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Article
Publication date: 8 May 2024

Minghao Wang, Ming Cong, Yu Du, Huageng Zhong and Dong Liu

To make the robot that have real autonomous ability is always the goal of mobile robot research. For mobile robots, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) research is no…

Abstract

Purpose

To make the robot that have real autonomous ability is always the goal of mobile robot research. For mobile robots, simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) research is no longer satisfied with enabling robots to build maps by remote control, more needs will focus on the autonomous exploration of unknown areas, which refer to the low light, complex spatial features and a series of unstructured environment, lick underground special space (dark and multiintersection). This study aims to propose a novel robot structure with mapping and autonomous exploration algorithms. The experiment proves the detection ability of the robot.

Design/methodology/approach

A small bio-inspired mobile robot suitable for underground special space (dark and multiintersection) is designed, and the control system is set up based on STM32 and Jetson Nano. The robot is equipped with double laser sensor and Ackerman chassis structure, which can adapt to the practical requirements of exploration in underground special space. Based on the graph optimization SLAM method, an optimization method for map construction is proposed. The Iterative Closest Point (ICP) algorithm is used to match two frames of laser to recalculate the relative pose of the robot, which improves the sensor utilization rate of the robot in underground space and also increase the synchronous positioning accuracy. Moreover, based on boundary cells and rapidly-exploring random tree (RRT) algorithm, a new Bio-RRT method for robot autonomous exploration is proposed in addition.

Findings

According to the experimental results, it can be seen that the upgraded SLAM method proposed in this paper achieves better results in map construction. At the same time, the algorithm presents good real-time performance as well as high accuracy and strong maintainability, particularly it can update the map continuously with the passing of time and ensure the positioning accuracy in the process of map updating. The Bio-RRT method fused with the firing excitation mechanism of boundary cells has a more purposeful random tree growth. The number of random tree expansion nodes is less, and the amount of information to be processed is reduced, which leads to the path planning time shorter and the efficiency higher. In addition, the target bias makes the random tree grow directly toward the target point with a certain probability, and the obtained path nodes are basically distributed on or on both sides of the line between the initial point and the target point, which makes the path length shorter and reduces the moving cost of the mobile robot. The final experimental results demonstrate that the proposed upgraded SLAM and Bio-RRT methods can better complete the underground special space exploration task.

Originality/value

Based on the background of robot autonomous exploration in underground special space, a new bio-inspired mobile robot structure with mapping and autonomous exploration algorithm is proposed in this paper. The robot structure is constructed, and the perceptual unit, control unit, driving unit and communication unit are described in detail. The robot can satisfy the practical requirements of exploring the underground dark and multiintersection space. Then, the upgraded graph optimization laser SLAM algorithm and interframe matching optimization method are proposed in this paper. The Bio-RRT independent exploration method is finally proposed, which takes shorter time in equally open space and the search strategy for multiintersection space is more efficient. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed upgrade SLAM and Bio-RRT methods can better complete the underground space exploration task.

Details

Robotic Intelligence and Automation, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-6969

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 May 2024

Umair Khan, Aurang Zaib, Anuar Ishak, El-Sayed M. Sherif and Piotr Wróblewski

Ferrofluids are aqueous or non-aqueous solutions with colloidal particles of iron oxide nanoparticles with high magnetic characteristics. Their magnetic characteristics enable…

Abstract

Purpose

Ferrofluids are aqueous or non-aqueous solutions with colloidal particles of iron oxide nanoparticles with high magnetic characteristics. Their magnetic characteristics enable them to be controlled and manipulated when ferrofluids are exposed to magnetic fields. This study aims to inspect the features of unsteady stagnation point flow (SPF) and heat flux from the surface by incorporating ferromagnetic particles through a special kind of second-grade fluid (SGF) across a movable sheet with a nonlinear heat source/sink and magnetic field effect. The mass suction/injection and stretching/shrinking boundary conditions are also inspected to calculate the fine points of the features of multiple solutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The leading equations that govern the ferrofluid flow are reduced to a group of ordinary differential equations by applying similarity variables. The converted equations are numerically solved through the bvp4c solver. Afterward, study and discussion are carried out to examine the different physical parameters of the characteristics of nanofluid flow and thermal properties.

Findings

Multiple solutions are revealed to happen for situations of unsteadiness, shrinking as well as stretching sheets. Greater suction slows the separation of the boundary layers and causes the critical values to expand. The region where the multiple solutions appear is observed to expand with increasing values of the magnetic, non-Newtonian and suction parameters. Moreover, the fluid velocity significantly uplifts while the temperature declines due to the suction parameter.

Originality/value

The novelty of the work is to deliberate the impact of mass suction/injection on the unsteady SPF through the special second-grade ferrofluids across a movable sheet with an erratic heat source/sink. The confirmed results provide a very good consistency with the accepted papers. Previous studies have not yet fully explored the entire analysis of the proposed model.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 24 October 2022

Suzana Sukovic, Jamaica Eisner and Kerith Duncanson

Effective use of data across public health organisations (PHOs) is essential for the provision of health services. While health technology and data use in clinical practice have…

Abstract

Purpose

Effective use of data across public health organisations (PHOs) is essential for the provision of health services. While health technology and data use in clinical practice have been investigated, interactions with data in non-clinical practice have been largely neglected. The purpose of this paper is to consider what constitutes data, and how people in non-clinical roles in a PHO interact with data in their practice.

Design/methodology/approach

This mixed methods study involved a qualitative exploration of how employees of a large PHO interact with data in their non-clinical work roles. A quantitative survey was administered to complement insights gained through qualitative investigation.

Findings

Organisational boundaries emerged as a defining issue in interactions with data. The results explain how data work happens through observing, spanning and shifting of boundaries. The paper identifies five key issues that shape data work in relation to boundaries. Boundary objects and processes are considered, as well as the roles of boundary spanners and shifters.

Research limitations/implications

The study was conducted in a large Australian PHO, which is not completely representative of the unique contexts of similar organisations. The study has implications for research in information and organisational studies, opening fields of inquiry for further investigation.

Practical implications

Effective systems-wide data use can improve health service efficiencies and outcomes. There are also implications for the provision of services by other health and public sectors.

Originality/value

The study contributes to closing a significant research gap in understanding interactions with data in the workplace, particularly in non-clinical roles in health. Research analysis connects concepts of knowledge boundaries, boundary spanning and boundary objects with insights into information behaviours in the health workplace. Boundary processes emerge as an important concept to understand interactions with data. The result is a novel typology of interactions with data in relation to organisational boundaries.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 73 no. 4/5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2514-9342

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2024

Cédric Gervais Njingang Ketchate, Oluwole Daniel Makinde, Pascalin Tiam Kapen and Didier Fokwa

This paper aims to investigate the hydrodynamic instability properties of a mixed convection flow of nanofluid in a porous channel.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the hydrodynamic instability properties of a mixed convection flow of nanofluid in a porous channel.

Design/methodology/approach

The treated single-phase nanofluid is a suspension consisting of water as the working fluid and alumina as a nanoparticle. The anisotropy of the porous medium and the effects of the inclination of the magnetic field are highlighted. The effects of viscous dissipation and thermal radiation are incorporated into the energy equation. The eigenvalue equation system resulting from the stability analysis is processed numerically by the spectral collocation method.

Findings

Analysis of the results in terms of growth rate reveals that increasing the volume fraction of nanoparticles increases the critical Reynolds number. Parameters such as the mechanical anisotropy parameter and Richardson number have a destabilizing effect. The Hartmann number, permeability parameter, magnetic field inclination, Prandtl number, wave number and thermal radiation parameter showed a stabilizing effect. The Eckert number has a negligible effect on the growth rate of the disturbances.

Originality/value

Linear stability analysis of Magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) mixed convection flow of a radiating nanofluid in porous channel in presence of viscous dissipation.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 May 2024

Charalampos Alexopoulos and Stuti Saxena

This paper aims to further the understanding of Open Government Data (OGD) adoption by the government by invoking two quantum physics theories – percolation theory and expander…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to further the understanding of Open Government Data (OGD) adoption by the government by invoking two quantum physics theories – percolation theory and expander graph theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Extant research on the barriers to adoption and rollout of OGD is reviewed to drive home the research question for the present study. Both the theories are summarized, and lessons are derived therefrom for answering the research question.

Findings

The percolation theory solves the riddle of why the OGD initiatives find it difficult to seep across the hierarchical and geographical levels of any administrative division. The expander graph theory builds the understanding of the need for having networking among and within the key government personnel for bolstering the motivation and capacity building of the operational personnel linked with the OGD initiative. The theoretical understanding also aids in the implementation and institutionalization of OGD in general.

Originality/value

Intersectionality of domains for conducting research on any theme is always a need. Given the fact that there are innumerable challenges regarding the adoption of OGD by the governments across the world, the application of the two theories of quantum physics might solve the quandary in a befitting way.

Details

foresight, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2024

Rapeeporn Rungsithong and Klaus E. Meyer

Trust is an important facilitator of successful B2B relationships. The purpose of this study is to investigate affect-based antecedents of both interpersonal and…

192

Abstract

Purpose

Trust is an important facilitator of successful B2B relationships. The purpose of this study is to investigate affect-based antecedents of both interpersonal and interorganizational trust, and their impact on the performance of buyer–supplier relationships. The authors ask two research questions: (1) What are affect-based dimensions of interpersonal and interorganizational trust? (2) How do interpersonal and interorganizational trust influence buyers’ operational performance?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use data from an original survey of 156 buyer–supplier relationships between multinational enterprise subsidiaries and local suppliers in the Thai manufacturing sector to develop a structural model in which the authors test the hypotheses.

Findings

Consistent with social exchange theory and social psychology, the empirical analysis shows that affect-based dimensions at the individual level, namely, likeability, similarity and frequent social contact, and at the organizational level, namely, supplier firm willingness to customize and institutionalization of cooperation, are important for establishing trust. In addition, interpersonal trust enhances buyers’ operational performance indirectly via interorganizational trust.

Practical implications

Buying and selling firms may develop organizational trust by developing processes that enhance organizational trust. Individuals with purchasing or sales responsibilities may enhance trust in their personal relationship. However, such interpersonal trust needs to be translated to the organizational level to benefit organizational performance.

Originality/value

The findings contribute to the literature on affect-based antecedents and outcomes of trust. Specifically, the authors offer theory and empirical evidence regarding the contribution of salespersons toward affect-based dimensions of trust and its impact on buyer’s operational performance.

Details

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, vol. 39 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0885-8624

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 28 July 2023

Moh. Wahyudin, Chih-Cheng Chen, Henry Yuliando, Najihatul Mujahidah and Kune-Muh Tsai

The food industry is continuously developing its online services called food delivery applications (FDAs). This study aims to evaluate FDA's importance–performance and identify…

3656

Abstract

Purpose

The food industry is continuously developing its online services called food delivery applications (FDAs). This study aims to evaluate FDA's importance–performance and identify strategies to maximize its potential gains from a business partner's perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 208 FDA partners in Indonesia. Importance–performance analysis (IPA) is applied to evaluate the FDA feature and extended the theory of potential gain in customer value (PGCV) to achieve potential gains from FDA business partners.

Findings

This study provides a clear and measurable direction for future research to develop FDA performance. Owning customer data, revenue sharing and competitive advantage are the most potential gains from joining the FDA from the business partner perspective.

Research limitations/implications

The respondents are restaurants from the micro, small, and medium enterprises levels. Further research should involve middle to upper level restaurants to discover all business partners' perceptions. This will be very helpful for FDA providers interested in improving the best performance for all their partners.

Practical implications

FDA providers must focus on improving and maintaining the features of owning customer data, revenue sharing, competitive advantage, stable terms and conditions, customer interface, building customer loyalty, online presence, user credit rating, promotion and offers, delivery service and sales enhancement to increase consumer satisfaction and meet the expectations desired by business partners.

Originality/value

This research provides a meaningful theoretical foundation for future work. It extends the theory of PGCV using the value of a partner perspective as a substitute for customer value; hence, the authors call it a potential gain in partner value.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 126 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 March 2024

Tariq Rasheed and Shamshad Ahmed

The primary purpose of this study was to check the online information retrieval self-efficacy among library professionals in predicting the satisfaction of patrons within…

Abstract

Purpose

The primary purpose of this study was to check the online information retrieval self-efficacy among library professionals in predicting the satisfaction of patrons within universities’ libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was grounded on Bandura four sources of self-efficacy, encompassing mastery experience, vicarious experience, social persuasion and physiological states. To accomplish this, a meticulously designed questionnaire was administered to collect data from library professionals employed in universities libraries recognized by the Higher Education Commission in Punjab and capital city of Pakistan (Islamabad). Following by the validation of assumptions, researchers conducted a multiple linear regression test to predict the outcomes of the dependent variable by using the independents variables. Additionally, a comparative evaluation was carried out among all the independent variables to determine their respective contributions to satisfaction of library patrons.

Findings

The results emphasized the distinct and substantial significance of three variables, physiological states, social feedback and mastery experience in predicting the satisfaction of library patrons. Nevertheless, vicarious experience did not demonstrate a significant influence on the satisfaction of library patrons. Furthermore, influence of physiological states on the improvement of library patrons’ satisfaction was relatively higher compared to other three self-efficacy sources. In conclusion, research established the essential role of online information retrieval self-efficacy in enhancing the satisfaction of library patrons.

Practical implications

The findings of the study can form a solid basis for devising academic programs to train the library professionals for effective utilization of various information systems and databases. These programs play an important role in improving the self-efficacy of library professionals, ultimately refining their skills in online information retrieval.

Originality/value

In essence, this study provides insights into the factors which are pivotal in effective information searching process, ultimately leading to increase the satisfaction level of library patrons which has not been previously researched in Pakistan as well as the world context. Moreover, the study significance lies in contribute to academic discourse, its potential to transform and promote the library services and as well as empower library professionals in delivering the satisfying and efficient experience for library patrons in the current digital age.

Details

Digital Library Perspectives, vol. 40 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2059-5816

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 28 May 2024

Guang-Zhi Zeng, Zheng-Wei Chen, Yi-Qing Ni and En-Ze Rui

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have become a new tendency in flow simulation, because of their self-advantage of integrating both physical and monitored information of…

Abstract

Purpose

Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) have become a new tendency in flow simulation, because of their self-advantage of integrating both physical and monitored information of fields in solving the Navier–Stokes equation and its variants. In view of the strengths of PINN, this study aims to investigate the impact of spatially embedded data distribution on the flow field results around the train in the crosswind environment reconstructed by PINN.

Design/methodology/approach

PINN can integrate data residuals with physical residuals into the loss function to train its parameters, allowing it to approximate the solution of the governing equations. In addition, with the aid of labelled training data, PINN can also incorporate the real site information of the flow field in model training. In light of this, the PINN model is adopted to reconstruct a two-dimensional time-averaged flow field around a train under crosswinds in the spatial domain with the aid of sparse flow field data, and the prediction results are compared with the reference results obtained from numerical modelling.

Findings

The prediction results from PINN results demonstrated a low discrepancy with those obtained from numerical simulations. The results of this study indicate that a threshold of the spatial embedded data density exists, in both the near wall and far wall areas on the train’s leeward side, as well as the near train surface area. In other words, a negative effect on the PINN reconstruction accuracy will emerge if the spatial embedded data density exceeds or slips below the threshold. Also, the optimum arrangement of the spatial embedded data in reconstructing the flow field of the train in crosswinds is obtained in this work.

Originality/value

In this work, a strategy of reconstructing the time-averaged flow field of the train under crosswind conditions is proposed based on the physics-informed data-driven method, which enhances the scope of neural network applications. In addition, for the flow field reconstruction, the effect of spatial embedded data arrangement in PINN is compared to improve its accuracy.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 January 2024

Amber L. Stephenson and David B. Yerger

The purpose of this study was to examine the boundary conditions of Kanter's (1977) tokenism theory as applied to the gender wage gap. The authors aimed to discover if there was a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the boundary conditions of Kanter's (1977) tokenism theory as applied to the gender wage gap. The authors aimed to discover if there was a point where the relationship between the percentage of women in a job category and the gender wage gap changed, and, if so, where the threshold was located and what was the nature of the shift in relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors used the Andrews’ (1993) threshold effects technique. Using 22 separate years of publicly available Canadian wage data, they examined the relationship between the percentage of females in 40 unique occupational categories and the female-to-male earnings ratio (for a total of 880 observations).

Findings

The results showed the existence of a threshold point, and that early gains in percent female within an occupation, up to approximately 14% female in the occupation, associate with strong gains in the female-to-male wage ratio. However, beyond that point, further gains in percent female associate with smaller improvements in the female-to-male wage ratio.

Practical implications

The findings are useful in understanding the dynamics of occupational group gender composition, potential theoretical reasons for the nuances in relationship, as well as opportunities that may facilitate more equitable outcomes.

Originality/value

The results show that, though improvements were made above and below the threshold point, enhancements in the wage gap are actually larger when there are less women in the job category (e.g. tokens).

Details

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An International Journal, vol. 43 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-7149

Keywords

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