bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The design of an intelligent soccer-playing robot
Authors: Xiong Dan , Xiao Junhao , Lu Huimin , Zeng Zhiwen , Yu Qinghua , Huang Kaihong , Yi Xiaodong , Zheng Zhiqiang 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to design intelligent robots operating in such dynamic environments like the RoboCup Middle-Size League (MSL). In the RoboCup MSL, two teams of five autonomous robots play on an 18- × 12-m field. Equipped with sensors and on-board computers, each robot should be able to perceive the environment, make decision and control itself to play the soccer game autonomously.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper presents the design of our soccer robots, participating in RoboCup MSL. The mechanical platform, electrical architecture and software framework are discussed separately. The mechanical platform is designed modularly, so easy maintainability is achieved; the electronic architecture is built on industrial standards using PC-based control technique, which results in high robustness and reliability during the intensive and fierce MSL games; the software is developed upon the open-source Robot Operating System (ROS); thus, the advantages of ROS such as modularity, portability and expansibility are inherited.

Findings
– Based on this paper and the open-source hardware and software, the MSL robots can be re-developed easily to participate in the RoboCup MSL. The robots can also be used in other research and education fields, especially for multi-robot systems and distributed artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the main designing ideas proposed in the paper, i.e. using a modular mechanical structure, an industrial electronic system and ROS-based software, provide a common solution for designing general intelligent robots.

Originality/value
– The methodology of the intelligent robot design for highly competitive and dynamic RoboCup MSL environments is proposed.
Hybrid adaptive impedance-leader-follower control for multi-arm coordination manipulators
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Zhang Ping , Du Guanglong 
Published: January 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to provide a hybrid adaptive impedance-leader-follower control algorithm for multi-arm coordination manipulators, which is significant for dealing with the problems of kinematics inconsistency and error accumulation of interactive force in multi-arm system.Design/methodology/approach– This paper utilized a motion mapping theory in Cartesian space to establish a centralized dynamic leader-follower control algorithm which helped to reduce the possibility of kinematics inconsistency for multiple manipulators. A virtual linear spring model (VLSM) was presented based on a recognition approach of characteristic marker. This paper accomplished an adaptive impedance control algorithm based on the VLSM, which took into account the non-rigid contact characteristic. Experimentally demonstrated results showed the proposed algorithm guarantees that the motion and interactive forces asymptotically converge to the prescribed values.Findings– The hybrid control method improves the accuracy and reliability of multi-arm coordination system, which presents a new control framework for multiple manipulators.Practical implications– This algorithm has significant commercial applications, as a means of controlling multi-arm coordination manipulators that could serve to handle large objects and assemble complicated objects in industrial and hazardous environment.Originality/value– This work presented a new control framework for multiple coordination manipulators, which can ensure consistent kinematics and reduce the influence of error accumulation, and thus can improve the accuracy and reliability of multi-arm coordination system.
Vanishing points estimation and road scene understanding based on Bayesian posterior probability
Authors: Liu Huajun , Wang Cailing , Yang Jingyu 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to present a novel scheme of multiple vanishing points (VPs) estimation and corresponding lanes identification.

Design/methodology/approach
– The scheme proposed here includes two main stages: VPs estimation and lane identification. VPs estimation based on vanishing direction hypothesis and Bayesian posterior probability estimation in the image Hough space is a foremost contribution, and then VPs are estimated through an optimal objective function. In lane identification stage, the selected linear samples supervised by estimated VPs are clustered based on the gradient direction of linear features to separate lanes, and finally all the lanes are identified through an identification function.

Findings
– The scheme and algorithms are tested on real data sets collected from an intelligent vehicle. It is more efficient and more accurate than recent similar methods for structured road, and especially multiple VPs identification and estimation of branch road can be achieved and lanes of branch road can be identified for complex scenarios based on Bayesian posterior probability verification framework. Experimental results demonstrate VPs, and lanes are practical for challenging structured and semi-structured complex road scenarios.

Originality/value
– A Bayesian posterior probability verification framework is proposed to estimate multiple VPs and corresponding lanes for road scene understanding of structured or semi-structured road monocular images on intelligent vehicles.
A novel method of unmanned surface vehicle autonomous cruise
Authors: Xie Shaorong , Wu Peng , Liu Hengli , Yan Peng , Li Xiaomao , Luo Jun , Li Qingmei 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to propose a new method for combining global path planning with local path planning, to provide an efficient solution for unmanned surface vehicle (USV) path planning despite the changeable environment. Path planning is the key issue of USV navigation. A lot of research works were done on the global and local path planning. However, little attention was given to combining global path planning with local path planning.

Design/methodology/approach
– A search of shortcut Dijkstra algorithm was used to control the USV in the global path planning. When the USV encounters unknown obstacles, it switches to our modified artificial potential field (APF) algorithm for local path planning. The combinatorial method improves the approach of USV path planning in complex environment.

Findings
– The method in this paper offers a solution to the issue of path planning in changeable or unchangeable environment, and was confirmed by simulations and experiments. The USV follows the global path based on the search of shortcut Dijkstra algorithm. Both USV achieves obstacle avoidances in the local region based on the modified APF algorithm after obstacle detection. Both the simulation and experimental results demonstrate that the combinatorial path planning method is more efficient in the complex environment.

Originality/value
– This paper proposes a new path planning method for USV in changeable environment. The proposed method is capable of efficient navigation in changeable and unchangeable environment.
Design of redundant robot painting system for long non-regular duct
Authors: Chen Wenzhuo , Chen Yan , Li Bo , Zhang Weiming , Chen Ken 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to design a special automatic redundant robot painting system (RRPS), which can automatically navigate and paint in the long non-regular duct.

Design/methodology/approach
– The RRPS is designed with three subsystems: a redundant robot, a spraying system and a control and safety system. Based on the modular design theory, the robot falls naturally into a mobile platform, a 4-DOF location mechanism and a 10-DOF manipulator. The restriction of the distance between the links and the duct axis is used to plan the trajectory of the manipulator so that it would not collide with the duct. The restriction model is constructed by minimizing the sum of the weighed distances between the duct axis and the special points.

Findings
– A fully working prototype system has been developed. Test results show that the minimal distance between the robot joints and duct is 18 mm, and it can finish painting long non-regular ducts at the speed of 12.5 cm/s and the spraying distance of 16 cm. The quality of coating layers is good.

Practical implications
– The RRPS was used to paint non-regular rectangular ducts, cylindrical ducts and long non-regular ducts. The feasibility of painting long non-regular duct is proved with the prototype implementation and successful test results.

Originality/value
– The RRPS shows a novel solution that is based on the 14-DOF redundant robot design for painting long non-regular ducts which is used in airplane.
Path optimization of excavating manipulator in lunar soil sampling
Authors: Yang Haitao , Xie Zongwu , Li Cao , Zhao Xiaoyu , Jin Minghe 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to study the path optimization method of the manipulator in the lunar soil excavation and sampling process. The current research is a practical need for the excavation and sampling of the lunar soil in the lunar exploration project.

Design/methodology/approach
– This paper proposes the objective function and constraints for path optimization during the excavation process of the lunar soil, regarding excavation time and energy consumption as the two key fitness indexes by analyzing the whole excavation process of the lunar soil. Specifically, the optimization is divided into two consecutive phases, one for the excavation path and the other one for joint motions. In the first phase, the Bézier polynomial is adopted to get the optimal excavation angle and reduce energy consumption. In the second phase, a method based on convex optimization, variable conversion and dynamic process discretization, is used to reduce excavation time and energy consumption.

Findings
– Controlled experiments on the fine sand and the simulant lunar soil were conducted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the two phases of the optimization method, respectively.

Originality/value
– The optimization method of the excavation tasks in this paper is of great value in theoretical and practical engineering, and it can be applied in other robotic operational tasks as well.
The multiple impacts of teacher misbehaviour
Authors: Page Damien 
Published: January 2016

Purpose– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impacts of serious teacher misbehaviour (TMB) in schools from the perspective of headteachers, a largely un-researched area.Design/methodology/approach– Data were collected via the documentary analysis of misconduct cases from the Teaching Agency and semi-structured interviews with five headteachers who had managed serious cases.Findings– The research suggests four primary impacts of serious TMB, affecting other teachers, students, the reputation of the school and headteachers themselves. The paper concludes by suggesting a fifth impact affecting public trust in the teaching profession.Practical implications– Although rare, serious TMB can be highly damaging. Furthermore, the findings suggest that it is almost impossible to predict and so this paper suggests a “map” of the impacts helping headteachers to manage and contain it when/if the worst does happen.Originality/value– Empirical studies of the impacts of serious organisational behaviour are scarce; empirical studies of serious organisational behaviour in schools are non-existent and so this paper addresses that gap.
How well do AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS manage their brands?
Authors: Miles Morgan P , Grimmer Martin , Franklin Geralyn McClure 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to focus on the question of how well business school accreditation bodies manage their own brands. It does so by extending research on business school branding by Pitt et al. (2006) to explore how well business school accreditation organizations such as AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the Association of MBAs, and the European Foundation for Management Development Quality Improvement System manage their brands.

Design/methodology/approach
– An on-line survey of business school deans was conducted during October and November of 2013. SurveyMonkey was used to administer the survey to 1,131 valid e-mail addresses found for the deans of member schools.

Findings
– Business school deans face complex decisions in terms of marketing. The selection of which accreditation “co-brand” to seek is both strategically relevant to the market position of the business school and has numerous financial and often career implications. The findings in this research suggest that AACSB is perceived by a broad global sample of business school deans to be generally the strongest brand, and therefore likely the best choice if a school is seeking only one accreditation.

Originality/value
– This study contributes to the understanding of business school marketing, strategic planning, and branding in a highly competitive global market.
Exploring the integration of social media within integrated marketing communication frameworks
Authors: Valos Michael John , Haji Habibi Fatemeh , Casidy Riza , Driesener Carl Barrie , Maplestone Vanya Louise 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– At present no frameworks exist for services marketers to incorporate social media (SM) within marketing communications planning. The majority of integrated marketing communications (IMC) frameworks were developed prior to the development of the widespread use of digital and SM for information seeking, sales and service. The purpose of this paper is to investigate this issue for services marketers specifically as they differ from FMCG, industrial and durable marketers in terms of marketing messages, branding, media and channels. Furthermore, as they are less reliant on outsourced sale channels they have more potential than other industries to integrate social and digital media to build awareness, brands and sales.

Design/methodology/approach
– Depth interviews were conducted with eight senior services marketing executives to identify the impact of SM on marketing communications planning, implementation and measurement.

Findings
– The findings revealed that the unique characteristics of SM (such as interactivity and individualisation, integration of communication and distribution channels, immediacy and information collection) impact traditional marketing communications frameworks. These impacts manifested in 12 modifications specific to services and SM to traditional generic IMC frameworks encompassed by the themes of reach, service channel, word-of-mouth advocacy, consumer generated messages, listening and behavioural measurement.

Practical implications
– The rapidly evolving nature of SM means senior services marketers need to educate organisational stakeholders regarding implementation issues, which may be a barrier to effective integration of SM within marketing communications.

Originality/value
– With digital marketing communications budgets reaching 30 per cent within some organisations, it is timely to put forward a marketing communication decision-making framework that first incorporates SM and second is suitable for services marketers.
Perspectives on social impact measurement and non-profit organisations
Authors: Polonsky Michael Jay , Landreth Grau Stacy , McDonald Sharyn 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– Acknowledgement of the social impact created by organisations has become an increasingly frequent discussion among practitioners. The importance of such value creation cannot be understated, yet in an increasingly competitive funding environment, the need to articulate “true” value is paramount. The purpose of this paper is to examine how Australian and US managers of non-profit organisations (NPOs) and foundations view the measurement of the social impact of NPOs.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper includes 19 in-depth interviews of non-profit professionals in the USA and Australia. Respondents included non-profit managers, foundation managers and consultants in both countries.

Findings
– The in-depth interviews found that in both countries respondents generally agreed that objective measures of impact are desirable, but recognised the difficulties in developing objective assessment frameworks enabling comparisons across the non-profit sector. These difficulties, as well as the implications for developing assessments of social value for NPOs, are discussed. This paper demonstrates that there is an opportunity to reposition reporting expectations. The NPO sector can pool together and build on each other’s strengths and market their outcomes as a collective entity. A sector-wide approach provides potential for much needed within-sector mentoring and will showcase the rich and varied outcomes generated by NPOs.

Originality/value
– This research compares viewpoints in two Western countries, thus offering at least an exploratory examination of social impact assessment from an international perspective. Additionally, this research shows commonalities in terms of what is valued and what is most difficult for non-profits when determining social impact.
Made in India: an interview with Mr Vimal Mahendru, CEO, Indo-Asian Fusegear Ltd.
Authors: Prabhakar Guru Prakash , Saran Pankaj 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies.

Design/methodology/approach
– This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.

Findings
– Great leaders in the field of business tend to have an understanding of business environments of other countries; they are quick at learning from the strengths of other leaders.

Practical implications
– The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations.

Originality/value
– The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.
The spectral calibration method for a crop nitrogen sensor
Authors: Ni Jun , Dong Jifei , Zhang Jingchao , Pang Fangrong , Cao Weixing , Zhu Yan 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to improve the accuracy and signal-to-noise ratio (SN) of a crop nitrogen sensor.

Design/methodology/approach
– The accuracy and wide adaptability of two spectral calibration methods for a crop nitrogen sensor based on standard reflectivity gray plates and standard detector, respectively, were compared.

Findings
– The calibration method based on standard detector could significantly improve the measurement accuracy and the SN of this crop nitrogen sensor. When compared with the method based on standard gray plates, the measurement accuracy and the SN of the crop nitrogen sensor calibrated based on the standard detector method improved by 50 and 10 per cent, respectively.

Originality/value
– This research analysed the calibration problems faced by the crop nitrogen sensor (type CGMD302) based on standard gray plates, and proposed a sensor calibration method based on a standard detector. Finally, the results of the two calibration methods were compared in terms of measurement accuracy and the SN of the crop nitrogen sensor.
Optimization of magnetic hat for quartz flexible accelerometer
Authors: Wang Cuo , Li Xingfei , Kou Ke , Long Chunguo 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– This study aims to ameliorate the strength and uniformity of the magnetic field in the air-gap of quartz flexible accelerometers. Quartz flexible accelerometers (QFAs), a type of magneto-electric inertial sensors, have wide applications in inertial navigation systems, and their precision, linearity and stability performance are largely determined by the magnetic field in operation air-gap. To enhance the strength and uniformity of the magnetic field in the air-gap, a magnetic hat structure has been proposed to replace the traditional magnetic pole piece which tends to produce stratiform magnetic field distribution.

Design/methodology/approach
– Three-dimensional analysis in ANSYS workbench helps to exhibit magnetic field distribution for the structures with a pole piece and a magnetic hat, and under the hypothesis of cylindrical symmetry, two-dimensional finite element optimization by ANSYS APDL gives an optimal set of dimensions of the magnetic hat.

Findings
– Three structures of the QFA with a pole piece, a non-optimized magnetic hat and an optimized magnetic hat are compared by the simulation in ANSYS Maxwell and experiments measuring the electromagnetic rebalance force. The results show that the optimized hat can supply stronger and more uniform magnetic field, which is reflected by larger and more linear rebalance force.

Originality/value
– To the authors
'
knowledge, the magnetic hat and its dimension optimization have rarely been reported, and they can find significant applications in designing QFAs or other similar magnetic sensors.
Nanosensors and MEMS: connecting the nanoscale with the macro world with microscale technology
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: January 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to illustrate how sensors can be fabricated by combining nanomaterials with micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology and to give examples of recently developed devices arising from this approach.

Design/methodology/approach
– Following a short introduction, this paper first identifies the benefits of MEMS technology. It then discusses the techniques for integrating carbon nanotubes with MEMS and provides examples of physical and molecular sensors produced by these methods. Combining other gas-responsive nanomaterials with MEMS is then considered and finally techniques for producing graphene on silicon devices are discussed. Brief concluding comments are drawn.

Findings
– This shows that many physical and molecular sensors have been developed by combining nanomaterials with MEMS technology. These have been fabricated by a diverse range of techniques which are often complex and multi-stage, but significant progress has been made and some are compatible with standard CMOS processes, yielding fully integrated nanosensors.

Originality/value
– This provides an insight into how two key technologies are being combined to yield families of advanced sensors.