Weidong Wang, Wenrui Gao, DongMei Wu and Zhijiang Du
The paper aims to present a tracked robot comprised of several biochemical sampling instruments and a universal control architecture. In addition, a dynamic motion planning…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to present a tracked robot comprised of several biochemical sampling instruments and a universal control architecture. In addition, a dynamic motion planning strategy and autonomous modules in sampling tasks are designed and illustrated at length.
Design/methodology/approach
Several sampling instruments with position tolerance and sealing property are specifically developed, and a robotic operation system (ROS)-based universal control architecture is established. Then, based on the system, two typical problems in sampling tasks, i.e. arm motion planning in unknown environment and autonomous modules, are discussed, implemented and tested. Inspired by the idea of Gaussian process classification (GPC) and Gaussian process (GP) information entropy, three-dimensional (3D) geometric modeling and arm obstacle avoidance strategy are implemented and proven successfully. Moreover, autonomous modules during sampling process are discussed and realized.
Findings
Smooth implementations of the two experiments justify the validity and extensibility of the robot control scheme. Furthermore, the former experiment proves the efficiency of arm obstacle avoidance strategy, while the later one demonstrates the time reduction and accuracy improvement in sampling tasks as the autonomous actions.
Practical implications
The proposed control architecture can be applied to more mobile and industrial robots for its feasible and extensible scheme, and the utility function in arm path planning strategy can also be utilized for other information-driven exploration tasks.
Originality/value
Several specific biochemical sampling instruments are presented in detail, while ROS and Moveit! are integrated into the system scheme, making the robot extensible, achievable and real-time. Based on the control scheme, an information-driven path planning algorithm and automation in sampling tasks are conceived and implemented.
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Wenrui Gao, Weidong Wang, Hongbiao Zhu, Shunping Zhao, Guofu Huang and Zhijiang Du
The paper aims to improve the radiation-proof capability of the self-designed mobile robot with a 7-DOF manipulator, enabling the long-playing inspection and intervention under…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to improve the radiation-proof capability of the self-designed mobile robot with a 7-DOF manipulator, enabling the long-playing inspection and intervention under high-dose radiation environment. In this context, gamma-ray irradiation test for electronic components and specific hardness design have also been specifically presented and discussed.
Design/methodology/approach
The study’s hardness design mainly focuses on shielding protection, distance protection and time protection. Irradiation test is first carried out to investigate irradiation resistance of each electronic module. Then, modular deployment and shielding calculation are completed for the point-type nuclear accidents, respectively, to achieve a robust anti-radiation design scheme. Finally, the field experiment is conducted to validate system effectiveness and good mobility, and operational practices are acquired for the realization of time protection.
Findings
Coupled with modular redeployment and shielding design, irradiation results illustrate the effectiveness of robotic anti-radiation design. Meanwhile, experiences and reformed measures from the field exercise implement efficient operation and radiological time protection.
Research limitations/implications
Considering the huge risks of high-dose source exposure, the radiation-resistance of the overall system cannot be verified in the field experiment. Fortunately, irradiation test and modular shielding calculation are conducted as a minimal validation.
Practical implications
The proposed anti-radiation design methods and the irradiated results can be applied to many other nuclear vehicles and manipulators for the feasible multi-layer protection and excellent mobility.
Originality/value
A nuclear intervention robot with specific hardness design is presented in detail in this paper. Enlightened by the idea of shielding and distance protection, a large number of electronic modules with multiple types and structures are treated and compared in irradiation experiments, while modular redeployment and retrofitting are completed to reduce irradiated damages. To achieve the effect of time protection, mobility performance and operational practices are discussed and validated in the field experiment based on the mobile system.
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Siyang Gao, Bangcheng Zhang, Jianwei Sun and Wenrui Liu
The purpose of this paper is to design a biomimetic surface structure for use in a glass transport device to enhance the suspension lift of a glass transport unit.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design a biomimetic surface structure for use in a glass transport device to enhance the suspension lift of a glass transport unit.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a surface structure of a suspended glass transport device based on the principle of bionics. First, a mapping model is constructed based on the wing structure. Second, the optimal structural parameters are given according to genetic algorithm optimization. Finally, the experimental comparison of the test bench verified the feasibility of the theory.
Findings
Through experimental comparison, the biomimetic suspension glass transport device saves 20% of air pressure compared with the ordinary suspended glass transport device, which verifies the effectiveness of the theoretical method.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a suspended glass transport device based on the principle of bionics, which saves the air pressure required for work. It is expected to be used in suspension glass transport devices.
Peer review
The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-09-2019-0389/
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Jianjin Yue, Wenrui Li, Jian Cheng, Hongxing Xiong, Yu Xue, Xiang Deng and Tinghui Zheng
The calculation of buildings’ carbon footprint (CFP) is an important basis for formulating energy-saving and emission-reduction plans for building. As an important building type…
Abstract
Purpose
The calculation of buildings’ carbon footprint (CFP) is an important basis for formulating energy-saving and emission-reduction plans for building. As an important building type, there is currently no model that considers the time factor to accurately calculate the CFP of hospital building throughout their life cycle. This paper aims to establish a CFP calculation model that covers the life cycle of hospital building and considers time factor.
Design/methodology/approach
On the basis of field and literature research, the basic framework is built using dynamic life cycle assessment (DLCA), and the gray prediction model is used to predict the future value. Finally, a CFP model covering the whole life cycle has been constructed and applied to a hospital building in China.
Findings
The results applied to the case show that the CO2 emission in the operation stage of the hospital building is much higher than that in other stages, and the total CO2 emission in the dynamic and static analysis operation stage accounts for 83.66% and 79.03%, respectively; the difference of annual average emission of CO2 reached 28.33%. The research results show that DLCA is more accurate than traditional static life cycle assessment (LCA) when measuring long-term objects such as carbon emissions in the whole life cycle of hospital building.
Originality/value
This research established a carbon emission calculation model that covers the life cycle of hospital building and considered time factor, which enriches the research on carbon emission of hospital building, a special and extensive public building, and dynamically quantifies the resource consumption of hospital building in the life cycle. This paper provided a certain reference for the green design, energy saving, emission reduction and efficient use of hospital building, obviously, the limitation is that this model is only applicable to hospital building.
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Yuehua Zhao, Linyi Zhang, Chenxi Zeng, Yidan Chen, Wenrui Lu and Ningyuan Song
This study aims to address the growing importance of online health information (OHI) and the associated uncertainty. Although previous research has explored factors influencing…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address the growing importance of online health information (OHI) and the associated uncertainty. Although previous research has explored factors influencing the credibility of OHI, results have been inconsistent. Therefore, this study aims to identify the essential factors that influence the perceived credibility of OHI by conducting a meta-analysis of articles published from 2010 to 2022. The study also aims to examine the moderating effects of demographic characteristics, study design and the platforms where health information is located.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the Prominence-Interpretation Theory (PIT), a meta-analysis of 25 empirical studies was conducted to explore 12 factors related to information content and source, social interaction, individual and media affordance. Moderators such as age, education level, gender of participants, sample size, platforms and research design were also examined.
Findings
Results suggest that all factors, except social support, have significant effects on the credibility of OHI. Among them, argument quality had the strongest correlation with credibility and individual factors were also found to be relevant. Moderating effects indicate that social support was significantly moderated by age and education level. Different sample sizes may lead to variations in the role of social endorsement, while personal involvement was moderated by sample size, platform and study design.
Originality/value
This study enriches the application of PIT in the health domain and provides guidance for scholars to expand the scope of research on factors influencing OHI credibility.