bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Labour market flexibility and innovation: geographical and technological determinants
Authors: Pieroni Luca , Pompei Fabrizio 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to shed light upon the controversial relationship between labour market flexibility and innovation in Italy, paying attention both to inter‐sectoral heterogeneity and to the regional differences.Design/methodology/approachA set of hypotheses concerning the context‐dependent relationship between labour market flexibility and innovation has been formulated by combining the main results of the theoretical literature concerning this topic. Regional patents are used as a proxy of innovation, while job turnover and wages represent labour market indicators of flexibility. Non‐parametric models and dynamic structural specification of panel data have been estimated to test the aforementioned hypotheses.FindingsThe results show that higher job turnover has a significant and negative impact on patent activities in regional sectors of northern Italy, while a positive and significant effect of blue and white collar wages has been generally found in the estimations.Research limitations/implicationsThere is a lack of updated information regarding labour market data in the Italian economy.Practical implicationsKnowing in which sectoral and regional context labour flexibility has (or does not have) a positive influence on innovation plays a key role for the decisions of policy makers.Originality/valueThis paper deals with the influence that the heterogeneity of the contexts (at the sectoral and geographical level) exerts on the relationship between the labour market and innovation. Moreover, the endogenous character of this relationship and the cumulative nature of innovative activities have been taken into account by means of a parsimonious dynamic econometric model.
Social policies and R&D subsidies
Authors: Chusseau Nathalie , Hellier Joël 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe paper seeks to analyse the impact of different public policies on inequality, unemployment, growth and the tax burden.Design/methodology/approachA dynamic general equilibrium model is built, in which growth is driven by endogenous technical progress, to analyse the impacts of several policies (minimum wage, redistribution and R&D subsidies financed by an income tax).FindingsAll policies except pure redistribution are better than non‐intervention in terms of growth. The authors distinguish three major policy patterns. The Anglo‐Saxon model is characterised by high growth, high inequality, low unemployment and a low tax burden. The Nordic model combines high growth, low inequality and low unemployment, and a high tax burden. The Continental European model puts together medium inequality and a medium tax burden, and higher long‐term growth is paid for by high unemployment.Research limitations/implicationsThe model could be extended by the introduction of educational policy.Originality/valueThe paper distinguishes three configurations that capture the main features of the developments in Anglo‐Saxon countries, Scandinavian countries, and Continental European countries in the 1990s. It thereby provides a general framework to analyse and compare these experiences.
Effects of social interactions on scientists' productivity
Authors: Rosaria Carillo Maria , Papagni Erasmo , Capitanio Fabian 
Published: June 2008

PurposeRecent economic research has focused on the economic effects of the social environment. In the economic literature, important phenomena are considered, at least in part, as results of the individual's social environment. There is a similar revival of interest among economists who analyse the world of science and basic research. In this case as well, the environment plays a key role in the agent's behaviour. This paper aims at an empirical analysis of the influence of social interactions on scientists' productivity.Design/methodology/approachIn the econometric analysis the authors investigate the aggregate importance of social interactions in science through the analysis of data on publications in four scientific fields of seven advanced countries. The paper builds a dynamic autoregressive model which provides long‐run multipliers. The model is estimated with a panel fixed effects methodology.FindingsSocial interactions among researchers have positive effects on a scientist's productivity, and there is a U‐shaped relation between the size of a scientific network and individual productivity. This result is interpreted as providing evidence for threshold externalities and increasing returns to scale.Research limitations/implicationsOther better indicators of social interactions in science should be found and used in estimates. The set of countries and fields should be enlarged.Originality/valueThe paper represents the first econometric investigation of the issue at country level, and provides interesting results which are new for the economic literature.
Microeconomic analysis of unemployment persistence in Belgium
Authors: Gangji Amynah , Plasman Robert 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the causes of unemployment persistence among the Belgian labour force. The underlying issue is to determine the eventual existence of a true causal relationship between successive unemployment spells.Design/methodology/approachThe model used is a dynamic random effects probit model controlling for unobserved heterogeneity and the initial condition problem. It was applied to the Panel Study on Belgian Households (1994‐2002).FindingsThe results suggest that while observed and unobserved heterogeneity explain between 57 per cent and 82 per cent of unemployment persistence, the remainder is induced by the presence of state dependence. All else being equal, an individual unemployed this year will be between 11.4 and 33 percentage points more likely to be unemployed next year as compared with an employed person.Practical implicationsThe presence of a stigmatisation effect of unemployment means that the costs of unemployment are much higher than the simple loss of income and human capital associated with the current job loss. The study demonstrates the importance of concentrating efforts on the prevention of unemployment.Originality/valueThe paper's contribution is to test again the hypothesis of the presence of state dependence in unemployment using a different technique, allowing, among other things, to control for exogenous variables. The paper demonstrates its existence and measures its contribution in the explanation of unemployment persistence in Belgium, besides that of observed and unobserved characteristics.
Prosthetic hands from Touch Bionics
Authors: Connolly Christine 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the innovative design of prosthetic hands now in production from a Scottish spin‐off company.Design/methodology/approachThe novel features are described, followed by the details of the mechanical construction and the available grip patterns. The benefits of the modular design are explained, and the function and construction of a skin‐like covering are explored. The clinical network supporting the prosthesis is briefly outlined.FindingsThe design allows patients to achieve many functional and natural‐looking hand configurations from simple “open” and “close” signals. Miniature motors and gearboxes allow independent movement of each digit, and an integral microprocessor translates electric signals from the forearm to control the movements of the hand. Stall detection ensures that no finger exerts excessive force or wastes power. Artificial skin can be very realistic, with imitation fingernails, hairs and pores. The lifelike prosthesis helps the patient emotionally, socially and at work.Originality/valueThe paper shows how advances in motors, gearboxes, batteries and electronics have enabled a breakthrough in prosthetic design.
The development of medical microrobots: a review of progress
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of recent progress in the development of medical microrobots.Design/methodology/approachThe paper first considers some of the critical aspects of medical microrobot design and then illustrates the present state of development through examples of prevailing research.FindingsThis paper shows that medical microrobot developments are at an early stage and involve a disparate family of technologies and disciplines, such as MEMS, nanotechnology, biomimetics and hydrodynamics. Critical design issues include power sources, propulsion and location, and many different schemes have been proposed. These are the topic of a growing body of academic research.Originality/valueThis paper provides a detailed insight into the present‐day state of medical microrobot technology and development.
Robot innovations highlight numerous recent shows in Chicago
Authors: Bloss Richard 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to review the robots at the 2007 ATExpo Show and related Electronics Assembly Show, Quality, PlasTec and National Manufacturing Week Shows, as well as at the FABTECH Show and the Rockwell Automation Show held in Chicago.Design/methodology/approachThe paper incorporates in‐depth interviews with robot exhibitors, as well as suppliers of accessories such as grippers and simulation software.FindingsEach show brings forth innovations in robotics. After many decades of robot developments, the well‐spring of innovation never seems to dry up.Practical implicationsIf an application cannot appear to be addressed by the robot of the day, wait until tomorrow and suppliers will step forward with answers. After more than four decades of robot development, they continue to get smarter, much faster and better adapted to application requirements. There is no longer a one robot “fits all” answer.Originality/valueThis paper provides information on prevailing trends in the robot industry which solve an increasing number of application needs.
MIROB: automatic rapid identification of micro‐organisms in high through‐put
Authors: Lange Oliver , Erhard Marcel , Teutsch Christian , Sander Joerg 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a novel microbiological lab robot that facilitates high through‐put sample preparation for rapid state‐of‐the‐art identification.Design/methodology/approachDevelopment concentrated on two main points: research initially focused on various methods for picking a micro‐organism colony from a petri dish without any medium adhering; and subsequently on completely documenting sample handling with little effort.FindingsA sensorless system for picking micro‐organisms from a petri dish was engineered and prototyped. A documented process in the demonstrator demonstrates its usability even for certified clinical operations.Research limitations/implicationsThe handling of solid phase biological objects is only in its infancy. This research focused on the preparation of samples from micro‐organism colonies for MALDI‐TOF MS. A specific type of gripper was developed to do this. The handling of other biological objects, e.g. from cell cultures or intermediate stages of tissue engineering, is still a largely open field for future research.Practical implicationsNew analysis methods often only become accepted when the preparatory processes are also taken into account – highly parallel operations (e.g. MALDI‐TOF MS) are particularly impractical for humans and difficult for data handling to manage. Given the specific demands, only an interdisciplinary team can adapt the automation engineering successfully.Originality/valueThis paper presents an approach to and implementation of the automation of manual operations in biotechnology. It is intended to encourage health professionals, biologists and engineers to jointly research and interdisciplinarily automate complex operations.
The DLR MIRO: a versatile lightweight robot for surgical applications
Authors: Hagn U. , Nickl M. , Jörg S. , Passig G. , Bahls T. , Nothhelfer A. , Hacker F. , Le‐Tien L. , Albu‐Schäffer A. , Konietschke R. , Grebenstein M. , Warpup R. , Haslinger R. , Frommberger M. , Hirzinger G. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeSurgical robotics can be divided into two groups: specialized and versatile systems. Versatile systems can be used in different surgical applications, control architectures and operating room set‐ups, but often still based on the adaptation of industrial robots. Space consumption, safety and adequacy of industrial robots in the unstructured and crowded environment of an operating room and in close human robot interaction are at least questionable. The purpose of this paper is to describe the DLR MIRO, a new versatile lightweight robot for surgical applications.Design/methodology/approachThe design approach of the DLR MIRO robot focuses on compact, slim and lightweight design to assist the surgeon directly at the operating table without interference. Significantly reduced accelerated masses (total weight 10 kg) enhance the safety of the system during close interaction with patient and user. Additionally, MIRO integrates torque‐sensing capabilities to enable close interaction with human beings in unstructured environments.FindingsA payload of 30 N, optimized kinematics and workspace for surgery enable a broad range of possible applications. Offering position, torque and impedance control on Cartesian and joint level, the robot can be integrated easily into telepresence (e.g. endoscopic surgery), autonomous or soft robotics applications, with one or multiple arms.Originality/valueThis paper considers lightweight and compact design as important design issues in robotic assistance systems for surgery.
Teleoperated 3‐DOF micromanipulation system with force feedback capability: design and experiments
Authors: Imam Cahyadi Adha , Yamamoto Yoshio 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present a design and verification through experiments of teleoperation of the 3 degrees‐of‐freedom micromanipulation system (MMS), in laboratory conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe MMS is constructed from piezoelectric actuators sited in a flexure hinge mechanism. The nonlinearity, especially hysteresis, due to a voltage steering scheme is compensated for, via a second‐order Dahl friction model. A simple mechanical model is then constructed to capture the behavior of the MMS. Redundant force feedback sensors are applied to the MMS in order to achieve flexible operation via the so‐called fault‐tolerancing mechanism. Finally, a teleoperation scheme based on passivity formalism is proposed to achieve a stable teleoperation system.FindingsThe hysteresis curve due to voltage steering can be minimized. The fault‐tolerancing concept using redundant sensors for comfortable use of the MMS has been successfully performed. The teleoperated MMS via a commercially available PHANToM®has been conducted under ineligible telecommunication channel delay.Originality/valueThe details of design, modelling and experimentations of the teleoperation of the MMS should promote the applicability of similar systems in the future.
Optimisation of prehension force through tactile sensing
Authors: Petchartee Somrak , Monkman Gareth 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyze surface deformations caused by shear and moment forces on tactile materials and present a method to detect and reduce the risk of slippage by controlling the normal force as measured by tactile sensor arrays.Design/methodology/approachA predictive model has been proposed which uses a basic method adapted to real applications in grasp optimization. Prevention of premature release with minimum prehension force is addressed without the need to measure the coefficient of friction between object and robot gripper. Predictive models have been used to develop a set of rules which predict the pre‐slip based on fluctuations in tactile signal data.FindingsThe tactile sensors can be used in a “nonlinear” manner during manipulation tasks. When the gripper finger first makes contact with an object, the stress distribution under the finger skin varies rapidly. Predictive models have been used to develop a set of rules which predict the pre‐slip based on fluctuations in tactile signal data. Pre‐slip at the contact area just prior to object movement produces rapid but detectable stress transients.Originality/valueTactile sensors do not measure stress generated by a contact with an object directly, but instead measure strain in an interposed compliant, polymeric medium intended for sensor protection and prehension assistance. Reliable detection of pre‐slip has hitherto eluded researchers using such tactile techniques.
Public housing policy
Authors: Kim Hin Ho David , Chi Man Hui Eddie 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the merits of a full privatization policy of the HDB concessionary rate mortgage loans. It is believed that price competition among domestic banks will be infused and sustained, resulting in improved efficiency for the banking sector and the economy.Design/methodology/approachThis paper first compares the loan interest rates of the domestic banks for HDB flat buyers to the HDB concessionary interest‐rates. Then it investigates the performance of the HDB, by assessing whether its mortgage yields are able to meet the requirements set forth by means of HDB's hurdle rates.FindingsThe findings suggest that HDB's mortgage yields are insufficient in meeting the performance standards set by the HDB, reflected by the hurdle rate. In conclusion, it is recommended that the HDB should further delegate this part of business to the private sector, where better financial performances are expected among domestic banks under competitions.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is confined to mortgages subject to constant interest rates over time, despite, firstly, the availability of floating‐rate mortgages on the market, and, secondly, the quarterly revised fixed rate mortgages offered by the HDB.Originality/valueWhile sharing some structural similarities with the USA on mortgage finance, disparities in the degree of government involvement in the mortgage market of Singapore makes it worth studying. Also, it sheds light on further studies on other nations with similar features, such as the presence of strong government support in the mortgage finance sector.
The myth of property prices: on the psychology of sellers and buyers
Authors: Wong Joe T.Y. , Hui Eddie C.M. 
Published: June 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine the behavior of buyers and sellers in making housing decision and analyses the mechanisms of the seller‐buyer interaction affecting house sale prices.Design/methodology/approachThe research methodology relies on a cross‐sectional telephone survey and the statistical analysis of housing transactions in Hong Kong.FindingsThe list price is unimportant to the formation of the sale price. Rather buyer‐seller interactions affect housing prices. The list price is positively related to the number of revisions, and the size of reduction, in the list price, and the list period, but negatively related to the sale‐to‐list‐price ratio. Overpriced properties trigger larger price reductions, noticeably, in the first round of negotiation, and stay on the market longer. Short negotiation periods and time‐till‐sale, and a sale at a marginal reduction in the list price is expected by market participants and conforms with the historical sales data. Hence, market expectations are generally fulfilled and support rationality in a steady market.Research limitations/implicationsThere are sample size limitations, which might bias the results and weaken the generalizability. The limited housing transactions may not be representative of the population at large.Practical implicationsWhen the market conditions are moderate, offering the property for sale at close to its current market value would determine the best possible selling price.Originality/valueTelephone surveys on home buyer‐seller interactions and critical analysis of sale records are extremely rare in Hong Kong. The paper illustrates how, in times of moderate economic conditions and housing prices, the strategic negotiation process will rationally bring the selling price close to the market value price.
Legislation affecting common property management in Singapore
Authors: Christudason Alice 
Published: June 2008

PurposeFrom 1967, responsibility for the maintenance and management of common property in strata developments in Singapore was borne by single‐tier management corporations. However from 2005, through the concepts of multi‐tier management corporations and limited common property, new legislation made sweeping changes to the way in which common property can be managed. This paper aims to discuss the present situationDesign/methodology/approachFirst, the problems inherent in the existing system of single‐tier management corporations for strata property management until 2005 are examined. This provides a backdrop for a discussion of the solutions presented by new legislation in the form of “two/multi‐tier” management corporations.FindingsThe study reveals that while the multi‐tier system could alleviate some of the problems existing under the single‐tier management corporation system, other problems could arise; these include increased operational costs, finding sufficient volunteers for the multi‐tier management corporations, and increased potential for conflict.Practical implicationsThere are practical implications for various parties including subsidiary proprietors, management corporations, developers and managing agents. Developers and property owners now have certain flexibilities that were not available under the single‐tier system. Evaluation of the potential problems can result in greater efficiency and cost savings.Originality/valueWhile this paper is of general interest to all types of strata developments, it is of particular relevance to mixed‐use developments, which may benefit from multi‐tier management corporations. The paper draws on the experiences of other jurisdictions, which have implemented similar systems and introduced measures to minimize some potential problems.