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To address the issues of low localization and mapping accuracy, as well as map ghosting and drift, in indoor degraded environments using light detection and ranging-simultaneous localization and mapping (LiDAR SLAM), a real-time localization and mapping system integrating filtering and graph optimization theory is proposed. By incorporating filtering algorithms, the system effectively reduces localization errors and environmental noise. In addition, leveraging graph optimization theory, it optimizes the poses and positions throughout the SLAM process, further enhancing map accuracy and consistency. The purpose of this study resolves common problems such as map ghosting and drift, thereby achieving more precise real-time localization and mapping results.

The system consists of three main components: point cloud data preprocessing, tightly coupled inertial odometry based on filtering and backend pose graph optimization. First, point cloud data preprocessing uses the random sample consensus algorithm to segment the ground and extract ground model parameters, which are then used to construct ground constraint factors in backend optimization. Second, the frontend tightly coupled inertial odometry uses iterative error-state Kalman filtering, where the LiDAR odometry serves as observations and the inertial measurement unit preintegration results as predictions. By constructing a joint function, filtering fusion yields a more accurate LiDAR-inertial odometry. Finally, the backend incorporates graph optimization theory, introducing loop closure factors, ground constraint factors and odometry factors from frame-to-frame matching as constraints. This forms a factor graph that optimizes the map’s poses. The loop closure factor uses an improved scan-text-based loop closure detection algorithm for position recognition, reducing the rate of environmental misidentification.

A SLAM system integrating filtering and graph optimization technique has been proposed, demonstrating improvements of 35.3%, 37.6% and 40.8% in localization and mapping accuracy compared to ALOAM, lightweight and ground optimized lidar odometry and mapping and LiDAR inertial odometry via smoothing and mapping, respectively. The system exhibits enhanced robustness in challenging environments.

This study introduces a frontend laser-inertial odometry tightly coupled filtering method and a backend graph optimization method improved by loop closure detection. This approach demonstrates superior robustness in indoor localization and mapping accuracy.

Poses the question: what are the consequences of employing a household help on the domestic division of labour? Researches this question by talking to ten couples who employ cleaners. Reports that employing some sort of domestic help has enabled middle‐class women to enter employment in greater numbers than ever before and that it is simply too costly to a family’s economy to have an educated female potential wage‐earner concentrating on unpaid domestic tasks. Refers to a “stalled revolution“, whereby men (theoretically) are carrying out a greater share of domestic tasks but (in actuality) women do not report any great difference. Notes also, that it is increasingly difficult to rely on assistance from relatives. Puts forward reasons for and against the employment of domestic help, as well as four perspectives – the individual perspective, the gender perspective, the general structure of society, and the labour market, and social policy – relating to the consequences of employing a cleaner. Explores “partner‐typology”, determined on a continuum stretching from traditional role‐held beliefs to symmetrical roles for men and women. Concludes that employing domestic help leads to a more equal relationship between the employing couple, that housework is perceived as an increasingly unattractive option, and that new inequalities creep into the gender relationship as it is usually women who perform low‐paid domestic work.

In the context of fire incidents within buildings, efficient scene perception by firefighting robots is particularly crucial. Although individual sensors can provide specific types of data, achieving deep data correlation among multiple sensors poses challenges. To address this issue, this study aims to explore a fusion approach integrating thermal imaging cameras and LiDAR sensors to enhance the perception capabilities of firefighting robots in fire environments.

Prior to sensor fusion, accurate calibration of the sensors is essential. This paper proposes an extrinsic calibration method based on rigid body transformation. The collected data is optimized using the Ceres optimization algorithm to obtain precise calibration parameters. Building upon this calibration, a sensor fusion method based on coordinate projection transformation is proposed, enabling real-time mapping between images and point clouds. In addition, the effectiveness of the proposed fusion device data collection is validated in experimental smoke-filled fire environments.

The average reprojection error obtained by the extrinsic calibration method based on rigid body transformation is 1.02 pixels, indicating good accuracy. The fused data combines the advantages of thermal imaging cameras and LiDAR, overcoming the limitations of individual sensors.

This paper introduces an extrinsic calibration method based on rigid body transformation, along with a sensor fusion approach based on coordinate projection transformation. The effectiveness of this fusion strategy is validated in simulated fire environments.

Discusses the transfer of undertakings in the UK, referring to the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations of 1981, the Employment Rights Act 1996, and the Acquired Rights Directive 1977. Provides the raison d’etre of the Acquired Rights Directive and outlines how it was implemented in the UK. Talks about the confusing jurisprudence of the European and British courts, mentioning the European Court of Justice’s challenges to the directive, the 1994 proposals, amended 1997 proposals, the Commission’s memorandum of 1997 and the UK government’s consultation papers. Describes how the European Directive is applied and interpreted in relation to the Acquired Rights Directive and transfer of undertakings. Outlines the regulations controlling compulsory competitive tendering. Points out the obligation to inform and consult on the transfer of an undertaking and how the directive is enforced if this fails to occur. Notes the effect a relevant transfer has on existing collective agreements and the legal implications of dismissing employees by reason of the relevant transfer. Looks at the European Commission’s proposal for a directive on safeguarding employees’ rights in the event of transfer and the implications that would have on UK business. Concludes that a new directive is needed, building on the 1977 Directive but ironing out its inconsistencies.

The flexible mode transitions, multiple power sources and system uncertainty lead to challenges for mode transition control of four-wheel-drive hybrid powertrain. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to improve dynamic performance and fuel economy in mode transition process for four-wheel-drive hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), overcoming the influence of system uncertainty.

First, operation modes and transitions are analyzed and then dynamic models during mode transition process are established. Second, a robust mode transition controller based on radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is proposed. RBFNN is designed as an uncertainty estimator to approximate lumped model uncertainty due to modeling error. Based on this estimator, a sliding mode controller (SMC) is proposed in clutch slipping phase to achieve clutch speed synchronization, despite disturbance of engine torque error, engine resistant torque and clutch torque. Finally, simulations are carried out on MATLAB/Cruise co-platform.

Compared with routine control and SMC, the proposed robust controller can achieve better performance in clutch slipping time, engine torque error, vehicle jerk and slipping work either in nominal system or perturbed system.

The mode transition control of four-wheel-drive HEVs is investigated, and a robust controller based on RBFNN estimation is proposed. Compared results show that the proposed controller can improve dynamic performance and fuel economy effectively in spite of the existence of uncertainty.

Promoting customer–company identification (CCI) has become a crucial relationship marketing strategy for service firms. The purpose of this study is to examine how customers’ perceptions of service quality and corporate social responsibility (CSR) affect CCI over time. More importantly, a comparative analysis is conducted to compare the long-term effectiveness of service quality versus CSR in forming CCI.

A conceptual framework is developed and then empirically examined using latent growth curve modeling. The study data were collected from restaurant customers in Taiwan in four waves of 213 repeated measures.

The results of this study show that customers’ perceptions of both service quality and CSR affect CCI. Particularly, the results of this study indicate that compared with service quality, customers’ perceived CSR has a stronger effect in the promotion of CCI over time.

This study offers a new insight for service marketing practitioners who are planning and implementing strategies for enhancing CCI. The findings suggest that relationship investments are more effective over the long term when service firms shift their investment priority over time from achieving high service quality to increasing consumers’ belief in the firm’s commitment to CSR.

Though previous research has explored the various drivers of CCI, longitudinal examinations are surprisingly scarce in this context. Using latent growth curve modeling, this study examines how CCI antecedents influence changes in CCI over time. More importantly, this study reveals that CSR has a stronger long-term impact on CCI than service quality.

This study uses the social identity theory and relationship marketing theory to investigate customer satisfaction, commitment, trust and loyalty towards hospitality brands. Therefore, the author develops and empirically tests the relationships among these constructs. The methodology involved the use of structured equation models to investigate the hypothesised relationships. The results suggest that customer brand identification has a positive influence on loyalty, commitment, satisfaction and trust. The study also implies that commitment mediates the relationships between the three relational constructs (customer identification, trust and satisfaction) and brand loyalty.

Internet has changed radically in the way people interact in the virtual world, in their careers or social relationships. IoT technology has added a new vision to this process by enabling connections between smart objects and humans, and also between smart objects themselves, which leads to anything, anytime, anywhere, and any media communications. IoT allows objects to physically see, hear, think, and perform tasks by making them talk to each other, share information and coordinate decisions. To enable the vision of IoT, it utilizes technologies such as ubiquitous computing, context awareness, RFID, WSN, embedded devices, CPS, communication technologies, and internet protocols. IoT is considered to be the future internet, which is significantly different from the Internet we use today. The purpose of this paper is to provide up-to-date literature on trends of IoT research which is driven by the need for convergence of several interdisciplinary technologies and new applications.

A comprehensive IoT literature review has been performed in this paper as a survey. The survey starts by providing an overview of IoT concepts, visions and evolutions. IoT architectures are also explored. Then, the most important components of IoT are discussed including a thorough discussion of IoT operating systems such as Tiny OS, Contiki OS, FreeRTOS, and RIOT. A review of IoT applications is also presented in this paper and finally, IoT challenges that can be recently encountered by researchers are introduced.

Studies of IoT literature and projects show the disproportionate importance of technology in IoT projects, which are often driven by technological interventions rather than innovation in the business model. There are a number of serious concerns about the dangers of IoT growth, particularly in the areas of privacy and security; hence, industry and government began addressing these concerns. At the end, what makes IoT exciting is that we do not yet know the exact use cases which would have the ability to significantly influence our lives.

This survey provides a comprehensive literature review on IoT techniques, operating systems and trends.

Enhancing consumer-company identification (CCI) is a useful means by which to build deeper, more committed relationships with consumers. The purpose of this paper is to examine how consumers’ perceptions about the company (service quality and corporate social responsibility) and construal of the self (independent self-construal and interdependent self-construal) affect their identification with a service firm. This study also investigates how consumers’ involvement with the service firm moderates the relationships between CCI and four specific drivers.

A conceptual model is developed and empirically tested through two field-based studies (restaurant services and financial services) and one follow-up laboratory experiment.

The results of this research show that service quality, corporate social responsibility and interdependent self-construal positively affect CCI and that independent self-construal has a negative effect on CCI. In particular, the greater the involvement of the consumer with the service firm, the more positive the effects of service quality and corporate social responsibility are on CCI.

This research provides new insight into services marketing management by suggesting that service firms can enhance CCI and, consequently, consumer loyalty by adopting different strategies for specific consumer segments.

This is the first empirical study to simultaneously incorporate both company characteristics and consumer personal factors into a framework, and provide an integrative understanding of what factors determine consumers’ identification with a service firm.

The purpose of this paper is to propose, by drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) and economic regulation theory, that companies with political connections are more likely to enter into industries with high entry barriers, as they are more likely to obtain entry permits from the government and can gain more benefits after entering these industries. Managers’ political connections are a crucial determinant of firm scope. Although the existing research on this topic has shown that firms tend to use political connections to increase their scope, it remains unclear which industries companies with political connections choose to enter. Drawing on the resource-based view and economic regulation theory, we propose that companies with political connections are more likely to enter into industries with high entry barriers, as they are more likely to obtain entry permits from the government and can gain more benefits after entering these industries.

Data on a sample of Chinese listed privately owned enterprises were used and the findings support the main predictions.

The findings support the main predictions.

The research findings of this study contribute to the existing research on political connections and strategic choices.