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Article
Publication date: 14 December 2021

Vítor Tinoco, Manuel F. Silva, Filipe N. Santos, António Valente, Luís F. Rocha, Sandro A. Magalhães and Luis C. Santos

The motivation for robotics research in the agricultural field has sparked in consequence of the increasing world population and decreasing agricultural labor availability. This…

Abstract

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.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 49 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 September 2020

José António C. Santos, Margarida Custódio Santos, Luis Nobre Pereira, Greg Richards and Luis Caiado

Little is known about how tourists’ eating habits change between everyday life and holidays. This study aims to identify market segments based on changes in food consumption and…

1567

Abstract

Purpose

Little is known about how tourists’ eating habits change between everyday life and holidays. This study aims to identify market segments based on changes in food consumption and experiences of a sun-and-sea destination’s local food. The authors evaluate to what extent tourists consume local food and assess the contribution of local food experiences to the tourists’ overall experience.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population was all tourists visiting the Algarve in the Summer 2018 and included both domestic and international sun-and-sea tourists. A sample of 378 valid questionnaires was collected. Data analysis included descriptive analysis, statistical tests and cluster analysis.

Findings

Cluster analysis identified three segments: non-foodies, selective foodies and local gastronomy foodies. Results indicate that tourists change their eating habits during holidays, eating significantly more seafood and fish and less legumes, meat, fast food and cereals and their derivatives. International and domestic sun-and-sea tourists reported that eating local food contributes significantly to their overall tourism experience.

Practical implications

Sun-and-sea destinations should promote the offer of local dishes, especially those that include locally produced fish and seafood, to improve the tourist experience, differentiate the destination and increase sustainability.

Originality/value

The authors address three identified research gaps: a posteriori segmentation based on tourists’ food consumption behaviour; measurement of changes in eating practices between home and in a sun-and-sea destination; and assessment of the role of food experiences to overall tourism experience of tourists visiting a sun-and-sea destination.

Details

International Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management, vol. 32 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-6119

Keywords

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the influence of partial and simultaneous substitution of fat and sodium by hydrolyzed collagen and mix of herbs (MH) in chicken hamburgers, on the physical properties and proximal composition.

Design/methodology/approach

Five formulations were developed: (1) HCON–without adding collagen and MH; (2) C25M25–adding 25% of collagen and 25% of MH; (3) C25M50–adding 25% of collagen and 50% of MH; (4) C50M25–adding 50% of collagen and 25% of MH and (5) C50M50–adding 50% of collagen and 50% of MH. Chicken hamburgers were analyzed by proximal composition, sodium content, collagen and color analysis. The influence of treatments on texture profile, cooking performance and lipid oxidation of chicken hamburger was also investigated.

Findings

There was reduction in lipid and sodium for modified formulations compared with the HCON. There was great influence for some parameters, such as luminosity, cooking performance and texture profile. The formulation C50M50 showed the best cooking performance when compared to the others.

Originality/value

The formulation adding 50% of collagen and 50% of MH showed the highest yield and water retention (WR), with the least reduction in diameter and shrinkage, as well as presenting the best indexes of the texture profile and the lowest oxidation index, being recommended as the best combination of fat and sodium replacement.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 125 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2021

Luís César Ferreira Motta Barbosa, Otávio José de Oliveira, Marcio Cardoso Machado, Ana Clara Tomaz Morais, Patrícia Maria Bozola and Manuel Gilberto Freitas Santos

This study used a qualitative approach on five case studies in Brazilian industrial companies. The research used interviews, document analysis and on-site visits to collect and…

1075

Abstract

Purpose

This study used a qualitative approach on five case studies in Brazilian industrial companies. The research used interviews, document analysis and on-site visits to collect and analyze data. The companies were selected based on the following criteria: operating in the industrial sector, updating their quality management system (QMS) process to ISO 9001: 2015 and agreeing to participate in this study.

Design/methodology/approach

This article aims to investigate the strategies of industrial companies adopted for ISO-9001:2015 certification in light of the six major advances concerning the previous version. Thus, QMS of other organizations can incorporate identified lessons learned, whether certified or not.

Findings

The main finding of the research is the systematization of a set of lessons learned in the experiences of implementing the six significant advances of ISO 9001 concerning the previous version by industrial companies in the State of São Paulo in Brazil. These lessons can and should be used by other organizations to improve their QMSs.

Practical implications

The practices identified in this empirical research can serve as benchmarking to assist quality managers from other companies in QMS certification based on ISO 9001: 2015 or even those not certified but interested in updating their QMSs. Therefore, lessons learned can significantly minimize efforts to improve your projects, processes, products and services. These findings can also help industrial companies improve their production efficiency and effectiveness through quality improvement.

Originality/value

The main novelty of the research is the consolidation of theoretical and practical analysis of the main changes in the latest version of the ISO 9001 standards. The efforts to fulfill those changes result in lessons learned. The “lessons learned” will form a new block of knowledge that will subsidize theoretical (new research) and practical (formulation of a new ISO 9001 standard and helps quality managers improve their systems).

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 17 April 2007

José G. Vargas‐Hernández

The aim of this paper is to analyze relationships of cooperation and conflict between a mining company and the involved communities, focusing on the presence of the mining company…

1108

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to analyze relationships of cooperation and conflict between a mining company and the involved communities, focusing on the presence of the mining company (MSX) in Cerro de San Pedro, Mexico.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper focuses on the co‐operation and conflict between firms, communities, new social movements and the role of government.

Findings

The presence of the mining company has caused a severe social conflict among the inhabitants of San Pedro, Soledad y San Luis, alerting all who are concerned with historic heritage, cultural and environmental issues. At the center of the controversy is the cheap and efficient technology. Federal and state laws were violated. It is quite evident that there was a lack of sensitivity of foreign mining companies toward the consequences of their activities upon the communities and environment. This case also shows the lack of negotiation between firms, communities, new social movements and governments. Information about externalities and future costs of company activities is crucial but more crucial is formulation and implementation of more sensitive policies to avoid damage to the environment, biodiversity and health of the population. Governmental institutions must be aware that their decisions may affect the quality of life of present and future generations for the sake of a small increment in economic growth and large increase in private benefits of a small group of investors. More informed citizens tend to be more active protestors, such as the case of the students in San Luis. Contact between informed individuals of diverse groups and organizations helps to exchange experiences and create public opinion in favor of mobilization. Community participation and involvement in decision‐making of community development planning is quite limited by the lack of critical information. This fact is critical when the local government cannot provide the right information because there are other interests affecting the process.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the lack of sensitivity of foreign mining companies towards local communities.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 34 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 15 December 2022

Norberto Santos, Claudete Oliveira Moreira and Luís Silveira

Tourism in Coimbra today is influenced by the fact that the Univer(s)city was distinguished as a World Heritage Site in 2013. The number of visits has grown very significantly in…

Abstract

Purpose

Tourism in Coimbra today is influenced by the fact that the Univer(s)city was distinguished as a World Heritage Site in 2013. The number of visits has grown very significantly in recent years, but the diversification of the tourist offer is still weak and unable to take advantage of existing resources. This paper aims to present genealogy tourism as an alternative urban cultural tourism in Coimbra.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodology involved mapping the Jewish culture elements in the city of Coimbra, and a route was outlined and proposed.

Findings

Genealogy tourism resources are identified in the historic centre of the city. These alternative spaces need urban rehabilitation and (re)functionalisation, which allowed the authors to rethink tourism in Coimbra. They are the motivation to visit for all urban cultural tourists, especially Israelis/Jews, and provide contact with places where the experiences of ancestors combine with the history and memory of places, with recent discoveries and the elements of Jewish culture in the city.

Originality/value

It is concluded that the quantity, diversity, authenticity and singularity of the heritage resources that bear witness to the Jewish presence in Coimbra are sufficient assets to create a route, to enrich the tourist experience in the city and to include the destination in the Sephardic routes.

Details

International Journal of Tourism Cities, vol. 10 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2056-5607

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 February 2021

Adriane Pegoraro Brustolin, Roberto Verlindo, Patrícia dos Santos, Silvane Souza Roman, Jamile Zeni, Rogério Luis Cansian, Eunice Valduga and Geciane Toniazzo Backes

The objective of this study was to elaborate and characterize formulations of type mortadella bologna in an industrial unit.

Abstract

Purpose

The objective of this study was to elaborate and characterize formulations of type mortadella bologna in an industrial unit.

Design/methodology/approach

Two formulations (Formulation 1 – F1 and Formulation 2 – F2) were characterized at a storage stability of 22 ºC for physicochemical (pH, aw, moisture, protein, fat and lipid oxidation: TBARs and peroxide index, nitrite/nitrate, texture and thermal analysis: TG), sensory (acceptability), microbiological (Clostridium reducing sulfite, Streptococcus, Salmonella sp., mesophilic and coliform thermosensitive) and histological (organization and tissue distribution) characteristics.

Findings

In relation to the water activity (aw), the formulation F2 presented a value of 0.925 as well as the lower TBARs (0.19 mg MDA/kg) and greater hardness (3945.47 gf), 85% acceptance index and greater mass loss by thermal analysis after 60 days of storage. The multivariate analysis showed that the hardness presents negative correlation in relation cohesiveness, resilience and aw. There is also a strong positive correlation of the cohesiveness in relation to the resilience and aw. In addition, moisture has a high positive correlation with TBARs, peroxide index, aw, L* and texture parameters (adhesiveness, cohesiveness and resilience).

Originality/value

Therefore, the importance of the elaboration process of emulsified meat products was emphasized, aiming to add value and guarantee food safety, taking into account the current legal aspects.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 123 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 11 June 2018

Joana M. Gonçalves, Fernando A.F. Ferreira, João J.M. Ferreira and Luís M.C. Farinha

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have become increasingly important in national and international markets because they contribute to the development of local and…

1050

Abstract

Purpose

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have become increasingly important in national and international markets because they contribute to the development of local and national economies. SMEs often face serious challenges when competing with multinational companies. The purpose of this paper is to develop a method for assessing SMEs’ competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a constructivist epistemology, this study makes an integrated use of cognitive mapping and the measuring attractiveness by a categorical-based evaluation technique (MACBETH). To this end, face-to-face sessions were conducted with a panel of entrepreneurs and senior managers who deal with the challenges of maintaining SME competitiveness every day. The proposed assessment system was tested and validated by the panel members.

Findings

The methodological processes adopted in this study provide promising results for decision makers seeking to identify the most competitive SMEs. Specifically, the results emphasize, among other points, the importance of innovation and the human dimension to gaining competitive advantages.

Research limitations/implications

The evaluation system developed in this study is extremely versatile and confirms the usefulness of integrating cognitive mapping and MACBETH to facilitate evaluations of SME competitiveness. However, due to its idiosyncratic and process-oriented nature, generalizations need to be done with caution.

Practical implications

The proposed method can be valuable to researchers seeking to develop mechanisms for evaluating SMEs’ entrepreneurial performance and include specialized know-how and sensemaking in organizational decision-making processes.

Originality/value

The integrated use of cognitive maps and MACBETH contributes to a better understanding of how to assess SMEs’ competitiveness. No prior work reporting the use of this dual methodology in this study context has been found.

Article
Publication date: 24 August 2022

Jorge Lucas Krenchiglova, Luís Orlando Emerich dos Santos, Diogo Nardelli Siebert and Paulo Cesar Philippi

The main purpose of this paper was to investigate Lattice Boltzmann (LB) models for the bulk incompressible flow past immersed bodies and to find the set of boundary conditions…

Abstract

Purpose

The main purpose of this paper was to investigate Lattice Boltzmann (LB) models for the bulk incompressible flow past immersed bodies and to find the set of boundary conditions (BCs) that can be considered suitable for modeling the borders of the numerical simulation domain in such a way as to avoid any effect of these BC on the flow trail that is formed behind the body.

Design/methodology/approach

Three different models of the Lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) and six different sets of BCs are tested. In addition to the classical LBE based on the Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook (BGK) single relaxation time collision model, a moments-based model and a model with two relaxation times were investigated.

Findings

The flow pattern and its macroscopic effects on the aerodynamic coefficients appear to be very dependent on the set of BC models used for the borders of the numerical domain. The imposition of pressure at the exit results in pressure perturbations, giving rise to sound waves that propagate back into the simulation domain, producing perturbations on the upwind flow. In the same way, the free-slip BC for the lateral bords appears to affect the trail of vortices behind the body in this range of Reynolds number (Re = 1,000).

Originality/value

The paper investigates incompressible flow past immersed bodies and presents the set of BCs that can be considered suitable for modeling the borders of the numerical simulation domain in such a way as to avoid any effect of these BCs on the flow trail that is formed behind the body.

Details

International Journal of Numerical Methods for Heat & Fluid Flow, vol. 33 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0961-5539

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1995

Jose Luis Santos Arrebola

The new initiatives of the Tourist Resorts and Hotel sectors are contributing more and more to stabilise the Spanish economy each day. This year, 1994, there is a rapidly growing…

Abstract

The new initiatives of the Tourist Resorts and Hotel sectors are contributing more and more to stabilise the Spanish economy each day. This year, 1994, there is a rapidly growing awareness of the exciting potential rewards for all sectors of the economy and the previous prejudices about Tourism on the part of the financial sector are fast disappearing. Bankers, hotel managements, constructors, local, regional and central governments now work together as a team to study and overcome the problems inherited, paradoxically, from our early successes.

Details

The Tourist Review, vol. 50 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0251-3102

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