Antonio Gonzalez Rodriguez, Angel Gonzalez Rodriguez and Pierluigi Rea
The paper aims to present a new mechanical scheme for a leg to be included in legged vehicles that simplifies the control actuations along the stride.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to present a new mechanical scheme for a leg to be included in legged vehicles that simplifies the control actuations along the stride.
Design/methodology/approach
The scheme includes three four‐bar links grouped in two mechanisms. The first one decouples the vertical and horizontal foot movements. The second one produces a constant horizontal foot velocity when the corresponding motor is given a constant speed. A hybrid robot with wheels at the end of the hind legs has been simulated and constructed to validate the leg performance.
Findings
The gait control requires only five commands for the electronic cards to control the leg. Decoupling vertical and horizontal movements allows a more adequate selection of actuators, a reduction of energy consumption, and higher load capacity and robot velocity. Additional mechanical benefits, such as improved robustness and lower inertia, are obtained. The hind legs can also be articulated, allowing the robot to overcome an obstacle and to climb up and down stairs.
Research limitations/implications
A hybrid robot offers greater stability with respect to a legged robot. This way the lateral movement is not a concern, and therefore it has not been tested yet during the walking cycle.
Originality/value
This new scheme obtains a quasi‐Cartesian behaviour for the foot movement that drastically simplifies the control of the walking cycle. Although the decoupling between movements has already been obtained in previous configurations, these follow a pantograph structure and suffer from blocking problems when they are subject to lateral forces. These schemes were suitable for crab‐like gaits. The proposed leg moves according to a mammal‐like gait.
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Antonio Gonzalez Rodriguez, Nestor Eduardo Nava Rodriguez and Angel Gaspar Gonzalez Rodriguez
The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel actuator with adaptable compliance for robotic applications.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a novel actuator with adaptable compliance for robotic applications.
Design/methodology/approach
In order to achieve limb actuation similar to that of human muscles, a novel actuator with adaptable compliance is proposed. Three principal design paradigms currently exist in the development of artificial muscles that have been adopted at several research centres, universities and commercial organizations around the world. The first approach consists of using compliant actuator systems such as pneumatic actuators. The second approach undertakes the development of electroactive polymers that deform when a voltage is applied. The third approach involves electromechanical devices typically comprising an electrical actuator and an elastic element in combination. The proposed actuator extends on the third approach. It comprises an electrical DC motor in serial configuration and a novel elastic device exhibiting variable stiffness.
Findings
The novel elastic device complements the mechanical structure of the device, enabling adaptation to the dynamic effects of external forces.
Practical implications
Several applications for the actuator with adaptable compliance have been identified in the field of human‐like robotics.
Originality/value
Prototypic experimentation has successfully demonstrated the variable stiffness of the device.
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María Muñoz Sanz-Agero and Carl Antonius Lemke Duque
This study provides a new look at the late 19th-century university issue in Spain. Loss of self-government among universities and the state’s centralization brought a conflict…
Abstract
Purpose
This study provides a new look at the late 19th-century university issue in Spain. Loss of self-government among universities and the state’s centralization brought a conflict between science and religion to the fore in the process of the secularization of knowledge.
Design/methodology/approach
We first delve into the anti-Darwinian framework associated with the scientific professionalization process, focusing on the case of the jurist Antonio Hernández Fajarnés (1851–1909). Secondly, we study the idea of the university that emerged from the Ateneo de Madrid, analyzing key speeches from the jurist Francisco Fernández de Henestrosa (1855–s.d.) given in 1887/88 and from the pharmacist José Rodríguez Carracido (1856–1928).
Findings
The study concludes that the Restoration Era in Spain was characterized by a generalized desire – shared by neo-Scholastics, conservatives and liberal rationalists – to improve the public university system. In this context, French influence was no doubt decisive; however, the Humboldtian university idea had already begun to have notable influence.
Originality/value
This article analyzes sources yet unknown to international research, such as the Ateneo de Madrid debates and Spanish university rectors’ inaugural speeches. It opens up a critical examination of the so-called displacement of educational principles in Spain toward a state-centered system of doctrinal moderantismo as opposed to the nation-centered system of the Cádiz liberalism. At the same time, it identifies key pockets of resistance relative to Spanish university transformation toward increased methodological secularization.
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Antonio Montero-Navarro, Thais González-Torres, José-Luis Rodríguez-Sánchez and Rocio Gallego-Losada
This paper aims at providing an overview and synthesis of the existing body of knowledge about greenwashing. Special attention is paid to the articles directly linked with…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims at providing an overview and synthesis of the existing body of knowledge about greenwashing. Special attention is paid to the articles directly linked with agriculture, food industry and food retail.
Design/methodology/approach
A bibliometric analysis was performed over 351 documents extracted from the WoS database, using SciMAT and VOSviewer software programs.
Findings
Three periods in the academic literature about greenwashing can be distinguished: ground-setting (2003–2010), trail-blazing (2011–2015) and remarkable growth (2016–2020). Along this evolution, a body of knowledge which stemmed from the literature about CSR has achieved a major development, deploying different research lines such as stakeholders' management, marketing and communication and audit. A specific analysis of the academic literature about greenwashing in agriculture, food industry and food retail has been carried out, showing a need for further development.
Social implications
The development of scientific knowledge about greenwashing puts this social claim on the spotlight of business management studies, helping to fight greenwashing and, this way, to reduce the environmental impact of corporate activities. Studying greenwashing will help to reduce its frequency and, therefore, heal the planet.
Originality/value
Some previous studies have provided systematic reviews of the literature using different approaches, but they did not untangle the intellectual structure and the evolution of the body of research about greenwashing. This article originally provides a thorough analysis of these aspects, as well as a closer look at the impact of greenwashing practices in the academic literature regarding agriculture, food industry and food retail.
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André Pedrosa, Filomena Martins, Zélia Breda, Rubén Lois González and António Pedro Costa
This study aims to identify Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for tourism route development and proposes a tailored conceptual model. It addresses a comprehensive range of tourism…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for tourism route development and proposes a tailored conceptual model. It addresses a comprehensive range of tourism routes, considering their respective goals and performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors applied a qualitative approach to investigate five tourism routes, interviewing 31 current and former members and examining secondary data from organisational documents. A conceptual model was developed through content analysis of transcripts and secondary data.
Findings
Based on the identified CSFs, the model is organised into six components: Product, Goals, Resources, Governance, Activities and Performance assessment.
Research limitations/implications
The study analyses various tourism routes concerning their products, implementation levels, goals, performance and perceived success.
Practical implications
Most respondents are public authorities from European countries. Besides, consideration should be given to developing quantitative research to validate the derived theory.
Social implications
The model may facilitate participants in enhancing and developing tourism routes, thereby contributing to achieving sustainable development goals related to rural-urban connections and tourism partnerships.
Originality/value
The development of tourism routes is expected to impact socio-economic development in rural/peripheral areas positively.
目的
本研究旨在确定旅游线路开发的关键成功因素 (CSFs), 并提出量身定制的概念模型。本文提出了一系列旅游线路, 考虑了各自的目标和绩效。
设计/方法论/方法
我们采用定性方法探究了五条旅游线路, 采访了 31 名现任和前任成员, 并检查了组织文件中的二手数据。通过对记录和二手数据的内容分析, 开发了一个概念模型。
发现
根据识别的关键成功要素, 该模型分为六个部分:产品、目标、资源、治理、活动和绩效评估。
研究局限性/影响
本研究分析了各种旅游线路的产品、实施水平、目标、绩效和感知成功。
实际影响
大多数受访者是来自欧洲国家的公共当局。此外, 还应考虑开展定量研究来验证所得出的理论。
社会启示
该模型可帮助参与者改善和发展旅游路线, 从而有助于实现与城乡联系和旅游伙伴关系相关的可持续发展目标。
原创性/价值
旅游路线的发展预计将对农村/边缘地区的社会经济发展产生积极影响。
Propósito
Esta investigación se centra en diversas tipologías de rutas turísticas, buscando identificar Factores Críticos de Éxito (FCE) y proporcionar un modelo conceptual adaptado.
Diseño/metodología/enfoque
Aplicamos un enfoque cualitativo para investigar cinco rutas turísticas. Entrevistamos a 31 miembros y examinamos datos secundarios de documentos organizativos. Se desarrolló un modelo conceptual mediante el análisis de contenido de transcripciones y datos secundarios.
Resultados
Basado en los FCE identificados, el modelo está organizado en seis componentes: Producto, Objetivos, Recursos, Gobernanza, Actividades y Evaluación del desempeño.
Originalidad
El estudio analiza diversas rutas turísticas en relación con sus productos, ubicaciones y nivel de implementación, así como los objetivos, rendimiento y éxitos percibidos de los involucrados.
Limitaciones/implicaciones de la investigación
La mayoría de los encuestados son autoridades públicas de países europeos. Se debe considerar el desarrollo de investigaciones cuantitativas para validar la teoría derivada de este estudio.
Implicaciones prácticas
El modelo puede potencialmente ayudar a los participantes a mejorar y desarrollar rutas turísticas, contribuyendo así a lograr los objetivos de desarrollo sostenible relacionados con las conexiones rural-urbanas y las asociaciones turísticas.
Implicaciones sociales
Se espera que el desarrollo de rutas turísticas tenga un impacto positivo en el desarrollo socioeconómico en áreas rurales/periféricas.
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Gabriel Cachón-Rodríguez, Alicia Blanco-González, Camilo Prado-Román and Antonio Fernández-Portillo
Academic literature calls for research on the impact of psychological states derived from mental illness on detrimental consumer behaviour. The purpose of this study is to assess…
Abstract
Purpose
Academic literature calls for research on the impact of psychological states derived from mental illness on detrimental consumer behaviour. The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of anxiety on the consumer’s buying processes (compulsive and impulsive) and emotional regulation.
Design/methodology/approach
To carry out the statistical analysis, the data were obtained through an online survey (n = 726) of supermarket consumers. The treatment of the data was using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).
Findings
The results obtained show that anxiety influences the generation of harmful behaviour, as it has a positive impact on compulsive and impulsive buying. In addition, compulsive and impulsive buying generate higher levels of consumers’ emotional regulation.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the management of anxiety as a priority element to reduce harmful behaviour. Therefore, it provides useful information for marketing managers and professionals in psychological and healthy consumer processes.
研究目的
學術文獻不斷呼籲研究人員和學者去探討來自精神病的心理狀態如何產生有害的消費者行為。本研究擬評定焦慮對消費者購買流程 (強迫性購物和衝動購物) 和情緒調節所產生的影響。
研究設計/方法/理念
為能進行統計分析,研究人員透過超級市場消費者的在線調查 (n = 726) 取得數據,繼而以結構方程 (PLS-SEM) 處理數據。
研究結果
研究結果顯示,焦慮會導致有害行為的產生,這是因為焦慮對強迫性購物和衝動購物均產生積極的影響; 而且,強迫性購物和衝動購物會產生較高水平的消費者情緒調節。
研究的原創性
本研究的貢獻在於把焦慮視為減少有害行為的優先元素而予以管理; 因此,本研究為市場經理以及於心理上的和健康的消費者進程的專業人員提供了有用的資料。
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Alejandro García-Jurado, Pilar Castro-González, Mercedes Torres-Jiménez and Antonio L. Leal-Rodríguez
This research has three main objectives. First, it examines influence of gamification on the behavioral intention to use an e-commerce platform. Second, it analyzes the role of…
Abstract
Purpose
This research has three main objectives. First, it examines influence of gamification on the behavioral intention to use an e-commerce platform. Second, it analyzes the role of the flow state given its importance in terms of behavior in online environments. Finally, the study aims to detect and analyze differences between Millennials and Generation X.
Design/methodology/approach
The theoretical basis for this study stems from technology acceptance model. The extended model incorporates gamification and the optimal state of intrinsic motivation, flow state, as additional constructs. An online consumer panel was used to collect data from 253 Spanish Amazon users. A structural equation modeling, partial least squares, is proposed and multi-group moderation was studied.
Findings
Gamification in Millennials has positive and significant indirect effects on behavioral intention through the flow state. In the case of the Generation X, it has been detected that flow interferes in its perception of ease of use. The behavioral intention of using the Web page is directly correlated with the purchase intention. Companies should offer a fun interface to Millennials and an environment easier to use to the Generation X, for gamification to be successful.
Originality/value
This study expands the research scope in gamification by focusing on e-commerce sector, a field where scientific research is still scarcely developed. It emphasizes the importance of flow as mediator. Age differences confirm the need for segmentation when applying gamification and marketing strategies in e-commerce.
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Ricardo Monge-González, Juan Antonio Rodríguez-Alvarez and Juan Carlos Leiva
The purpose of this paper is to estimate the impact of one productive development program (PROPYME) in a developing nation like Costa Rica. This program seeks to increase the…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to estimate the impact of one productive development program (PROPYME) in a developing nation like Costa Rica. This program seeks to increase the capacity of small and medium-sized firms (SMEs) to innovate.
Design/methodology/approach
Impacts have been estimated assuming that beneficiary firms are trying to maximize their profits and that PROPYME aims to increase these firms productivity. The impacts were measured in terms of three result variables real average wages employment demand and the probability of exporting. A combination of fixed effects and propensity score matching techniques was used in estimations to correct for any selection bias. The authors worked with panel data companies treated and untreated for the period 2001-2011.
Findings
PROPYME’s beneficiaries performed better than other firms in terms of labor demand and their probability of exporting. In addition, the dose and the duration of the effects of the treatment (timing effects) are important.
Originality/value
The authors study the impact in ways that go beyond the average treatment effects on the treated (ATT) usually estimated in the existing literature. Specifically, the research focusses on the identification of the timing or dynamic effects (i.e. how long should we wait to see results?) and treatment intensity (dosage effects).
Propósito
Se estima el impacto de un programa de desarrollo productivo (Propyme) en un país en vías de desarrollo como Costa Rica. El Propyme busca incrementar la capacidad innovadora de las pequeñas y medidas empresas (pymes) costarricenses.
Diseño/metodológico
el impacto se ha estimado y evaluado asumiendo que las pymes beneficiaras buscan maximizar sus beneficios y que Propyme se enfoca en incrementar la productividad de esas empresas. El impacto se valoró en función de tres variables: salarios reales medios, empleo demandado y la probabilidad de exportar. Se utilizó una combinación de técnicas de efectos fijos y emparejamiento en las estimaciones con el fin de prevenir sesgos de selección. Se trabajó con un panel de datos, incluyendo empresas tratadas (beneficiarias de Propyme) así como no tratadas para el periodo 2001-2011.
Hallazgos
los beneficiarios de Propyme tuvieron mejor desempeño que las restantes empresas en términos de empleo demandado y su posibilidad de exportar. Adicionalmente los efectos dinámicos (dosis y duración) de los tratamientos son importantes.
Originalidad y valor
este artículo evalúa el impacto de una forma que va más allá de lo usual en la literatura por medio de los efectos promedios de los tratamientos sobre los beneficiarios. Esto por cuanto se enfoca en efectos dinámicos como la duración así como la intensidad.
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Claudia Mayordomo Zapata, Salvador Moreno Moreno and José Miguel Rojo Martínez
In this chapter, we analyse the role of women in armed Basque nationalist and separatist terrorist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) from a gender perspective. ETA women were…
Abstract
In this chapter, we analyse the role of women in armed Basque nationalist and separatist terrorist group Euskadi Ta Askatasuna (ETA) from a gender perspective. ETA women were essential agents in the armed conflict, but their image in the mass media and society has been very different from that of their male colleagues (Rodríguez Lara, 2017). Also, their role in the terrorist gang has described a sexually based functional specialisation. In addition, this chapter seeks to contribute to the area of feminist studies on women and political violence. Women's role in one of the most important armed nationalist groups in Europe, ETA, stands as a suitable case study to understand how the mass media (press, journalism), audiovisual content, and social representations of ETA have portrayed these women. The final conclusion of this chapter is that women were not portrayed in the same way as their male colleagues. Women of ETA were doubly penalised because they were women and because they were terrorists.
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Ricardo Vinícius Dias Jordão, Ewerton Alex Avelar and Marco Antônio Lúcio
This paper aims to analyze the impact of intellectual capital (IC) on Brazilian companies’ sustainable value creation (VC).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to analyze the impact of intellectual capital (IC) on Brazilian companies’ sustainable value creation (VC).
Design/methodology/approach
An empirical study was performed using descriptive and multivariate statistics based on the finance, strategy and IC theories. This research is quantitative, explanatory, descriptive, applied and ex post facto and uses traditional economic-financial variables (derived from financial statements – FSs) linked to two established frameworks for IC analysis: the market-to-book ratio (IC-INDEX) and the MVAIC, a variation of the value-added intellectual coefficient (VAIC™).
Findings
The findings showed that the IC estimated through the IC-INDEX and the MVAIC frameworks is directly related to the VC of Brazilian companies throughout the entire period and revealed a consistent effect in all time frames analyzed. Both models were robust and complementary in assessing the company’s VC and sustainability. The conclusion shows that IC is the most relevant factor in explaining VC and its continuity over time, regardless of other traditional variables used to study the phenomenon.
Research limitations/implications
From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to mastering the understanding of the subject by applying two important IC measurement frameworks to explain sustainable VC over time and examining the problem in the Brazilian market – paving the way for future investigations.
Practical implications
This study provides users of accounting and financial information and other market agents with a better understanding of the VC process and the central role of IC in this process. These findings suggest that these asset investments tend to be more qualified to create corporate wealth for shareholders and other stakeholders. Such a result can help improve decision-making processes, besides generating competitive benchmarking and assisting them in financial analysis and resource allocation in the economy.
Originality/value
The uniqueness of the research arises from applying two important IC measurement frameworks (IC-INDEX and MVAIC) simultaneously to explain sustainable VC over time and the analysis in a relevant and complex emerging market – both issues are unexplored in the literature.