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1 – 8 of 8Shufeng Tang, Ligen Qi, Guoqing Zhao, Hong Chang, Shijie Guo and Xuewei Zhang
The purpose of this paper is to design a new type of magnetic suction wall-climbing robot suitable for the wall inspection of wind turbine towers to solve the problems in manual…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to design a new type of magnetic suction wall-climbing robot suitable for the wall inspection of wind turbine towers to solve the problems in manual maintenance tasks.
Design/methodology/approach
By analyzing the shortcomings of existing wall-climbing robots, a magnetic suction integrated wheel structure is designed to effectively combine the adsorption structure and transmission structure. To enable the robot to adapt to the curvature of the wall surface of a wind turbine tower, a passive adaptive curvature structure is designed. The effects of the air gap, the thickness of the wheel plates on both sides, the size of permanent magnets and the size of aluminum rings on the adsorption force are studied. Through mechanical model analysis under different instability conditions, the magnetic circuit of the magnetic wheel is optimized and designed.
Findings
Applying the wall-climbing robot to engineering practice, experiments have shown that the developed wall-climbing robot can move safely and stably on the wall of the wind turbine tower. The robot can also carry a load of 20 kg, and the designed adaptive structure can cause the magnetic wheel to deflect up to 20° relative to the vehicle body, fully meeting the curvature requirements of the minimum diameter end of the wind turbine tower.
Originality/value
This paper proposes a magnetic suction integrated wheel structure through analysis of the working environment. And the parameters affecting the magnetic wheel adsorption performance were optimized. Meanwhile, a passive adaptive wind turbine tower curvature structure was proposed.
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Shufeng Tang, Guoqing Zhao, Yun Zhi, Ligen Qi, Renjie Huang, Hong Chang, Shijie Guo and Xuewei Zhang
This paper aims to solve the problem of uncertain position and attitude between unstructured terrain robot and grasped target and insufficient control accuracy in extreme…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to solve the problem of uncertain position and attitude between unstructured terrain robot and grasped target and insufficient control accuracy in extreme environment, a grasping mechanism based on attraction domain relationship is proposed, which can realize autonomous positioning, capturing and grasping of robot under low control accuracy.
Design/methodology/approach
The grasping mechanism was designed, taking inspiration from fishing behavior this mechanism introduces attraction domains and flexible-elastic structures through the active and passive ends to achieve automatic positioning and capture. After the capture is completed, the grasping mechanism connects the active end and the passive end, simultaneously relying on the gravity of the target object to achieve locking and release between the robot and the target object. This paper adopts theoretical, simulation and experimental verification methods to conduct theoretical and simulation analysis on the autonomous positioning and grasping process of the mechanism, and produces grasping experimental prototypes with different positions and postures.
Findings
The experiment shows that the gripping mechanism designed in this paper can achieve automatic positioning capture and gripping of large deviation situations under low control accuracy, with a displacement deviation of up to 10 mm (about 1/6 diameter of the end of the mechanism) and an angle deviation of up to 3°. The scientific research task in the extremely high altitude environment has finally been successfully accomplished.
Originality/value
Inspired by fishing behavior, this paper proposes a positioning, capturing and grasping mechanism. The attraction area built with permanent magnets, coupled with the flexible connection, enables precise capture under low control, while the grasping mechanism can also rely on gravity to self-lock and release.
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Yin Kedong, Shiwei Zhou and Tongtong Xu
To construct a scientific and reasonable indicator system, it is necessary to design a set of standardized indicator primary selection and optimization inspection process. The…
Abstract
Purpose
To construct a scientific and reasonable indicator system, it is necessary to design a set of standardized indicator primary selection and optimization inspection process. The purpose of this paper is to provide theoretical guidance and reference standards for the indicator system design process, laying a solid foundation for the application of the indicator system, by systematically exploring the expert evaluation method to optimize the index system to enhance its credibility and reliability, to improve its resolution and accuracy and reduce its objectivity and randomness.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on system theory and statistics, and it designs the main line of “relevant theoretical analysis – identification of indicators – expert assignment and quality inspection” to achieve the design and optimization of the indicator system. First, the theoretical basis analysis, relevant factor analysis and physical process description are used to clarify the comprehensive evaluation problem and the correlation mechanism. Second, the system structure analysis, hierarchical decomposition and indicator set identification are used to complete the initial establishment of the indicator system. Third, based on expert assignment method, such as Delphi assignments, statistical analysis, t-test and non-parametric test are used to complete the expert assignment quality diagnosis of a single index, the reliability and validity test is used to perform single-index assignment correction and consistency test is used for KENDALL coordination coefficient and F-test multi-indicator expert assignment quality diagnosis.
Findings
Compared with the traditional index system construction method, the optimization process used in the study standardizes the process of index establishment, reduces subjectivity and randomness, and enhances objectivity and scientificity.
Originality/value
The innovation point and value of the paper are embodied in three aspects. First, the system design process of the combined indicator system, the multi-dimensional index screening and system optimization are carried out to ensure that the index system is scientific, reasonable and comprehensive. Second, the experts’ background is comprehensively evaluated. The objectivity and reliability of experts’ assignment are analyzed and improved on the basis of traditional methods. Third, aim at the quality of expert assignment, conduct t-test, non-parametric test of single index, and multi-optimal test of coordination and importance of multiple indicators, enhance experts the practicality of assignment and ensures the quality of expert assignment.
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Der Tourismus kann nur dort gedeihen, wo das Recht auf seine ungestörte Ausübung anerkannt wird. Das unbedingte Korrelat, nämlich die Pflicht, ein solches Recht umweltfreundlich…
Abstract
Der Tourismus kann nur dort gedeihen, wo das Recht auf seine ungestörte Ausübung anerkannt wird. Das unbedingte Korrelat, nämlich die Pflicht, ein solches Recht umweltfreundlich, menschfreudig und vor allem gemässigt auszuben, ist davon nicht wegzudenken.
Nestor Asiamah, Henry Kofi Mensah and Samuel A. Azinga
Materialism has been reported to be on the increase among health workers, a situation that can oppose the expected effect of remuneration on nurses’ satisfaction. The purpose of…
Abstract
Purpose
Materialism has been reported to be on the increase among health workers, a situation that can oppose the expected effect of remuneration on nurses’ satisfaction. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of materialism on the remuneration–satisfaction relationship in an attempt to know if materialism is a negative behaviour that can counter efforts to increase nurses’ satisfaction through remuneration.
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative (correlational) research technique was applied to test hypotheses of interest, with relevant confounding variables controlled for. The simple random sampling method was used to select a representative sample of 458 nurses. A self-reported questionnaire was used to gather data. The authors used structural equation modelling (SEM) to examine the factor structures of the measurement scales used in this study and to test hypotheses.
Findings
The study’s ultimate structural model produced a good fit at 5 per cent significance level [Chi-square = 11.654; p = 0.309]. After controlling for the relevant variables, remuneration makes a significant positive effect on the satisfaction of nurses, whereas materialism makes a negative effect on it. Materialism interacts with remuneration to make a significant negative effect on job satisfaction.
Originality/value
This study adds to the literature and adjusts for a unique set of relevant confounding variables in testing the primary relationships.
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Henry Kofi Mensah, Nestor Asiamah and Samuel Awuni Azinga
This study aims to assess the effect of religiosity on the job satisfaction of nurses in response to the paucity of studies that have investigated this relationship in a health…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the effect of religiosity on the job satisfaction of nurses in response to the paucity of studies that have investigated this relationship in a health care setting. The authors also tested the moderation impact of materialism on the religiosity–satisfaction nexus.
Design/methodology/approach
The quantitative (correlational) research technique was applied to test hypotheses of interest. The simple random sampling method was used to select a representative sample of 458 nurses. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to examine the factor structures of relevant constructs and to test hypotheses. The study’s ultimate CFA model produced a good fit at 5 per cent significance level [Chi-square (χ2) = 19.121; p = 0.454].
Findings
Religiosity was found to make a positive effect on job satisfaction and a negative effect on materialism. Materialism makes a negative effect on job satisfaction. Religiosity and materialism makes a significant negative interaction effect on nurses’ satisfaction after controlling for job income.
Practical implications
It is therefore concluded that religiosity is a positive behaviour that contributes to the satisfaction of nurses, but materialism must be avoided or at least reduced to maximise this impact.
Originality/value
In this study, the authors demonstrate that the positive effect of religiousness on job satisfaction can be negatively moderated by materialism so that religiousness makes less impact on satisfaction owing to the negative influence of materialism on job satisfaction.
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Hossein Nouri and Robert James Parker
This paper reviews and synthesizes the extensive literature that investigates turnover in public accounting firms.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper reviews and synthesizes the extensive literature that investigates turnover in public accounting firms.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper initially identifies turnover studies by searching two commonly used business databases, ABI and Business Source. Subsequently, references in these studies are examined. Over 100 published studies of accounting firms are identified.
Findings
Prior turnover studies can be classified by the underlying theory: psychological attachment; role theory; mentoring; and organizational justice. Using these theories, prior research has examined a wide variety of issues such as the role of gender in turnover.
Practical implications
Turnover is a significant and long-term problem in accounting firms. Practitioners and researchers have long noted that firms lose the costs of training employees who leave the firm. Recently, many in the auditing field have recognized that employee turnover may reduce audit quality. This paper summarizes prior turnover research, which may provide guidance to future researchers and managers of accounting firms.
Originality/value
This study fills a void in the accounting literature, which is missing a comprehensive and up to date review of prior studies of turnover in accounting firms. Opportunities for future research are also explored. While much has been learned, some theoretical and methodological issues remain unresolved.
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Paola Briganti, Davide de Gennaro, Filomena Buonocore and Luisa Varriale
Drawing on the pay-for-performance (P4P) and job satisfaction literatures through an analysis of qualitative studies published on the topic, the purpose of this study is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing on the pay-for-performance (P4P) and job satisfaction literatures through an analysis of qualitative studies published on the topic, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of a P4P-based system on job satisfaction and dissatisfaction among health care workers.
Design/methodology/approach
A meta-synthesis of the qualitative literature was conducted to investigate health care workers' opinions, perceptions and behaviors and fully understand what processes generate job satisfaction or dissatisfaction under P4P systems.
Findings
The findings suggest that P4P systems impact the job (dis-)satisfaction of health care workers based on the institutional, organizational, geographic and cultural context of reference. Specifically, job satisfaction – and thus motivation, occupational well-being and work engagement – can occur when the context is supportive, whereas job dissatisfaction – and thus work stress and pressure, burnout and work-life balance issues and distraction – is generated in the case of unsupportive contexts. Moreover, the findings suggest a virtuous/vicious circle whereby job satisfaction leads to positive performance and further fuels job satisfaction, while conversely job dissatisfaction generates worse performance, and this further worsens worker satisfaction.
Originality/value
There is a lack of studies comparing and analyzing current evidence on the job (dis-)satisfaction of health care workers operating in different contexts based on the reward system. This is the first research to analyze a significant number of studies with reference to the relation between P4P and job (dis-)satisfaction, which are topics in need of further study and investigation in health care settings around the world.
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