bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Library support of bibliographic management tools: a review
Authors: Stephen McMinn H.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to review the current level of service and support provided for the bibliographic management applications, EndNote and RefWorks providing research libraries with a baseline for benchmarking their support of these tools.

Design/methodology/approach

The 111 web sites of the Association for Research Libraries (ARL) academic libraries were systematically reviewed in 2009 for any information provided on the support for bibliographic management applications. This information was recorded and examined by type of library, US publicly supported college or university, US private college or university, or Canadian college or university.

Findings

The majority of ARL libraries provide support for one or more of these applications with the largest percentage, 42 percent, providing support for both applications. The US privately supported colleges and universities were more likely to have licensed an application and to provide support for both applications. A large percentage of libraries provide instruction on the supported application and instructional materials. The libraries supporting RefWorks were more likely to use the instructional materials provided by RefWorks where more libraries produced supporting materials for EndNote in‐house.

Practical implications

Examples of extemporary libraries supporting EndNote, RefWorks and both applications are provided along with other information to aid in the design and or development of support for bibliographic management applications.

Originality/value

This is the first large academic library study examining the overall support provided for these important and widely supported applications designed to work with library resources to aid in the research process.
The Animal Welfare Actand why it matters to librarians
Authors: Osinski John E.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief history of theAnimal Welfare Actand suggest that librarians and other information professionals can play an active role in helping researchers to comply with the Act.

Design/methodology/approach

The author attended workshops directed towards Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) and Biomedical Researchers. As a result of attending these workshops, the author recognized the potential for librarians and information specialists to assist researchers in performing literature searches, a required component of research protocols. The purpose of the literature search is to seek alternatives to the use of animals in experiments and to ensure that the researchers are not unnecessarily duplicating previous experiments. A research guide consisting of proprietary databases, free databases, books, web sites, and tutorials facilitates the literature review mandated by the Act.

Findings

While serving on his institution's Animal Care and Use Committee, the author was charged with reviewing research protocols involving the use of live, vertebrate animals. These protocols call for a literature review to determine if there are acceptable alternatives to the use of animals, or to methods that cause pain and distress to the animals. The author found that the majority of the searches that were performed needed improvement, with many failing to meet the minimum requirements of theAnimal Welfare Act. Through his participation in relevant workshops, the author also found that many researchers were unaware of the requirements of this search for alternatives, and that they lacked familiarity with the resources available to them.

Originality/value

The author performed a search in Library and Information Science Abstracts and Library/Information Sciences & Technology Abstracts using the keywords “alternatives” and “animals” and received only four relevant results, dated 1990, 2001, 2004, and 2007.
The introduction of broker anonymity on the New Zealand Exchange
Authors: Poskitt Russel , Marsden Alastair , Nguyen Nhut , Shen Jingfei
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the introduction of anonymous trading on the liquidity of New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX)‐listed stocks.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the impact of the switch to anonymous trading on effective spreads and adverse selection costs using both univariate and multivariate approaches and data spanning a 240‐day event window period. The paper also compares the NZX's share of trading in cross‐listed stocks before and after the switch to anonymous trading to determine if the change in market architecture improved the NZX's competitiveness vis‐à‐vis the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).

Findings

The paper finds that effective spreads and adverse selection costs increased following the switch to anonymous trading across the broad range of NZX50 stocks, consistent with an increase in information risk in the post‐event period. However, the paper also finds that the switch to anonymous trading improved the NZX's market share in trading in cross‐listed stocks vis‐à‐vis the ASX.

Originality/value

The results show that market liquidity deteriorates in a more opaque environment due to the greater information risk facing investors. This is in sharp contrast to prior research, which reports that similar changes in pre‐trade transparency on other exchanges have improved market liquidity. The results suggest that although institutional investors and the NZX itself might well have benefited from the switch to anonymous trading, liquidity demanders face higher transaction costs as a result.
Relationship between quality management information and operational performance
Authors: Chi Anh Phan , Matsui Yoshiki
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether quality management information (QMI) can be a source of competitive advantage and should be managed strategically.

Design/methodology/approach

Analysis of variance and regression techniques were applied to the database of the high‐performance manufacturing (HPM) project to analyze the differences and similarities existing across the countries on the degree of implementation of QMI practices and their contribution to operational performance of manufacturing plants.

Findings

The results of statistical analysis indicate significant differences in the implementation of QMI practices across the countries. This study highlights the important role of QMI in Japanese plants where shop‐floor and cross‐functional communication and information sharing practices significantly impact on different dimensions of operational performance.

Practical implications

This study suggests that HPM could be achieved by the implementation of a set of communication and information sharing practices in shop‐floor and cross‐functional levels of manufacturing plants.

Originality/value

Although scholars considered information as one dimension of quality management, existing quality management literature provides little empirical evidence on the relationship of QMI and operational performance of manufacturing plants. This paper fills the gap by introducing a comprehensive research framework to analyze the communication and information sharing practices in the shop‐floor and cross‐functional levels.
A qualitative approach to middle managers' competences
Authors: Ekaterini Galanou
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute further insights into how organizations can diagnose if they have middle managers who are able to reach their objectives, to be outstanding in the competitive environment that they belong to, that is to give new roles and initiatives, using a qualitative approach.

Design/methodology/approach

In this management research, the critical incident technique through semi‐structured interviews is used to identify the critical job requirements which are indicated through the difference between doing the job correctly and doing it incorrectly or efficiently and inefficiently. The events of critical incidents could be coded for various characteristics or competences, which seem to be relevant to the particular middle managers' job. After that, they were grouped into five teams for the easiest assessment and the annotation of the findings, i.e. competences directed on management job, on integrity, on personal effectiveness and performance, on people and on specialized knowledge.

Findings

Qualitative evidence was found for managerial competences, values and the way these competences are related to effectiveness and job satisfaction.

Research limitations/implications

Future research should explore how these results can be linked to contextual elements and to business performance.

Practical implications

This study contributes to increased managerial competence awareness, which is important for intrapersonal development and interpersonal cooperation.

Originality/value

This is one of a few studies that have centered on the middle managers only of the organizational chart and compared their different skills, needs and requests. It provides relevant insights into a thorough understanding of middle managers' competences, which are 21 in total. These 21 areas are divided into five main categories/clusters.
The effects of hierarchical culture on knowledge management processes
Authors: Tseng Shu‐Mei
Published: May 2011

Purpose

In order to make knowledge management (KM) successful, the most important aspect is to nurture organizational culture. Furthermore, many studies indicate that hierarchical culture can significantly hinder the success of KM activities. The purpose of this paper, based on the antecedents of hierarchical culture and utilizing four activities of knowledge conversion, is to explore the impacts of hierarchical culture on the effectiveness of the knowledge management processes (KMP).

Design/methodology/approach

In order to gain best exploration on hierarchical culture, knowledge conversion, and KMP, both qualitative and quantitative techniques were used.

Findings

Through interpretative case studies and questionnaire analyses, the research finds that hierarchical culture has shown its influences towards KMP, and can act as mediators for knowledge conversion, and KMP. For instance, developing hierarchical culture will be suitable for conducting combination and externalization; moreover, it will be beneficial to the implementation of KM. In contrast, it would not be helpful towards socialization and internalization; moreover, it will not be beneficial to KM strategy and plan.

Research limitations/implications

The study comprised in‐depth interviews with only two firms and questionnaire surveys with 31 companies. The results need to be validated by a robust survey.

Practical implications

This conceptual framework is expected to provide a convenient way to illustrate the effects of hierarchical culture on knowledge conversion, and KMP. And thus, enterprises can make corrections and adjustments accordingly in order to greatly enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of implementing KM through appropriate organizational culture.

Originality/value

This study proposes a conceptual framework to fully illustrate the influences of hierarchical culture on knowledge conversion, and KMP.
Building co‐operative knowledge through an unlearning context
Authors: Gabriel Cegarra‐Navarro Juan , Arcas‐Lario Narciso
Published: May 2011

Purpose

In order to build good relationships with co‐operative members, it is necessary to serve each member in their preferred way. However, this task is very hard to accomplish without first being fostered and it therefore requires empowerment by co‐operative managers and not obstruction by the erroneous perceptions of managers. This paper aims to highlight the links between the extent to which a co‐operative possesses an unlearning context, and the strengths of its co‐operative knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

The research model and hypothesized relationships are empirically tested using the structural equation modeling approach, validated by factor analysis of 277 co‐operative members in the agricultural sector in Murcia (Spain).

Findings

The authors' results suggest that before intelligence generation, it is necessary to identify new ways of doing and interpreting things, which in turn results in a shift in relations that favour the co‐operative members.

Originality/value

The paper shows that although co‐operative managers provide a vital knowledge base in developing programs and better access to services for co‐operative members, they may extend themselves into domains where their existing core competencies are no longer appropriate.
Journalists' collective representation and editorial content in newspapers
Authors: Gall Gregor
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This paper seeks to examine the intriguing juxtaposition of a bona fide independent union for journalists in the UK, which is vocal about editorial standards and interference, yet has seldom taken collective action to respond to such instances.

Design/methodology/approach

A grounded approach to this phenomenon is used by way of examining the intersection of the nature and influence of journalistic professionalism, the journalists' material and economic interests and the particular approach of the union to both these matters. The data are based on qualitative fieldworks supplemented by secondary sources.

Findings

The journalists and their union have yet to identify and articulate the conditions, which give rise to this situation and a strategy for defending their professional interests which is compatible with and supportive of strategies for defending their material interests.

Practical implications

There is a need to develop a strategy by which journalists can collectively exert more influence over editorial content.

Originality/value

The quality of content of newspapers could be enhanced by the greater influence of journalists as a collective body.
Quality of work life and career development: perceptions of part‐time MBA students
Authors: Li Jessica , Yeo Roland K.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine what employees perceive as positive and negative aspects of their work, and how these affect their perceptions of the quality of work life (QWL) and their career development decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a qualitative study using data collected from an online discussion forum. Thematic and textual analysis was performed to identify core themes associated with perceptions of QWL and career development. Data analysis was based on the researchers' interpretations of narratives based on the online postings of 140 part‐time MBA students and guided by the literature.

Findings

Four major themes emerged as domains of tensions within which employees operated to construct meanings around their work life. These include: internal and external tension, private and public tension, self and otherness tension, and present and future tension. Career development support, flexibility and autonomy in job design as well as flexibility in career development planning emerged as positive career development strategies that would affect employees' perceptions of QWL.

Research limitations/implications

This research advances the understanding of employees' perceptions on QWL and its relationship with career development planning. Future studies should include primary data gathered through face‐to‐face interaction to overcome the limitations of this study.

Practical implications

This study has identified the positive and negative factors that influence the way employees perceive their QWL. These factors can help organizations to conceptualize strategies that seek to positively integrate QWL and career development, ensuring long‐term competitive advantage.

Originality/value

The paper offers four domains of tensions and a career development matrix that will add value to both the research and practice of QWL and career planning in organizations.
Does political culture matter for Europeanization?
Authors: Akan Taner
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Contextualizing its argument specifically into the role and impact of the traditional political culture on the process of modernization, this paper aims to examine the “culture matters” approach through the two‐century experience of the top‐down modernization of the Ottoman‐Turkish civilization in the realm of state‐labor relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper makes a comparative analysis of the interplay between the state and craft associations in the Ottoman Empire, and then the state and labor organizations in contemporary Turkey in terms of the influence of the rules, norms and institutions transferred by the bureaucratic élites from Western Europe.

Findings

The paper concludes that a substantive democratic setting for the interplay of the state and labor organizations could not be built up without a self‐supportive political culture in view of the fact that the process of top‐down modernization/Europeanization in the Ottoman‐Turkish context has given rise to a never‐ending center‐periphery dichotomy between both inter‐class and intra‐class relationships.

Originality/value

The paper sheds light on the labor relations part of the Ottoman‐Turkish political culture and reveals its impact on the never‐ending top‐down modernization initiative.
Psychological and psychosocial predictors of attitudes to working past normal retirement age
Authors: Davies Eleanor , Cartwright Susan
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This research aims to look at preferences for retirement, in particular, later retirement, amongst a sample of older employees in the UK in the financial services industry. It seeks to investigate specifically the influence of personal, psychological and psychosocial determinants of preferences for retiring later. Additionally, the study presents a typology of different retirement preferences based on psychological and psychosocial variables.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are based on questionnaires from 556 employees of a UK financial services organisation (aged 40‐60) and measures include psychological expectations of retirement (expected adjustment to retirement, attitudes towards leisure and social interaction), psychosocial attitudes (job satisfaction, intrinsic motivation, organisational comment and work commitment) and attitudes towards working beyond normal retirement age. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted and one‐way ANOVA was conducted to identify differences between groups.

Findings

The data show very negative attitudes towards working later than the normal retirement age and that expectations of adjustment to retirement were the most significant predictor towards retirement preferences, followed by work commitment. Significant differences in retirement attitudes and intentions were found between different groups of employees.

Practical implications

Some of the practical implications of the work suggest that retirement preferences are shaped only to a moderate degree by psychosocial attitudes. In seeking to retain older workers in the workforce for longer employers should encourage employees to develop strong social relationships at work and allow gradual transitions to ultimate retirement.

Originality/value

The paper looked at preferences for retirement, particularly later retirement, and found that, if employers wish to retain the knowledge, skills and expertise of their employees, then it would seem that they need to devise means of allowing people to achieve some of the more desirable aspects of retirement (greater free time, opportunity to pursue hobbies and interests) at the same time as retaining some of the benefits of work (status, professional interest, income etc.). Phased and flexible retirement initiatives therefore seem to be one of the solutions.
Secondary school librarians as heads of department in UK schools
Authors: Brackenbury Hannah L. , Willett Peter
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the attitudes of UK head teachers and of librarians to the view that secondary school librarians should have the status of a head of department (HOD).

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaires sent to 77 secondary schools in Cheshire, UK had response rates of 58 per cent from the librarians and of 49 per cent from the head teachers, with follow‐up interviews being conducted with 15 of the librarians.

Findings

Most librarians were employed as support staff, although many of them were doing a HOD's job; even when a librarian had this title, they did not often receive the recognition appropriate to such a role. Librarians were more likely to have HOD status in the independent schools sector than in the state‐maintained sector, and there was some evidence that head teachers and librarians have different views as to what a librarian's responsibilities should be.

Originality/value

There has been no previous study of this topic in the UK.
Exemplary public library branch managers: their characteristics and effectiveness
Authors: Haycock Ken
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revisit a study that identifies the characteristics that contribute to perceptions by local politicians, library board members, library leaders and colleagues of what makes a public library branch manager “exemplary”.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is an in‐depth study that draws upon a survey questionnaire and 120 interviews with multiple stakeholders, supervisors, peers and branch managers from two large public library systems in the Greater Vancouver (British Columbia, Canada) area and peer members of the Ontario (Canada) Library Association. Branch managers also completed the Myers‐Briggs Type Indicator assessment instrument for personality type and temperament profiling.

Findings

Survey results collectively described the exemplary branch manager as a flexible individual with best‐practice management know‐how and the emotional intelligence needed to motivate and bring others along. The exemplary branch manager has a strong tendency toward extraverted behaviors.

Practical implications

Knowledge can be leveraged to improve graduate school curriculum, career planning, recruitment, and staff training and development to enhance the effectiveness of public library branch managers as perceived by community and library leaders.

Originality/value

The paper provides perceptual, behavioral and psychometric evidence that incorporates perspectives of community leaders, colleagues and staff needed to identify core competencies for public library branch managers.
Mission impossible? The future of “paperless” library operations
Authors: McCormack Nancy
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the current state of the “paperless office” and explore how likely it is that libraries will be administered by librarians in paperless offices in the near future.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper surveys the literature on forecasts for the paperless office to determine whether library operations and offices could be as paperless as some of their collections might be in the near future.

Findings

The paperless office was once seen as inevitable, but is looking less far less likely given how we access and organize documents, how we read and understand information, and how we analyze what we read online and in print. Nonetheless, certain routine library operations would lend themselves almost immediately to paperless storage and retrieval processes and systems.

Research limitations/implications

More research is required on records management systems in libraries with a view to establishing largely paperless operations in the future. Implications for future research involve the establishment of processes and the testing of systems which would most easily lend themselves to standard library operations.

Practical implications

Recent research on reading and cognitive function indicates that there are certain practical implications involved in doing away with paper entirely. Nonetheless, certain routine library functions could be made paperless operations once practical considerations such as the choice of systems, establishment of work flow, policies and processes have been realized.

Originality/value

The paper makes the case for more research and exploration of the viability of paperless or near‐paperless library operations.
Promote staff publications: library performance evaluation at Santa Cruz Public Libraries
Authors: Titangos Hui‐Lan H.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the implementation of Staff Picks, a new measurement to evaluate the annual performance of professionals at the Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses the reasons why the number of public librarians' publications is far less than that of their academic counterparts in professional literature. To reverse such a trend, SCPL requires its librarians to write and publish three book reviews per year, as part of their annual performance appraisal.

Findings

As one of the contributors to the program, the author has not only participated in the process, but also has conducted a series of investigations into the unprecedented success of Staff Picks. The paper provides answers to a series of questions: Why can it shine and attract so many writers and readers? How can it grow so steadily and successfully? What are the driving forces behind all of these phenomena?

Practical implications

The paper helps public librarians to be more active in contributing to professional publications by practicing and publishing locally, and eventually nationally and internationally.

Originality/value

Staff Picks is innovative in the historical sense that, for once, public librarians are required to write and publish. Their practical research work has benefited not only their own promotions and appraisals, but more importantly, the lives of the public.
Branding of UK public libraries
Authors: Hariff Subnum , Rowley Jennifer
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Evidence suggests that misconceptions and negative stereotypes of the image of public libraries still prevail today despite libraries diversifying and offering a range of services to their local community and contributing to key local and national priorities. The purpose of this paper is to report on a case study‐based research project that sets out to explore how public libraries in the UK are using branding in order to create a more positive and effective image, as a basis for proposing the key factors that contribute to an effective public library branding strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, three case study organisations were selected for the study, on the basis of their reputation for innovation in branding. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with key staff associated with each of the three public libraries, in order to gather an understanding of the branding processes and strategies that they had adopted, and how they had negotiated some of the challenges in branding in the context of public libraries.

Findings

The three case study organizations bear testimony to the fact that branding can be successfully used to change brand image, and in turn, the perceptions of the library service amongst key stakeholders. The following factors are key to successful branding: clear positioning and identity, advocacy and influence, co‐branding, staff buy‐in, brand communication, evaluation, and national marketing campaigns.

Originality/value

This study offers insights into branding process and strategies in innovative public libraries, and on this basis develops recommendations to support information practitioners to develop a positive image of their service and to engage effectively with stakeholders in what are challenging times for public libraries.
Do they stay or do they go?
Authors: Berthelsen Mona , Skogstad Anders , Lau Bjørn , Einarsen Ståle
Published: May 2011

Purpose

This study aims to explore relationships between exposure to bullying at work and intention to leave the organisation, actual leaving the workplace, and exclusion from working life through sick leave or rehabilitation or disability pension.

Design/methodology/approach

A prospective design with two surveys of a national representative sample of the Norwegian work force was used (n=1,775). The response rate at the first data collection in 2005 was 56.4 per cent, and 70 per cent at the second data collection in 2007. Bullying was measured using two measurement methods: self‐labelled victims of bullying and exposure to bullying behaviour, respectively.

Findings

This study shows partial support for Leymann's assumption that bullying at work will lead to exclusion from working life. Logistic regressions showed that victims of bullying considered leaving their work more often than did individuals who were not bullied, on both measurement times. The results also showed that victims have changed employer more often than non‐victims. However, most victims are still working full time or part time two years later.

Practical implications

Prevention of workplace bullying must be handled through procedures on an organisational level. Rehabilitation programs and reintegration must be offered for employees unable to stay in their job. Counselling should be available for those who experience bullying or consider leaving their job.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this is the first study examining bullying, intention to leave, turnover and exclusion from working life with a prospective longitudinal design.
Expatriate academics: job factors and work outcomes
Authors: Selmer Jan , Lauring Jakob
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The literature on business expatriates has been increasing rapidly, but research on expatriate academics has remained scant, despite the apparent increasing globalisation of the academic world. Therefore, more research is needed on the latter group of expatriates. This paper aims to fill some of the gaps.

Design/methodology/approach

A questionnaire was directed electronically towards expatriate academics occupying regular positions in science faculty departments in universities in northern Europe.

Findings

Results showed that job clarity was the dominating job factor with strong relationships with all of the five investigated work outcome variables, work adjustment, work performance, work effectiveness, job satisfaction, and time to proficiency. Job conflict and job freedom had an association with some of the work outcome variables but not with all of them. Neither workload nor job novelty had a relationship with any of the work outcome variables of the expatriate academics.

Originality/value

The paper shows that the findings are only partly consistent with previous research results concerning business expatriates, suggesting that the work situation for expatriate academics could have both similarities and discrepancies as compared to that of business expatriates.
Organizational knowledge creation practice
Authors: Hoon Song Ji , Uhm Daiho , Won Yoon Seung
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop and validate a measurement tool for assessing organizational knowledge creation practices based on the socialization, externalization, combination, and internalization (SECI) processes of the knowledge creation theory.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from a sample of 455 knowledge workers from four Korean for‐profit organizations, utilizing a systematic procedure, which includes: initial item and domain development based on a comprehensive literature review, reliability assessment and item deduction, and construct validity and psychometric property assessment.

Findings

Results show that 17 items related to individual and team members' practices of acquiring and sharing knowledge in organizational contexts measure the four domains of SECI knowledge creation practices.

Research limitations/implications

Although samples from Korean business settings indicate a limited generalizability, this study's theory‐grounded item specification and systematic procedure of scale development (i.e. descriptive statistics, reliability and inter‐correlation analysis, exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis using the random split method) can be replicated in future similar studies or scale development research.

Originality/value

Scores at the individual, group, or firm level can be utilized for comparison or development purposes to promote the collaborative knowledge creation practices in organizations.
ABLE: a standing style transfer system for a person with disabled lower limbs (improvement of stability when traveling)
Authors: Mori Y. , Maejima K. , Inoue K. , Shiroma N. , Fukuoka Y.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a standing style transfer system, ABLE, designed to enable a person with disabled lower limbs to do daily‐life activities without special infrastructure. Actually, ABLE is mainly intended for use by people who have spinal cord injuries and who cannot move hip joints and lower extremities: the level of spinal cord injury is L1.

Design/methodology/approach

ABLE comprises three modules: a powered lower extremity orthosis, a pair of telescopic crutches, and a pair of mobile platforms. When traveling in a standing position, the user wears the powered lower extremity orthosis to fix his posture, and rides on the mobile platforms. The user uses crutches to keep his body stable. These telescopic crutches also play an important role of power assistance in standing‐up and sitting‐down motions, or going up/down a step. The user can enter narrow spaces, although stability is emphasized in wide spaces because it is possible to alter the contact points of the crutches freely.

Findings

Motions are discussed in a standing position: traveling and rotating, and the chair and step motions. Experimental results related to these motions confirm the design's effectiveness. The authors improve previously developed mobile platforms for better operationality and stability. An ultrasonic motor was used for steering the mobile platform instead of the prior DC motor. The benefits of the ultrasonic motor enable the new platform to reduce its backlash in steering. A supporting plate and an active ankle joint attached to each mobile platform contribute stability when traveling in the standing position. The authors show the experimental results using new mobile platforms.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates novelty and originality of ABLE in its composition, which enables a person with disabled lower limbs to travel in a standing position on a pair of small mobile platforms. This system is regarded as a biped‐type leg‐wheeled robot system that has high energy efficiency and good mobility for steps because of its wheels and legs; moreover, it has a pair of crutches for stability.
Development of omnidirectional vehicle on water (O‐VOW) using information of inclination of the vehicle
Authors: Takesue Naoyuki , Imaeda Akira , Fujimoto Hideo
Published: May 2011

Purpose

A lot of unique transportation devices on the ground have been developed. On the other hand, on water, there are a few personal devices, which sometimes need paddling to get around. If the personal mobility that make it possible to move intuitively and quickly on water is realized, it will be useful for survey of rivers and ponds, rescue, amusement and so on. Therefore, in this study, an omnidirectional vehicle on water (O‐VOW) is proposed which is controlled according to information of the inclination based on a rider's balance.

Design/methodology/approach

A prototype of O‐VOW consists of a boarding part, three thrusters and a control unit. The control unit includes a three‐axes accelerometer, a microcomputer and batteries. The inclination of O‐VOW is calculated from the information given by the accelerometer. The control rule for O‐VOW is described in matrix form and is implemented into the microcomputer. The microcomputer commands three thrusters according to the inclination. The preliminary and riding tests are conducted on water.

Findings

The authors have developed a prototype of O‐VOW whose propulsion is controlled according to the inclination. The control scheme for O‐VOW was described in matrix form. The preliminary and riding tests are conducted on water and the effectiveness of O‐VOW was experimentally shown. O‐VOW can run, stop and adjust the course in all directions on water by the rider's balance.

Originality/value

In this paper, a novel transportation system that uses intuitive control on water has been developed. Since it moves in all directions, the rider can operate it even at a narrow channel without turning. It will assist in human activities such as survey, rescue, amusement in rivers, lakes, swimming pools and at sea.
Development of fish‐like robot with elastic fin
Authors: Takesue Naoyuki , Hata Youichi , Sekiya Tatsuhiko
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Underwater robots are one of the effective solutions for underwater exploration. Fish's swimming motion is more effective and efficient than propeller screw propulsion which is more popular for underwater vehicles. So far, a lot of fish‐like robots that have several actuated joints have been developed. They realize arbitrary motion by controlling the joint angles simultaneously. On the other hand, using an elastic fin may reduce the number of actuated joints and the total energy consumption. The purpose of this paper is to develop a fish‐like robot driven by a single actuator with an elastic tail fin.

Design/methodology/approach

Since an elastic plate appropriately bends due to the interaction to the surrounding fluid, a robot with the elastic fin can swim smoothly even though it has only a single actuated joint. However, in order to improve the swimming performances, it is required to optimize the shape of fin (width, thickness, distribution, etc.). Although computational fluid dynamics technique is one of the methods to assess the effectiveness of a certain shape of fin, it may take longer to obtain the results. Therefore, in this study, a simplified simulator is constructed and a better shape of fin is explored.

Findings

Four types of fin shape were prepared and the swimming experiments were conducted. The swimming velocity changed according to the frequency and the shape of fin. In order to find the optimal shape of fin, the simulator of five‐link model surrounded by fluid is constructed. The differences of velocity can be found according to the parameters of fin shape. The simulation showed the similar trend as the experiments although the absolute values of velocity did not correspond. It is thought that the developed simulator can estimate the relative performance of fins.

Originality/value

Most fish robots that have been developed so far consist of rigid links and multi‐actuated joints, which can realize arbitrary motion by controlling the joint angles simultaneously. On the other hand, using an elastic plate as a tail fin may reduce the number of actuated joints and the total energy consumption although it is not easy to realize arbitrary attitude. In this paper, a fish‐like robot driven by a single actuator with an elastic tail fin was developed. This technique makes the mechanism of a fish‐like robot simple.
Neurobiologically‐based control system for an adaptively walking hexapod
Authors: Lewinger William A. , Quinn Roger D.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

Biological systems such as insects have often been used as a source of inspiration when developing walking robots. Insects' ability to nimbly navigate uneven terrain, and their observed behavioral complexity have been a beacon for engineers who have used behavioral data and hypothesized control systems to develop some remarkably agile robots. The purpose of this paper is to show how it is possible to implement models of relatively recent discoveries of the stick insect's local control system (its thoracic ganglia) for hexapod robot controllers.

Design/methodology/approach

Walking control based on a model of the stick insect's thoracic ganglia, and not just observed insect behavior, has now been implemented in a complete hexapod able to walk, perform goal‐seeking behavior, and obstacle surmounting behavior, such as searching and elevator reflexes. Descending modulation of leg controllers is also incorporated via a head module that modifies leg controller parameters to accomplish turning in a role similar to the insect's brain and subesophageal ganglion.

Findings

While many of these features have been previously demonstrated in robotic subsystems, such as single‐ and two‐legged test platforms, this is the first time that the neurobiological methods of control have been implemented in a complete, autonomous walking hexapod.

Originality/value

The methods introduced here have minimal computation complexity and can be implemented on small robots with low‐capability microcontrollers. This paper discusses the implementation of the biologically grounded insect control methods and descending modulation of those methods, and demonstrates the performance of the robot for navigating obstacles and performing phototaxis.
Walking and crawling with ALoF: a robot for autonomous locomotion on four legs
Authors: Remy C. David , Baur Oliver , Latta Martin , Lauber Andi , Hutter Marco , Hoepflinger Mark A. , Pradalier Cédric , Siegwart Roland
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce the robotic quadrupedal platform ALoF that is designed to aid research on perception in legged locomotion.

Design/methodology/approach

A well‐balanced size and complexity of the robot results in a robust platform that is easy to handle, yet able to perform complex maneuvers as well as to carry sophisticated 3D sensors. A very large range of motion allows the robot to actively explore its surroundings through haptic interaction, and to choose between a wide range of planning options.

Findings

This robot was employed and tested in the lunar robotics challenge organized by the European Space Agency, for which the authors also developed a novel crawling gait, in which the weight of the robot is alternately supported by scaled plates under the main body and the four shank segments. This allowed for stable locomotion in steep terrain with very loose soil.

Originality/value

The paper describes how a very large range of motion allows the robot to actively explore its surroundings through haptic interaction, and to choose between a wide range of planning options. The paper describes how the authors developed a novel crawling gait, in which the weight of the robot is alternately supported by scaled plates under the main body and the four shank segments.
Epi.q‐TG: mobile robot for surveillance
Authors: Quaglia Giuseppe , Bruzzone Luca , Bozzini Giorgio , Oderio Riccardo , Razzoli Roberto P.
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe the development of a robot for surveillance able to move in structured and unstructured environments and able to overcome obstacles with high energetic efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The proposed Epi.q‐TG hybrid robot combines wheeled and legged locomotion. It is equipped with four three‐wheeled locomotion units; traction is generated by the two forecarriage units, while the two rear ones have same geometry but are idle. Each front unit is actuated by a single motor with the interposition of an epicyclical gearing, accurately designed in order to suitably switch between wheeled and legged motion. The robot changes locomotion mode from rolling on wheels (advancing mode) to stepping on legs (automatic climbing mode) according to local friction and dynamic conditions.

Findings

The experimental results confirm the design objectives. In advancing mode, the robot behaves like a four‐wheeled vehicle, with high speed and energetic efficiency. In automatic climbing mode, the robot can walk on uneven and soft terrains and overcome steps with remarkable height with respect to its dimensions (up to 84 per cent of the locomotion unit height).

Practical implications

Besides surveillance, Epi.q‐TG can be successfully used in many tasks in which it is useful to combine the advantages of wheeled and legged locomotion, e.g. unmanned inspection of nuclear and chemical sites, minesweeping, and intervention in disaster zones.

Originality/value

The core of the project is the epicyclical mechanism of the locomotion unit, which switches between advancing mode and automatic climbing mode without control action. This solution limits the control and actuation complexity and consequently the robot cost, widening the range of possible applications.
A coaxial couple wheeled robot with T‐S fuzzy equilibrium control
Authors: Li Chaoquan , Gao Xueshan , Huang Qiang , Dai Fuquan , Shao Jie , Bai Yang , Li Kejie
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a high load capacity coaxial couple wheeled robot (CCWR) and investigate a simple structure but effective fuzzy equilibrium controller based on (Takagi‐Sugeno) T‐S for balance control in wide‐angle range.

Design/methodology/approach

By selecting the robot inclination angle and angular rate as input variables and the DC motors' rotation speed as output variables, a T‐S fuzzy controller (FC) is established.

Findings

Simplified robot dynamic equilibrium equations are feasible; the robot balance in wide‐angle range could be controlled by the T‐S FC. Despite the existence of small vibrations near the equilibrium position, the system can return to equilibrium within 3 s, showing strong robustness.

Practical implications

The robot can achieve self‐balance and pivot around, moreover, it provides a new way for balance control of CCWR in wide‐angle range. And at the same time, the robot can achieve its work in semi‐autonomous and tele‐operated mode.

Originality/value

The paper shows that designing the controller based on static analysis is feasible; simple structure T‐S fuzzy control way is introduced to balance control for CCWR in a wide angle scale; the development target is to provide a kind of robot platform for testing control algorithms or a personal transporter, and the project is supported by the High Technology Research and Development Program of China.
Ring on the hook: placing a ring on a moving and pendulating hook based on visual input
Authors: Kjær‐Nielsen Anders , Glent Buch Anders , Emil Kryger Jensen Andreas , Møller Bent , Kraft Dirk , Krüger Norbert , Gordon Petersen Henrik , Ellekilde Lars‐Peter
Published: May 2011

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a robot vision system which put rings on hooks that are moving freely on a conveyor belt. The hook can show a significant swinging which can be well approximated by a pendulum movement. The problem is of large relevance for many industrial applications and the challenge is to compute a 3D pose that is sufficiently precise to allow for successful placements of the rings.

Design/methodology/approach

This requires a fast and precise tracking and a compensation for latencies connected to the processing of visual information as well as the actual robot action.

Findings

The authors achieve this through a precise pose estimation in a high‐resolution stereo setup, as well as a modeling of the hook movement as a combination of a translational and a pendulum movement.

Originality/value

The paper shows that under normal conditions close to 100 percent success can be achieved such that this technology now can be transferred into industrial systems.