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1 – 10 of 43Fushu Luan, Wenhua Qi, Wentao Zhang and Victor Chang
The connection between digital manufacturing technologies (Industry 4.0) and the environment has sparked discussions on firms' disclosure of negative information on pollutant…
Abstract
Purpose
The connection between digital manufacturing technologies (Industry 4.0) and the environment has sparked discussions on firms' disclosure of negative information on pollutant emissions and the pursuit of positive environmental outcomes. However, very few studies explore how it relates to a firm's robot usage and its mechanism. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of robot penetration on firms' environmental governance in China.
Design/methodology/approach
The ordered probit model (and probit model) are employed and empirically tested with a sample of 1,579 Chinese listed firms from 2010 to 2019.
Findings
The study reveals a negative relationship between robot usage and the disclosure of negative indicators and a U-shaped relationship between robot usage and positive environmental outcomes. Among the sample, nonstate-owned enterprises (SOEs) display unsatisfactory performance, while heavily polluting industries disclose more information on pollutant emissions. The robot–environmental governance nexus is conditional on firm size, capital intensity and local economic development.
Originality/value
The study proposes a fresh view of corporate environmental governance to assess the environmental implications of robot adoption. It also contributes to identifying the curvilinear, moderating and heterogenous effects in the robot–environment nexus. The results provide rich policy implications for the development of industrial intelligence and corporate environmental governance in the circular economy (CE) context.
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Weilin Yang, Wentao Zhang, Dezhi Xu and Wenxu Yan
Robotic arm control is challenging due to the intrinsic nonlinearity. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers prevail in many robotic arm applications. However, it is…
Abstract
Purpose
Robotic arm control is challenging due to the intrinsic nonlinearity. Proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controllers prevail in many robotic arm applications. However, it is usually nontrivial to tune the parameters in a PID controller. This paper aims to propose a model-based control strategy of robotic arms.
Design/methodology/approach
A Takagi–Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy model, which is capable of approximating nonlinear systems, is used to describe the dynamics of a robotic arm. Model predictive control (MPC) based on the T-S fuzzy model is considered, which optimizes system performance with respect to a user-defined cost function.
Findings
The control gains are optimized online according to the real-time system state. Furthermore, the proposed method takes into account the input constraints. Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the fuzzy MPC approach. It is shown that asymptotic stability is achieved for the closed-loop control system.
Originality/value
The T-S fuzzy model is discussed in the modeling of robotic arm dynamics. Fuzzy MPC is used for robotic arm control, which can optimize the transient performance with respect to a user-defined criteria.
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Hong Jiang, Kazuyuki Motohashi, Wentao Liu and Xu Zhang
This study aims to investigate the relevance of knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL) to technology standard innovation (TSI) from a temporary-team perspective. The mediating and…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relevance of knowledge-oriented leadership (KOL) to technology standard innovation (TSI) from a temporary-team perspective. The mediating and moderating effect on knowledge integration (KI) and leader–member exchange (LMX) is emphasized.
Design/methodology/approach
The conceptual model is built based on an exhaustive literature review and is empirically tested in terms of a sample of 341 Chinese individuals with TSI experience. Quantitative analysis was performed using a questionnaire with the bootstrapping method used to demonstrate the mediating effect of KI.
Findings
The empirical results of this study prove that KI mediates the relationship between KOL and TSI. The authors deduce that LMX moderates the positive relation between KOL and KI.
Originality/value
Few studies have investigated the innovation activities of technology standards from a temporary-team perspective. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to look into the underlying mechanism of KOL in TSI. This research deepens the analysis by introducing LMX’s moderating role in the innovation process of technology standards, thereby providing valuable insights for leaders of innovation activities of technology standards and illuminating new aspects of knowledge-intensive temporary-team management.
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Yanzhong Wang, Guanhua Song, Wentao Niu and Yaping Zhang
The purpose of this paper is to provide an analytical method of jet flow injection direction and to determine the influence of oil nozzle structure parameters on oil injection…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide an analytical method of jet flow injection direction and to determine the influence of oil nozzle structure parameters on oil injection direction, thus providing the design method of oil nozzle structure parameters.
Design/methodology/approach
A model of oil injection loss is established to analyze the influence of oil nozzle structure parameters on oil injection direction. The computational fluid dynamics method is used to simulate the process of the deviation of jet flow injection direction. The deviation of jet flow injection direction with different oil nozzle structure parameters is calculated and their variations are obtained. Moreover, the deviation of jet flow injection direction with different oil nozzle structure parameters is tested to verify the analysis results.
Findings
Results indicate that radial velocity caused the deflection of the oil injection direction. The deviation of jet flow increased as the nozzle slenderness ratio decreased. The design method of the nozzle slenderness ratio (greater than five) is proposed to avoid the deviation of injection direction, and it is necessary to consider the matching between the nozzle slenderness ratio and pipeline pressure. The computational results coincide well with the experimental results.
Originality/value
The research presented here analyzed the influence of oil nozzle structure parameters on oil injection direction via a numerical analysis method. It also leads to a design reference guideline that could be used in jet lubrication, thus controlling the direction of the injection jet accurately.
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Yang Zhang, Wentao Zhou and Xiaoyao Pan
This article empirically tests the impact of risk appetite of the executive team on the re-innovation strategy after technological innovation failure using a panel regression…
Abstract
Purpose
This article empirically tests the impact of risk appetite of the executive team on the re-innovation strategy after technological innovation failure using a panel regression model from the perspective of regional financial development level of enterprises.
Design/methodology/approach
By means of time series global principal component analysis and panel regression model method, the study validated and analyzed the impact of risk appetite of the executive team on the re-innovation strategy after enterprise technological innovation failure.
Findings
The research found that the higher the risk appetite of executive team, the more inclined the enterprise is to choose the “focusing on quantity, ignoring quality” re-innovation strategy after technological innovation failure. The better the financial development level of the region where the enterprise is located, the better it can effectively reduce the re-innovation strategy of “focusing on quantity, ignoring quality” of the enterprise due to the high risk appetite of the executive team.
Originality/value
The findings of this study are helpful in improving the financial development level of the region where the enterprise is located. It can help the executive team of the enterprise to more objectively choose the innovation strategy after technological innovation failure, and reduce the phenomenon that the executive team of the enterprise only pays attention to the quantity of re-innovation and underestimates the quality of re-innovation after technological innovation failure due to its high risk appetite.
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Mingkang Zhang, Yongqiang Yang, Wentao Qin, Shibiao Wu, Jie Chen and Changhui Song
This study aims to focus on the optimized design and mechanical properties of gradient triply periodic minimal surface cellular structures manufactured by selective laser melting.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on the optimized design and mechanical properties of gradient triply periodic minimal surface cellular structures manufactured by selective laser melting.
Design/methodology/approach
Uniform and gradient IWP and primitive cellular structures have been designed by the optimized function in MATLAB, and selective laser melting technology was applied to manufacture these cellular structures. Finite element analysis was applied to optimize the pinch-off problem, and compressive tests were carried out for the evaluation of mechanical properties of gradient cellular structures.
Findings
Finite element analysis shows that the elastic modulus of IWP increased as design parameter b increased, and then decreased when parameter b is higher than 5.5. The highest elastic modulus of primitive increased by 89.2% when parameter b is 6. The compressive behavior of gradient IWP and primitive shows a layer-by-layer way, and elastic modulus and first maximum compressive strength of gradient primitive are higher than that of gradient IWP. The effective energy absorption of gradient cellular structures increased as the average porosity decreased, and the effective energy absorption of gradient primitive is about twice than that of gradient IWP.
Originality/value
This paper presents an optimized design method for the pinch-off problem of gradient triply periodic minimal surface cellular structures.
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Wentao Gu, Lixiang Li, Shangfeng Zhang and Ming Yi
The purpose of this article is to explore the impact of the firm's entrepreneurship for the transformation of circular economy (CE). The role of entrepreneurship is thought to be…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to explore the impact of the firm's entrepreneurship for the transformation of circular economy (CE). The role of entrepreneurship is thought to be important for the process of four Rs in the CE, and the authors have tried to study the role and impact path of entrepreneurship in CE.
Design/methodology/approach
Empirical data from Chinese listed firms are collected, and a measure of digital technology is constructed by text mining method. Mediation analysis method is used to test the proposed hypothesis.
Findings
The results show that the innovation entrepreneurship has a significant positive impact upon the CE and digital technology is playing a mediating role in the impact path. However, the business entrepreneurship is negatively affecting the CE adoption. Also, the proportion of shares hold by the institution has a heterogenous influence for the innovation entrepreneurship.
Practical implications
This study guides policy makers about the role of entrepreneurship and the mediating effect of digital technology and to encourage the adoption of CE for firms.
Originality/value
This study reveals the mediation effect of digital technology in the impact of entrepreneurship on CE in the emerging market. The heterogeneity of the proportion of shares hold by the institutions is also analyzed in the empirical study.
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Yingjie Zhang, Wentao Yan, Geok Soon Hong, Jerry Fuh Hsi Fuh, Di Wang, Xin Lin and Dongsen Ye
This study aims to develop a data fusion method for powder-bed fusion (PBF) process monitoring based on process image information. The data fusion method can help improve process…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to develop a data fusion method for powder-bed fusion (PBF) process monitoring based on process image information. The data fusion method can help improve process condition identification performance, which can provide guidance for further PBF process monitoring and control system development.
Design/methodology/approach
Design of reliable process monitoring systems is an essential approach to solve PBF built quality. A data fusion framework based on support vector machine (SVM), convolutional neural network (CNN) and Dempster-Shafer (D-S) evidence theory are proposed in the study. The process images which include the information of melt pool, plume and spatters were acquired by a high-speed camera. The features were extracted based on an appropriate image processing method. The three feature vectors corresponding to the three objects, respectively, were used as the inputs of SVM classifiers for process condition identification. Moreover, raw images were also used as the input of a CNN classifier for process condition identification. Then, the information fusion of the three SVM classifiers and the CNN classifier by an improved D-S evidence theory was studied.
Findings
The results demonstrate that the sensitivity of information sources is different for different condition identification. The feature fusion based on D-S evidence theory can improve the classification performance, with feature fusion and classifier fusion, the accuracy of condition identification is improved more than 20%.
Originality/value
An improved D-S evidence theory is proposed for PBF process data fusion monitoring, which is promising for the development of reliable PBF process monitoring systems.
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Gan Zhan, Zhihua Chen, Zhenyu Zhang, Jigang Zhan, Wentao Yu and Jiehao Li
This study aims to address the issue of random movement and non coordination between docking mechanisms and locking mechanisms, and proposes a comprehensive dynamic docking…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to address the issue of random movement and non coordination between docking mechanisms and locking mechanisms, and proposes a comprehensive dynamic docking control architecture that integrates perception, planning, and motion control.
Design/methodology/approach
Firstly, the proposed dynamic docking control architecture uses laser sensors and a charge-coupled device camera to perceive the pose of the target. The sensor data are mapped to a high-dimensional potential field space and fused to reduce interference caused by detection noise. Next, a new potential function based on multi-dimensional space is developed for docking path planning, which enables the docking mechanism based on Stewart platform to rapidly converge to the target axis of the locking mechanism, which improves the adaptability and terminal docking accuracy of the docking state. Finally, to achieve precise tracking and flexible docking in the final stage, the system combines a self-impedance controller and an impedance control algorithm based on the planned trajectory.
Findings
Extensive simulations and experiments have been conducted to validate the effectiveness of the dynamic docking system and its control architecture. The results indicate that even if the target moves randomly, the system can successfully achieve accurate, stable and flexible dynamic docking.
Originality/value
This research can provide technical guidance and reference for docking task of unmanned vehicles under the ground conditions. It can also provide ideas for space docking missions, such as space simulator docking.
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Can Ban, Na Na Pu, Yi Fei Zhang and Ma Wentao
This article aims to develop an accurate and efficient meshfree Galerkin method based on the strain smoothing technique for linear elastic continuous and fracture problems.
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to develop an accurate and efficient meshfree Galerkin method based on the strain smoothing technique for linear elastic continuous and fracture problems.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper proposed a generalized linear smoothed meshfree method (LSMM), in which the compatible strain is reconstructed by the linear smoothed strains. Based on the idea of the weighted residual method and employing three linearly independent weight functions, the linear smoothed strains can be created easily in a smoothing domain. Using various types of basic functions, LSMM can solve the linear elastic continuous and fracture problems in a unified way.
Findings
On the one hand, the LSMM inherits the properties of high efficiency and stability from the stabilized conforming nodal integration (SCNI). On the other hand, the LSMM is more accurate than the SCNI, because it can produce continuous strains instead of the piece-wise strains obtained by SCNI. Those excellent performances ensure that the LSMM has the capability to precisely track the crack propagation problems. Several numerical examples are investigated to verify the accurate, convergence rate and robustness of the present LSMM.
Originality/value
This study provides an accurate and efficient meshfree method for simulating crack growth.
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