tourism development, often led by the public actors with the participation of private entrepreneurs.
Originality/value
This study looks at the hybrid dimensions of the former concessions in China. It provides a better understanding of the co-action of heritage and tourism in the processes of territorial rehabilitation, which contributes to both the practitioners and researchers in this domain.
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Yong Liu, Jiang Zhang, Junjie Cui, Changsong Zheng, Yajun Liu and Jian Shen
In armored vehicles integrated transmissions, residual life prediction based on oil spectrum data is crucial for condition monitoring and reliability assessment. This paper aims…
Abstract
Purpose
In armored vehicles integrated transmissions, residual life prediction based on oil spectrum data is crucial for condition monitoring and reliability assessment. This paper aims to use the advantages of real-time and accurate prediction of binary Wiener process, the residual life prediction of clutch is studied.
Design/methodology/approach
First, combined with the wet clutch life test, the indicator elements Cu and Pb and the failure threshold of the residual life prediction of the clutch are extracted through the oil replacement correction of the spectral data of the whole life cycle; second, the correlation characteristics of indicating elements are analyzed by MATLAB Copula function, then the correlation function of residual life will be derived; third, according to the inverse Gaussian principle, the performance degradation mathematical models of the unary and binary Wiener processes of the above two indicator elements are established; finally, the maximum likelihood estimation method is used to estimate the parameters, and the monadic and binary performance degradation mathematical models are used to predict the residual life of the tested clutch.
Findings
By comparing the prediction results with the test results, with the passage of time, 81.25% of the predicted value error of the residual life prediction method based on the binary Wiener process is controlled within 20%, while 56.25% of the predicted value error of the residual life prediction method based on the unitary Wiener process is controlled within 20%. At the same time, the prediction accuracy of the binary prediction model is 2%–16.7% higher than that of the unitary prediction model.
Originality/value
This paper studies the residual life prediction theory of wet clutch, which can develop the theory and method of comprehensive transmission health monitoring, and provide theoretical and technical support for the construction of a reliable health management system for high-speed tracked vehicles.