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Article
Publication date: 20 November 2009

Lukas König, Sanaz Mostaghim and Hartmut Schmeck

In evolutionary robotics (ER), robotic control systems are subject to a developmental process inspired by natural evolution. The purpose of this paper is to utilize a control…

320

Abstract

Purpose

In evolutionary robotics (ER), robotic control systems are subject to a developmental process inspired by natural evolution. The purpose of this paper is to utilize a control system representation based on finite state machines (FSMs) to build a decentralized online‐evolutionary framework for swarms of mobile robots.

Design/methodology/approach

A new recombination operator for multi‐parental generation of offspring is presented and a known mutation operator is extended to harden parts of genotypes involved in good behavior, thus narrowing down the dimensions of the search space. A storage called memory genome for archiving the best genomes of every robot introduces a decentralized elitist strategy. These operators are studied in a factorial set of experiments by evolving two different benchmark behaviors such as collision avoidance and gate passing on a simulated swarm of robots. A comparison with a related approach is provided.

Findings

The framework is capable of robustly evolving the benchmark behaviors. The memory genome and the number of parents for reproduction highly influence the quality of the results; the recombination operator leads to an improvement in certain parameter combinations only.

Research limitations/implications

Future studies should focus on further improving mutation and recombination. Generality statements should be made by studying more behaviors and there is a need for experimental studies with real robots.

Practical implications

The design of decentralized ER frameworks is improved.

Originality/value

The framework is robust and has the advantage that the resulting controllers are easier to analyze than in approaches based on artificial neural networks. The findings suggest improvements in the general design of decentralized ER frameworks.

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

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Available. Content available
Article
Publication date: 20 November 2009

Suranga Hettiarachchi and William M. Spears

542

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Intelligent Computing and Cybernetics, vol. 2 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1756-378X

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Article
Publication date: 9 July 2020

Kamila Cabová, Filip Zeman, Lukáš Blesák, Martin Benýšek and František Wald

This paper aims to present a part of a coupled numerical model for prediction the fire resistance of elements in a horizontal furnace. Temperatures calculated inside the timber…

116

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a part of a coupled numerical model for prediction the fire resistance of elements in a horizontal furnace. Temperatures calculated inside the timber beam are compared to measured values from the fire test.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper presents a part of a coupled numerical model for prediction the fire resistance of elements in a horizontal furnace. The presented part lies in a virtual furnace which simulates temperature environment around tested elements in the furnace. Comparison of results show good agreement in the case when burning of timber is included in the numerical model.

Findings

The virtual furnace presented in this paper allows to calculate temperature environment around three timber beams. After validation of the fire dynamics simulator (FDS) model, the temperature conditions are passed to the FE model which solves heat transfer to the tested element. Temperatures inside the timber beam which are solved in software Atena Science are compared to measured temperatures from the fire test. The comparison of temperatures in three control points shows good accuracy of the calculation in the point closer to the heated edge. An inaccuracy is shown in points located deeper in the beam cross-section – below the char layer.

Research limitations/implications

In conclusion, the virtual furnace has a great potential for investigating the thermal behaviour of fire-resistance tests. A huge advantage inheres in the evaluation of the thermal effect throughout the volume of the furnace, which allows an accurate prediction of fire-resistance tests and evaluation of large number of technical alternatives and boundary conditions. However, passing the temperature field from the FDS model into FE model may decrease the level of accuracy. The solution lies in a coupled CFD-FE model. A weakly coupled model including fluid dynamics, heat transfer and mechanical behaviour is under development at Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague. The fluid dynamics part which is presented in this paper is solved by FDS and the thermo-mechanical part is computed by object-oriented finite element model (OOFEM). The interconnection of both software is made owing to MuPIF python library.

Practical implications

The virtual furnace takes advantage of great possibilities of computational fluid dynamics code FDS. The model is based on an accurate representation of a real fire furnace of fire laboratory PAVUS a.s. located in the Czech Republic. It includes geometry of the real furnace, material properties of the furnace linings, burners, ventilation conditions and tested elements. Gas temperature calculated in the virtual furnace is validated to temperatures measured during a fire test.

Social implications

The virtual furnace has a great potential for investigating the thermal behaviour of fire-resistance tests. A huge advantage inheres in the evaluation of the thermal effect throughout the volume of the furnace, which allows an accurate prediction of fire-resistance tests and evaluation of large number of technical alternatives and boundary conditions.

Originality/value

The virtual furnace has a great potential for investigating the thermal behaviour of fire-resistance tests. A huge advantage inheres in the evaluation of the thermal effect throughout the volume of the furnace, which allows an accurate prediction of fire-resistance tests and evaluation of large number of technical alternatives and boundary conditions. However, passing the temperature field from the FDS model into FE model may decrease the level of accuracy. The solution lies in a coupled CFD-FE model. A weakly coupled model including fluid dynamics, heat transfer and mechanical behaviour is under development at Faculty of Civil Engineering, Czech Technical University in Prague. The fluid dynamics part which is presented in this paper is solved by FDS and the thermo-mechanical part is computed by OOFEM. The interconnection of both software is made thanks to MuPIF python library.

Details

Journal of Structural Fire Engineering, vol. 11 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2040-2317

Keywords

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Book part
Publication date: 20 October 2017

Gary M. Fleischman, Eric N. Johnson and Kenton B. Walker

Purpose: We examined whether the five-service quality dimensions described by SERVQUAL (SQ) and SERVPERF (SP) are consistent with perceived dimensions of management accounting…

Abstract

Purpose: We examined whether the five-service quality dimensions described by SERVQUAL (SQ) and SERVPERF (SP) are consistent with perceived dimensions of management accounting (MA) service quality and we compared responses from users and providers.

Design/methodology/approach: We surveyed experienced providers and users of MA services to learn their perceptions and expectations of accounting service quality using SQ/SP adapted to an MA context. We used principal components analysis (PCA) to investigate service quality dimensions.

Findings: Participant responses identified three dimensions of MA service quality. There was a high degree of correspondence in dimensions of service quality between users and providers, but with notable differences in service priorities. A performance-only (SP) approach seems to provide a better measure of overall service quality than performance minus expectations (SQ).

Research limitations/implications: Participants self-selected to participate. Respondents were not matched by organization. The SQ/SP instrument may not capture important organization specific attributes. Our approach may serve as a guide for future studies of accounting service quality.

Practical implications: SP may be more useful to managers who wish to evaluate overall service quality. SQ may be more useful to identify specific gaps between user perceptions and expectations. SQ/SP assessments may help to improve the quality of MA service delivery and provider-user communications.

Originality/value: This is the first empirical study to our knowledge that reports on MA service quality dimensions using both the SQ and SP instruments. This study investigated perceptions and expectations of MA service users and providers. Our sample is a cross-section of experienced professionals.

Details

Advances in Management Accounting
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78743-297-0

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Article
Publication date: 20 July 2010

Elena Corradini

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the main contents of the 18th BOBCATSSS Symposium, held in Parma, Italy in January 2010, dedicated to the main theme…

528

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the main contents of the 18th BOBCATSSS Symposium, held in Parma, Italy in January 2010, dedicated to the main theme “Bridging the digital divide: libraries providing access for all?”

Design/methodology/approach

The report provides a concise presentation of the main themes discussed during the conference.

Findings

The topics presented focused mainly on the fields of access and delivery, community support and collections, with some others focusing on leadership and management.

Originality/value

This symposium is one of the few conferences in the world where students are the main characters and participate as organisers, reviewers and presenters of the contributions. Reports on such conferences are of interest to both students and to teachers and professionals.

Details

New Library World, vol. 111 no. 7/8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 23 October 2024

Lukas Baschung, Nicole Weber, Stefanie Hasler and Mathias Rota

Through the lens of neo-institutionalism, this study suggests an up-to-date check of non-systemic quality management (QM) practices, based on the example of Swiss cantonal public…

198

Abstract

Purpose

Through the lens of neo-institutionalism, this study suggests an up-to-date check of non-systemic quality management (QM) practices, based on the example of Swiss cantonal public administrations. Related findings shall allow public managers to choose concrete tools for quality improvement, which are less resource intensive than quality management systems (QMS).

Design/methodology/approach

A framework of quality management tools (QMTs) is developed based on existing literature, tested and adapted through four case studies and applied to a broader variety of Swiss public administrations based on a survey. It is detected to what extent QMTs are used, since when and with what intensity by paying attention to the respective importance of new public management (NPM) and network governance (NG)-shaped QMTs.

Findings

All examined offices use an important number of QMTs. Classical isomorphism only takes place on a superficial level. Findings are in line with more recent neo-institutional views, involving reflective attitudes of public administrations, which lead to a selective choice of QMTs. Non-systemic QM consists of NPM- and NG-shaped tools, although the latter are used less often in practice.

Research limitations/implications

The obtained results need further confirmation based on a quantitively broader sample.

Practical implications

It is suggested to practitioners to choose individual QMTs with a focus on performance impact, opting to use a smaller number of QMTs in a systematic way rather than a bigger number with only half-hearted application.

Originality/value

This article sheds light on the often invisible non-systemic QM in public administration.

Details

International Journal of Public Sector Management, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3558

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Article
Publication date: 11 August 2020

Yuzhen Zhao, Yang Zhao, Xiaoxi Kang, Zongcheng Miao and Haiquan Zhang

This paper aims to compare the electronic properties of perylene diimide derivatives (DFPDI) and its anion radical (DFPDI.-k.+) thin film by drop-coating of organic molecules on…

194

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to compare the electronic properties of perylene diimide derivatives (DFPDI) and its anion radical (DFPDI.-k.+) thin film by drop-coating of organic molecules on the interdigitated electrodes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors compared the electronic properties of perylene diimide derivatives and its anion radical by drop-coating of organic molecules on interdigitated electrodes. Significantly, the current of perylene diimide derivatives anion radical increased by 2∼3 orders of magnitude compared to perylene diimide derivatives under a bias of 5 V, and the maximal current of anion radical that from tetrahydrofuran solution can reach 3.6 mA. Furthermore, DFPDI.-k.+ thin film showed time-resistance sensitivity for acetic acid. When DFPDI.-k.+ thin film was placed in acetic acid of 3.1 × 105 ppm, the current was decreased 46 times under a bias of 6 V after 8 min.

Findings

We developed the new method to prepare ambient stable perylene diimide derivatives anion radical, which shows sensitivity of absorption spectra to acid.

Originality/value

Perylene diimide derivatives anion radical thin film showed time-resistance sensitivity for acetic acid, suggesting potential application of perylene diimide derivatives anion radical as acid sensor.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 49 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

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Article
Publication date: 1 July 2006

Alex Bennet and M. Shane Tomblin

The purpose of this article is to provide an integrated framework including knowledge management (KM), organizational learning (OL), and information and communication technologies

1928

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to provide an integrated framework including knowledge management (KM), organizational learning (OL), and information and communication technologies (ICT).

Design/methodology/approach

A synthesis of the existing literature with preliminary supporting empirical evidence reported is presented in the article.

Findings

A theoretical framework is developed.

Research limitations/implications

The results of the article can be used to guide ongoing research in the area of KM, OL, and ICT.

Originality/value

The paper makes a contribution to understanding in the fields of KM and OL in particular and ICT secondarily.

Details

VINE, vol. 36 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0305-5728

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Article
Publication date: 20 October 2023

Dragan D. Milašinović

The purpose of this paper is to describe various aspects of the visco-elastoplastic (VEP) behavior of porous-hardened concrete samples in relation to standard tests.

48

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe various aspects of the visco-elastoplastic (VEP) behavior of porous-hardened concrete samples in relation to standard tests.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is formulated on the basis of the rheological-dynamic analogy (RDA). In this study, changes in creep coefficient, Poisson's ratio, damage variables, modulus of elasticity, strength and angle of internal friction as a function of porosity are defined by P and S wave velocities. The RDA model provides a description of the degradation process of material properties from their peak state to their ultimate values using void volume fraction (VVF).

Findings

Compared to numerous versions of acoustic emission tracking developed to analyze the behavior of total wave propagation in inhomogeneous media with density variations, the proposed model is comprehensive in interpretation and consistent with physical understanding. The comparison of the damage variables with the theoretical variables under the assumption of spherical voids in the spherical representative volume element (RVE) shows a satisfactory agreement of the results for all analyzed samples if the maximum porosities are used for comparison.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new mathematical-physical method for examining the effect of porosity on the characteristics of hardened concrete. Porosity is essentially related to density variations. Therefore, it was logical to define the limit values of porosity using the strain energy density.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 40 no. 9/10
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

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Article
Publication date: 3 June 2024

Ka Ki Chan and Tat Chor Au-Yeung

This research highlights age-specific barriers to employment for older workers and the gap between activation policy design and implementation, focusing on difficulties in…

178

Abstract

Purpose

This research highlights age-specific barriers to employment for older workers and the gap between activation policy design and implementation, focusing on difficulties in extending working life under employment support services.

Design/methodology/approach

This research employed a qualitative approach, utilizing semi-structured interviews to gather perspectives on extending the working lives of older adults. Eighteen experienced social workers who worked in employment support services for older workers who aged fifty-five and above participated in the study.

Findings

This study underscores the importance of comprehensively understanding the heterogeneity of individuals' circumstances and emphasizes the impact of intersectionality on the development of extending working life. It incorporates individual and familial difficulties, including considering caregiving responsibilities, health issues and housing challenges before exploring employment-related concerns. The study also highlights external factors influencing older workers' employment prospects, including employer perspectives, government support levels and public recognition of the necessity to extend working life.

Research limitations/implications

This research sheds light on the impact of welfare-related stigma, which imposes obstacles and inflexibility on older workers seeking employment. It ultimately contributes to the sustainability and dynamism of the Asia–Pacific workforce while also informing regional discussions on social security and welfare services.

Originality/value

It uniquely employs the perspectives of social workers providing employment support services to highlight challenges and policy gaps in extending the working lives of older workers in Hong Kong. It also provides practical insights into strategies and mechanisms for extending working life across diverse social contexts.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 44 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

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