bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fretting corrosion of lubricated tin‐plated contacts
Authors: Sankara Narayanan T.S.N. , Woo Park Young , Yong Lee Kang 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe objective of this paper is to study the effect of a commercial lubricant, which contains a 50‐50 mixture of zinc diamyldithiocarbamate and petroleum oil, on the fretting corrosion of tin‐plated copper alloy contacts.Design/methodology/approachThe change in contact resistance as a function of fretting cycles was used to assess the effectiveness of the lubricant in preventing the fretting corrosion of tin‐plated contacts. The surface profile, surface roughness, extent of fretting damage and extent of oxidation of the contact zone were assessed by a laser scanning microscope and surface analytical techniques to correlate the change in contact resistance with fretting cycles.FindingsThe lubricant film provides a surface coverage of 6.76±1 mg/cm2 and it easily establishes metallic asperity contact between the mated tin‐plated contacts. The contact resistance of lubricated contacts remains stable for several thousand fretting cycles. Lubricated contacts reach a threshold value of 0.1 Ω around 100,000 cycles, whereas unlubricated contact reaches this value around 13,500 cycles itself. For lubricated contacts, the extent of mechanical wear of the tin coating is significantly reduced. As a result, they experience a lesser damage at the contact zone and exhibit a smoother profile. The formation of tin oxide is not appreciable and there is no oxide accumulation at the contact zone even at 380,000 cycles. The lubricant is very effective in delaying the fretting wear during the initial stages and in preventing the oxidation and accumulation of oxidation products at the contact zone in the later stages.Originality/valueMetallic dialkyldithiocarbamates are useful anti‐wear and extreme pressure additives for lubricating oils. Dithiocarbamates improve the antioxidant properties of the lubricants and are effective in reducing the wear and increasing the friction‐reducing and load‐carrying ability of the base stock. The use of molybdenum dithiocarbamate as a grease additive is found to be effective in reducing fretting corrosion of ball bearings under random rotary vibrating conditions. The effect of dithiocarbamate containing lubricant oils or greases on the fretting corrosion of electrical contacts has not far been studied. The paper explores the effect of a lubricant that contains a 50‐50 mixture of petroleum oil and zinc diamyldithiocarbamate on the fretting corrosion of tin‐plated contact.
Evaluations of vegetable oil‐based as lubricants for metal‐forming processes
Authors: Lawal Abdulquadir Babatunde , Bolaji Adeyemi Michael 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to assess lubricating performances of selected locally produced vegetable oil‐based lubricants with a view to utilizing them as a possible alternative to petroleum‐based lubricants in metal‐forming processes.Design/methodology/approachThe ring compression testing and twin disks upsetting testing methods were employed.FindingsThe results obtained from these two tests showed that the red palm oil performed better than others at room temperature, followed by sheabutter oil, while palm kernel oil performed the least. High‐temperatures compression ring tests gave sheabutter oil lower values of friction coefficients than red palm oil.Research limitations/implicationsFurther work should be done on numerous vegetable oil‐based lubricants. Also those that show promising performance could be further investigated with locally available additives.Practical implicationsThese are numerous since increase in environmental interest has resulted in a renewed interest in vegetable oil‐based lubricants.Originality/valueThe research work has broken new ground in finding applications for environmentally friendly lubricants in various areas of metal‐forming processes.
Effect of aluminium grain size on scratch resistance for spherical and conical indenter
Authors: Mezlini S. , Zidi M. , Kapsa Ph. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to study the correlation between abrasive wear resistance, contact configuration and grain size of aluminium alloy.Design/methodology/approachDifferent aluminium alloy with different grain size has been tested using a scratch test. Comparison between scratch parameters, especially scratch depth and grain size aluminium alloy, has been made. Two indenters were used: conical and spherical indenter.FindingsCorrelation between grain size of aluminium alloy, configuration contact and abrasive wear resistance has been discussed. This study can be useful for choosing material which can provide better abrasive wear resistance.Originality/valueThis study can be a reference both practically and academically. A similar study has been made in order to investigate the effect of hardness in abrasive wear resistance. However, the importance of microstructure and especially the grain size of aluminium alloy have been taken into account.
Safety assessment of lubricating oil using AHP and vector projection method
Authors: Sharma B.C. , Gandhi O.P. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe plant experience shows that the oil comes in contact with the operator and maintenance personnel during handling, storage and delivery. The health problems arising from their long‐term use are acute rather than immediate. Immediate health problems are caused by sudden and severe exposure and rapid absorption of the substance. Researchers have identified the hazards and their related health problems for different types of lubricating oils in use. However, there is not much application of any scientific method solidus mathematical modeling in assessing the safety qualitatively/quantitatively and considering the health problems related to lube oil in use. The main purpose of this study is to assess the safety of the lubricating oil in operation.Design/methodology/approachAHP and vector projection approach is applied to evaluate and analyze the lubricating oil from a safety point of view by considering identified safety attributes.FindingsPhysical and chemical properties that affect human, environment and system are considered to be the safety attributes of the lube oil. The normalized values of these safety attributes are analyzed through a vector projection approach. In this approach, module, cosine of angle and projection are defined and evaluated at different time intervals. The projection is related to module and cosine of angle is related to safety of lubricant. The suggested procedure is illustrated by means of an example.Originality/valueThe suggested procedure is useful for comparing various alternatives of the lube oil with an ideal alternative and helps in selecting the safest alternative among all possible choices.
Cutting robots: a review of technologies and applications
Authors: Bogue Robert 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a review of robotic cutting techniques and applications.Design/methodology/approachThis paper firstly describes the main cutting techniques used with robots and subsequently discusses robotic cutting applications, giving examples of specific uses.FindingsThis paper shows that robotic laser, water‐jet, ultrasonic, plasma and oxy‐gas cutting techniques are used in a wide range of industries on materials which include plastics, metals, fabrics, foodstuffs and even human tissues. The use of a particular technique reflects application‐specific factors such as material, thickness, precision, cut quality and cutting speed.Originality/valueProvides an introduction to robotic cutting techniques and their applications.
Applying Michael Porter's extended rivalry model to the robotics industry
Authors: Hopkins Harold 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to analyse the robotics industry using Michael Porter's extended rivalry model. His model assesses the relative strength of buyers, suppliers, potential entrants, substitutes, and rivals for an industry. Such an assessment helps firms determine if a particular industry is attractive and possible ways to successfully compete within the industry.Design/methodology/approachThe robotics industry is used as a case study in the use of the extended rivalry model.FindingsFindings suggest that the robotics industry is only a moderately attractive industry and one possible strategy is for a robotics firm to focus on non‐automotive buyers.Research limitations/implicationsImplications are that the extended rivalry model is a useful tool for understanding any industry.Practical implicationsPractical implications are that the extended rivalry model indicates several possible competitive strategies for firms in the robotics industry.Originality/valueThis paper is original. Its value is that it provides an example of how to use Porter's extended rivalry model.
Robotic machining from programming to process control: a complete solution by force control
Authors: Pan Zengxi , Zhang Hui 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to present the critical issues and methodologies to improve robotic machining performance with flexile industrial robots.Design/methodology/approachA complete solution using active force control is introduced to address various issues during the robotic machining process.FindingsProgramming complex couture parts without a CAD model is made easy by using force control functions such as lead‐through and path‐learning. The problem of process control is treated with a novel methodology that consists of stiffness modeling, real‐time deformation compensation for quality and controlled material removal rate for process efficiency.Originality/valueExperimental results showed that higher productivity as well as better surface quality can be achieved, indicating a promising and practical use of industrial robots for machining applications that is not available at present.
On‐line path planning strategy integrated with collision and dead‐lock avoidance schemes for wheeled mobile robot in indoor environments
Authors: Chang Ya‐Chun , Yamamoto Yoshio 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to present a hybrid path planning algorithm which is designed for use of autonomous vehicles in indoor environments. The approach mainly contributes the ability of generating a safe and smooth collision avoidance path for attaining a desired position in an unknown and obstructed environment.Design/methodology/approachThe hybrid planner is based on potential field method and Voronoi diagram approach, and it is represented with the ability of concurrent map building and autonomous navigation.FindingsThe possibility of controlling the look‐ahead distance allows the mobile robot to smartly control the velocity for creating a smooth trajectory autonomously. The dead‐lock problem is solved by defining necessary sub‐goals between targets on the constructed map.Originality/valueThe system controller (look‐ahead control) with the potential field method allows the robot to generate a smooth and safe path for an expected position. Only essential exploration of unknown environment is performed since the approach constrains the mobile robot to explore a safe and sub‐optimal route towards a destination.
Pneumatic balloon actuators for tactile feedback in robotic surgery
Authors: Culjat Martin , King Chih‐Hung , Franco Miguel , Bisley James , Grundfest Warren , Dutson Erik 
Published: August 2008

PurposeRobotic surgery is limited by the lack of haptic feedback to the surgeon. The addition of tactile information may enable surgeons to feel tissue characteristics, appropriately tension sutures, and identify pathologic conditions. Tactile feedback may also enable expansion of minimally invasive surgery to other surgical procedures and decrease the learning curve associated with robotic surgery. This paper aims to explore a system to provide tactile feedback.Design/methodology/approachA pneumatic balloon‐based system has been developed to provide tactile feedback to the fingers of the surgeon during robotic surgery. The system features a polydimethyl siloxane actuator with a thin‐film silicone balloon membrane and a compact pneumatic control system. The 1.0 × 1.8 × 0.4 cm actuators designed for the da Vinci system feature a 3 × 2 array of 3 mm inflatable balloons.FindingsThe low‐profile pneumatic system and actuator have been mounted directly onto the da Vinci surgical system. Human perceptual tests have indicated that pneumatic balloon‐based tactile input is an effective means to provide tactile information to the fingers of the surgeon.Research limitations/implicationsApplication of a complete tactile feedback system is limited by current force sensing technologies.Originality/valueThe actuators have been designed such that they can be mounted directly onto the hand controls of the da Vinci robotic system, and are scalable such that they can be applied to various robotic applications.
The joint‐limits and singularity avoidance in robotic welding
Authors: Huo Liguo , Baron Luc 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to develop a redundancy‐resolution (RR) algorithm to optimize the joint space trajectory of the six‐rotation‐axis industrial robot as performing arc‐welding tasks.Design/methodology/approachThe rotation of the tool around its symmetry axis is clearly irrelevant to the view of the task to be accomplished besides some exceptional situations. When performed with a general 6‐degrees‐of‐freedom (DOF) manipulator, there exists one DOF of redundancy that remains. By taking advantage of the symmetry axis of the welding electrode, the authors decompose the required instantaneous twist of the electrode into two orthogonal components, one lying into the relevant task subspace and one into the redundant task subspace, respectively. Joint‐limits and singularity avoidance are considered as the optimization objectives.FindingsThe twist‐decomposition algorithm is able to optimize effectively the joint space trajectory. It has been tested and demonstrated in simulation.Originality/valueA new RR algorithm is introduced for the six‐rotation‐axis industrial robot performing welding tasks. A new kinetostatic performance index is proposed on evaluating the kinematic quality of robotic postures. It can also be used in other applications like milling, deburing and many other tasks requiring less than 6‐DOF in tool frame.
Determinants of Islamic and conventional deposits in the Malaysian banking system
Authors: Haron Sudin 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe objective of this study is to investigate the impact of selected economic variables on deposits level in the Islamic and conventional banking systems in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachBoth long‐ and short‐run relationships between these variables are measured by using advanced time series econometrics. These techniques are co‐integration and error correction framework, which are conducted within the vector autoregression framework.FindingsBy applying recent econometric techniques, we find determinants such as rates of profit of Islamic bank, rates of interest on deposits of conventional bank, base lending rate, Kuala Lumpur composite index, consumer price index, money supply and gross domestic product have different impact on deposits at both Islamic and conventional banking systems. In most cases, customers of conventional system behave in conformity with the savings behaviour theories. In contrast, most of these theories are not applicable to Islamic banking customers. Therefore, there is a possibility that religious belief plays an important role in the banking decisions of Muslim customers.Research limitations/implicationsAs customers are sensitive to rewards, they receive from their deposits, rates of profit of Islamic system must at any time be similar to those of the conventional system. Finally, religious dimension can be considered as an important element to attract more people to deposit their funds in the Islamic system.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to empirically examine the depositor's behaviour in the Islamic banking environment.
On productivity performance gains of Indonesian firms
Authors: Viverita  , Ariff M. 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to develop a methodology to study profit vs non‐profit seeking firms usefully to compare corporate performance. It aims to apply the methodology to measure if state vs non‐state firms with different objectives are comparable in performance. If relevant, the paper also aims to comment on the applicability of this method to analysis of other firms, e.g. Islamic banks in Indonesia.Design/methodology/approachThe paper applies Malmquist data envelopment analysis method to different classes of firms: state vs non‐state firms; aggregated at the industry and at national levels; and develop appropriate time trend analysis as well.Findings –The common belief that all state firms are inefficient is not upheld by test results: in some sectors (agriculture and chemicals) state firms are more efficient than private firms. Efficiency is very low, but did improve over time across all sectors and types of firms particularly before the 1997‐1998 and in recent years. Efficiency is mostly achieved through technology adoption (technological change) accounts for most efficiency gains.Research limitations/implicationsThis study overturns findings of many accounting performance based studies and revisits policy implications.Practical implicationsNo one policy fits all in Indonesia for privatization programme.Originality/valueThe paper provides more valid methodology to compare state firms with non‐state firms for the first time.
Privatization and the rise of direct subsidy scheme schools and independent schools in Hong Kong and Singapore
Authors: Chan David , Tan Jason 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to trace the evolution of two initiatives – the direct subsidy scheme and independent schools initiative – their genesis, rationale, current form and take‐up rate. It also analyses them as education reforms in terms of policymaking dynamics. The very notion of the term “privatization” will be examined.Design/methodology/approachThe article examines the two school privatization schemes in Hong Kong and Singapore, by putting into perspective a discussion of their policy implications, thereby reflecting on their similarities and differences in their agenda, implementation and implications.FindingsThe findings indicate that the DSS and independent school schemes in both Hong Kong and Singapore are in line with the global trends of privatization. It is suggested that the governments of the two places have adopted different approaches in the implementations of their schemes.Originality/valueThe paper shows how the direct subsidy scheme and independent schools initiative represent attempts over the past two decades by the governments of Hong Kong and Singapore, respectively to promote school privatization.
A comparative study of Singapore's school excellence model with Hong Kong's school‐based management
Authors: Tee Ng Pak , Chan David 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to examine and compare the school excellence model (SEM) approach adopted by Singapore and the school‐based management (SBM) approach adopted by Hong Kong. It discusses the implications of such a strategy and the challenges that both Singapore and Hong Kong schools face in navigating a new paradigm of managerialism while satisfying the requirements of quality assurance.Design/methodology/approachThis paper utilises a comparative approach to analyse the development of educational quality assurance and the movement to decentralise power to the schools in Singapore and Hong Kong. The framework of analysis involves: approach to decentralisation; effects of education marketisation; school leaders, teachers and the profitable use of quality models.FindingsBoth Singapore and Hong Kong utilise a centralised decentralisation approach though with different intent. Education marketisation accentuates the underlying dynamics of fierce competition and accountability through performance indicators. To use the quality models profitably, the main challenge will be for schools to satisfy the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law.Practical implicationsThe comparative study of Singapore and Hong Kong serves as a mirror to other developing countries in understanding how a quality framework coupled with self‐assessment and external inspections can lead to changes in the school system, both positive ones and undesirable side‐effects.Originality/valueThe first comparative study between Singapore's school excellence model with Hong Kong's school‐based management.
International trends and private higher education in India
Authors: Gupta Asha 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper seeks to conduct an in‐depth study of international trends in private higher education and focus on the Indian scenarioDesign/methodology/approachThe methodology adopted is conceptual, analytical and comparative.FindingsThough there has been better acceptability of private higher education institutions in India today than the “trepidation” felt at their emergence three decades ago, certain basic questions have been raised: Is the presence of private sector in higher education inevitable? Is it desirable too? Why is the Supreme Court of India intervening in matters pertaining to private higher education so frequently? What are the issues at stake?Originality/valueAn attempt is made to highlight the political‐economic, socio‐cultural, national‐international, ethical‐philosophical and legal‐practical aspects of this outreaching theme, in general, and focus on the driving forces, causes, and consequences of the emergence of the private higher education during the last three decades, in particular.
Education policy rhetoric and reality gap: a reflection
Authors: Pak Tee Ng 
Published: August 2008

PurposeThis paper aims to discuss why there is often a gulf of difference between policy rhetoric and reality. In particular, the paper seeks to explore issues with the policy rhetoric, implementation process and the lens through which reality is perceived, explaining why these issues can open up a policy rhetoric‐reality gap. This article also suggests a simple matrix framework to analyse a rhetoric‐reality gap.Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a reflection on, and analysis of, the issue of the difference between policy rhetoric and reality. The framework of analysis involves: issues with policy rhetoric; issues with the implementation process; issues with examining reality.FindingsAlthough policy rhetoric always has laudable aims, the underlying dynamics of change and interaction among the various actors at different levels of the system often means that the rhetoric may be compromised in reality. However, it is also possible that even when implementation reality may not correspond closely to policy rhetoric, the adaptation of the policy allows for a better fit with the local context while allowing the policy rhetoric to retain its evocative values for an ideal state of affairs.Practical implicationsPolicy rhetoric‐reality is not always “evil” and this gap can be systematically investigated.Originality/valueThis paper provides an explanation of the policy rhetoric‐reality gap and suggests a simple matrix framework to analyse such a gap.