bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Output feedback control of an actuated lower limb orthosis with bounded input
Authors: E. Lalami Mohamed , Rifaï Hala , Mohammed Samer , Hassani Walid , Fried Georges , Amirat Yacine 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is the control of lower limb orthosis acting at the knee joint level for a passive rehabilitation purpose.

Design/methodology/approach
– A control law, based on a saturated proportional derivative controller, is proposed in order to drive the shank-foot-orthosis system along a desired trajectory.

Findings
– The proposed control law is tested in real time using the orthosis EICOSI of the LISSI-Laboratory. The experiments show that the proposed control law is capable of providing satisfactory trajectory tracking performance given only the knee joint angle measurement. Moreover, the control law is robust with respect to external disturbances.

Originality/value
– Robust control of an actuated lower limb orthosis.
Robots to aid the disabled and the elderly
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– This article aims to discuss the potential of robots to assist the disabled and the elderly and to highlight some of the associated ethical issues.

Design/methodology/approach
– Following an introduction, this considers robotic wheelchairs and exoskeletons, companion robots, assistive robots and household robots. This is followed by a short discussion of the ethical issues associated with their use.

Findings
– This shows that many types of robots are available or under development which seek to aid the disabled and the elderly. Various as yet unresolved ethical issues have been raised regarding their use, most notably the potential problems arising from a reduction in human interactions.

Originality/value
– In an era characterised by a growing elderly population, this article provides a timely review of robots aimed at assisting the elderly and disabled and gives some consideration of the ethical issues surrounding their use.
A template reconstruction scheme for moving object detection from a mobile robot
Authors: Tsai Du-Ming , Tseng Tzu-Hsun 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– Mobile robots become more and more important for many potential applications such as navigation and surveillance. The paper proposes an image processing scheme for moving object detection from a mobile robot with a single camera. It especially aims at intruder detection for the security robot on either smooth paved surfaces or uneven ground surfaces.

Design/methodology/approach
– The core of the proposed scheme is the template matching with basis image reconstruction for the alignment between two consecutive images in the video sequence. The most representative template patches in one image are first automatically selected based on the gradient energies in the patches. The chosen templates then form a basis matrix, and the instances of the templates in the subsequent image are matched by evaluating their reconstruction error from the basis matrix. For the two well-aligned images, a simple and fast temporal difference can thus be applied to identify moving objects from the background.

Findings
– The proposed template matching can tolerate in rotation (±10°) and (±10°) in scaling. By adding templates with larger rotational angles in the basis matrixes, the proposed method can be further extended for the match of images from severe camera vibrations. Experimental results of video sequences from a non-stationary camera have shown that the proposed scheme can reliably detect moving objects from the scenes with either minor or severe geometric transformation changes. The proposed scheme can achieve a fast processing rate of 32 frames per second for an image of size 160×120.

Originality/value
– The basic approaches for moving object detection with a mobile robot are feature-point match and optical flow. They are relatively computational intensive and complicated to implement for real-time applications. The proposed template selection and template matching are very fast and easy to implement. Traditional template matching methods are based on sum of squared differences or normalized cross correlation. They are very sensitive to minor displacement between two images. The proposed new similarity measure is based on the reconstruction error from the test image and its reconstruction from the linear combination of the templates. It is thus robust under rotation and scale changes. It can be well suited for mobile robot surveillance.
A novel PID tuning method for robot control
Authors: Yu Wen , Li Xiaoou , Carmona Roberto 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– This paper aims to address a new iterative tuning method of PID control for robot manipulators.Design/methodology/approach– This tuning method uses several properties of the robot control, such as any PD control can stabilize a robot in regulation case, the closed-loop system of PID control can be approximated by a linear system, the control torque to the robot manipulator is linearly independent of the robot dynamic.Findings– Compared with the other PID tuning methods, this novel method is simple, systematic, and stable. The transient properties of this PID control are better than the other normal PID controllers.Originality/value– In this paper, a new systematic tuning method for PID control is proposed. The paper applies this method on an upper limb exoskeleton, and real experiment results give validation of our PID tuning method.
Robots use machine vision and other smart sensors to aid innovative picking, packing and palletizing
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The paper aims to discuss the review of the most recent PackExpo show in Chicago with emphasis on the new robot innovations and applications on display.

Design/methodology/approach
– In-depth interviews with exhibitors of robots, integrators of robots and suppliers of robot accessories at the show.

Findings
– Robots continue to develop to match an ever-increasing number of packaging tasks.

Practical implications
– Customers may be surprised at the robot innovations and new applications to which robots are being applied in the packaging field.

Originality/value
– A review of some of the latest robot innovations and applications for packaging that one might have seen if they had been on the exhibition floor at the most recent Chicago PackExpo show.
The democratizing effects of frugal innovation
Authors: Nari Kahle Hanna , Dubiel Anna , Ernst Holger , Prabhu Jaideep 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The aim of this paper is to examine the impact of frugal innovation in the fields of livelihood provision, education, infrastructure, and distribution networks on state-building in countries where a significant proportion of the population lives at the base of the pyramid (BoP).

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper reviews the literature on frugal innovation, democratization and state-building, offers practical examples in support of the conceptual arguments, and provides research propositions for empirical assessment.

Findings
– The paper provides support for the notion that the creation of more inclusive markets through frugal innovation contributes to socio-economic development, which in turn strengthens democratization and state-building.

Practical implications
– Multinational corporations can have a positive impact on democratization by offering for-profit products and services to serve BoP markets.

Originality/value
– The paper provides novel insights into the role that frugal innovation plays in state-building and democratization.
Conditional multifactor asset pricing model and market anomalies
Authors: Ranjan Dash Saumya , Mahakud Jitendra 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the firm-specific anomaly effect and to identify market anomalies that account for the cross-sectional regularity in the Indian stock market. The paper also examines the cross-sectional return predictability of market anomalies after making the firm-specific raw return risk adjusted with respect to the systematic risk factors in the unconditional and conditional multifactor specifications.

Design/methodology/approach
– The paper employs first step time series regression approach to drive the risk-adjusted return of individual firms. For examining the predictability of firm characteristics on the risk-adjusted return, the panel data estimation technique has been used.

Findings
– There is a weak anomaly effect in the Indian stock market. The choice of a five-factor model (FFM) in its unconditional and conditional specifications is able to capture the book-to-market equity, liquidity and medium-term momentum effect. The size, market leverage and short-run momentum effect are found to be persistent in the Indian stock market even with the alternative conditional specifications of the FFM. The results also suggest that it is naï argue for disappearing size effect in the cross-sectional regularity.

Research limitations/implications
– Constrained upon the data availability, certain market anomalies and conditioning variables cannot be included in the analysis.

Practical implications
– Considering the practitioners' prospective, the results indicate that the profitable investment strategy with respect to the small size effect is still persistent and warrants close-ended mutual fund investment portfolio strategy for enhancing the long-term profitability. The short-run momentum effect can generate potential profits given a short-term investment horizon.

Originality/value
– This paper provides the first-ever empirical evidence from an emerging stock market towards the use of alternative conditional multifactor models for the complete explanation of market anomalies. In an attempt to analyze the anomaly effect in the Indian stock market, this paper provides further evidence towards the long-short hedge portfolio return variations in terms of a wide set of market anomalies that have been documented in prior literature.
Australian academic librarians' perceptions of marketing services and resources
Authors: Yi Zhixian , Lodge Damian , McCausland Sigrid 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to examine how Australian academic librarians marketed their services and resources, which marketing approaches were most effective, and the factors influencing the perceptions of the approaches used.

Design/methodology/approach
– An online survey was sent to 37 academic librarians in Australia. The response rate was 54.1 percent. The information sheet and consent form for phone interview participants were e-mailed to 17 participants and ten signed consent forms were e-mailed back to the researchers. The response rate was 58.8 percent. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The collected quantitative and qualitative data were analysed using descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlations).

Findings
– Academic librarians were involved in a variety of marketing activities and had varied perceptions of the effective approaches used to market services and resources. Correlation analysis confirms that demographics, human capital and library variables play significant roles in predicting librarians' perceptions of the effective marketing techniques used.

Research limitations/implications
– Because of very small sample size, the results may lack generalisability. Future research is a large-scale study.

Practical implications
– This paper provides a better understanding of academic librarians' attitudes, views and effective techniques with regard to marketing their services and resources.

Originality/value
– Librarians may use the results to reflect on the effectiveness of the marketing approaches used, to balance the weight of the factors' influences, and to better understand various effective marketing approaches to enable them to market academic library services and resources more effectively in the future.
Scenario planning for an uncertain future?
Authors: Maggs Pete , Chelin Jackie 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to provide a case study on the practical application of scenario planning techniques to complete a re-structuring of an academic liaison team within the Library at the University of the West of England in 2011.

Design/methodology/approach
– The application of scenario planning as a technique for mapping a realistic future for the team within the wider library service was evaluated using questionnaires. After detailing the scenarios developed, the paper concludes with consideration of the feedback received from the staff involved and the learning for future iterations of the technique.

Findings
– The case study concludes by reflecting, 18 months on, how certain things might have been done differently. The feedback from staff on the process was used in honing a wider, more radical ranging staffing review.

Research limitations/implications
– The study has limitations as it was a time bounded exercise. The process began in March 2011 and new structures had to be agreed and in place by summer 2011.

Practical implications
– The comparison of the scenarios can assist managers in evaluating and selecting the appropriate scenario planning model based on organisational need, while reinforcing the importance of effective consultation/dialogue with staff.

Originality/value
– The article shows that Library managers can benefit from the deployment of scenario planning techniques when effecting organisational change, and that being as inclusive as possible in the process is probably the best approach, if practical.
Marketing applications in Greek academic library services
Authors: Garoufallou Emmanouel , Zafeiriou Georgia , Siatri Rania , Balapanidou Ekaterini 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– This paper aims to describe marketing methods, techniques and activities used in Greek academic libraries and their staff perceptions regarding the importance of marketing applications. In addition, it identifies factors which hinder the uptake of marketing, and investigates the evaluation methods used.Design/methodology/approach– There are 151 central and departmental academic libraries in Greece, yet there is limited published research concerning their marketing activities. Therefore, it was intended to discover the reasons behind the low/non-use of marketing in Greek academic libraries. A three-section questionnaire was designed as the main research tool and distributed to 151 libraries. Survey results are presented and analysed according to the structure of the questionnaire.Findings– Whilst marketing techniques and methods are used in academic libraries worldwide, the spread of marketing in Greek academic libraries proved to be limited. Basic operational problems were identified as the main barrier to greater uptake. Nevertheless, the majority of Greek academic librarians realize the importance of marketing, but they still have a long way to go in terms of understanding and adopting marketing concepts in their provision of services.Research limitations/implications– A quantitative survey was employed to determine the current situation, and examine the attitudes and perceptions of librarians in Greek academic libraries. However, the rapidly changing information environment and the increased international interest in academic library marketing have necessitated further research.Originality/value– The paper presents research on staff perceptions and attitudes, towards marketing activities in Greek academic libraries. However, there is limited published research on the topic. Additionally, it is the first attempt to discover the extent to which marketing is used in Greek libraries' services' provision. The research depicts marketing techniques and methods used in Greek academic libraries and compares its results with international practices.
A comparative study of perceived work related stress among library staff in two academic libraries in Southern Africa
Authors: Akakandelwa Akakandelwa , Jain Priti 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– The study sought to explore and compare the current levels of job stress among academic library staff at the University of Botswana (UB) and the University of Zambia (UNZA). The accessible populations consisted of library staff (n=19) at the University of Botswana and (n=25) at the University of Zambia.The purpose of this paper is present the identified perceived sources of and levels of job stress among the librarians at two universities.Design/methodology/approach– This study used a survey method with the questionnaire as the main data collection instrument. Two groups randomly constituted from both universities in the main campuses were purposively selected using non-probability sampling. Gender and status of the sample selected were also carefully considered in the choice of the sample so as to have the perceptions from every gender and category of staff. The main hypothesis of this study is that there is no significant difference in job stress experienced by library staff in the two African universities.Findings– From the findings, it was concluded that library staff at the University of Botswana and University of Zambia were not in an overall state of stress compared with norm data. However, salary-related issues were found to be the highest source of stress among both library staff samples followed by workload related issues. Low stress items among library staff fell into two broad categories namely conflict-related and management-related items.Research limitations/implications– Similar to other empirical studies, this study is not without its limitations. The sample consisted of two public universities in Botswana and Zambia. This may limit the generalization of the results. The study also employed non-probability sampling in the selection of participants. The study can be strengthened by increasing the sample size as the data analysis results and findings may vary substantially when the sample size is increased or decreased.Originality/value– Most studies in library and information science focus on collection development, information retrieval and information seeking behavior of users. Few studies have been undertaken in this area particularly in Southern Africa. It is therefore, hoped that the findings of this study may provide both a starting point for further research in the topic of stress among librarians in Southern Africa. The study may also bring management attention to various issues related to stress among library staff.
Marketing to teens: a study of two New Zealand public libraries
Authors: F. Biggs Helen , Calvert Philip 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– Marketing in libraries has been widely discussed in literature, but is often limited to either prescriptive writing on the application of marketing theory to libraries, or descriptions of marketing at individual libraries with little theoretical basis. The purpose of this paper is to investigate marketing to teens as practiced by public libraries, and to discover whether the application of marketing mix concepts to practice is a conscious decision by libraries.

Design/methodology/approach
– Staff were interviewed at two large New Zealand public libraries to discover whether they considered marketing targeting theory and marketing mix concepts when marketing to teens.

Findings
– It was found that while both libraries did some formal teen marketing, the majority of marketing was conducted more informally by individual branch libraries. Libraries struggled in particular with defining their teen users, and the marketing mix was dealt with in an ad hoc manner. Overall, library marketing was more tactical than strategic.

Originality/value
– Library managers can review their development of marketing strategies for teens in the light of the findings described in this paper. A closer application of marketing concepts can help with the development of marketing plans.
Re-defining the service experience: forging collaboration between librarians and students
Authors: Ellis Jenny , Phillips Andrea 
Published: October 2013

Purpose
– In response to changing pedagogical theory and practice in higher education, library designers have created innovative library learning spaces that support informal learning outside the classroom. Libraries can be justly proud of their new collaborative learning spaces that support interaction and discussion; social spaces that foster engagement and learning; as well as quiet places for independent study. Less attention has been paid to the relationship between library spaces and frontline services and the way in which learning theory might inform the service experience. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the way in which a large academic library responded to this challenge.

Design/methodology/approach
– Using a case study approach informed by theoretical analysis, the paper outlines the decision-making process underlying the reformulation of frontline library service. The study explains why decisions were taken leading to the development of a distinctive and collaborative service model and how they were put into practice. The case study employs a narrative approach that is deliberately rich in description to assist readers in understanding the context of this complex process.

Findings
– Informed by the principles of social constructivist pedagogy and modern learning space design, the paper poses an alternative and more collaborative model for delivering frontline service that is more consistent with learning theory.

Originality/value
– Through the reformulation of a traditional frontline service model, this case study engages with a topic of interest to many academic libraries, contributing to the literature of library practice and encouraging re-conceptualisation of space, design and service.
How social capital is leveraged in social innovations under resource constraints?
Authors: Bhatt Punita , Altinay Levent 
Published: October 2013

Purpose– This paper aims to explore how social capital is leveraged in social innovations to overcome resource constraints. The paper reports on the findings from an exploratory study on the social innovation process within Indian social entrepreneurial ventures (SEVs) developed in a resource constrained environment.Design/methodology/approach– This study adopts an interpretive case study approach to investigating social innovation that enables researchers to identify the cultural contexts within which social entrepreneurship emerges. Views of the social entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs were gathered through semi-structured interviews and observations.Findings– Findings of the study demonstrated that there are distinctive stages of the social innovation process. The stages of the process are initial phase: emergence of a social idea for a venture; development phase: building the social venture; and scaling phase: growing the social venture. These stages of the process lead to the identification of social needs as social entrepreneurial opportunities, then to the initiation, development and scaling of conjectured solutions generating economic and social value.Practical implications– During the development stage of the social innovation, closer relationships with investors could help access scarce financial resources. Finally, in the scaling phase, greater involvement with the target beneficiaries can help reduce marketing and search-related costs for SEVs. Thus, greater engagement of beneficiaries throughout the social innovation process can help in the successful initiation, development and scaling of a social innovation.Originality/value– First, this study identifies the distinctive stages of the social innovation process. Second, this study provides empirical evidence to support previous claims that social innovations develop in resource-constrained environments. Finally, this exploratory research has investigated social innovations in a developing country context – India.