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Article
Publication date: 4 May 2018

German Ulises Bula and Sebastián Alejandro González

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the role of academia in broader society. What is academia’s role beyond being a business and providing qualified professionals to other…

224

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the role of academia in broader society. What is academia’s role beyond being a business and providing qualified professionals to other businesses? What kind of organization and ethos is consistent with academia’s proper role in society, considered as a higher-order cognitive system?

Design/methodology/approach

Society as a whole is modeled as a viable system, with subsystems dedicated to self-production in the here and now (systems 1-3) and subsystems engaged in exploring the outside and future of the system and in consolidating an identity and an ethos (systems 4 and 5). The role, ethos and proper organization of academia are derived from this model and from cybernetic considerations on the proper architecture of system 4 and system 5 cognitive systems.

Findings

To fulfill its role as part of society’s system 4 and system 5, academia must include areas that are sometimes considered redundant or an expensive luxury, such as the humanities or basic research. The humanities must strive to catalyze broad community participation as part of their contribution to system 5 and must strive to produce bridge languages between communities and disciplines to increase the connectivity of the World Brain. The publish-or-perish ethos of academia must be replaced by an erotic spirituality, understood as desire for otherness.

Originality/value

This paper integrates broad philosophical considerations on the role of academia with the use of cybernetic models of viable systems and of distributed cognition, yielding practical guidelines for the organization of academia.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 47 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 27 April 2020

J. Guillermo Lopez-Lara, Mauro Eduardo Maya, Alejandro González, Antonio Cardenas and Liliana Felix

The purpose of this paper is to present a new vision-based control method, which enables delta-type parallel robots to track and manipulate objects moving in arbitrary…

135

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new vision-based control method, which enables delta-type parallel robots to track and manipulate objects moving in arbitrary trajectories. This constitutes an enhanced variant of the linear camera model-camera space manipulation (LCM-CSM).

Design/methodology/approach

After obtaining the LCM-CSM view parameters, a moving target’s position and its velocity are estimated in camera space using Kalman filter. The robot is then commanded to reach the target. The proposed control strategy has been experimentally validated using a PARALLIX LKF-2040, an academic delta-type parallel platform and seven different target trajectories for which the positioning errors were recorded.

Findings

For objects that moved manually along a sawtooth, zigzag or increasing spiral trajectory with changing velocities, a maximum positioning error of 4.31 mm was found, whereas objects that moved on a conveyor belt at constant velocity ranging from 7 to 12 cm/s, average errors between 2.2-2.75 mm were obtained. For static objects, an average error of 1.48 mm was found. Without vision-based control, the experimental platform used has a static positioning accuracy of 3.17 mm.

Practical implications

The LCM-CSM method has a low computational cost and does not require calibration or computation of Jacobians. The new variant of LCM-CSM takes advantage of aforementioned characteristics and applies them to vision-based control of parallel robots interacting with moving objects.

Originality/value

A new variant of the LCM-CSM method, traditionally used only for static positioning of a robot’s end-effector, was applied to parallel robots enabling the manipulation of objects moving along unknown trajectories.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 47 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 13 February 2025

Daniel Aragón-Lozano, Mariana S. Flores-Jimenez, Alejandro Garcia-Gonzalez, Yocanxóchitl Perfecto-Avalos, Fabian Rho-Mas, Ricardo García-Gamboa, Rita Q. Fuentes-Aguilar and Isaac Chairez

This study aims to develop and validate an integrated extrusion bioprinting system that produces planar and non-planar scaffolds with embedded living material (bacteria or…

67

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to develop and validate an integrated extrusion bioprinting system that produces planar and non-planar scaffolds with embedded living material (bacteria or mammalian cells), overcoming the limitation of traditional extrusion bioprinting, where the material is deposited and cultured in planar layers.

Design/methodology/approach

The bioprinting device was constructed by modifying a fused deposition modelling 3D printer, adapting the extrusion holder for hydrogel-bioinks, going from an 8-bit architecture to a 32-bit one andad hoc updating the firmware, increasing the processing capacity and enabling accurate deposition of material. The device performance was assessed in hydrogel 3D planar and non-planar extrusion, considering different radius of curvature to form porous scaffolds, evaluating their ability to retain the designed curved geometry and the cell viability maintaining in bacterial and mammalian cells bioinks.

Findings

The viability (up to 99%) and growth of bacteria and mammalian cells embedded in the scaffolds was confirmed by confocal microscopy. The suggested bioprinting platform and procedure integrates an efficient strategy for producing hydrogel-based scaffolds, obtaining 98% resolution in planar deposition. For non-planar scaffolds, it was found that they are capable of maintaining the designed curvature even after being removed from the support, with an 88% of resolution.

Originality/value

It is reported a novel and advanced 3D extrusion bioprinting strategy for producing curved and complex scaffolds, preserving resolution and sterile conditions, introducing in addition a methodology for direct design and generation of a g-code with continuous and smooth paths, pioneering on the 3D bioprinting of bacterial bioinks.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 31 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 28 January 2013

Alejandro López-González, Rubén C. Lois-González and Rubén Fernández-Casal

This paper evaluates the effect of Spain's regulatory framework on Mercadona's expansion. Mercadona is the main company in this commercial distribution sector and so we have taken…

1549

Abstract

Purpose

This paper evaluates the effect of Spain's regulatory framework on Mercadona's expansion. Mercadona is the main company in this commercial distribution sector and so we have taken the North American company Wal-Mart as a classic example of the sector on a world scale. In Spain the regulatory framework is characterized by the high grade of autonomy of the regional governments over the development of business regulation. In other words, the main objective is to check the extent of competitive bias resulting from regulatory risk.

Design/methodology/approach

The article discusses the stores and retailers of Mercadona. Through the use of quantitative indicators the degree of concentration-dispersion is studied, which is reflected graphically with a series of maps. It also discusses the normalisation constraints by quantitative data analysis from a region with trade liberalisation criteria (Madrid) and another with criteria for restricting the construction of large retail outlets (Barcelona)

Findings

In the commercial distribution sector, certain firms stand out due to their rapid expansion, firms that have been successful in implementing widely different business philosophies. This article interprets the course and the immediate challenges for Mercadona, taking Wal-Mart as a reference, since this company is already at a more advanced stage of development: the conversion of an operator on an international scale.

Originality/value

The study described helps in understanding the process of forming a large commercial distribution chain in Southern Europe. This example in turn allows an understanding of business concentration processes in this sector.

Details

International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, vol. 41 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-0552

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 16 November 2015

Pablo Ballesteros-Pérez, Maria Luisa del Campo-Hitschfeld, Manuel Alejandro González-Naranjo and Mari Carmen González-Cruz

Construction projects usually suffer delays, and the causes of these delays and its cost overruns have been widely discussed, the weather being one of the most recurrent. The…

10576

Abstract

Purpose

Construction projects usually suffer delays, and the causes of these delays and its cost overruns have been widely discussed, the weather being one of the most recurrent. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the influence of climate on standard construction work activities through a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

By studying the extent at which some weather variables impede outdoor work from being effectively executed, new maps and tables for planning for delays are presented. In addition, a real case regarding the construction of several bridges in southern Chile is analyzed.

Findings

Few studies have thoroughly addressed the influences of major climatic agents on the most common outdoor construction activities. The method detailed here provides a first approximation for construction planners to assess to what extent construction productivity will be influenced by the climate.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study was performed in Chile, the simplified method proposed is entirely transferable to any other country, however, other weather or combinations of weather variables could be needed in other environments or countries.

Practical implications

The implications will help reducing the negative social, economic and environmental outcomes that usually emerge from project delays.

Originality/value

Climatic data were processed using extremely simple calculations to create a series of quantitative maps and tables that would be useful for any construction planner to decide the best moment of the year to start a project and, if possible, where to build it.

Details

Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, vol. 22 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0969-9988

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 27 June 2008

Alejandro Gonzalez‐Nakazawa, Wuqiang Yang and Kathleen Hennessey

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical model and implementation of a prototype electro‐magnetic tomography (EMT) sensor system. Sensitivity maps for an EMT sensor…

425

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical model and implementation of a prototype electro‐magnetic tomography (EMT) sensor system. Sensitivity maps for an EMT sensor are usually calculated using a numerical approach, such as the finite element method (FEM). While FEM can produce accurate results for any geometrical layout, intensive computation is needed to solve the forward problem and to obtain the sensitivity maps. An alternative approach is to develop an analytical model for the same purpose.

Design/methodology/approach

Although the applicability of the analytical model is limited to certain geometrical cases, it provides a much faster means, in particular for calculating sensitivity maps, than FEM. The paper gives brief insight into the calculations and some details on its implementation. The results obtained with the analytical model are compared with FEM.

Findings

The results having been obtained with the analytical model and compared with FEM, it has been shown that the differences are as small as 6 per cent and that the prototype EMT sensor system can reconstruct images with an error under 10 per cent (of the object size) in the true position.

Originality/value

This is the first time an analytical model has been used to calculate sensitivity maps for EMT.

Details

Sensor Review, vol. 28 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0260-2288

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 2 February 2015

Mariana Vieira dos Santos Kraemer, Priscila Pereira Machado, Nathalie Kliemann, David Alejandro González Chica and Rossana Pacheco da Costa Proença

The purpose of this paper is to relate average serving size intake by the Brazilian population and declared serving size, the presence of trans fat and household measure…

409

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to relate average serving size intake by the Brazilian population and declared serving size, the presence of trans fat and household measure fractioning declared on labels of processed, and ultra-processed food products.

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional study that analyzed the food labelling of all processed and ultra-processed food products sold in a supermarket in southern Brazil.

Findings

A total of 1,071 processed and ultra-processed food products were analyzed. In 88 per cent of food groups, the average serving size consumed was larger than what was declared on labels. Consumed serving size was up to 9.2 times larger than the declared ones in food products with trans fat among their ingredients list and in false negatives and up to 9.9 times larger in foods with fractioned household measure (p<0.001). The Brazilian population consumes, on average, larger serving sizes than those declared on labels, which may represent a significant intake of trans fats without the consumers’ noticing.

Originality/value

This study has been performed with the use of a national database on food consumption, as well as the information from a large number of processed and ultra-processed food labels marketed in Brazil. This study is also proven to be important and novel, contributing with information as to the manner in which nutrition labelling has been presented to Brazilian consumers, discussing its possible consequences for food choices, intake, and the guarantee of consumer rights.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 117 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2016

Waleska Nishida, Ana Carolina Fernandes, Marcela Boro Veiros, David Alejandro González Chica and Rossana Pacheco da Costa Proença

The purpose of this paper is to compare the sodium content displayed on the labels of conventional processed food products (C) and of those with nutrition claims suggesting the…

316

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to compare the sodium content displayed on the labels of conventional processed food products (C) and of those with nutrition claims suggesting the absence or reduced levels of nutrients (AR).

Design/methodology/approach

Cross-sectional study analyzing the ingredients list, nutrition facts and nutrition claims on food labels. Subjects: all processed food products with added salt or additives containing sodium that were for sale in a large supermarket in Brazil from October to December 2011.

Findings

All 3,449 products were analyzed and categorized into 66 groups according to Brazilian legislation. The median of sodium content in the AR was 42.7 percent higher than in the C (p=0.007). In 33.3 percent of the groups there was difference in sodium content between AR and C (p < 0.05) and in 68.2 percent of these the sodium content was higher in AR. The variation range of sodium in products from the same group reached 2,905.0 mg in C and 1,712.0 mg in AR. Even when the median of sodium was lower in the AR, the minimum sodium values were lower in the C.

Originality/value

Comparisons of sodium content of conventional and AR processed food are scarce in the literature, especially covering all food for sale in a large supermarket. To the best of the knowledge, this is the first census making this comparisons in Latin America.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 118 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

Keywords

Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 31 August 2010

Slawomir Magala

476

Abstract

Details

Journal of Organizational Change Management, vol. 23 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0953-4814

Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 27 July 2022

Gonzalo Iparraguirre

Free Access. Free Access

Abstract

Details

Cultural Rhythmics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-80382-823-7

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