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Article
Publication date: 17 October 2008

Zheng Kou, Yanhong Zhou and Xiaoli Qiang

The traditional method to distinguish the serotype of influenza A virus was based on the antigen reaction of HA and NA with their antibodies. The antibody of specific subtype…

337

Abstract

Purpose

The traditional method to distinguish the serotype of influenza A virus was based on the antigen reaction of HA and NA with their antibodies. The antibody of specific subtype virus was difficult to get and the reaction was not easy to be done. To be a complementation to the traditional classification methods based on the serological reaction, aims to present a novel method for viral classification.

Design/methodology/approach

The similarity values of all subtype HA genes in vector space were considered and classified using a probabilistic neural network (PNN). The PNN model was trained by the 132 viral sequences in the training set and the classification quality was examined using 28 viral sequences in the testing set.

Findings

A novel technique for the serotype classification of influenza A virus isolated from human was proposed in the paper. The system achieved 100 per cent accuracy with all serotypes of human influenza A virus.

Research limitations/implications

The time for the large‐scale calculations of the average similarity based on multisequence alignment is the main limitation.

Practical implications

This is a supplementation to the traditional virology research.

Originality/value

The novel classification method based on the similarity of viral nucleotide sequences and the PNN model would be useful for the epidemic supervision and prevention.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 37 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

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Article
Publication date: 9 March 2015

Daoming Wang, Youfu Hou, Zuzhi Tian and Qingrui Meng

This study aims to reveal the temperature rise characteristic of magnetorheological (MR) fluid in a multi-disc MR clutch under slip condition, including the temperature…

352

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to reveal the temperature rise characteristic of magnetorheological (MR) fluid in a multi-disc MR clutch under slip condition, including the temperature distribution regularity and the impact factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Three-dimensional transient heat conduction equation for the MR fluid in the working gap was derived based on the heat transfer theory. Then, numerical simulation was conducted to analyze the temperature field of MR fluid. Furthermore, an experimental study was performed to explore the temperature distribution of the MR fluid in radial and circumferential directions, as well as the effects of disc groove, slip power and gap size on temperature rise characteristic of the MR fluid.

Findings

The results show that temperature appears to be largest in the center of the working gap and the temperature difference increases with the slip time. However, the temperature field in a circumferential direction is basically the same, but it presents slightly lower in the groove area. The temperature of the MR fluid increases linearly with the slip time and the rise rate increases with the slip power. Moreover, the temperature rise value decreases with the increase of gap size.

Originality/value

In this paper, the temperature gradients, both in radial and circumferential directions, are experimentally measured going beyond the estimation by computer simulations. In addition, the factors that influence the temperature rise characteristic of MR fluid were fully analyzed. The results could provide a reliable basis for the development of cooling technology for high-power MR devices.

Details

Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, vol. 67 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0036-8792

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Article
Publication date: 17 March 2020

Akanksha Mishra, Nagesh Kumar G.V. and Sravana Kumar Bali

There is a worldwide need to amplify the usage of renewable energy in the manufacture of electrical energy. Thus, the integrated energy systems (IESs) have become a major part of…

90

Abstract

Purpose

There is a worldwide need to amplify the usage of renewable energy in the manufacture of electrical energy. Thus, the integrated energy systems (IESs) have become a major part of today’s power systems. Wind and solar energies are intermittent power sources and may lead to voltage and power flow instabilities. The purpose of this paper is to use the interline power flow controller (IPFC) for limiting the overloading of the transmission lines and improving the voltage stability of the IES.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper deals with an integrated system consisting of wind and solar energies and conventional systems. An appropriate position for the IPFC in the IES is proposed based on the disparity line utilization factor. The IPFC is then tuned for decreasing the loss of power and lessening the voltage deviation using the grey wolf algorithm.

Findings

The method is implemented on a modified IEEE 30-bus system. Results from the study show that the mega volt ampere (MVA) loading of the overloaded lines is reduced for the IES. Also, the voltage stability and the voltage profile of the system are improved to a major extent. The real and reactive power loss of the system is also brought down.

Originality/value

The use of renewable energy sources is a need of the present world to overcome environmental problems. This research focuses on the use of flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices with renewable sources incorporated in the power system. Very limited research has been done in this field. The IPFC, which is one of the most advanced FACTS device, is used for the study.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 17 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

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Article
Publication date: 9 April 2024

Long Liu, Lifeng Wang and Ziwang Xiao

The combination of an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) layer and steel plate to reinforce RC beams (ESRB) is a new strengthening method. The ESRB was proposed based on the…

83

Abstract

Purpose

The combination of an Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) layer and steel plate to reinforce RC beams (ESRB) is a new strengthening method. The ESRB was proposed based on the steel plate at the bottom of RC beams, aiming to solve the problem of over-reinforced RC beams and improve the bearing capacity of RC beams without affecting their ductility.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, the finite element model of ESRB was established by ABAQUS. The results were compared with the experimental results of ESRB in previous studies and the reliability of the finite element model was verified. On this basis, parameters such as the width of the steel plate, thickness of the ECC layer, damage degree of the original beam and cross-sectional area of longitudinal tensile rebar were analyzed by the verified finite element model. Based on the load–deflection curve of ESRB, ESRB was discussed in terms of ultimate bearing capacity and ductility.

Findings

The results demonstrate that when the width of the steel plate increases, the ultimate load of ESRB increases to 133.22 kN by 11.58% as well as the ductility index increases to 2.39. With the increase of the damage degree of the original beam, the ultimate load of ESRB decreases by 23.7%–91.09 kN and the ductility index decreases to 1.90. With the enhancement of the cross-sectional area of longitudinal tensile rebar, the ultimate bearing capacity of ESRB increases to 126.75 kN by 6.2% and the ductility index elevates to 2.30. Finally, a calculation model for predicting the flexural capacity of ESRB is proposed. The calculated results of the model are in line with the experimental results.

Originality/value

Based on the comparative analysis of the test results and numerical simulation results of 11 test beams, this investigation verified the accuracy and reliability of the finite element simulation from the aspects of load–deflection curve, characteristic load and failure mode. Furthermore, based on load–deflection curve, the effects of steel plate width, ECC layer thickness, damage degree of the original beam and cross-sectional area of longitudinal tensile rebar on the ultimate bearing capacity and ductility of ESRB were discussed. Finally, a simplified method was put forward to further verify the effectiveness of ESRB through analytical calculation.

Details

International Journal of Structural Integrity, vol. 15 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9864

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Article
Publication date: 28 October 2021

Ce Rong, Zhongbo He, Guangming Xue, Guoping Liu, Bowen Dai and Zhaoqi Zhou

Owing to the excellent performance, giant magnetostrictive materials (GMMs) are widely used in many engineering fields. The dynamic Jiles–Atherton (J-A) model, derived from…

211

Abstract

Purpose

Owing to the excellent performance, giant magnetostrictive materials (GMMs) are widely used in many engineering fields. The dynamic Jiles–Atherton (J-A) model, derived from physical mechanism, is often used to describe the hysteresis characteristics of GMM. However, this model, despite cited by many different literature studies, seems not to possess unique expressions, which may cause great trouble to the subsequent application. This paper aims to provide the rational expressions of the dynamic J-A model and propose a numerical computation scheme to obtain the model results with high accuracy and fast speed.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes different published papers and provides a reasonable form of the dynamic J-A model based on functional properties and physical explanations. Then, a numerical computation scheme, combining the Newton method and the explicit Adams method, is designed to solve the modified model. In addition, the error source and transmission path of the numerical solution are investigated, and the influence of model parameters on the calculation error is explored. Finally, some attempts are made to study the influence of numerical scheme parameters on the accuracy and time of the computation process. Subsequently, an optimization procedure is proposed.

Findings

A rational form of the dynamic J-A model is concluded in this paper. Using the proposed numerical calculation scheme, the maximum calculation error, while computing the modified model, can remain below 2 A/m under different model parameter combinations, and the computation time is always less than 0.5 s. After optimization, the calculation speed can be enhanced with the computation accuracy guaranteed.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one trying to provide a rational form of the dynamic J-A model among different citations. No other research studies focus on designing a detailed computation scheme targeting the fast and accurate calculation of this model as well. And the performance of the proposed calculation method is validated in different conditions.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 39 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2024

Shulin Xu and Yunjun Xiong

This study investigates the impact of smart city construction (SCC) on urban energy consumption.

62

Abstract

Purpose

This study investigates the impact of smart city construction (SCC) on urban energy consumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The focus is on a panel of 285 prefecture level cities in China from 2010 to 2021. The empirical evidence is based on the difference-in-difference (DID) method. We uses per capita coal consumption as a proxy variable to measure urban energy consumption energy consumption. We set the SCC as a policy dummy variable, with pilot cities set to 1 and non-pilot cities set to 0. We also selected a series of control variables that affect urban energy consumption, such as urbanization rate, labor force, road density, number of college students per 10000 people, regional economic development level and so on.

Findings

(1) SCC significantly reduces urban energy consumption, and the conclusion still holds after conducting robustness testing; (2) SCC reduces urban energy consumption is mainly effective in those cities with larger scale, stronger human capital, larger financial services and better information infrastructure construction; (3) The technological innovation and industrial structure upgrading are the main mechanisms for the SSC policy to reduce urban energy consumption.

Originality/value

The results in this study provide evidence for achieving an environmentally friendly society.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 35 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Jing Teng and Rukhsana Ahmed

The purpose of this paper is to examine knowledge and attitudes about preconception health care among Chinese immigrants in Canada.

208

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine knowledge and attitudes about preconception health care among Chinese immigrants in Canada.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional internet-based survey, informed by the principles of the health belief model, was administered to a convenience sample in Ottawa, Canada. In total, 76 respondents from the Chinese community participated in the online survey.

Findings

Overall, participants demonstrated: low to moderate awareness of preconception related risk factors and preconception health; neutral to slightly positive attitudes toward carrying out preconception care; considerable confusion over the differences among preconception care, premarital health care (Mainland China), and prenatal health care; great sensitivity to subjective norms related to spouses, parents, and friends; and a strong desire for receiving information and communication from health care professionals.

Practical implications

An emphasis on reducing misperceptions and offering information about the preconception period and potential severe pregnancy-related risks may contribute to a better knowledge and intended behavior toward preconception care among Chinese immigrants, and ultimately optimize both their reproductive health and their future children’s health.

Originality/value

The cultural norms and population policies in the sending country may frame immigrants’ knowledge and attitudes related to preconception health care. This study fills the gap in the literature regarding Chinese immigrants’ knowledge levels and attitudes toward preconception care in Canada and thus offers insights into how to deliver culturally competent care and design effective communication strategies to reach out to ethnocultural communities.

Details

International Journal of Migration, Health and Social Care, vol. 13 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1747-9894

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Article
Publication date: 20 March 2024

Shufeng Tang, Yongsheng Kou, Guoqing Zhao, Huijie Zhang, Hong Chang, Xuewei Zhang and Yunhe Zou

The purpose of this paper is to design a climbing robot connected by a connecting rod mechanism to achieve multi-functional tasks such as obstacles crossing and climbing of power…

169

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to design a climbing robot connected by a connecting rod mechanism to achieve multi-functional tasks such as obstacles crossing and climbing of power transmission towers.

Design/methodology/approach

A connecting rod type gripper has been designed to achieve stable grasping of angle steel. Before grasping, use coordination between structures to achieve stable docking and grasping. By using the alternating movements of two claws and the middle climbing mechanism, the climbing and obstacle crossing of the angle steel were achieved.

Findings

Through a simple linkage mechanism, a climbing robot has been designed, greatly reducing the overall mass of the robot. It can also carry a load of 1 kg, and the climbing mechanism can perform stable climbing. The maximum step distance of the climbing robot is 543 mm, which can achieve the crossing of angle steel obstacles.

Originality/value

A transmission tower climbing mechanism was proposed by analyzing the working environment. Through the locking ability of the screw nut, stable clamping of the angle steel is achieved, and a pitch mechanism is designed to adjust the posture of the hand claw.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 51 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 August 2021

Linh Truong-Hong, Roderik Lindenbergh and Thu Anh Nguyen

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds have been widely used in deformation measurement for structures. However, reliability and accuracy of resulting deformation…

2723

Abstract

Purpose

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds have been widely used in deformation measurement for structures. However, reliability and accuracy of resulting deformation estimation strongly depends on quality of each step of a workflow, which are not fully addressed. This study aims to give insight error of these steps, and results of the study would be guidelines for a practical community to either develop a new workflow or refine an existing one of deformation estimation based on TLS point clouds. Thus, the main contributions of the paper are investigating point cloud registration error affecting resulting deformation estimation, identifying an appropriate segmentation method used to extract data points of a deformed surface, investigating a methodology to determine an un-deformed or a reference surface for estimating deformation, and proposing a methodology to minimize the impact of outlier, noisy data and/or mixed pixels on deformation estimation.

Design/methodology/approach

In practice, the quality of data point clouds and of surface extraction strongly impacts on resulting deformation estimation based on laser scanning point clouds, which can cause an incorrect decision on the state of the structure if uncertainty is available. In an effort to have more comprehensive insight into those impacts, this study addresses four issues: data errors due to data registration from multiple scanning stations (Issue 1), methods used to extract point clouds of structure surfaces (Issue 2), selection of the reference surface Sref to measure deformation (Issue 3), and available outlier and/or mixed pixels (Issue 4). This investigation demonstrates through estimating deformation of the bridge abutment, building and an oil storage tank.

Findings

The study shows that both random sample consensus (RANSAC) and region growing–based methods [a cell-based/voxel-based region growing (CRG/VRG)] can be extracted data points of surfaces, but RANSAC is only applicable for a primary primitive surface (e.g. a plane in this study) subjected to a small deformation (case study 2 and 3) and cannot eliminate mixed pixels. On another hand, CRG and VRG impose a suitable method applied for deformed, free-form surfaces. In addition, in practice, a reference surface of a structure is mostly not available. The use of a fitting plane based on a point cloud of a current surface would cause unrealistic and inaccurate deformation because outlier data points and data points of damaged areas affect an accuracy of the fitting plane. This study would recommend the use of a reference surface determined based on a design concept/specification. A smoothing method with a spatial interval can be effectively minimize, negative impact of outlier, noisy data and/or mixed pixels on deformation estimation.

Research limitations/implications

Due to difficulty in logistics, an independent measurement cannot be established to assess the deformation accuracy based on TLS data point cloud in the case studies of this research. However, common laser scanners using the time-of-flight or phase-shift principle provide point clouds with accuracy in the order of 1–6 mm, while the point clouds of triangulation scanners have sub-millimetre accuracy.

Practical implications

This study aims to give insight error of these steps, and the results of the study would be guidelines for a practical community to either develop a new workflow or refine an existing one of deformation estimation based on TLS point clouds.

Social implications

The results of this study would provide guidelines for a practical community to either develop a new workflow or refine an existing one of deformation estimation based on TLS point clouds. A low-cost method can be applied for deformation analysis of the structure.

Originality/value

Although a large amount of the studies used laser scanning to measure structure deformation in the last two decades, the methods mainly applied were to measure change between two states (or epochs) of the structure surface and focused on quantifying deformation-based TLS point clouds. Those studies proved that a laser scanner could be an alternative unit to acquire spatial information for deformation monitoring. However, there are still challenges in establishing an appropriate procedure to collect a high quality of point clouds and develop methods to interpret the point clouds to obtain reliable and accurate deformation, when uncertainty, including data quality and reference information, is available. Therefore, this study demonstrates the impact of data quality in a term of point cloud registration error, selected methods for extracting point clouds of surfaces, identifying reference information, and available outlier, noisy data and/or mixed pixels on deformation estimation.

Details

International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, vol. 40 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-4708

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 26 January 2024

Kai Liu, Yuming Liu and Yuanyuan Kou

Inter-organizational collaboration is the organizational guarantee and key link to achieve the goals of megaproject management. Project governance has always played an important…

259

Abstract

Purpose

Inter-organizational collaboration is the organizational guarantee and key link to achieve the goals of megaproject management. Project governance has always played an important role in the construction of megaprojects, but the relationship between project governance and organizational collaboration is unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the role paths of different project governance mechanisms in influencing the collaborative behaviors of stakeholders and collaborative performance and to elucidate the mechanism of project governance on inter-organizational collaboration.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual framework was developed based on a comprehensive literature review, termed the structural equation model (SEM). The hypotheses of the model were tested based on data obtained from a questionnaire survey of 235 experts with experience in megaprojects within the construction industry in China.

Findings

The results show that project governance positively contributes to the collaborative behavior of megaproject stakeholders and the collaborative performance of the project team. Collaborative behavior acts as a partial mediator between project governance and the collaborative performance of the megaproject inter-organization alliance. The complexity of the project modulates the relationship between the governance mechanism of the project and the collaborative behavior of the stakeholders, which affects the collaborative performance of the megaproject inter-organization alliance.

Originality/value

The findings provide theoretical and practical implications for promoting positive collaborative behavior among stakeholders in megaproject selection and improving the collaborative performance of megaproject inter-organization alliances.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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