UAV Testbed Training Platform development using Panda3d

2015 ◽  
Vol 42 (5) ◽  
pp. 450-456 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fawaz Annaz
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Virtual Environment ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Measurement Unit ◽  
Optical Encoder ◽  
Rotating Platform ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Game Engines ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The paper aims to report the development of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Testbed Training Platform (TTP). The development is to enable users to safely fly and control the UAV in real time within a limited (yet unconstrained) virtually created environment. Thus, the paper introduces a hardware–virtual environment coupling concept, the Panda3D gaming engine utilization to develop the graphical user interface (GUI) and the 3D-flying environment, as well as the interfacing electronics that enables tracking, monitoring and mapping of real-time movement onto the virtual domain and vice verse. Design/methodology/approach – The platform comprises a spring-shuttle assembly fixed to a heavy aluminium base. The spring supports a rotating platform (RP), which is intended to support UAVs. The RP yaw, pitch and roll are measured by an inertial measurement unit, its climb/descend is measured by a low cost infrared proximity sensor and its rotation is measured by a rotary optical encoder. The hardware is coupled to a virtual environment (VE), which was developed using the Panda3D gaming engine. The VE includes a GUI to generate, edit, load and save real-life environments. Hardware manoeuvres are reflected into the VE. Findings – The prototype was proven effective in dynamically mapping and tracking the rotating platform movements in the virtual environment. This should not be confused with the hardware in loop approach, which requires the inclusion of a mathematical model of the hardware in a loop. The finding will provide future means of testing navigation and tracking algorithms. Research limitations/implications – The work is still new, and there is great room for improvement in many aspects. Here, this paper reports the concept and its technical implementation only. Practical implications – In the literature, various testbeds were reported, and it is felt that there is still room to come up with a better design that enables UAV flying in safer and unlimited environments. This has many practical implications, particularly in testing control and navigation algorithms in hazardous fields. Social implications – The main social impact is to utilise the concept to develop systems that are capable of autonomous rescue mission navigation in disaster zones. Originality/value – The authors are aware that various researchers have developed various testbeds, at different degrees of freedom. Similarly, the authors are also aware that researchers have used game engines to simulate mobile robots or sophisticated equipment (like the VICON Motion Capture System) to measure to perform complex manoeuvres. However, the cost of this kind of equipment is very high, autonomous movements are planned in restricted environments and tested systems are only autonomous in certain setups. However, the idea of mapping the dynamics of an avatar flying object onto a 3D-VE is novel. To improve productivity and rapid prototyping, this paper proposes the use of commercially available game engines, such as the Panda3D, to create virtual environments.

scholarly journals Tracking customer behaviour in fashion retail using RFID

2017 ◽  
Vol 45 (7/8) ◽  
pp. 844-858 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andreas D. Landmark ◽  
Børge Sjøbakk
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Customer Behaviour ◽  
Demographic Indicators ◽  
Frequency Identification ◽  
Fashion Retail ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore how tracking of products by the use of radio frequency identification (RFID) technology may describe customer behaviour in real-time. Design/methodology/approach The study was conducted as a field experiment, where a commercially available RFID platform was deployed in the fitting rooms of a fashion retail store. Findings The study demonstrates an application of in-store RFID tracking to describe customer behaviour, and some practical challenges of utilising such technology. An example typology of four fitting room traits was constructed based on the data collected. Practical implications Different customer types most likely require and respond differently to attention from the personnel operating the fitting room area. By identifying customer behaviour in real-time, it is possible to deliver “best practice” shop stewardship and create a more personalised retail experience. Originality/value The study is based on real-life retail settings, rather than anecdotal management observations or economic and demographic indicators. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, few contributions combine RFID and consumer behaviour outside conceptual work or laboratory experiments.

The Google Knowledge Graph

2014 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 15-17 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Knowledge Graph ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Principal Source ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
The Web

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – Becoming increasingly reliant on the web as a principal source of finding information is altering our brains and the way that we obtain and hold knowledge. We are becoming less reliant on our memories to hold knowledge, instead using technology – and search engines like Google in particular – to deposit and retrieve information. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations. Social implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that can have a broader social impact. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

An evaluation of public policy student placements: outcomes of a Malta-based study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Marie Thake
Keyword(s):  
Public Policy ◽  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Online Questionnaire ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Mandatory Requirement ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to evaluate short-term, unpaid placements offered to students reading for a degree in public policy. They provide added value to their tertiary education experience. Elective placements were offered in 2012 and became a mandatory requirement for students reading for a three-year bachelor of commerce degree in public policy in 2018. To date, no research has been carried out on these placements and this may serve as a model for a post-evaluation assessment.Design/methodology/approachData were collected from students who undertook placements, embedded in the public policy undergraduate programme. A document analysis of selected student and placement provider's reports was carried out to complement the students' responses to an online questionnaire.FindingsPlacements are of value to students as they served as an introduction to the working world. They enable students to establish connections with the course content and carry out research. They were exposed to real-life situations, developing their knowledge, acquiring soft skills and learning new tools, sought after by employers. These placements were valued as a route to graduate employment tailor-made to the degree's requirements. Students were able to embark on a soul-searching, introspective discovery and journey which made them mature and shed light in the direction of future work prospects.Research limitations/implicationsPlacements give students the opportunity to gain insights into real-work environments and are able to link theories learnt in the class-room with real-life situations. Placements have positive implications on students adjusting to their work life easily after graduation. The limitations are that the sample size was small and that the reflective reports which were randomly selected may not have necessarily been representative of the full complement.Practical implicationsThe practical implications are that the placements system and process can easily be implemented and replicated in other academic disciplines and universities as a compulsory component of their studies.Social implicationsPlacements gave students the opportunity to reflect on their learning, develop non-technical skills and enhance their confidence levels. They were also able to network and communicate with different employees.Originality/valuePlacements provided exposure to relevant organisations and personal enrichment in terms of acquiring skills, autonomy and independence. Students with placement experience are also more likely to secure future employment, relevant to their undergraduate degree.

scholarly journals Myths about HIV and AIDS among serodiscordant couples in Malawi

2017 ◽  
Vol 69 (3) ◽  
pp. 278-293
Author(s):  
Kondwani Wella ◽  
Sheila Webber ◽  
Philippa Levy
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Hiv And Aids ◽  
Serodiscordant Couples ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Analyse Data ◽  
Information Providers ◽  
Aids Information ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to report on research that uncovered myths about HIV and AIDS held by serodiscordant couples in Malawi, and the sources of these myths. The paper reflects on how the myths affect serodiscordant couples’ engagement with HIV and AIDS information. Design/methodology/approach Van Manen’s (1997) approach to analysis of phenomenological data was used to analyse data from in-depth interviews conducted in Malawi with 21 serodiscordant couples and three individuals who had separated from their partners because of serodiscordance. Findings Serodiscordant couples in Malawi believe and hold on to some inaccurate HIV and AIDS information that can be seen as “myths”. Some of these myths are perpetuated by official HIV and AIDS information when it is translated into the local languages. Other myths derive from social norms of the societies where the couples live. Practical implications The findings of this paper have practical implications for how HIV and AIDS information providers should engage with target audiences to understand the origins of the myths they hold. The findings also imply that some myths have technical, religious, moral and cultural bases which need to be addressed before challenging the myth itself. Originality/value Using real-life descriptions of experiences of HIV and AIDS information provided by serodiscordant couples, the authors reveal how myths can affect engagement with the information. The authors make recommendations on how to address myths in ways that contribute to a positive experience of HIV and AIDS information by serodiscordant couples.

Lasers sensors very accurately measure both speed and length in real time

Sensor Review ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 34 (1) ◽  
pp. 9-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard Bloss
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Laser Measurement ◽  
Quality Cost ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Laser Sensors ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Length Measurements ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Insight Into

Purpose – Review of the advancements in non-contact laser sensors for much more accurate real time speed as well as length measurements. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – In-depth review of a number of applications of laser sensors. Findings – A wide range of manufacturers in the converting industries have solved measurement problems and realized major improvements in product quality, cost of production and productivity by applying laser measurement as well as reduction in scrap. Practical implications – Others with the need to make very accurate measurements of speed and length in real time may find that laser sensors may provide the answer. Originality/value – An expert insight into how to solve real time speed and length measurement problems.

How do altmetric sources evaluate scientific collaboration? An empirical investigation for Chinese collaboration publications

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (3) ◽  
pp. 563-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaoguang Wang ◽  
Tao Lv ◽  
Donald Hamerly
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Collaboration ◽  
Social Impact ◽  
Social Attention ◽  
Distribution Analysis ◽  
Academic Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Chinese Academy Of Sciences ◽  
Academy Of Sciences ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide insights on the improvement of academic impact and social attention of Chinese collaboration articles from the perspective of altmetrics. Design/methodology/approach The authors retrieved articles which are from the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and indexed by Nature Index as sampled articles. With the methods of distribution analysis, comparative analysis and correlation analysis, authors compare the coverage differences of altmetric sources for CAS Chinese articles and CAS international articles, and analyze the correlation between the collaborative information and the altmetric indicators. Findings Results show that the coverage of altmetric sources for CAS international articles is greater than that for CAS Chinese articles. Mendeley and Twitter cover a higher percentage of collaborative articles than other sources studied. Collaborative information, such as number of collaborating countries, number of collaborating institutions, and number of collaborating authors, show moderate or low correlation with altmetric indicator counts. Mendeley readership has a moderate correlation with altmetric indicators like tweets, news outlets and blog posts. Practical implications International scientific collaboration at different levels improves attention, academic impact and social impact of articles. International collaboration and altmetrics indicators supplement each other. The results of this study can help us better understand the relationship between altmetrics indicators of articles and collaborative information of articles. It is of great significance to evaluate the influence of Chinese articles, as well as help to improve the academic impact and social attention of Chinese collaboration articles. Originality/value To the best of authors’ knowledge, few studies focus on the use of altmetrics to assess publications produced through Chinese academic collaboration. This study is one of a few attempts that include the number of collaborating countries, number of collaborating institutions, and number of collaborating authors of scientific collaboration into the discussion of altmetric indicators and figured out the relationship among them.

Who is vulnerable? Adult social care and modern slavery

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gary Craig ◽  
Stephen Clay
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Care Needs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Modern Slavery ◽  
History Of ◽  
Forced Labour ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The 2015 Modern Slavery Act focusses attention forms of modern slavery (human trafficking and forced labour), within the UK. The contemporaneous 2014 Care Act, identifies modern slavery as a new form of risk within adult social care, listing forms of abuse and vulnerability. However, it does not consider whether those providing care may themselves be vulnerable to forms of modern slavery. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The authors describe the history of the development of modern slavery legislation in the UK, outline key provisions of the Care Act, illustrated with real-life cases. The analysis suggests that adult social care – characterised by informality, fragmentation and vulnerability – is one where instances of modern slavery may be more common than considered to date. Findings The data collected, though relatively modest, suggests that a thorough investigation should be undertaken into the possibility of modern slavery taking place within the realm of adult social care. Research limitations/implications Data have been collected through a snowball process, rolling out a survey to relevant groups of individual and organisations. A more rigorous investigation is required to examine the extent of modern slavery within adult social care. Practical implications The training of those responsible for the regulation/management of adult social care needs to ensure that they are fully equipped to understand the nature of modern slavery and how to identify its symptoms and victims. Social implications There is also a need for heightened awareness of those close to people being cared for that they may also identify the symptoms of modern slavery. Originality/value This area has not been explored to date.

Accounting and accountability challenges

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 94-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anil K. Narayan
Keyword(s):  
Tertiary Education ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Implementation Process ◽  
Strategy Implementation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Perspectives ◽  
Sustainability Strategy ◽  
Sustainability Initiatives ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate the strategy, accounting and accountability interface in sustainability implementation in a large public tertiary education organisation in New Zealand. Design/methodology/approach – The study uses ethnography as an “engaging research” to help explain the real-life enactment of accounting and accountability in advancing/deterring sustainability initiatives. The study draws upon neo-institutional theoretical perspectives to help interpret the findings. Findings – Accounting and accountability are powerful conduits for strategy implementation. Successful sustainability strategy implementation requires the embedding of financial accountability within the implementation process. Practical implications – A strong ideological commitment from senior management is required to firmly embed sustainability in the tertiary organisation's belief systems, values and norms to get wider organisational acceptance and institutionalisation. Accounting needs to take a position of centrality within organisations to help facilitate sustainability implementation. Social implications – Government policy needs to incorporate specific concepts of sustainability into the tertiary education strategy and funding framework to make public tertiary organisations accountable for sustainability to the wider society. Originality/value – This study provides unique insights into the sustainability implementation process. It complements existing literature on sustainability accounting and accountability.

Integrating Big Data in “e-Oman”: opportunities and challenges

Info ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 79-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stuti Saxena ◽  
Sujeet Kumar Sharma
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Services ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
The Government ◽  
Time Basis ◽  
Privacy And Confidentiality ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to integrate Big Data in e-government in Oman, also known as “e-Oman”, wherein Big Data might be better harnessed to tackle real-time challenges. Design/methodology/approach Besides a description of the concepts of e-government and Big Data in general, the paper underscores the dimensions of “e-Oman”. Following a qualitative approach, the paper asserts how integration of Big Data in “e-Oman” may be useful by invoking examples from four short case studies across different sectors. Findings The paper supports the integration of “e-Oman” and Big Data wherein besides providing smooth public services, the government is encouraged to forge inter- and intra-ministerial collaboration and public-private partnership. The paper probes through the challenges and opportunities in effecting this integration. Practical implications The paper provides a platform for the policymakers to conceive of a synchronized programme for integrating “e-Oman” and the Big Data generated by it. This integration would go a long way in building upon the economy of Oman, besides providing better public services to the individuals and businesses on a real-time basis. Social implications The paper does throw light on the issues of privacy and confidentiality of data available with the government. There are challenges of cybercrime as well. Therefore, the paper posits that a robust fool-proof infrastructure should be instituted by the government for effecting integration of e-government and Big Data. Originality/value This paper seeks to fill the gap in extant literature which remains scant on the integration of e-government with Big Data. This is especially true in the case of Oman where not a single study has been presented to probe this issue. Given that “e-Oman” is expanding its scope over the years, this paper foresees the concomitant opportunities and challenges in the integration of Big Data in “e-Oman”.

Longitudinal patterns of unmet needs during Texas floods, May-June 2015

2017 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 611-628
Author(s):  
Teresa Wai Chi Tai ◽  
Jee Young Lee ◽  
Sherry I. Bame
Keyword(s):  
Real Time ◽  
Unmet Needs ◽  
Access Barriers ◽  
Early Recovery ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Longitudinal Patterns ◽  
Vulnerable Communities ◽  
Unmet Demand ◽  
Recovery Housing ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose In Spring 2015, Texas experienced record-breaking floods, causing deaths, injuries, and widespread property and infrastructure damage. However, little is known about those who encountered access barriers to disaster support in Texas. The purpose of this paper is to examine the unmet disaster-related needs from 2-1-1 calls during evacuation, flooding, and early recovery phases. Design/methodology/approach The 2-1-1 Texas Information and Referral Network’s caller database was used to identify real time, non-emergency, unmet disaster-related caller needs longitudinally. The two-month study period included a baseline week before flashflood (05/01/2015) into early recovery (06/30/2015). Caller unmet needs were categorized and graphed by type daily throughout the study period. Findings Of the 4,880 disaster-related 2-1-1 calls from Texas’ 254 counties, 1,183 callers needed housing help, compared to 442 utilities, 409 food and 109 medically related assistance. Total calls quickly peaked at 405 calls/day during Memorial Day weekend when Greater Houston flooded. Despite total calls decreasing gradually during recovery, they remained four times higher than baseline. Unmet needs varied by type, especially during early recovery. Housing, food, and medical unmet needs surged when Houston flooded. Although medical calls were lowest volume than other basic needs, demand for medical assistance had a higher threshold throughout early recovery. Practical implications Examination of unmet needs over disaster phases identified longitudinal patterns of demand and effectiveness of disaster management efforts. Originality/value Using real-time 2-1-1 data to monitor types of unmet demand is valuable to tailor timely and effective disaster support, reduce access barriers, and allocate disaster support services and supplies to the vulnerable communities.

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