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Wireless network localization technology is very popular in recent years and has attracted worldwide attention. The purpose of this paper is to improve the localization accuracy of ultra-wideband (UWB) with lower localization error taking into consideration the special real environment with the closed long and narrow space.

The principle of multidimensional scaling (MDS), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Taylor series expansion algorithm (Taylor-D) were introduced. A novel positioning algorithm, MDS-PSO-Taylor was proposed to minimize the localization error. MDS-PSO algorithm provided a more accurate preliminary coordinate by applying the PSO algorithm so that the Taylor-D was used for further enhancing the localization accuracy.

Experimental results manifested that the proposed algorithm, providing small localization error value and higher positioning accuracy, can effectively reduce errors and achieve better performance in terms of the considerable improvement of localization accuracy.

The presented study with the real environment test attempts to demonstrate the proposed algorithm is hopeful to be applied to the underground environment for in the future.

When handling small-sized shafts and holes, achieving optimal safety, size compatibility and shape adaptability using rigid grippers presents significant problems. Recent advancements have introduced soft end-effectors that offer enhanced safety and adaptability for gripping parts. However, these soft end-effectors often struggle to maintain the necessary gripping positional accuracy. The purpose of this paper is to design a soft end-effector specifically engineered to address these problems, combining precise gripping capabilities with improved safety, positional accuracy and adaptability to the size and shape of fragile, small-sized components.

A soft finger with multilayer decreasing drive air chambers is designed to achieve the finger bending increasing from the root to the tip of the finger to improve the flexibility of the fingertip. Additionally, a three-finger self-centering configuration is employed, coupled with an expandable structure to increase the gripping range. Furthermore, a theoretical mathematical model of the finger is established. The physical prototype is manufactured and subjected to experimental testing, including gripping tests on small-sized, fragile shaft holes, to validate its operational performance.

The grasping experiments confirm that the designed end-effector can maintain coaxial positioning and meet adaptability requirements when handling fragile components with small-sized shaft holes. Furthermore, the addition of expanding palm structure increases the gripping attitude and enriches the application scene and gripping space.

The design of multilayer decreasing air chamber structure to solve the problem of poor gripping stability and low positional accuracy of soft manipulator; the expandable palm design is introduced to enhance gripping space; and solved the problem of gripping accuracy in the assembly of fragile parts with small-size shafts and holes.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the distribution and surface characteristic of transfer film of polyamide composites filled with ZnOw during traction rolling.

In this paper, the traction rolling tribological behavior of polyamide composites filled with ZnOw was studied with a twin-disc traction rolling tester. The topography of transfer film was observed with a three dimensional profiler. Meantime the thickness of transfer film was measured. The chemistry elements of transfer film were analyzed with EDS and XRD.

The results indicated that transfer film of composites patchily covered on the surface of counter disc, the amount of which increased with increasing cycles. The coverage and thickness of pure PA film increased against rolling cycles. However, the thickness of 15 wt.% ZnOw/PA film remained at 6 μm as the coverage rose against rolling cycles. Fe element was found in pure PA transfer film, which existed in Fe0 and FeO for chemical reaction between Fe and atmospheric oxygen. Transfer film of 15 wt.% ZnOw/PA composites included a little Zn and Fe element. Fe element existed as Fe0. Zn element existed as ZnO.

This paper presented the distribution and surface characteristic of transfer film during traction rolling.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) and poly (phenyl p-hydroxybenzoate) (PHBA) on improving the torsional tribological behavior of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

This paper investigates the torsional tribological behavior of PTFE composites filled with h-BN and PHBA under different angular displacements with a plane-on-plane torsional friction tester. The worn surface of PTFE composites was investigated by using a scanning electron microscope.

The shape of T–Θ curves of PTFE composites was influenced by both content fillers and torsional angule. The material with a higher coefficient of sliding friction exhibited the larger torsional angle under which the torsional regime transited from a partial slip to a gross slip. PTFE composites filled with 20 weight per cent PHBA and 10 weight per cent h-BN showed the best anti-wear properties. The specific wear rate of composites exhibits a negative correlation with material hardness. The wear volume loss presents a positive correlation with friction dissipation energy. The specific wear rate of all composites decreased with increasing torsional angle. The dominant wear mechanism of pure PTFE was adhesive wear. The slight plastic flow and plowing occurred on the worn surfaces of PTFE composites because of the higher hardness of composites and the lubrication of h-BN particles with layer crystal structure.

This paper put forward a kind of PTFE composite with low torsional wear rate, which can be used in the sliding slewing bearing or the center plate of a bogie.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of collaborative innovation networks on new product development (NPD) performance in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also investigates the mediating role of business model innovation and moderating role of collaboration experience and external information technology (IT) capability in the above relationship.

To test the research hypotheses about the relationships above, survey data were collected from 209 Chinese manufacturing SMEs. Multiple hierarchical regressions analysis was used to examine the hypotheses.

Results reveal that collaborative innovation networks have positive impacts on NPD performance in SMEs. Moreover, business model innovation mediates and collaboration experience and external IT capability positively moderate the relationship between collaborative innovation networks and NPD performance in SMEs.

This study paints a more complete picture of the relationship between collaborative innovation networks and NPD performance in SMEs and advances the understanding of how and when SMEs enhance their NPD performance through collaborative innovation networks.

This study aims to explore the effect of collaboration networks (domestic and international collaboration networks) on the innovation performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also investigates the mediating role of business model innovation, the moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation and government institutional support between them.

Hierarchical regression analysis is adopted to test the hypotheses based on survey data provided by 223 manufacturing SMEs in China.

The results reveal that domestic and international collaboration networks positively affect SMEs' innovation performance. Business model innovation mediates domestic and international collaboration networks-SMEs’ innovation performance relationships. Entrepreneurial orientation positively moderates international collaboration networks–SMEs’ innovation performance relationship, and government institutional support positively moderates domestic and international collaboration networks–SMEs’ innovation performance relationships.

The findings indicate that managers of SMEs should invest in domestic and international collaboration networks and business model innovation to enhance SMEs' innovation performance. Moreover, entrepreneurial orientation and government institutional support should be valued when SMEs try to enhance their innovation performance by embedding in domestic and international collaboration networks.

This study broadens the authors' understanding of the relationship between collaboration networks and firms' innovation performance by classifying collaboration networks into domestic and international dimensions and investigating their direct impacts on SMEs' innovation performance. Besides, this study reveals how and when domestic and international collaboration networks influence the innovation performance of SMEs.

This paper aims to improve shearer positioning accuracy. Shearer positioning using an inertial navigation system (INS) is a highly useful technology; however, positioning accuracy is seriously hindered by INS attitude error, particularly heading drift.

A shearer positioning model with double-INS based on extended Kalman filter was proposed. The constant distance between two INSs (INS 1 and INS 2) was selected as the observation vector. Allan variance was used to identify the noise type of the vertical-axis gyroscope, and the stochastic process of heading drift for two INSs was obtained and divided into incongruous drift and concurrent drift.

Simulation was then carried out to determine the optimal arrangement of the two INSs. For incongruous drift, the optimal arrangement satisfied the condition that the line connecting INS 1 and INS 2 was perpendicular to the shearer lateral axis (in the shearer coordinate frame) and parallel to the east-north plane (in the east-north-up coordinate frame). Under optimal arrangement, the positioning accuracy increased against the distance between INS 1 and INS 2. For concurrent drift, the double-INS positioning model had no effect. Under the circumstances, the number of INSs should be increased so that the uncertainty of INS drift was reflected as much as possible.

A new double-INS positioning model was proposed with the constant distance between the two INSs. The optimal arrangement for double-INS was obtained.

The purpose of the study is applying and comparing models that predict optimal time for new product exit based on its demand pattern and survivability. This is to decide whether or not to continue investing in new product development (NPD).

The study investigates the optimal time for new product exit within the hi-tech sector by applying three models: the dynamic learning demand model (DLDM), the generalized Bass model (GBM) and the hazard model (HM). Further, for inter- and intra-model comparison, the authors conducted a simulation, considering Weiner and exponential price functions to enhance generalizability.

While higher price volatility signifies an unstable technology, greater investment into research and development (R&D) and marketing results in higher product adoption rates. Imitators have a more prominent role than innovators in determining the longevity of hi-tech products.

The study conducts a comparison of three different models considering time-varying parameters. There are four scenarios, considering variations in advertising intensity and content, word-of-mouth (WOM) effect, price volatility effect and sunk cost effect.

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of argon plasma surface modification on tribological properties of conventional ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and vitamin E-blended UHMWPE. In previous studies, some researchers conducted a study on argon plasma surface modification of UHMWPE, but there is no study about argon plasma surface modification of VE-UHMWPE. So another objective of this paper is to compare the results for both the material groups.

UHMWPE and vitamin E-blended UHMWPE sample surfaces were modified by microwave-induced argon plasma to increase tribological properties of the materials. The modified surfaces were evaluated in terms of wettability and wear behavior. Wettability of the surfaces was determined by contact angle measurements. Wear behavior was examined by ball-on-disc wear tests under lubrication with 25 per cent bovine serum.

Argon plasma surface modification enhanced the wear resistance and surface wettability properties of conventional UHMWPE and VE-UHMWPE. Wear factor of argon plasma-treated samples reduced, but for VE-UHMWPE samples, this reduction was not as high as the conventional UHMWPE’s wear factor.

In previous studies, some researchers have studied on argon plasma surface modification of UHMWPE, but there is no study about argon plasma surface modification of VE-UHMWPE.

The purpose of the paper is to make a high speed motor based on the characteristics of high strength silicon steel. With the higher requirements for torque density and power density of the driving system of electric vehicles (EV), conventional magnetic materials have been difficult to meet the demands in the future. In this paper, a new type of high-strength non-grain-oriented (NGO)material is tested.

Through analyzing the characteristic of high strength silicon steel, it is applied to the rotor part of a high-speed motor. A topological optimization is applied to achieve higher power density and higher efficiency of the motor.

The feasibility of the scheme was analyzed by the finite element method, and a prototype was also fabricated to verify the analysis.

In this paper, the characteristics of new soft magnetic materials as a breakthrough to manufacture a new generation of high-performance electrical machine (EM) are discussed. Consequently, the presented work greatly facilitates further explorations and guides the innovative application of soft magnetic materials and the iterative optimization of motor structure.