Chunlei Wang, Ting Zhang, Xiaohui Wei, Yongjun Long and Shigang Wang
This study aims to establish a bio-inspired controller for realizing the bounding gait of a quadruped robot system presented in this paper.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to establish a bio-inspired controller for realizing the bounding gait of a quadruped robot system presented in this paper.
Design/methodology/approach
The bio-inspired controller is divided into three levels to mimic the biological patterns of animals. First, the high-level sub-controller is equivalent to the cerebellum, which could plan and control the motion of animals. Second, the effect of the middle-level sub-controller corresponds to the central nervous system. The central pattern generators in the spine generate the stable and cyclic signals as the fundamental rhythm for periodic motion of the leg and spine joints. Third, the low-level sub-controller is equal to the end effector, which adopts the simple proportional-derivative (PD) control to realize the specific motion trajectory of the legs and spine.
Findings
Combined with the stability criterion presented previously and the delayed feedback control method, the bounding gait of the cheetah virtual prototype could be actuated and stabilized by the bio-inspired controller. Moreover, the bio-inspired controller is applied to realize the bounding gait of an SQBot, which is a quadruped robot with a spine joint. Meanwhile, the validity and practicability of the bio-inspired controller for the control of quadruped robot have been verified against different forward velocities.
Originality/value
The bio-inspired controller and bionic quadruped robot system are instructive for the designing and actuating of the real quadruped robot.
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Junchao Li, Yanan Yang, Ze Zhao and Ran Yan
The purpose of this study is to establish a finite element (FE) model with the random distribution of the Nylon12/hydroxyapatite (PA12/HA) composite material in selective laser…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to establish a finite element (FE) model with the random distribution of the Nylon12/hydroxyapatite (PA12/HA) composite material in selective laser sintering (SLS) process for considering the material anisotropy, which aims to obtain the law of temperature and stress changes in PA12/HA sintering.
Design/methodology/approach
By using python script in Abaqus, the FE model is established in which the two materials are randomly distributed and are assigned to their intrinsic temperature-dependent physical parameters. Molten pool sizes at various process parameters were evaluated in terms of numerical simulation and scanning electron microscope analysis, identifying a good agreement between them. Evaluation of temperature and stress distribution under the condition of different HA contents was also conducted.
Findings
It shows that the uneven distribution and quantity of HA powder play a vital role in stress concentration and temperature increase. Additionally, the influence of HA addition on the mechanical performance of SLS-fabricated parts shows that it is conducive to improve compressive strength when the HA ratio is less than 5% because an excess of HA powder tends to bring about a certain amount of microspores resulting in a decrease in part density.
Originality/value
The FE model of the PA12/HA composite material with parameterized random distribution in SLS can be applied in other similar additive manufacturing technologies. It provides a feasible guideline for the numerical analysis of properties of composite materials.
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Dalei Zhang, Xinwei Zhang, Enze Wei, Xiaohui Dou and Zonghao He
This study aims to improve the corrosion resistance of TA2-welded joints by superhydrophobic surface modification using micro-arc oxidation technology and low surface energy…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to improve the corrosion resistance of TA2-welded joints by superhydrophobic surface modification using micro-arc oxidation technology and low surface energy substance modification.
Design/methodology/approach
The microstructure and chemical state of the superhydrophobic film layer were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, three-dimensional morphology, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy. The influence of the superhydrophobic film layer on the corrosion resistance of TA2-welded joints was investigated using classical electrochemical testing methods.
Findings
The characterization results showed that the super hydrophobic TiO2 ceramic membrane was successfully constructed on the surface of the TA2-welded joint, and the construction of the super hydrophobic film greatly improved the corrosion resistance of the TA2-welded joint.
Originality/value
The superhydrophobic TiO2 ceramic membrane has excellent corrosion resistance. The micro nanostructure in the superhydrophobic film can intercept air to form an air layer to prevent the corrosion medium from contacting the surface, thus, improving the corrosion resistance of the sample.
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Shengnan Zeng, Richard Bailey, Shuo Peng and Xiaohui Chen
This paper aims to explore how the term “mental health literacy” (MHL) is defined and understand the implications for public mental health and educational interventions.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore how the term “mental health literacy” (MHL) is defined and understand the implications for public mental health and educational interventions.
Design/methodology/approach
An extensive search was conducted by searching PubMed, ERIC, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Keywords such as “mental health literacy” and “definition” were used. The publication year ranges from 1997 to 2023.
Findings
In total, 17 papers met the inclusion criteria. Three distinct themes characterise the definitions of MHL: cognitive understanding; affective empowerment; and behavioural change. In the mental health educational context, inspiration, transformation and practice can be viewed as three stages for curriculum development.
Research limitations/implications
Despite conducting a systematic literature review, there remains the possibility that certain relevant studies may not have been identified. Specifically, the selection criteria prioritise papers that explicitly addressed MHL.
Practical implications
Traditional educational approaches prioritise knowledge dissemination and attitude change; integrating MHL into mental health well-being curriculum advocates for action-oriented intervention to address mental health challenges.
Social implications
Understanding different definitions and concepts in a field can be valuable for consolidating shared understandings, highlighting tensions and contradictions, and enhancing communication among researchers. Ironically, perhaps, the process also highlights the provisional nature of these definitions.
Originality/value
The exploration of MHL with three themes of definitions sheds light on the understanding of this concept. Three core themes in MHL definitions guide future curriculum development. This study underscores the importance of prioritise action-oriented intervention in mental health education, emphasising the need to move beyond knowledge dissemination towards transformative practices that promote holistic mental well-being.
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Chen Mingman, Ren Hong, Cai Weiguang, Li Xiaohui, Ren Pengyu and Deson Lee
Along with the acceleration of Chinese urbanization, urban history degrades at a rapid rate, and development follows formalism. Based on architectural typology, this study…
Abstract
Along with the acceleration of Chinese urbanization, urban history degrades at a rapid rate, and development follows formalism. Based on architectural typology, this study introduces a methodology of concept mapping and discusses the urban complex design method from a perspective of regional cultural elements. The theoretical analysis shows that concept mapping represents an integrated solution that incorporates regional cultural elements into architectural planning. Through the concept mapping method, it not only protects the physical environment, but also strengthens modern urban residents’ psychological sense of belonging to their own living space. Meanwhile, distinct regional cultural elements can be efficiently combined in the overall layout, monomer building design, building details design, and landscape design of urban complex by using different architectural design methods. This design method is validated using an actual case in Guizhou. Therefore, it forms a complete set of design method with a three-step framework, namely positioning cultural areas, summarizing regional cultural elements, and selecting the mapping method and combination mode.
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Yu-Chen Wei, Carolyn P. Egri and Carol Yeh-Yun Lin
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which societal culture has a moderating effect on the business benefits of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the extent to which societal culture has a moderating effect on the business benefits of corporate social responsibility (CSR).
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-national research design was conducted using survey data collected from 164 firms in Taiwan and 196 firms in Canada.
Findings
We found societal differences in the positive influence of CSR on corporate image and employee commitment. Specifically, we found that the relationships between CSR (customer-oriented and employee-oriented) and corporate image were stronger for Taiwanese firms than for Canadian firms. In addition, employee CSR was found to be more strongly associated with higher employee commitment in Taiwan than in Canada. While customer CSR was associated with enhanced customer loyalty, this relationship was similar for firms in both countries.
Research limitations/implications
Multi-informants for data collection and longitudinal research design in future research would be required for further understanding of the relationships among the variables in this study.
Practical implications
This paper suggests that the business benefits of customer and employee CSR practices may yield relatively greater competitive advantages in East Asian countries where CSR is not as established or taken for granted as in Western countries.
Originality/value
This study draws on the strategic perspective to investigate the value of CSR practices yielding different business benefits in contrasting cultural contexts.
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Xiaohui Wang and Edmund W.J. Lee
Drawing on the cognitive-functional model of emotions and emotional contagion, the authors aim to examine the role of negative emotions in the diffusion of cancer tweets.
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the cognitive-functional model of emotions and emotional contagion, the authors aim to examine the role of negative emotions in the diffusion of cancer tweets.
Design/methodology/approach
Using an integrated approach of social network and text analytics, the authors analyzed 142,883 cancer tweets from February to March 2018. The roles of negative emotions, emotional contagion, cancer themes and user influence on the diffusion of cancer tweets were examined.
Findings
Results indicated that cancer tweets expressing negativity and anger diffused more widely, while those expressing sadness or fear were less likely to diffuse. However, contrary to the authors’ expectation, cancer tweets expressing negative emotions (i.e. negativity, anger and fear) were less likely to arouse similar emotions among retweets, thus suggesting that emotions in cancer tweets were not as contagious as they seemed. Finally, user influence was the most important factor explaining the diffusion of cancer tweets, although cancer-related themes (i.e. affective, informative and social) had marginal effects on likelihood of diffusion.
Originality/value
Using a novel integrated social network–text analytics approach, the authors found that to understand cancer tweets' diffusion, it is critical to go beyond examining the content of tweets about cancer and the influence of messengers – the virality of cancer tweets is inextricable from the negative emotions.
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Xiaohui Wang, Dion Hoe-Lian Goh, Ee-Peng Lim and Adrian Wei Liang Vu
Human computation games (HCGs) that blend gaming with utilitarian purposes are a potentially effective channel for content creation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate…
Abstract
Purpose
Human computation games (HCGs) that blend gaming with utilitarian purposes are a potentially effective channel for content creation. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the driving factors behind players’ adoption of HCGs through a music video tagging game. The effects of perceived aesthetic experience (PAE) and perceived output quality (POQ) on HCG acceptance are empirically examined.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrative structural model is developed to explain how hedonic and utilitarian factors, including PAE and POQ, working with another salient factor – perceived usefulness (PU) – affect the acceptance of HCGs. The structural equation modeling method is used to verify the proposed model with data from 124 participants.
Findings
Results show that PAE is the strongest predictor of HCGs adoption. PU has a significant impact on individuals’ attitude toward HCGs. POQ is a salient predictor of PU and PAE, and its indirect effect on attitude is significance.
Originality/value
From an academic point of view, this study provides a good understanding of the driving factors behind player acceptance of HCGs and adds new knowledge to games with utilitarian purposes. It is also one of the first to describe the components of game enjoyment with a taxonomy of aesthetic experiences. From the practical perspective, the investigation of the specific factors behind adoption of HCGs provides specific guidelines for their design and evaluation.
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The purpose of this paper is to investigate Chinese and American financial companies’ distinct brand personality indicators shown through culturally based linguistic features…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate Chinese and American financial companies’ distinct brand personality indicators shown through culturally based linguistic features online. The potential correlation between culturally oriented brand personalities and companies’ financial performance is also examined.
Design/methodology/approach
This study employs computerized content analyses to examine the cross-cultural differences among 28 American and Chinese financial companies’ online communication based on Aaker’s brand personality framework.
Findings
The findings reveal that despite some similarities, there are significant differences between the frequencies and patterns of brand personality indicators on American and Chinese websites, which demonstrate the connection between the companies’ linguistic preferences with their different cultural backgrounds. It also proves that there could be significant relationship between financial companies’ corporate brand (CB) personality expressions and their financial performance, and US financial companies’ revenues are more closely correlated with brand personality dimensions than Chinese companies’.
Practical implications
The necessity for cross-cultural adaptation of CB personality is verified in this study. Chinese international companies may have a big room to improve their online corporate communication. Similarly, foreign companies who intend to enter into Chinese market may think about laying emphasis on their personality indicators of competence in their online corporate communication.
Originality/value
This research is among the first to utilize a corpus-based analytical tool to conduct content analyses of financial companies’ online brand personalities, in addition to empirically validate the correlations between companies’ brand personality indicators and financial performance. The study enriches the literature on online marketing communication, draws attention to the connection between cultural differences and linguistic preferences in CB personality construction and emphasizes the importance of making appropriate cross-cultural adaptation in online corporate communication.