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.
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Dan Xiong, Junhao Xiao, Huimin Lu, Zhiwen Zeng, Qinghua Yu, Kaihong Huang, Xiaodong Yi and Zhiqiang Zheng
The purpose of this paper is to design intelligent robots operating in such dynamic environments like the RoboCup Middle-Size League (MSL). In the RoboCup MSL, two teams of five…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design intelligent robots operating in such dynamic environments like the RoboCup Middle-Size League (MSL). In the RoboCup MSL, two teams of five autonomous robots play on an 18- × 12-m field. Equipped with sensors and on-board computers, each robot should be able to perceive the environment, make decision and control itself to play the soccer game autonomously.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents the design of our soccer robots, participating in RoboCup MSL. The mechanical platform, electrical architecture and software framework are discussed separately. The mechanical platform is designed modularly, so easy maintainability is achieved; the electronic architecture is built on industrial standards using PC-based control technique, which results in high robustness and reliability during the intensive and fierce MSL games; the software is developed upon the open-source Robot Operating System (ROS); thus, the advantages of ROS such as modularity, portability and expansibility are inherited.
Findings
Based on this paper and the open-source hardware and software, the MSL robots can be re-developed easily to participate in the RoboCup MSL. The robots can also be used in other research and education fields, especially for multi-robot systems and distributed artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the main designing ideas proposed in the paper, i.e. using a modular mechanical structure, an industrial electronic system and ROS-based software, provide a common solution for designing general intelligent robots.
Originality/value
The methodology of the intelligent robot design for highly competitive and dynamic RoboCup MSL environments is proposed.
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Feng Liu, Shaoai Xie, Yan Wang, Jianjun Yu and Qinghua Meng
The titania (titanium dioxide) is one of the important functional additives in the photosensitive resin and encounters the problem of stabilization in the photosensitive resin for…
Abstract
Purpose
The titania (titanium dioxide) is one of the important functional additives in the photosensitive resin and encounters the problem of stabilization in the photosensitive resin for 3D printing. This study aims to achieve enhancement in stabilization by preparation of the polymerizable titania and in situ laser-induced crystallization during 3D printing.
Design/methodology/approach
A type of polymerizable titania (AAEM@TiO2) was designed and prepared from tetrabutyl titanate (TBT) and 2-(acetoacetoxy)ethyl methacrylate (AAEM) via the sol–gel process, which was characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, ultraviolet–visible (UV-Vis) spectra, surface bonding efficiency (SBE) and settling height (H). AAEM acted on both bonding to the titania and polymerization with the monomer in resin for stabilization. The polymerizable titania could be converted to the pigmented titania by means of laser-induced crystallization. The photosensitive resin was then formulated on the basis of optimization and used in a stereolithography apparatus (SLA) for 3D printing.
Findings
The stabilization effect of AAEM on TiO2 was achieved and the mechanism of competition in the light-consuming reactions during photocuring was proposed. The ratio of nAAEM/nTBT in AAEM@TiO2, the concentration of AAEM@TiO2 and photoinitiator (PI) used in the photosensitive resin were optimized. The anatase crystal form was indicated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and clustering of nanocrystals was revealed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after SLA 3D printing.
Originality/value
This investigation provides a novel method of pigmentation by preparation of the polymerizable titania and in situ laser-induced crystallization for SLA 3D printing.
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Zimin Li, Zilong Zhu, Jianqiu Wang, Meng Wang, Ting Hou, Qinghua Li and Pei Yu
Two corrosion inhibitors for closed cooling water systems, nitrite-based and mixture of nitrite and molybdate corrosion inhibitor, are often compared to each other. This study…
Abstract
Purpose
Two corrosion inhibitors for closed cooling water systems, nitrite-based and mixture of nitrite and molybdate corrosion inhibitor, are often compared to each other. This study aims to optimize these two inhibitors in terms of concentration and pH for carbon steel protection, with insights into the double layer structure on surface and its impact on corrosion inhibition.
Design/methodology/approach
Electrochemical analysis including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and potentiodynamic test are carried out for quick assessment of corrosion inhibition efficiency and optimization, which is confirmed by immersion test and microscopic analysis. The electronic properties of the surface film are analyzed through Mott–Schottky method which provides new insights into the inhibition mechanism and the role of each component in mixture inhibitor.
Findings
Mixture of nitrite and molybdate is shown to present higher inhibition efficiency, owning to the double layer structure. Nitrite alone can form a protective surface film, whereas molybdate leads to an n-type semiconductive film with lower donor density, hence giving rise to a better inhibition effect.
Research limitations/implications
Surface after inhibitor treatment has been carefully characterized to the microscopic scale, implying the effect of micro-structure, chemical composition and electronic properties on the corrosion resistance. Inorganic corrosion inhibitors can be tuned to provide higher efficiency by careful design of surface film structure and composition.
Originality/value
Almost every study on corrosion inhibitor applies such method for quick assessment of corrosion inhibition effect. Mott–Schottky test is one of electrochemical methods that reveals the electronic properties of the surface film. Previous works have studied the surface layer mainly through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. This study provides another insight into the surface film treated by nitrite and molybdate through Mott–Schottky analysis, and relates this structure to the corrosion inhibition effect based on multiple analysis including electrochemistry, microscopic characterization, thermodynamics and interface chemistry.
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Yingli Wang, Qinghua He, Jianxun Xie and Zilun Wang
The increasing unexpected contingencies make resilience indispensable for project teams. Drawn on input–process–outcome (IPO) framework, this study aims to investigate how and…
Abstract
Purpose
The increasing unexpected contingencies make resilience indispensable for project teams. Drawn on input–process–outcome (IPO) framework, this study aims to investigate how and when team mindfulness (i.e. input) fosters team resilience (i.e. outcome) via team formalization and team improvisation (i.e. process) under boundary conditions of the shared mental model.
Design/methodology/approach
By conducting a three-wave research design, this paper collects 312 questionaries from the Chinese construction industry. The proposed hypotheses were tested by hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modeling.
Findings
The results confirm that team mindfulness exerts a positive effect on team resilience. The positive relationship is mediated by team formalization and team improvisation. In addition, the shared mental model serves as a buffering moderator between team mindfulness and team resilience via team improvisation.
Practical implications
This study suggests managers take appropriate interventions of mindfulness to foster team resilience. Making explicit procedures for risk management and taking improvisational action appropriately are also key processes for addressing crises.
Originality/value
This study enriches the literature on the positive prediction effect of team mindfulness on team resilience. Combining team formalization with team improvisation, this study provides new alternatives for the process variables in the IPO framework. Furthermore, this paper reveals the “dark side” of the shared mental model on the relationship between team mindfulness and team resilience.
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Qing Liu, Senlin Zhao and Qinghua Zhu
The purpose of this paper is to extend game analysis to explore decision-making mechanisms for promoting a specific type of products, low energy consumption for individual one…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to extend game analysis to explore decision-making mechanisms for promoting a specific type of products, low energy consumption for individual one while the total energy consumption is huge due to the high quantity of sales, that is, low for individual and high for total (LIHT) in terms of energy consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
Game models are developed to compare decisions of optimal prices for newly developed and environmentally friendly (NDEF) and regular products as well as associated sales quantity, profits, carbon emissions under different governmental policies, along with a case of low energy-intensive broadband terminal products in the Chinese telecommunication industry under the carbon tax and subsidy policies.
Findings
For both NDEF and regular products, optimal prices decrease under the subsidy policy while both increase under the tax policy. Manufacturers’ decision of optimal prices is highly relevant with unit carbon tax/subsidy and the consumers’ preference. Both the tax and subsidy policies can improve consumption of NDEF products while the subsidy policy can be more effective at the current initial stage.
Research limitations/implications
This paper provides decision support for manufacturers to promote sustainable consumption of LIHT products. Research ideas on models development and solutions for optimal prices can be applied to other LIHT products.
Practical implications
The results provide insights for governments on how to effectively evaluate and motivate sustainable consumption for LIHT products.
Originality/value
This paper first explores how to motivate sustainable consumption of LIHT products by developing models, examining effectiveness of potential governmental policies as well as associated carbon emissions.
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Junjun Liu, Yuan Chen and Qinghua Zhu
This study aims to develop a comprehensive green supplier governance (GSG) concept and explore whether specific GSG approaches (green supplier assessment, green supplier…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a comprehensive green supplier governance (GSG) concept and explore whether specific GSG approaches (green supplier assessment, green supplier assistance and green strategic partnership with suppliers (GSPS)) bring environmental and economic performance. Moreover, this study aims to reveal a synergistic effect of three GSG approaches on performance improvement.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data collected from 200 Chinese manufacturing firms, regression analysis was employed to reveal the relationship between specific GSG approaches and firm performance. Further, cluster analysis was used to identify groupings of firms regarding implementation levels of three GSG approaches and compare the performance of the firm groups.
Findings
Green supplier assessment (GSA) can bring environmental performance, but GSA is not associated with economic performance. Green supplier assistance is positively associated with economic performance, while green supplier assistance cannot improve environmental performance. Only GSPS leads to improvement for both environmental and economic performance. Furthermore, firms with high implementation levels of GSA and GSPS (whether with high or low implementation levels of GSAS) can achieve the best environmental and financial performance.
Practical implications
This study provides implications for firms to more strategically and comprehensively implement GSG approaches, which can be more effective in bringing environmental and economic performance.
Originality/value
The authors' study extends the GSG concept with two approaches by subdividing the collaborative approach into green supplier assistance and GSPS based on the collaboration levels. This study also sheds light on how to improve firm performance by different GSG approaches and reveals a synergistic effect of three GSG approaches on performance.
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Yu Xiaohui, Yang Ruhui and Liu Bo
Urban spatial form influences the social, economic, and ecological development modes of the city. The spatial form during the urbanization of Hanjiang River Basin in Southern…
Abstract
Urban spatial form influences the social, economic, and ecological development modes of the city. The spatial form during the urbanization of Hanjiang River Basin in Southern Shaanxi needs to be studied. In this study, research methodologies on urban spatial form in China and abroad were summarized. The concept of ecology background was applied, and the research framework for urban spatial form, which integrated the background, framework, core, axis, cluster, and skin, was established. Valley cities in the Hanjiang River Basin in Southern Shaanxi were classified into wide valley, narrow valley, and canyon cities. The spatial form characteristics of these three types of valley cities were discussed. A case study based on a typical city-Yang County-was conducted to discuss the characteristics of the aforementioned six elements of urban spatial form. Finally, spatial form characteristics were summarized. These characteristics provide a basis for the study of the small valley urban spatial form in the Hanjiang River Basin in Southern Shaanxi.
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Dunjin Zhou, Yaqiong Yan, Huihong Yu, Qinghua Xia, Niannian Yang, Zhifeng Zhang, Zhaoyang Zhu, Fang Li and Jie Gong
This study aims to examine whether, in the opinion of patients selected in 13 hospitals of Hubei province, China, hospitals are smoke free. Patients were also asked whether their…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine whether, in the opinion of patients selected in 13 hospitals of Hubei province, China, hospitals are smoke free. Patients were also asked whether their physicians had inquired about their smoking status.
Design/methodology/approach
Patients were recruited through an intercept method (i.e. stopped by the interviewer while in the hospital); data were collected through interviews, with a response rate of 96.1 percent.
Findings
Among the intercepted patients, 48.3 percent reported having seen people smoking in hospitals; 22.3 percent had seen a doctor and/or nurse smoking; 23.8 percent had smelled tobacco in hospitals; 68.4 percent reported having seen “no‐smoking” signs in hospital settings; 42.6 percent reported having been asked about smoking status in their latest visit to a doctor and 23.8 percent reported receiving tobacco cessation counseling. Compared to hospitals in large cities, patients from medium/small city hospitals reported significantly higher levels of cigarette smoking among physicians, and poorer implementation of regulations for a smoking‐free hospital, and less smoking cessation counseling by physicians.
Originality/value
Findings of this study point to the need for greater efforts to be made in promoting a smoke free environment in hospitals, as well as encouraging physicians to provide more smoking cessation counseling to smoking patients, particularly physicians in small and medium hospitals.
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China is among one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The massive land mass of China also means that the Chinese people are subject to weather extremes as well as…
Abstract
China is among one of the oldest civilizations in the world. The massive land mass of China also means that the Chinese people are subject to weather extremes as well as topographical variety in a country which cuts across alpine heights, treacherous deserts, lush valleys, dusty plains and lengthy rivers. With these weather extremes as the backdrop, it is crucial for the Chinese people to develop appropriate environmental control techniques for their dwellings as well as to ensure the structural integrity of their buildings. This paper discusses the protection, heating, anti‐seismic and dampness techniques developed and implemented in ancient China. It also documents the measures taken by the ancient Chinese to ensure the structural integrity of their buildings. The examples highlighted in this paper suggest that the building science principles adopted in ancient China remain relevant in the construction industry today.