An overview of pruning and harvesting manipulators

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vítor Tinoco ◽  
Manuel F. Silva ◽  
Filipe N. Santos ◽  
António Valente ◽  
Luís F. Rocha ◽  
...  

Purpose The motivation for robotics research in the agricultural field has sparked in consequence of the increasing world population and decreasing agricultural labor availability. This paper aims to analyze the state of the art of pruning and harvesting manipulators used in agriculture. Design/methodology/approach A research was performed on papers that corresponded to specific keywords. Ten papers were selected based on a set of attributes that made them adequate for review. Findings The pruning manipulators were used in two different scenarios: grapevines and apple trees. These manipulators showed that a light-controlled environment could reduce visual errors and that prismatic joints on the manipulator are advantageous to obtain a higher reach. The harvesting manipulators were used for three types of fruits: strawberries, tomatoes and apples. These manipulators revealed that different kinematic configurations are required for different kinds of end-effectors, as some of these tools only require movement in the horizontal axis and others are required to reach the target with a broad range of orientations. Originality/value This work serves to reduce the gap in the literature regarding agricultural manipulators and will support new developments of novel solutions related to agricultural robotic grasping and manipulation.

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-56 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiina Henttu-Aho

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the emergence of the enabling characteristics of new budgetary practices and their implications for the role of controller. Design/methodology/approach The longitudinal perspective of this qualitative case study is based on interviews of controllers and managers involved in budgetary work. This study monitored the four enabling characteristics of management control, namely, repair, internal transparency, global transparency and flexibility (Adler and Borys, 1996), related to the new budgeting practices in one global paper company. Findings The findings of the study demonstrate that the implementation of rolling forecasting was a major attempt at “repair” to remedy the incompleteness of accounting information, which made controllers experts in producing and delivering more realistic forward-looking information in the organization. The increasing internal and global transparency of new budgetary practices enabled controllers at various levels of organization to develop new competences, which helped controller network to build a holistic view of the totality of control and supply more relevant information in organization. Moreover, the inherent flexibility of the system was a major condition for improving organizational effectiveness in budgetary work. However, the study shows that the controller’s attitude towards enabling formalization is not necessarily positive if the system is not aligned with professional mindset and competence. Originality/value This study adds to the understanding of the complementarity between new developments of budgeting and controller role by addressing the enabling uses of management control systems, which have the potential to enhance the controller role change.


2016 ◽  
Vol 116 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jörg Henseler ◽  
Geoffrey Hubona ◽  
Pauline Ash Ray

Purpose – Partial least squares (PLS) path modeling is a variance-based structural equation modeling (SEM) technique that is widely applied in business and social sciences. Its ability to model composites and factors makes it a formidable statistical tool for new technology research. Recent reviews, discussions, and developments have led to substantial changes in the understanding and use of PLS. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – This paper aggregates new insights and offers a fresh look at PLS path modeling. It presents new developments, such as consistent PLS, confirmatory composite analysis, and the heterotrait-monotrait ratio of correlations. Findings – PLS path modeling is the method of choice if a SEM contains both factors and composites. Novel tests of exact fit make a confirmatory use of PLS path modeling possible. Originality/value – This paper provides updated guidelines of how to use PLS and how to report and interpret its results.


2015 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 30-40
Author(s):  
Brooke Levin

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to discuss the possible explanations for deficits in social understanding evident in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A potential intervention technique is proposed that has not yet been examined in this population: viewing and drawing portraits. This portraiture-based intervention seeks to address some of the core issues set forth in each of the theories explaining impaired social functioning. Furthermore, this intervention is intended to specifically increase exposure to facial stimuli in a safe and controlled environment. Instructions about how to look closely at a social partner’s face and how to glean salient emotional information from the facial expression displayed can be developed through a focused exploration of drawing and viewing portraits. Current techniques such as eye tracking and fMRI are discussed in the context of this proposed intervention. Design/methodology/approach – This paper reviews existing research about ASD and seeks to present a new proposal for an intervention using portraiture. First the paper discusses existing interventions and reviews the current research about potential causes/areas of deficiency in individuals on the spectrum. This paper subsequently proposes a new type of intervention and discusses the reasons underpinning its potential success in the context of existing research. Findings – This was a proposed study so no empirical findings have been reported. However, observations of individuals on the spectrum engaging with artwork are discussed in this paper. Originality/value – No other research or study has been proposed in current literature relating specifically to the use of portraits (looking at and creating) to help individuals with ASD.


2015 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvaro Cuervo-Cazurra ◽  
Rajneesh Narula

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to introduce the debate forum on internationalization motives of this special issue of Multinational Business Review. Design/methodology/approach – The authors reflect on the background and evolution of the internationalization motives over the past few decades, and then provide suggestions for how to use the motives for future analyses. The authors also reflect on the contributions to the debate of the accompanying articles of the forum. Findings – There continue to be new developments in the way in which firms organize themselves as multinational enterprises (MNEs), and this implies that the “classic” motives originally introduced by Dunning in 1993 need to be revisited. Dunning’s motives and arguments were deductive and atheoretical, and these were intended to be used as a toolkit, used in conjunction with other theories and frameworks. They are not an alternative to a classification of possible MNE strategies. Originality/value – This paper and the ones that accompany it, provide a deeper and nuanced understanding on internationalization motives for future research to build on.


2016 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 291-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Kwok

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss briefly new developments in Hong Kong’s (HK) Anti-Money Laundering (AML) laws, both in terms of case law and legislation. Design/methodology/approach In terms of case law, the author discusses two decisions given by HK’s Court of Final Appeal relating to the dealing of proceeds of crime offence. Also, a guideline case on sentencing is also examined. In terms of legislation, the author briefly outlines the main provisions of the newly enacted AML and Counter-Terrorist Financing (Financial Institutions) Ordinance. Findings As suggested by the Financial Action Task Force, new measures need to be put in place. The AML laws, as they presently stand, need further improvement. Originality/value A good AML regime is necessary as HK continues to thrive as a major financial/banking centre in Asia. This paper seeks to encourage more discussion on the topic.


2018 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 502-506 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nordiyanah Anuar ◽  
Rosna Mat Taha ◽  
Noraini Mahmad ◽  
Rashidi Othman

PurposeThe purpose of the study is to identify the high valuable compounds which are crocin, crocetin and zeaxanthin in the stigmas and stamens ofCrocus sativusgrown under controlled environment in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachSpectrophotometry and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis were used to identify and measure crocin, crocetin and zeaxanthin content qualitatively and quantitatively in the stigmas and stamens ofC. sativusgrown under controlled environment in Malaysia.FindingsThe results of this study showed that crocin, crocetin and zeaxanthin were detected in the stigmas. However, among those three compounds, only crocetin was detected in the stamens. In the stigmas, the detectable level of crocin was high compared to crocetin and zeaxanthin. It was also found that crocetin was higher in the stamens compared to in the stigmas.Originality/valueThis is the first attempt in Malaysia that the stigmas and stamens were directly purified from the natural sources by means of no addition of preservatives asC. sativushas never been grown here before. Furthermore, limited reports are available regarding the identification of compounds in saffron stamens.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amruta Joglekar-Athavale ◽  
Ganapti S. Shankarling

Purpose The review glances upon the colorants used for printing on ceramic substrates by ink jet technology and techniques, chemistry involved during the selection of the colorants. Design/methodology/approach The ink jet technology is an easy and a convenient technique, specially designed colorants are used for such applications with tailor made properties and features. Findings New developments in technology and chemistry of colorants to achieve successes in application studies of ceramic substrates. Research limitations/implications N/A. Practical implications This review glances upon the history, development and practical approach of the current techniques with available dyes and pigments and the techniques involved during the synthesis and application. Originality/value The review paper provides information about the development of the inkjet technique on ceramics and available colorants with methods.


2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Serdal Temel ◽  
Susanne Durst

Purpose The purpose of this conceptual paper is to name and categorize risks related to emerging technological innovations and to propose a number of countermeasures. The emphasis is placed on knowledge risks that are grouped under human, organizational and technological spheres and are presented from a small business perspective. Design/methodology/approach The presented paper takes into account the prior literature and the authors’ thoughts and experiences to identify potential knowledge risks and countermeasures. Findings Having a better overview of possible knowledge risks that may emerge in conjunction with the adoption and application of emerging technological innovations can help small businesses to better assess these new developments and their possible upsides and downsides. The proposed risks and countermeasures can also help policymakers as well as other organizations working for or together with smaller businesses to help them maintain and even increase their competitiveness. Practical implications Different implications are suggested for not only managers and employees in small businesses but also other stakeholders working for or with small businesses. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper is the first one that focuses on how small businesses can improve their decision-making regarding the adoption of new emerging technological innovation from a knowledge risk perspective.


2015 ◽  
Vol 31 (6) ◽  
pp. 1-3

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 – Fierce competition remains a major characteristic of today’s business environment. Securing and sustaining an edge over market rivals has arguably never been as tough. Many organizations can undoubtedly testify as much. The challenge is invariably even more intense within certain industries. Those associated with technology spring readily to mind here. New developments emerge with such frequency that there seems few periods when such sectors actually stand still. One of the more obvious categories that is subject to rapid change is mobile phones. Indeed, relentless innovation is par for the course within this sector. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. 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.


2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 197-204
Author(s):  
Theresa Ricke-Kiely

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a viewpoint on leadership development in the conflict transformation and peacebuilding fields, highlighting a need for the inclusion of some new topics to address contemporary leadership concerns. Design/methodology/approach The author provides experiential reflections on developing global leaders in the peacebuilding field. Findings This paper illustrates the importance of developing peacebuilders, currently used methods, and describes prospective topics that may enhance learning and effectiveness. Practical implications This paper offers suggestions for academics and practitioners on new ways of teaching leadership development to those professionals in the field of peacebuilding. Originality/value The author describes challenges and opportunities in leadership development for peace professionals in a global context.


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