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Article
Publication date: 16 May 2016

Fayong Guo, Tao Mei, Marco Ceccarelli, Ziyi Zhao, Tao Li and Jianghai Zhao

Walking on inclined ground is an important ability for humanoid robots. In general, conventional strategies for walking on slopes lack technical analysis in, first, the waist…

264

Abstract

Purpose

Walking on inclined ground is an important ability for humanoid robots. In general, conventional strategies for walking on slopes lack technical analysis in, first, the waist posture with respect to actual robot and, second, the landing impact, which weakens the walking stability. The purpose of this paper is to propose a generic method for walking pattern generation considering these issues with the aim of enabling humanoid robot to walk dynamically on a slope.

Design/methodology/approach

First, a virtual ground method (VGM) is proposed to give a continuous and intuitive zero-moment point (ZMP) on slopes. Then, the dynamic motion equations are derived based on 2D and 3D models, respectively, by using VGM. Furthermore, the waist posture with respect to the actual robot is analyzed. Finally, a reformative linear inverted pendulum (LIP) named the asymmetric linear inverted pendulum (ALIP) is proposed to achieve stable and dynamical walking in any direction on a slope with lower landing impact.

Findings

Simulations and experiments are carried out using the DRC-XT humanoid robot platform with the aim of verifying the validity and feasibility of these new methods. ALIP with consideration of waist posture is practical in extending the ability of walking on slopes for humanoid robots.

Originality/value

A generic method called ALIP for humanoid robots walking on slopes is proposed. ALIP is based on LIP and several changes, including model analysis, motion equations and ZMP functions, are discussed.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 43 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 29 March 2024

Xingwen Wu, Zhenxian Zhang, Wubin Cai, Ningrui Yang, Xuesong Jin, Ping Wang, Zefeng Wen, Maoru Chi, Shuling Liang and Yunhua Huang

This review aims to give a critical view of the wheel/rail high frequency vibration-induced vibration fatigue in railway bogie.

887

Abstract

Purpose

This review aims to give a critical view of the wheel/rail high frequency vibration-induced vibration fatigue in railway bogie.

Design/methodology/approach

Vibration fatigue of railway bogie arising from the wheel/rail high frequency vibration has become the main concern of railway operators. Previous reviews usually focused on the formation mechanism of wheel/rail high frequency vibration. This paper thus gives a critical review of the vibration fatigue of railway bogie owing to the short-pitch irregularities-induced high frequency vibration, including a brief introduction of short-pitch irregularities, associated high frequency vibration in railway bogie, typical vibration fatigue failure cases of railway bogie and methodologies used for the assessment of vibration fatigue and research gaps.

Findings

The results showed that the resulting excitation frequencies of short-pitch irregularity vary substantially due to different track types and formation mechanisms. The axle box-mounted components are much more vulnerable to vibration fatigue compared with other components. The wheel polygonal wear and rail corrugation-induced high frequency vibration is the main driving force of fatigue failure, and the fatigue crack usually initiates from the defect of the weld seam. Vibration spectrum for attachments of railway bogie defined in the standard underestimates the vibration level arising from the short-pitch irregularities. The current investigations on vibration fatigue mainly focus on the methods to improve the accuracy of fatigue damage assessment, and a systematical design method for vibration fatigue remains a huge gap to improve the survival probability when the rail vehicle is subjected to vibration fatigue.

Originality/value

The research can facilitate the development of a new methodology to improve the fatigue life of railway vehicles when subjected to wheel/rail high frequency vibration.

Details

Railway Sciences, vol. 3 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2755-0907

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Publication date: 6 December 2021

Heather Moore, Lihua Dishman and John Fick

Employee turnover is a growing challenge for health-care providers delivering patient care today. US population demographics are shifting as the population ages, which leaves the…

Abstract

Employee turnover is a growing challenge for health-care providers delivering patient care today. US population demographics are shifting as the population ages, which leaves the field of health care poised to lose key leaders and employees to retirement at a time when patient care has grown more complex. This means health care will lose its core of key employees at a time when skilled leadership and specialized knowledge is most needed and directly impacts health care's ability to deliver quality care. Operational succession planning (OSP) may be one solution to manage this looming challenge in health care, as the process identifies and develops the next generation of leadership. Thus, this exploratory national study used a quantitative and cross-sectional design to examine the relationship between OSP and employee turnover. Demographic and 10-point Likert scale data were collected from n = 66 medical practices, using an online survey instrument. Data were analyzed using various descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Distribution (frequency and chi-square) analyses of the study sample, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and regression analyses were performed across seven demographic characteristics of the medical practices: Specialty, Ownership Structure, Number of full-time equivalent (FTE) Physicians, Number of FTE Clinical Employees, Number of FTE Nonclinical Employees, Number of FTE Employees Left Position, and Region. Study results provided statistically significant evidence to support the relationship between OSP and employee turnover, highlighting that OSP was associated with lower employee turnover. The finding suggests that OSP can serve as an effective mechanism for increasing employee retention.

Details

The Contributions of Health Care Management to Grand Health Care Challenges
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80117-801-3

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Article
Publication date: 1 September 2016

Tao Zhang, Wanmin Zhao and Dongjun Tong

Flood season in our country is characterized by frequent heavy rains, and flood problems are becoming increasingly serious. The uneven distribution of water resources causes…

48

Abstract

Flood season in our country is characterized by frequent heavy rains, and flood problems are becoming increasingly serious. The uneven distribution of water resources causes conflicts in the occurrence of floods and droughts. Implementing effective flood control planning and solving drought and flood disasters are the research highlights of relevant institutions both domestic and abroad. This study develops a multiscale method of urban flood control planning based on microcirculation. A microcirculation water ecosystem, which consists of six elements, namely, collecting, interacting, precipitating, reserving, storing, and purifying, is introduced. This study investigates precipitation; peak shaving; recycle mode of filtration at the macro level in different regions; “hierarchy” in rainwater ecosystems in rain parks, heavy rain garden parks, and wetland parks at the meso level; and the concept of zero-emission rain in residential areas and roads at the micro level. Finally, this study analyzes a rain garden and its domestic application. A conclusion is drawn that the flood control planning model based on microcirculation can effectively reduce rain runoff. Empirical measurement proves that the proposed multiscale model for city flood control planning based on microcirculation promotes flood control and effectively reduces the occurrence of droughts and floods.

Details

Open House International, vol. 41 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0168-2601

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Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Aamir Hassan and Javed Ahmad Bhat

Concrete-filled double skin tube (CFDST) columns are considered one of the most effective steel-concrete composite sections owing to the higher load carrying capacity as compared…

142

Abstract

Purpose

Concrete-filled double skin tube (CFDST) columns are considered one of the most effective steel-concrete composite sections owing to the higher load carrying capacity as compared to its counterpart concrete-filled tube (CFT) columns. This paper aims to numerically investigate the performance of axially loaded, circular CFDST short columns, with the innovative strengthening technique of providing stiffeners in outer tubes. Circular steel hollow sections have been adopted for inner as well as outer tubes, while varying the length of rectangular steel stiffeners, fixed inside the outer tubes only, to check the effect of stiffeners in partially and full-length stiffened CFDST columns.

Design/methodology/approach

The behaviour of these CFDST columns is investigated numerically by using a verified finite element analysis (FEA) model from the ABAQUS. The behaviour of 20-unstiffened, 80-partially stiffened and 20-full-length stiffened CFDST columns is studied, while varying the strength of steel (fyo = 250–750 MPa) and concrete (30–90 MPa).

Findings

The FEA results are verified by comparing them with the previous test results. FEA study has exhibited that, there is a 7%–25% and 39%–49% increase in peak-loads in partially stiffened and full-length stiffened CFDST columns, respectively, compared to unstiffened CFDST columns.

Originality/value

Enhanced strength has been observed in partially stiffened and full-length stiffened CFDST columns as compared to unstiffened CFDST columns. Also, a significant effect of strength of concrete has not been observed as compared to the strength of steel.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 21 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

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Article
Publication date: 11 November 2020

Yu Feng, Wei Tao, Yiyang Feng, Xiaoqia Yin, Na Lv and Hui Zhao

Although a laser profile sensor (LPS) can be used to measure dimensions, the “shadow region” generally degrades the accuracy and precision of width measurements. The accuracy and…

384

Abstract

Purpose

Although a laser profile sensor (LPS) can be used to measure dimensions, the “shadow region” generally degrades the accuracy and precision of width measurements. The accuracy and precision of such measurements should be improved.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the authors propose herein a technique that combines high dynamic range (HDR) imaging with logistic fitting. First, a HDR image is composed of several images acquired with different exposure times, which augments the grayscale of the object profile and significantly reduces overexposure. Next, the profile is fit to a logistic function, which provides accurate and precise edge coordinates. Finally, given the edge coordinates, the object width is calculated.

Findings

To verify the stability of this logistic algorithm, the authors simulate different noise conditions and different degrees of incomplete edge data. In addition, the progressiveness of the algorithm is demonstrated by comparing the results with those of other algorithms and with the height measurement. Furthermore, the suitability of the system is verified experimentally.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the limitation of the condition of laboratory, in the experimental section, this paper cannot represent perfectly the industrial situation. It makes this section limited in demonstration.

Originality/value

In this paper, the results show that the measurement accuracy and precision of the width is improved and exceeds that of the height measurement. The proposed HDR imaging method with logistic fitting may be applied to LPS width measurements, which should significantly aid the development of LPSs.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 40 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

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Article
Publication date: 24 May 2024

Disheng Wang and Xiaohong Xia

This study aims to examine the impact of digital transformation on firms’ value and explore the mediating impact of ESG performance and moderating impact of information…

1120

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the impact of digital transformation on firms’ value and explore the mediating impact of ESG performance and moderating impact of information interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

Data was collected from companies listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchange between 2012 and 2020 with 21,488 observational samples, featuring a selection of 3,348 companies. Panel data regression techniques were used to test the mediating role of ESG performance and the moderating role of information interaction.

Findings

The study found that digital transformation can improve firms’ ESG performance, which in turn positively affects their value. The firms that engage in more interaction with outsiders benefit more from digital transformation and have a higher value.

Originality/value

This study provides new theoretical insight into improving firms’ value through digital transformation and ESG performance. It is the first to discuss and study the moderating role of information interaction in the relationship between digital transformation and firms’ value.

Details

Business Process Management Journal, vol. 30 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-7154

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Article
Publication date: 1 November 2009

Qingqing Ren, Tao Zhao, Hong Pan and Jing Wang

A novel chitosan derivative, O-acrylamidomethyl-HTCC (NMA-HTCC) was synthesized in two steps. First, N-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium)propyl] chitosan chloride (HTCC) was…

77

Abstract

A novel chitosan derivative, O-acrylamidomethyl-HTCC (NMA-HTCC) was synthesized in two steps. First, N-[(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium)propyl] chitosan chloride (HTCC) was prepared by introducing 2,3-epoxy propane trimethlyl ammonium chloride(GTA) on the amino groups of chitosan. HTCC was further modified by reacting with N-methylolacrylamide (NMA) on the primary alcohol groups (C-6) on the chitosan. The effect of modified chitosan on the dyeing properties of cotton fabric was studied by measuring the dye uptake and K/S values of the treated substrates with different treating processes under salt-free conditions. The antimicrobial activity of modified chitosan against Escherichia coli and the durability of antimicrobial activity was assessed using percentage reduction rate of the bacterium with different treating processes. The results indicate that modified chitosan treated cotton fabric shows increased dye uptake, K/S values and fastness, and its antimicrobial activity and durability are much better than chitosan treated cotton fabric.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 13 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

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Article
Publication date: 8 July 2020

Ming K. Lim, Weiqing Xiong and Zhimei Lei

Cloud manufacturing (CMfg) is a networked manufacturing mode that promotes the agile, service-oriented, green and intelligent development of the manufacturing industry. Although…

1126

Abstract

Purpose

Cloud manufacturing (CMfg) is a networked manufacturing mode that promotes the agile, service-oriented, green and intelligent development of the manufacturing industry. Although some scholars have reviewed related studies of CMfg from multiple perspectives, these reviews are not fully systematic or well justified and fail to fully reveal the key characteristics in the development process of CMfg. The purpose of this paper is to systematically review the relevant research on CMfg via identification of key characteristics of definition, architecture, supporting technology and application of CMfg to provide critical information in decision support for the innovation and development of CMfg.

Design/methodology/approach

This study systematically reviews the relevant research on CMfg across theoretical methods to technical applications by integrating quantitative and qualitative methods. Word cloud method is used to quantitatively analyse the structure and feature of different definitions of CMfg. The principle of System Science is used to explore the basic components and functions of various CMfg architectures and their common and differing characteristics. A multi-level technology framework is developed to explore the development status of CMfg supporting technologies. A multi-stage application classification is proposed to reveal the application status of CMfg.

Findings

Through literature review, this study found that CMfg architecture is currently dominated by general architectures and lacks architectures that fit the actual enterprise characteristics; CMfg supporting technology is mature in the traditional cloud computing-based technology, but it is still weak in the development of virtualization and servitization technology, service scheduling technology; CMfg application is still in the initial stage and still lacks a relatively complete system application. By analysing the development status of CMfg, this study also identified potential research directions of CMfg in information management, service composition and evaluation, system application and sustainable development and other aspects.

Research limitations/implications

This paper predominantly focuses on journal articles and some key conference papers published in English and Chinese. Chinese articles account for more than half of the total. The reason is that CMfg was proposed by the Chinese and CMfg is suitable for the development of China's manufacturing industry because of China's intelligent manufacturing environment. It is believed that this research has reached a reliable comprehensiveness that can help scholars and practitioners establish new research directions and evaluate their work in CMfg.

Originality/value

Prior literature reviews ignore the identification and analysis of key feature identification for the current development of CMfg, including common and unique feature identification of different CMfg architectures and functions, multi-layer analysis and interpretation of CMfg technology and different stage analysis of CMfg applications. This study addresses these limitations and provides a comprehensive literature review.

Details

Industrial Management & Data Systems, vol. 120 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0263-5577

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Article
Publication date: 12 December 2024

Zeyu Li, Mazlina Mustapha, Ahmad Fahmi Sheikh Hassan and Saidatunur Fauzi Saidin

This study examines the impact of corporate governance on succession planning and organizational performance. Drawing on agency theory, the main purpose of this study is to…

72

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the impact of corporate governance on succession planning and organizational performance. Drawing on agency theory, the main purpose of this study is to identify the effect of corporate governance on succession planning by measuring the different characteristics of the board of directors.

Design/methodology/approach

This multi-quantitative research used primary and archival data. A total of 281 valid questionnaires were collected from Chinese listed family firms to gauge succession planning. Relevant archival data were obtained to measure board characteristics and organizational performance. All hypotheses were examined through structural equation modeling.

Findings

The outcomes indicate that corporate governance positively influences succession planning and, in turn, boosts superior organizational performance, which uncovers the mediating effect of succession planning on the relationship between corporate governance and organizational performance. Our findings reveal that board independence and education facilitate the development of succession planning, which is crucial in the family business’s life cycle.

Originality/value

The results of this study contribute to management succession, strategic management and leadership research by demonstrating how corporate governance fosters organizational performance through succession planning, thereby expanding the application scenarios of agency theory in family firms. Additionally, the article also enriches our understanding of how family businesses apply sound governance structures to promote organizational strategic decision-making during the succession process.

Details

Management Decision, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0025-1747

Keywords

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