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Article
Publication date: 15 May 2017

Dong Liu, Ming Cong, Yu Du, Qiang Zou and Yingxue Cui

This paper aims to focus on the autonomous behavior selection issue of robotics from the perspective of episodic memory in cognitive neuroscience with biology-inspired attention…

215

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on the autonomous behavior selection issue of robotics from the perspective of episodic memory in cognitive neuroscience with biology-inspired attention system. It instructs a robot to follow a sequence of behaviors. This is similar to human travel to a target location by guidance.

Design/methodology/approach

The episodic memory-driving Markov decision process is proposed to simulate the organization of episodic memory by introducing neuron stimulation mechanism. Based on the learned episodic memory, the robotic global planning method is proposed for efficient behaviors sequence prediction using bottom-up attention. Local behavior planning based on risk function and feasible paths is used for behavior reasoning under imperfect memory. Aiming at the problem of whole target selection under redundant environmental information, a top-down attention servo control method is proposed to effectively detect the target containing multi-parts and distractors which share same features with the target.

Findings

Based on the proposed method, the robot is able to accumulate experience through memory, and achieve adaptive behavior planning, prediction and reasoning between tasks, environment and threats. Experimental results show that the method can balance the task objectives, select the suitable behavior according to current environment.

Originality/value

The behavior selection method is integrated with cognitive levels to generate optimal behavioral sequence. The challenges in robotic planning under uncertainty and the issue of target selection under redundant environment are addressed.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 44 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 30 January 2007

41

Abstract

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 27 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Article
Publication date: 2 February 2015

Naiming Xie

The purpose of this paper is to propose novel civil aircraft cost parameters’ selection method and novel cost estimation approach for civil aircraft so as to effectively simulate…

263

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose novel civil aircraft cost parameters’ selection method and novel cost estimation approach for civil aircraft so as to effectively simulate or forecast civil aircraft cost under poor information and small sample.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on existent cost estimation indexes, this paper summarized civil aircraft research and manufacturing cost impact index system and adopted grey relational model to select most important impact factors. Consider civil aircrafts’ cost information could not be easily collected, the author must estimate their costs with limited sample and poor information. A combination model of GM (0, N) model and BP neural network algorithm is proposed. Both advantages of simulation of BP neural network algorithm and poor information generation of GM (0, N) were effectively combined. Then steps of combined model were given out. Finally, nine types of aircrafts were used to test the validity of proposed model. As comparing with the traditional multiple linear regression model and simple GM (0, N) model, results indicated that proposed model can do the work better.

Findings

Grey relational model can be applied for parameters’ selection and combined GM (0, N) model and BP neural network algorithm can estimate aircraft’s cost as well. Results show that novel combined model could get high forecasting accuracy.

Practical implications

Cost estimation is key problem in production management of civil aircraft. Effective cost management could promote competitiveness of aircraft manufacturing company. Proposed combined model can be applied for civil aircraft cost estimation. Similarly, it could be applied for other complex equipment cost estimation.

Originality/value

The paper succeeds in proposing grey relational model for cost parameters’ selection and constructing a combination model of GM (0, N) model and BP neural network algorithm. Algorithm of the proposed model was discussed and steps were given out.

Details

Grey Systems: Theory and Application, vol. 5 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2043-9377

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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 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…

192

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: 9 February 2018

Qiang Zhou, Danping Zou and Peilin Liu

This paper aims to develop an obstacle avoidance system for a multi-rotor micro aerial vehicle (MAV) that flies in indoor environments which usually contain transparent…

296

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to develop an obstacle avoidance system for a multi-rotor micro aerial vehicle (MAV) that flies in indoor environments which usually contain transparent, texture-less or moving objects.

Design/methodology/approach

The system adopts a combination of a stereo camera and an ultrasonic sensor to detect obstacles and extracts three-dimensional (3D) point clouds. The obstacle map is built on a coarse global map and updated by local maps generated by the recent 3D point clouds. An efficient layered A* path planning algorithm is also proposed to address the path planning in 3D space for MAVs.

Findings

The authors conducted a lot of experiments in both static and dynamic scenes. The results show that the obstacle avoidance system works reliably even when transparent or texture-less obstacles are present. The layered A* path planning algorithm is much faster than the traditional 3D algorithm and makes the system response quickly when the obstacle map has been changed because of the moving objects.

Research limitations/implications

The limited field of view of both stereo camera and ultrasonic sensor makes the system need to change heading first before moving side to side or moving backward. But this problem could be addressed when multiple systems are mounted toward different directions on the MAV.

Practical implications

The developed approach could be valuable to applications in indoors.

Originality/value

This paper presents a robust obstacle avoidance system and a fast layered path planning algorithm that are easy to be implemented for practical systems.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 45 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 24 November 2022

Ning Huang, Qiang Du, Patrick X.W. Zou and Youdan Huang

This study aims to analyze the interaction and key factors within the network of factors influencing the success of green highway projects.

356

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the interaction and key factors within the network of factors influencing the success of green highway projects.

Design/methodology/approach

Through literature review and interviews with experienced project managers, this study identified 33 influencing factors from the perspectives of stakeholders and life cycle. The interaction between these influencing factors was determined by surveying different experts, most of whom have participated in green highway projects in China. Then, social network analysis (SNA) was used to explore the impact and control ability of different factors.

Findings

According to the prioritization of these factors, the results showed that some key factors were identified, especially incremental cost, lack of standards and regulations, development of innovative technologies and materials, public awareness and environmental protection behavior. Finally, some meaningful suggestions were put forward for different influencing factors of green highway projects.

Research limitations/implications

While the key influencing factors of the green highway projects have been identified by considering the interrelationships between different factors, the specific influencing paths and levels of different factors are not analyzed, more studies and methods should be conducted on this area in the future.

Practical implications

This finding of factors influencing the success of green highway projects which is useful for managers to overcome various obstacles encountered in similar projects. Moreover, considering the interaction among the influencing factors enables managers to make systematic and efficient decisions.

Social implications

Developing green highways have been perceived as a major innovation to help achieve the synergy of environmental protection, economic development and social responsibility. Studying the key factors influencing the success of green highway projects and putting forward targeted suggestions are crucial for promoting the environmental protection transformation of highway construction.

Originality/value

Compared with most studies on the identification of key influencing factors of construction projects, this research emphasized the interaction between different factors within the system in the analysis process. The findings could provide useful references to promote the successful implementation of green highway projects.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 29 March 2022

Yonggang Zhao, Xiaodong Yang, Changhai Zhai and Weiping Wen

The purpose of this paper is to investigate relationships of urban seismic resilience assessment indicators.

640

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate relationships of urban seismic resilience assessment indicators.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve this aim, construction of the urban seismic resilience assessment indicators system was conducted and 20 indicators covering five dimensions, namely building and lifeline infrastructure, environment, society, economy and institution were identified. Following this, this study used evidence fusion theory and intuitionistic fuzzy sets to process the information from experts then developed the fuzzy total interpretive structure model.

Findings

A total of 20 urban seismic resilience assessment indicators are reconstructed into a hierarchical and visual system structure including five levels. Indicators in the bottom level including debris flow risk, landslide risk, earthquake experience and demographic characteristics are fundamental indicators that significantly impact other indicators. Indicators in the top level including open space, gas system and public security are direct indicators influenced more by other indicators. Other indicators are in middle levels. Results of MICMAC analysis visually categorize these indicators into independent indicators, linkage indicators, autonomous indicators and dependent indicators according to driving power and dependence.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to explore relationships of urban seismic resilience assessment indicators with the interpretive structural model method. Additionally, Fuzzy total interpretive structure model is developed combined with evidence fusion theory and intuitionistic fuzzy sets, which is the extension of total interpretive structure model. Research results can assist the analytic network process method in assessing urban seismic resilience in future research.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 30 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

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Article
Publication date: 16 August 2024

Jie Chen, Guanming Zhu, Yindong Zhang, Zhuangzhuang Chen, Qiang Huang and Jianqiang Li

Thin cracks on the surface, such as those found in nuclear power plant concrete structures, are difficult to identify because they tend to be thin. This paper aims to design a…

51

Abstract

Purpose

Thin cracks on the surface, such as those found in nuclear power plant concrete structures, are difficult to identify because they tend to be thin. This paper aims to design a novel segmentation network, called U-shaped contextual aggregation network (UCAN), for better recognition of weak cracks.

Design/methodology/approach

UCAN uses dilated convolutional layers with exponentially changing dilation rates to extract additional contextual features of thin cracks while preserving resolution. Furthermore, this paper has developed a topology-based loss function, called ℓcl Dice, which enhances the crack segmentation’s connectivity.

Findings

This paper generated five data sets with varying crack widths to evaluate the performance of multiple algorithms. The results show that the UCAN network proposed in this study achieves the highest F1-Score on thinner cracks. Additionally, training the UCAN network with the ℓcl Dice improves the F1-Scores compared to using the cross-entropy function alone. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the UCAN network and the value of incorporating the ℓcl Dice in crack segmentation tasks.

Originality/value

In this paper, an exponentially dilated convolutional layer is constructed to replace the commonly used pooling layer to improve the model receptive field. To address the challenge of preserving fracture connectivity segmentation, this paper introduces ℓcl Dice. This design enables UCAN to extract more contextual features while maintaining resolution, thus improving the crack segmentation performance. The proposed method is evaluated using extensive experiments where the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the algorithm.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. 44 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 26 March 2024

Eva Posch, Elena Eckert and Benni Thiebes

Despite the widespread use and application of resilience, much uncertainty about the conceptualization and operationalization in the context of tourism destinations still exists…

591

Abstract

Purpose

Despite the widespread use and application of resilience, much uncertainty about the conceptualization and operationalization in the context of tourism destinations still exists. The purpose of this paper is to provide a conceptual elaboration on destination resilience and to introduce a model for an improved understanding of the concept.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking a conceptual research approach, this paper seeks to untangle the fuzziness surrounding the destination and resilience concept by providing a new interpretation that synthesizes theories and concepts from various academic disciplines. It analyses the current debate to derive theoretic baselines and conceptual elements that subsequently inform the development of a new “Destination Resilience Model”.

Findings

The contribution advances the debate by proposing three key themes for future resilience conceptualizations: (1) the value of an actor-centered and agency-based resilience perspective; (2) the importance of the dynamic nature of resilience and the (mis)use of measurement approaches; (3) the adoption of a dualistic resilience perspective distinguishing specified and general resilience. Building on these propositions, we introduce a conceptual model that innovatively links elements central to the concepts of destination and risk and combines different narratives of resilience.

Originality/value

The contribution advances the debate surrounding destination resilience by critically examining the conceptualization and operationalization of destination resilience within previous research and by subsequently proposing a “Destination Resilience Model” that picks up central element of the three new frontiers identified in the conceptually driven review. The innovative integration strengthens the comprehension of the resilience concept at destination level and supports building future capacities to manage immediate adverse impacts as well as novel and systemic risks.

Details

Journal of Tourism Futures, vol. 10 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2055-5911

Keywords

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