Yue Wang, Shusheng Zhang, Sen Yang, Weiping He and Xiaoliang Bai
This paper aims to propose a real-time augmented reality (AR)-based assembly assistance system using a coarse-to-fine marker-less tracking strategy. The system automatically…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose a real-time augmented reality (AR)-based assembly assistance system using a coarse-to-fine marker-less tracking strategy. The system automatically adapts to tracking requirement when the topological structure of the assembly changes after each assembly step.
Design/methodology/approach
The prototype system’s process can be divided into two stages: the offline preparation stage and online execution stage. In the offline preparation stage, planning results (assembly sequence, parts position, rotation, etc.) and image features [gradient and oriented FAST and rotated BRIEF (ORB)features] are extracted automatically from the assembly planning process. In the online execution stage, too, image features are extracted and matched with those generated offline to compute the camera pose, and planning results stored in XML files are parsed to generate the assembly instructions for manipulators. In the prototype system, the working range of template matching algorithm, LINE-MOD, is first extended by using depth information; then, a fast and robust marker-less tracker that combines the modified LINE-MOD algorithm and ORB tracker is designed to update the camera pose continuously. Furthermore, to track the camera pose stably, a tracking strategy according to the characteristic of assembly is presented herein.
Findings
The tracking accuracy and time of the proposed marker-less tracking approach were evaluated, and the results showed that the tracking method could run at 30 fps and the position and pose tracking accuracy was slightly superior to ARToolKit.
Originality/value
The main contributions of this work are as follows: First, the authors present a coarse-to-fine marker-less tracking method that uses modified state-of-the-art template matching algorithm, LINE-MOD, to find the coarse camera pose. Then, a feature point tracker ORB is activated to calculate the accurate camera pose. The whole tracking pipeline needs, on average, 24.35 ms for each frame, which can satisfy the real-time requirement for AR assembly. On basis of this algorithm, the authors present a generic tracking strategy according to the characteristics of the assembly and develop a generic AR-based assembly assistance platform. Second, the authors present a feature point mismatch-eliminating rule based on the orientation vector. By obtaining stable matching feature points, the proposed system can achieve accurate tracking results. The evaluation of the camera position and pose tracking accuracy result show that the study’s method is slightly superior to ARToolKit markers.
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Sheng Xu, Hao Wei Wang, Xing Zhang and Weiping He
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the corrosion behaviors of 2A12 aluminum alloy in NaCl and EXCO solution, and establish the relationship between the corrosion depth…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the corrosion behaviors of 2A12 aluminum alloy in NaCl and EXCO solution, and establish the relationship between the corrosion depth and the time.
Design/methodology/approach
Alternate immersion corrosion test chamber was used to perform the corrosion test. The corrosion mediums were 3.5 percent NaCl solution and EXCO solution (NaCl 234 g/L, KNO3 50 g/L, 68 percent HNO3 6.8 mL/L). The surface morphology was studied using the digital microscope.
Findings
The average corrosion rate of aluminum alloy in NaCl solution decreased gradually at the initial stage and then went to a plateau value. The average corrosion rate of aluminum alloy in EXCO solution increased first, then showed a downward trend. The empirical function D=At B was verified.
Originality/value
The results could provide a reference for the establishment of accelerated environmental spectrum in the laboratory and give instructions on the application of aluminum alloy in alternated dry and wet environment.
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Rongjia Song, Weiping Cui, Jan Vanthienen, Lei Huang and Ying Wang
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the extant literature about the co-evolvement of Business Process Management (BPM) and the Internet of Things (IoT) by proposing the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the extant literature about the co-evolvement of Business Process Management (BPM) and the Internet of Things (IoT) by proposing the IoT-enabled Context-aware BPM (IoT-CaBPM) framework to bridge from the IoT infrastructure to context-aware business processes.
Design/methodology/approach
Motivated by the “Three Waves” of BPM research, IoT-enabled context-awareness is, therefore, expected to be achieved for enhancing the business process design, which pilots a new wave of BPR (Business Process Redesign/Reengineering) to enable the business process coevolve with IoT and analytics. This paper reports an illustrative case study of BPR in a Chinese bulk port, one of the hub seaports that widely adopted IoT technologies over the last few years.
Findings
The IoT implementation and data analytics has increased the efficiency and improve the monitoring effectively. The proposed IoT-CaBPM framework availably helps to identify and match nodes of IoT devices, business decisions and analytic models in order to redesign a business process towards context-aware variability. As IoT is rapidly becoming the new dominant IT paradigm is moving towards mature implementation in various industries, the corresponding BPR must be planned and executed strategically for achieving better benefits.
Originality/value
Despite some research extend BPM standard by integrating IoT devices as a sort of resources or report generically that the ports operations are affected by IoT, there is still a lack of layers from the IoT infrastructure to context-aware business processes. An industrial BPR case with business models in detail is also a lack for presenting the specific implications and effectiveness of the adoption of such technologies. This paper fills in this gap.
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Guo Cheng, Xiaoyun Han, Weiping Yu and Mingli He
Oppositional brand loyalty poses a challenge to the management of virtual communities. This study aims to categorize these loyalty behaviors into positive (willingness to pay a…
Abstract
Purpose
Oppositional brand loyalty poses a challenge to the management of virtual communities. This study aims to categorize these loyalty behaviors into positive (willingness to pay a price premium and brand evangelism) and negative (schadenfreude and anti-brand actions) dimensions. It then explores how customer engagement and moral identity influence these dimensions in the context of brand competition.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling was conducted to analyze the main and moderating effects, using survey data obtained from 498 valid responses out of a total of 636 responses from Xiaomi's virtual communities.
Findings
The results indicate that customer engagement significantly influences all four dimensions of oppositional brand loyalty. The relationship between customer engagement and brand evangelism is notably stronger among customers with a strong moral identity. Conversely, the effects of customer engagement on schadenfreude and anti-brand actions are attenuated for these customers.
Originality/value
Anchored in theories of brand tribalism, social identity and brand polarization, this study bifurcates oppositional brand loyalty into directions of preference and antagonism, empirically showcasing moral identity's moderating effect. It contributes to the literature on antagonistic loyalty and moral identity, offering strategic insights for companies to navigate schadenfreude and anti-brand actions in online communities.
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Arthur Seakhoa-King, Marcjanna M Augustyn and Peter Mason
This paper examines diverging views on the Chongqing model, the policy experiment led by Bo Xilai from 2007 to 2012 that was famous for its “red songs” and the campaign against…
Abstract
This paper examines diverging views on the Chongqing model, the policy experiment led by Bo Xilai from 2007 to 2012 that was famous for its “red songs” and the campaign against organized crime. It has impressed both the supporters of socialist identity of China and the supporters of liberal identity and led to an intense debate concerning China’s path of development. This paper attempts to discuss and clarify to what extent the Chongqing model represented a genuine socialist experiment and the implications of the model for China’s future.
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The purpose of this paper is to explore the key factors in generating trust, and the effects of trust on the intention to cooperate in energy performance contracting (EPC), from…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the key factors in generating trust, and the effects of trust on the intention to cooperate in energy performance contracting (EPC), from the perspective of energy saving companies (ESCOs).
Design/methodology/approach
A questionnaire survey was undertaken to collect the data from the experienced project managers in ESCOs. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.
Findings
The results revealed that competence, integrity, communication, reciprocity and contract had positive effects on calculative trust and relational trust. Both calculative trust and relational trust, in turn, were found to have positive effects on the intention to cooperate.
Research limitations/implications
The conclusions are derived from the Chinese cultural background and may apply to a certain geographical scope. In addition, this study focused on the perspective of ESCOs but did not consider that of facility owners.
Practical implications
This research would supply guidance for facility owners or users to cultivate trust from ESCOs and achieve cooperation in EPC.
Originality/value
Most of the existing studies have focused on the perspective of facility owners while few have attempted to investigate the perspective of ESCOs. This study contributes to the knowledge body relating to EPC by investigating the relationship between trust and the intention to cooperate from the perspective of ESCOs. In addition, most EPC studies recognized trust as a condition for the successful execution of EPC projects but failed to consider the role of trust in setting up the cooperation relationship prior to project execution.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of initial trust on control in the construction projects from the perspective of the client. The results are a good…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of initial trust on control in the construction projects from the perspective of the client. The results are a good resource in managing the relationship between trust and control in the construction industry in China, and formulating a good working relationship with contractors.
Design/methodology/approach
Using a set of questionnaire, data were collected from project managers of the clients, who are responsible for the overall project management and have face-to-face interaction with the contractors. The data were analyzed by structural equation modeling to identify the effects of initial trust on control for the contractors.
Findings
Trust is examined in the construction industry in China through calculative and relational trust. Their effects are examined on three modes of inter-organizational control: outcome control, behavior control and social control. The results show that the calculative trust has strong effects on outcome-based and behavior control, while the relational trust, on social control.
Research limitations/implications
First, the conclusion of this research is based on the construction industry in China. It may not be suitable for other industries or other countries. Second, there may be other factors that influence the relationship between trust and control, such as the characteristics of the client and organizational culture, which are not taken into consideration in this research.
Practical implications
The effects of initial trust on control have been testified in the study. For the client, it is wise to take suitable control measures to face with the contractors with the consideration of initial trust. The contractors would apply the rule in the relationship between initial trust and control, and set up good relationship with the client.
Originality/value
This research has certain originality and value in theory and practice. First, this research analyzes the relationship between trust and control in a dynamical way, which has innovative significance to some extent. Second, research on inter-organization supplies a new perspective about project control. Finally, this research would offer a perspective to improve the present situation of the construction industry in China. If the clients use the trust and control measures appropriately, the harmonious relation can be achieved and projects performance can be improved.
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Lulu Zhou, Jin Li, Yan Liu, Feng Tian, Xufan Zhang and Weiping Qin
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating effect of information search effort on the relationship between leader narcissism and team creativity in China based on…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the mediating effect of information search effort on the relationship between leader narcissism and team creativity in China based on attention theory. The paper also explores participative decision making as a moderator in the relationship between team leader narcissism and information search effort.
Design/methodology/approach
Through a survey of 667 team members and their team leaders from 96 research and development teams at 23 high-tech enterprises in China with paired samples, cross-time data were collected. Confirmatory factor analysis, hierarchical regression and path analysis were adopted to analyze the data.
Findings
This paper found that leader narcissism had a positive impact on team information search effort, thereby promoting team creativity, and the effect of leader narcissism on team information search effort is more positive in the context of high participation in decision making.
Practical implications
Narcissism should be a noteworthy trait in manager selection and promotion especially for the departments and teams which focus on innovation and creation. And companies should pay attention to the team work processes to ensure that team members have the opportunity to participate in decision making for promoting the team leader’s narcissistic “bright” side in the institutional environment and avoiding the “dark” side.
Originality/value
This paper discusses how and when leader narcissism influences team creativity in Chinese high-technology enterprises based on attention theory. This research expands the application of attention theory at the team level.
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It is eminently fitting that the Greeks who gave us their word for “speaking fair” should also have supplied us with the ultimate exemplification of its use. They were wont to…
Abstract
It is eminently fitting that the Greeks who gave us their word for “speaking fair” should also have supplied us with the ultimate exemplification of its use. They were wont to refer to the Furies, a group of avenging goddesses, as the Eumenides or “The Fair Ones.” Since the Furies were imagined as having a batlike shape which was adorned with a profusion of snakish hair, they were not fair at all, but rather terrifying, intimidating in the highest degree. To euphemize a phenomenon is to call it something other than what it most particularly is, anything at all provided the new designation is gentler, milder, less offensive, less threatening. It is even possible, as in the case of the Furies renamed Fair Ones, to effect a 180‐degree reversal of meaning.