scholarly journals Incorporating artificial skin signals in the constraint-based reactive control of human–robot collaborative manipulation tasks

2019 ◽  
Vol 46 (3) ◽  
pp. 360-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristian Alejandro Vergara ◽  
Gianni Borghesan ◽  
Erwin Aertbeliën ◽  
Joris De Schutter
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
Artificial Skin ◽  
Soft Constraints ◽  
Reactive Control ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Robot Controller ◽  
Low Weight ◽  
Task Specification ◽  
Hard And Soft Constraints ◽  
Industrial Task

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a control strategy for human–robot collaborative manipulation tasks that can deal with proximity signals from 373 interconnected cells of an artificial skin. Design/methodology/approach The robot and the operator accomplish an industrial task while interacting in a shared workspace. The robot controller detects and avoids collisions based on the information from the artificial skin. Conflicting constraints can be handled by prioritizing between hard and soft constraints or by weighing the different constraints. Findings Weak soft constraints (low weight) are specified to command the robot to move along a nominal path with constant velocity. Stronger soft constraints (higher weight) prevent collisions by means of either moving the end effector backward along the path or circumventing an obstacle. The proposed approach is validated experimentally. Originality/value As a first contribution, this paper proposes a discrete optimization algorithm activates an a priori selected maximum number of cells. The algorithm selects the appropriate distribution based on the amplitude of each signal and the spatial distribution of the proximity measurements. A second contribution is the specification of a human–robot collaborative application as an optimization problem using eTaSL (expression graph-based task specification language), which provides reactive control.

Examination of customer-centric measures among different types of customers in the context of major Canadian ski resort

2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 438-459
Author(s):  
Matti J. Haverila ◽  
Kai Christian Haverila
Keyword(s):  
Customer Satisfaction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Marketing Practice ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Ski Resort ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Managerial Implications ◽  
Satisfaction Model

Purpose Customer-centric measures such as customer satisfaction and repurchase intent are important indicators of performance. The purpose of this paper is to examine what is the strength and significance of the path coefficients in a customer satisfaction model consisting of various customer-centric measures for different types of ski resort customer (i.e. day, weekend and ski holiday visitors as well as season pass holders) in a ski resort in Canada. Design/methodology/approach The results were analyzed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach for the four different types ski resort visitors. Findings There appeared to differences in the strength and significance in the customer satisfaction model relationships for the four types of ski resort visitors indicating that the a priori managerial classification of the ski resort visitors is warranted. Originality/value The research pinpoints differences in the strength and significance in the relationships between customer-centric measures for four different types ski resort visitors, i.e. day, weekend and ski holiday visitors as well as season pass holders, which have significant managerial implications for the marketing practice of the ski resort.

Assessing emphasis gaps among MBA alumni: a model framework

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-51
Author(s):  
Stuart Van Auken ◽  
Earl Chrysler ◽  
Ludmilla Gricenko Wells
Keyword(s):  
Methodological Approach ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Dimensional Structure ◽  
Assessment Procedure ◽  
Model Framework ◽  
Mba Programs ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Program Delivery ◽  
Mba Program ◽  
One Year

Purpose This paper aims to focus on Master of Business Administration (MBA) alumni and their ability to provide institution-specific insights into MBA program delivery. Given desired MBA positioning dimensions, a case exemplar is used to reveal gaps between “should have” program emphases and “actual” emphases. Departures from expectations are used to reveal either under- or over-emphases which require repair. Design/methodology/approach The study develops a gap assessment procedure and the theory of gaps, and it presents insights into the prioritization of gaps for closing through the revelation of gap themes of varying magnitude. It also reveals the benefits and the limitations of emphasis-based gap assessments. Additionally, the study addresses the complexity of creating the dimensional structure for MBA program gap revelation. Findings This paper reports on the issues of framing dimensions, including the possibility of dimensional omissions, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of an emphasis-based gap model within an a priori identified structure. Practical implications The methodological approach provides a blueprint for additional program review, and it produces a strong structural base for MBA program positioning. It is also is particularly important in evaluating newly created one-year MBA programs. Originality/value The work reveals the potential for the revelation of both under- and over-emphases in MBA program delivery and the possible issue of sub-optimization in gap closing (i.e. the closing of one gap while opening another).

Changes in the contents of corporate codes of ethics: an institutional interpretation

2015 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 369-388 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jang B. Singh
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Codes Of Ethics ◽  
Legal Authority ◽  
Valuable Contribution ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Innovative Management ◽  
Study Population ◽  
Over Time

Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to examine changes in the contents of Canadian corporate codes of ethics over a period of two decades from an institutionalization perspective. Design/methodology/approach – The paper tracks changes in the contents of the codes of large Canadian corporations longitudinally by analyzing their contents at two points over two decades, in 1992 and 2012. In particular, the paper tests three hypotheses related to the institutionalization of codes. Findings – It was found that the codes have become more prescriptive, they are more concerned with social responsibility and are more likely to identify their moral and legal authority. Overall, the findings support an institutional interpretation of the observed changes. Research limitations/implications – While large corporations are critical in establishing new and innovative management practices, their selection as the study population limits the generalizabilty of the findings. Another limitation of this paper is that it used an a priori determined set of items to analyze the contents of the codes and while this was needed to facilitate the comparison across time, it also meant that some important items were not clearly identified. Originality/value – Codes of ethics are the foundation of ethics programs in corporations and their contents could be critical in the development of a culture of ethics in corporations. This paper makes a valuable contribution to research on business ethics by analyzing the codes of ethics of the largest corporations in Canada at two points over two decades. The need to track changes in corporate codes of ethics over time has been advocated by several researchers, but longitudinal studies in this area are rare.

Conceptualizing change in organizational cognition

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rasmus Gahrn-Andersen
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Science ◽  
Distributed Cognition ◽  
Science Research ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Cognition ◽  
Organizational Settings ◽  
Macro Domain ◽  
Task Specification ◽  
Domain Dynamics

PurposeSecchi and Cowley (2016, 2018) propose a Radical approach to Organizational Cognition (ROC) as a way of studying cognitive processes in organizations. What distinguishes ROC from the established research on Organizational Cognition is that it remains faithful to radical, anti-representationalist principles of contemporary cognitive science. However, it is imperative for proponents of ROC to legitimize their approach by considering how it differs from the established research approach of Distributed Cognition (DCog). DCog is a potential contender to ROC in that it not only counters classical approaches to cognition but also provides valuable insights into cognition in organizational settings.Design/methodology/approachThe paper adopts a conceptual/theoretical approach that expands Secchi and Cowley's introduction of ROC.FindingsThe paper shows that DCog research presupposes a task-specification requirement, which entails that cognitive tasks are well-defined. Consequently, DCog research neglects cases of organizational becoming where tasks cannot be clearly demarcated for the or are well-known to the organization. This is the case with the introduction of novel tasks or technical devices. Moreover, the paper elaborates on ROC's 3M model by linking it with insights from the literature on organizational change. Thus, it explores how organizing can be explored as an emergent phenomenon that involves micro, meso and macro domain dynamics, which are shaped by synoptic and performative changes.Originality/valueThe present paper explores new grounds for ROC by not only expanding on its core model but also showing its potential for informing organizational theory and radical cognitive science research.

Iron loss simulation using a local material model

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 1224-1234
Author(s):  
Benedikt Groschup ◽  
Silas Elfgen ◽  
Kay Hameyer
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
Material Model ◽  
Edge Length ◽  
Iron Loss ◽  
Local Magnetization ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Loss ◽  
Cut Edge ◽  
Iron Losses ◽  
Local Material

Purpose The cutting process of the electric machine laminations causes residual mechanical stress in the soft magnetic material. A local magnetic deterioration can be observed and the resulting local and global iron losses increase. A continuous local material model for the consideration of the changing magnetization properties has been introduced in a previous work as well as an a priori assessment of iron losses. A local iron loss calculation considering both a local magnetization and local loss parameters misses yet. The purpose of this study is to introduce a local iron loss calculation model considering both a local magnetization and local loss parameters. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, an approach for local iron loss simulation is developed and a comparison to the cut-edge length-dependent loss model is given. The comparison includes local loss distribution in the lamination as well as the impact on the overall motor efficiency and vehicle range in an electric vehicle driving cycle. Findings For an analysis of the resulting local iron loss components, both the local magnetization and iron loss parameters must be considered using physically based models. Consistently, a local iron loss model is presented in the work. The developed model can be used to gain detailed information of the local loss distribution inside the machine. The comparability of this local iron loss with the cut-edge length approach for overall system characteristics, e.g. efficiency or driving range, is shown. Originality/value A local iron loss simulation approach is a physical accurate model to describe the influence of cutting techniques on electric machine characteristics. A comparison with the less complicated a priori assessment gives detailed information about the necessity of the local model under consideration of the given problem.

Convergence of management practices in India’s IT sector with ana priorivalidation

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 402-421
Author(s):  
Jayashree Mahesh ◽  
Anil K. Bhat
Keyword(s):  
Cluster Analysis ◽  
Operations Management ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Qualitative Interviews ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Statistical Testing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Empirical Survey ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Group A

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to document similarities and differences between management practices of different types of organizations in India’s IT sector through an empirical survey. The authors expected these differences to be significant enough for us to be able to groupa priorithis set of companies meaningfully through cluster analysis on the basis of the similarity of their management practices alone.Design/methodology/approachUsing a mixed-methods approach, 73 senior-level executives of companies working in India’s IT sector were approached with a pretested questionnaire to find out differences on eighteen management practices in the areas of operations management, monitoring management, targets management and talent management. The different types of organizations surveyed were small and amp; medium global multinationals, large global multinationals, small and medium Indian multinationals, large Indian multinationals and small and medium local Indian companies. The differences and similarities found through statistical testing were further validateda priorithrough cluster analysis and qualitative interviews with senior-level executives.FindingsThe management practices of multinationals in India are moving toward Western management practices, indicating that management practices converge as the organizations grow in size. Though the practices of large Indian multinationals were not significantly different from those of global multinationals, the surprising finding was that large Indian multinationals scored better than global multinationals on a few practices. The practices of small and medium Indian companies differed significantly from those of other types of organizations and hence they formed a cluster.Practical implicationsThe finding that large Indian IT multinationals have an edge over global multinationals in certain people management practices is a confirmation of the role of human resource practices in their current success and their continuing competitive advantage.Originality/valueThis is perhaps the first study of its kind to document state of specific management practices across different types of organizations in India’s IT sector and then use measures on these practices to group a priori these organizations for validation.

Novel method for hyperspectral unmixing: fuzzy c-means unmixing

Sensor Review ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 184-192
Author(s):  
Mingyu Nie ◽  
Zhi Liu ◽  
Xiaomei Li ◽  
Qiang Wu ◽  
Bo Tang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Hyperspectral Image ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Image Sensors ◽  
Spectral Unmixing ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Hyperspectral Unmixing ◽  
Fuzzy C Means ◽  
Novel Method ◽  
Iteration Analysis

Purpose This paper aims to effectively achieve endmembers and relative abundances simultaneously in hyperspectral image unmixing yield. Hyperspectral unmixing, which is an important step before image classification and recognition, is a challenging issue because of the limited resolution of image sensors and the complex diversity of nature. Unmixing can be performed using different methods, such as blind source separation and semi-supervised spectral unmixing. However, these methods have disadvantages such as inaccurate results or the need for the spectral library to be known a priori. Design/methodology/approach This paper proposes a novel method for hyperspectral unmixing called fuzzy c-means unmixing, which achieves endmembers and relative abundance through repeated iteration analysis at the same time. Findings Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can effectively implement hyperspectral unmixing with high accuracy. Originality/value The proposed method present an effective framework for the challenging field of hyperspectral image unmixing.

Could new information influence attitudes to foods supplemented with edible insects?

2017 ◽  
Vol 119 (9) ◽  
pp. 2027-2039 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fanny Barsics ◽  
Rudy Caparros Megido ◽  
Yves Brostaux ◽  
Catherine Barsics ◽  
Christophe Blecker ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
A Priori ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Edible Insects ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Edible Insect ◽  
Information Session ◽  
Organoleptic Characteristics ◽  
New Information ◽  
Gender Information ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Broader acceptance of entomophagy (i.e. human consumption of insects) will depend on factors that impact consumers’ perceptions of edible insects. The purpose of this paper is to examine how a broad-based information session would affect consumers’ perceptions and attitudes about an edible insect product. Design/methodology/approach During a taste testing session, preceded or followed by an information session about entomophagy, participants rated the organoleptic characteristics of two bread samples on nine-point hedonic scales. The two bread samples were identical, though one was faux-labelled as containing an insect product. Findings Generalised linear model (GLM) analysis showed effects of gender, information session exposure, entomophagy familiarity, and entomophagy experience on participants’ ratings of the samples. Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney ranked sum tests showed that appearance, flavour, and overall liking were significantly better rated for the bread sample labelled as insect free by participants who attended the presentation a priori. Potential ways to improve information content and delivery in favour of encouraging dietary shifts are discussed. Practical implications This study shows that information about insect-based products could change consumers’ perceptions of such products. The results provide clues regarding how the food industry can adapt communication for target audiences. Originality/value Actual edible insect products were not used in this study. Paradoxically, it is the first to show the impact of an information session on the acceptability of edible insect products, by revealing participants’ perceptual expectations.

Hydraulic manifold design via additive manufacturing optimized with CFD and fluid-structure interaction simulations

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (9) ◽  
pp. 1516-1524 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aiman A. Alshare ◽  
Fedrico Calzone ◽  
Maurizio Muzzupappa
Keyword(s):  
Additive Manufacturing ◽  
Pressure Drop ◽  
Average Velocity ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Fluid Structure Interaction ◽  
Iterative Refinement ◽  
Hydraulic Actuator ◽  
Fluid Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Structure Interaction

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the feasibility of using additive manufacturing (AM) technique to produce an efficient valve manifold for hydraulic actuator by redesigning valve blocks produced by conventional methods. Design/methodology/approach A priori, a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis was carried out using the software ANSYS Fluent to determine the optimal flow path that results in least pressure drop, highest average velocity and least energy losses. Fluid–structure interaction (FSI) simulations, processed with imported pressure distribution from the CFD, were conducted to determine the resulting loading and deformations of the manifold assembly. Findings The new design offers a 23 per cent reduction of oil volume in the circuit, while weighing 84 per cent less. When using the new design, a decrease of pressure drop by nearly 25 per cent and an increase in the average velocity by 2.5 per cent is achieved. A good agreement, within 16 per cent, is found in terms of the pressure drop between the experiment and computational model. Originality/value It is possible to build an efficient hydraulic manifold design by iterative refinement for adequate production via selective laser melting (SLM) and minimize used material to circumventing building support structures in non-machinable features of the manifold.

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