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Article
Publication date: 7 September 2012

Kei Sawai, Shigeaki Tanabe, Hitoshi Kono, Tsuyoshi Suzuki and Kuniaki Kawabata

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel wireless sensor node (SN), with impact resistant capability, for launch deployment into closed areas. In disaster areas, gathering…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel wireless sensor node (SN), with impact resistant capability, for launch deployment into closed areas. In disaster areas, gathering disaster area information is crucially important to prevent secondary disasters. However, gathering information is usually associated with the risk of death and/or accident for rescue workers in closed areas. The authors propose the SN for gathering information in dangerous places, inaccessible to rescue workers and robots, by utilizing launch deployment.

Design/methodology/approach

Buffer material is essential when designing an impact‐resistant structure. The authors adopted the air cushion as general buffer material when considering the directional characteristics of sensor mounting and wireless communication quality and developed the expression for determining the thickness of the air cushion using the parameters of SN size, mass, air pressure and acceleration. The authors developed a sensor node with impact resistant structure by utilizing the proposed determination method of air cushion thickness.

Findings

In the evaluation of impact resistant structure in free fall, launch deployment, the authors verified that the impact resistant structure protected the SN, and the performance of configured devices on the SN. Then, the authors examined the effect of the impact‐resistant structure on wireless communication between SNs. The structure had no effect on electric field intensity, throughput, or packet jitter, which confirmed that the wireless communication capacity was unaffected by the structure.

Originality/value

In this paper, a new design method is stated for a sensor node with an impact‐resistant structure by utilizing an air cushion as a general buffer material.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 32 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 March 2021

Jiju Antony, Olivia McDermott, Michael Sony, Elizabeth A. Cudney, Ronald D. Snee and Roger W. Hoerl

This paper aims to present and summarise the arguments for and against the ISO 18404 standard and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of implementing it.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present and summarise the arguments for and against the ISO 18404 standard and the perceived advantages and disadvantages of implementing it.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative interview approach was utilised by interviewing a panel of leading academics and practitioners familiar with Lean Six Sigma.

Findings

The results indicate that Lean Six Sigma professionals have conflicting opinions on ISO 18404. An overwhelming majority of the panel questioned the “quality” of the standard and whether it is “fit for purpose”, while others see the advantages of a common standard in helping continuous improvement deployment.

Research limitations/implications

As the standard has not been widely adopted, there were limited examples on ISO 18404 discussion in the literature. Much of the current literature focuses on the theoretical application of the standard, with sparse practical examples providing case study deployment. Also, the interviews were short and at a high level. There is an opportunity for further study and analysis. It was difficult to find qualified interviewees who were familiar with the standard. A very real constraint when conducting research into ISO 18404 is to obtain a balanced view of the standard from those who have a vested interest in its continuation and evolution, or not.

Originality/value

The paper provides a resource for people to obtain insight into the value or non-value add of a standard in Lean Six Sigma and the appropriate details of such a standard. These results can form the basis of a case for the implementation of the standard for those organisations currently trying to decide whether to implement it or not.

Details

The TQM Journal, vol. 33 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-2731

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 April 2013

Midori Kawabe, Hiroshi Kohno, Reiko Ikeda, Takashi Ishimaru, Osamu Baba, Naho Horimoto, Jota Kanda, Masaji Matsuyam, Masato Moteki, Yayoi Oshima, Tsuyoshi Sasaki and Minlee Yap

The purpose of this paper is to draw lessons for developing community‐university partnerships from experiences in promoting coastal education for sustainable development (ESD).

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw lessons for developing community‐university partnerships from experiences in promoting coastal education for sustainable development (ESD).

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data collected from two coastal community outreach projects were analyzed.

Findings

The outreach projects improved the relationship between university and community members. It is important to conduct interviews at the early stages of the projects to understand the needs of the community and set project outcomes to meet community‐defined priorities. The most effective means for promoting an ESD program based upon community‐university partnerships is to reach out to and network with local individuals who have been active in community projects and embed the program concept into the activities of those individuals. Mediators who link the academic community with the local community are helpful in promoting the partnerships, and university students were found to be successful mediators.

Originality/value

On the basis of the experiences gained from starting an ESD program in the community, this research provides some clues to initiate service learning or community‐based research based upon community‐university partnerships.

Article
Publication date: 23 October 2015

Muhammad Ahsan Naveed, A. Hussain, K. Islam and P. Akhter

Organic solar cells have potential as an alternative to conventional inorganic solar cell due to low processing cost, flexibility and easy fabrication technique.The goal of this…

Abstract

Organic solar cells have potential as an alternative to conventional inorganic solar cell due to low processing cost, flexibility and easy fabrication technique.

The goal of this paper is to study the characteristics of the CuPc and PCBM based organic solar cell by introducing a thin layer of Ag at the interface of donor (CuPc) and Acceptor (PCBM), their photovoltaic and optical properties were investigated. The heterojunction solar cells with and without silver inter layer were fabricated through thermal deposition in HR vacuum. The OPV solar cells were characterized using current-voltage graphs, absorbance spectrum and Impedance spectroscopy. Impedance spectroscopy was taken to identify the traps using series resistance, parallel resistance, and Impedance spectrums under different frequencies. Optical behaviors of these devices have been investigated with absorbance spectrum.

Introducing Ag to interfacing point produced traps and these traps causes to decreased Voc, Isc, FF, and efficiency. The effect of silver layer at donor acceptor interface was studied.

Details

World Journal of Engineering, vol. 12 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1708-5284

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 13 October 2014

Tetsushi Fujimoto, Sayaka K. Shinohara and Tsuyoshi Oohira

This study examines the impact of work-to-family conflict (WFC) on depression for employed husbands and wives in Japan, the moderating role of own psychological family involvement…

Abstract

Purpose

This study examines the impact of work-to-family conflict (WFC) on depression for employed husbands and wives in Japan, the moderating role of own psychological family involvement in the relationship between WFC and depression, and the moderating role of spouses’ family and job involvement in the relationship between WFC and depression.

Methodology/approach

We use a matched sample of Japanese employed husbands and wives to examine the relationships between inter-spousal dynamics about work–family conflict and psychological well-being.

Findings

We found that (1) the effect of WFC on depression was larger for wives, (2) husbands’ and wives’ own psychological family involvement did not moderate the relationship between WFC and their depression, and (3) spousal family and job involvement operated as a moderator only for husbands. While WFC reduced husbands’ depression when their wives were highly involved in their jobs psychologically and behaviorally, WFC increased husbands’ depression when their wives were highly involved in family at both psychological and behavioral levels.

Practical implications

Employers need to take into account the importance of looking simultaneously at the ways employed husbands and wives work when trying to understand how workplace conditions may be changed to ameliorate psychological well-being for spouses.

Originality/value of chapter

This study suggests that an experience of conflict between work and family is likely to deteriorate the psychological well-being for employed husbands and wives in non-Western contexts like Japan. Furthermore, spousal involvements in family and work domains are likely to play moderating roles in the relationship between WFC and depression.

Details

Family Relationships and Familial Responses to Health Issues
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78441-015-5

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 23 January 2023

Nanae Tanemura, Masako Kakizaki, Takashi Kusumi, Rie Onodera, Yoshiko Tominaga, Michihiro Araki and Tsuyoshi Chiba

In this study, the authors clarified the differences in consumers' benefit–risk perceptions based on changes (description order and amount) in the benefit–risk information after…

Abstract

Purpose

In this study, the authors clarified the differences in consumers' benefit–risk perceptions based on changes (description order and amount) in the benefit–risk information after an assessment of the health impact of foods.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors set the following four benefit–risk information groups relating to fatty fish consumption—Group 1: benefit/simple–risk/detail; Group 2: risk/detail–benefit/simple; Group 3: benefit/detail–risk/detail; Group 4: risk/detail–benefit/detail. The authors conducted a randomized controlled study on June, 2022, involving 7,200 Japanese consumers aged over 18 years.

Findings

There were no significant differences in the risk and benefit perceptions. Furthermore, the logistic regression analysis identified women and benefit perception as significant influencing factors of “no-risk acceptance.”

Originality/value

This study found that all four message formats were acceptable to consumers due to high-benefit/low-risk perceptions. However, despite the difference in message types used in benefit–risk communication, there was no effect on risk acceptance among consumers. Public agencies should design their communication with considerations toward women and benefit perceptions.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 125 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

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