Rui Lin, Qiguan Wang, Xin Yang and Jianwen Huo
In complex environments, a spherical robot has great application value. When the pendulum spherical robot is stopped or disturbed, there will be a periodic oscillation. This…
Abstract
Purpose
In complex environments, a spherical robot has great application value. When the pendulum spherical robot is stopped or disturbed, there will be a periodic oscillation. This situation will seriously affect the stability of the spherical robot. Therefore, this paper aims to propose a control method based on backstepping and disturbance observers for oscillation suppression.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper analyzes the mechanism of oscillation. The oscillation model of the spherical robot is constructed and the relationship between the oscillation and the internal structure of the sphere is analyzed. Based on the oscillation model, the authors design the oscillation suppression control of the spherical robot using the backstepping method. At the same time, a disturbance observer is added to suppress the disturbance.
Findings
It is found that the control system based on backstepping and disturbance observer is simple and efficient for nonlinear models. Compared with the PID controller commonly used in engineering, this control method has a better control effect.
Practical implications
The proposed method can provide a reliable and effective stability scheme for spherical robots. The problem of instability in real motion is solved.
Originality/value
In this paper, the oscillation model of a spherical robot is innovatively constructed. Second, a new backstepping control method combined with a disturbance observer for the spherical robot is proposed to suppress the oscillation.
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S. A. Mthuli, N. Singh and P. S. Reddy
The performance of public sector institutions has always been contentious – this is as old as the system of government itself and its provision of collective goods, irrespective…
Abstract
The performance of public sector institutions has always been contentious – this is as old as the system of government itself and its provision of collective goods, irrespective of whether they are tangible or intangible. In the context of South Africa, with its ever-increasing political competitiveness, this chapter assesses political leadership and the African philosophy of Ubuntu or humanism in improving public sector performance management in the country. It does so by addressing certain distinct questions: What is the state of public sector performance and leadership in South Africa? What have scholars contributed in linking public sector performance, and the politics and public administration dichotomy? Are the Batho Pele principles, underpinned by Ubuntu, a worthy notion on which to pillar African political leadership? By adopting an interpretivist, qualitative research design, the study reflects on the essence of a public administration that is effective in delivering political goods and managing the performance of bureaucracies and the political leadership therein. This chapter argues that the performance of public administrations remains a “wicked” problem in South Africa as political populism is on the rise in the country. However, the argument is made that with “good” political leadership – which naturally and effectively encompasses the philosophy of Ubuntu and which understands and mobilizes statecraft – great strides can be made beyond the current rhetoric.
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Nuwantha Lasitha Sampath Uduwage Don, Kriengsak Panuwatwanich and K.G.A.S. Waidyasekara
Awarding contracts based solely on the lowest price is unsuitable for every project. Consequently, most procurement systems in developed countries have progressed to the…
Abstract
Purpose
Awarding contracts based solely on the lowest price is unsuitable for every project. Consequently, most procurement systems in developed countries have progressed to the multicriteria selection practices (MSPs) for tender evaluation. MSPs consider a range of quality measures, such as completion time, life cycle cost, functional characteristics, environmental impact and innovation, alongside bid price. This study examines the prevailing MSPs in Sri Lankan public tender evaluations to enhance the effectiveness of the local tender evaluation process.
Design/methodology/approach
A desk study approach was employed to collect bidding documents, resulting in the identification of 66 documents. A systematic screening process was then applied to identify those bidding documents that incorporated MSPs. Subsequently, content analysis was conducted to determine the common features of the functions used in MSPs.
Findings
The study identified six primary functions related to MSPs incorporated in the bidding documents to procure building and substation projects. Three functions follow the price-to-quality method, while the remaining three follow the quality-to-price method. Among these identified functions, four functions employ objective evaluation criteria, such as thickness, capacity and operational loss. The other two functions utilize subjective evaluation criteria, such as the project’s design and technical specifications. Contract awarding will be based on either the highest score or the lowest bid, depending on the function type.
Originality/value
This study’s originality lies in exploring MSPs in the Sri Lankan public tender evaluation process and in disclosing their characteristics to promote the MSPs in Sri Lanka and developing countries.
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This study aims to discern medieval information literacy (IL) practices through scrutiny of medieval manuscripts: both the content and the “marks of usage” evident therein.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to discern medieval information literacy (IL) practices through scrutiny of medieval manuscripts: both the content and the “marks of usage” evident therein.
Design/methodology/approach
Analysis of the writing of scribes. Engagement with selected primary texts (manuscripts) and prior scholarly investigations.
Findings
Ample evidence exists of the practice of IL in the medieval era, and how it was transmitted and negotiated across time and space. Popular guides for scholars, including Hugh of St. Victor's Didascalicon, and the marks of usage left on manuscripts by readers/scribes, are evidence of how members of scholarly communities engaged in collaborative metacognitive work, helping each other with tasks such as understanding the ordinatio (organisation) of texts; cross-referencing; locating information; and making judgments about relevance, amongst others. New practices were stimulated by key historical transitions, particularly the shift from ecclesiastical to secular settings for learning.
Research limitations/implications
This is a preliminary study only, intended to lay foundations and suggest directions for more detailed future investigations of primary texts. The scope is Eurocentric, and similar work might be undertaken with the records of practice available elsewhere, e.g. the Arab world, South and East Asia.
Originality/value
Some previous work (e.g. Long, 2017) has investigated medieval scholarly communities by retrospectively applying notions from practice theory, but no prior work has specifically focused upon IL as the practice under investigation.
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Gregorio Sánchez-Marín, Gabriel Lozano-Reina, Juan David Peláez-León and Miguel Angel Sastre Castillo
The purpose of this literature review is, first, to understand how employees with disabilities in the context of COVID-19 have been studied under the talent management (TM…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this literature review is, first, to understand how employees with disabilities in the context of COVID-19 have been studied under the talent management (TM) approach; second, to explore what we know about the predictors and outcomes that have been linked to TM practices in that area; and third, to identify gaps in our understanding and provide insights for future research.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper presents a systematic literature review (SLR) based on 38 academic sources published in high-impact indexes from 2020 to 2023.
Findings
The existing research shows COVID-19 as a crucial context that led organizations to more precarious and segmented TM practices, which had negative consequences for employees with disabilities, both at the individual level (reduced satisfaction and income, and increased health issues) and the organizational level (increased unemployment, turnover and discrimination as well as declining performance and productivity).
Originality/value
This paper provides essential contributions to the field of TM in the relatively unexplored context of employees with disabilities since the emergence of COVID-19. Our literature review suggests there is significant room for developing and implementing adjusted TM strategies and practices to foster effective inclusiveness, accommodations and supportive work environments for employees with disabilities. From this evidence, a number of key avenues for future research and key implications for academics and practitioners are provided.
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Nivin M. Ahmed, Walaa M. Abd El-Gawad, Ahmed A. El_Shami and Eglal M.R. Souaya
This study aims to synthesize a series of new anticorrosive pigments using a new technique called “core-shell”. This technique is based on depositing thin surface layer of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to synthesize a series of new anticorrosive pigments using a new technique called “core-shell”. This technique is based on depositing thin surface layer of expensive, efficient anticorrosive pigment on a cheap extender. This extender forms the bulk of the new pigments. The new pigments were constructed on cores of either waste silica fume or kaolin comprising 80-85 per cent of their chemical structure, and the ferrite shell was about of 20-15 per cent. Electrochemical studies were undertaken on two series of pigments for comparison between ferrites/silica fume and ferrites/kaolin pigment to show their performance, as the shells are different.
Design/methodology/approach
The different ferrites/silica fume and ferrites/kaolin pigments were characterized using different analytical and spectrophotometric techniques, such as X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Immersion test and electrochemical impedance measurements were done in 3.5 per cent NaCl.
Findings
The tests revealed that paint films containing Sr ferrite/silica and Ca ferrite/kaolin were the most effective in corrosion prevention.
Practical implications
Silica fumes have a large array of uses. These pigments can be applied in various industries such as painting, wooding coating, anti-corruption coating, powder coating, architectural paint and waterproof paints. Treated kaolin can be applied in many industries besides pigment manufacture and paint formulations; it can be applied as a reinforcing filler in rubber, plastics and ceramic composites.
Originality/value
The new pigments are considered ecofriendly materials, because using them converts a waste product and a natural ore to useful marketable product, leading to reducing cost and saving the environment at the same time.
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William P. Sommers, Joseph Nemec and John M. Harris
Technology, recognized as a key element of corporate success for high‐growth sectors, can also help companies in mature industries. Advanced technology can be used to help…
Abstract
Technology, recognized as a key element of corporate success for high‐growth sectors, can also help companies in mature industries. Advanced technology can be used to help companies with aging product lines shift or reposition themselves into industrial sectors with faster growth and greater profits.
R. Otáhal, D. Veselý, J. Násadová, V. Zíma, P. Němec and P. Kalenda
The purpose of this paper is to study properties of intumescent coatings based on a silicone‐epoxy hybrid resin (with an aminosilane as hardener). In the first part of this study…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to study properties of intumescent coatings based on a silicone‐epoxy hybrid resin (with an aminosilane as hardener). In the first part of this study, fire‐resistance behaviour of the intumescent coating based on silicone‐epoxy resin containing intumescent additives is evaluated. The second part assesses the effect of mineral fibres on fire‐resistant properties of intumescent coatings based on the silicone‐epoxy resin.
Design/methodology/approach
Thermal degradation and char formation of coatings were investigated by Thermogravimetric analyses, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray fluorescence and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The salt spray corrosion test was applied to study the resistance of intumescent coatings. Anticorrosion and fire‐resistant properties after one, three and seven days of exposure were evaluated.
Findings
It was shown that a silicone‐epoxy hybrid resin is suitable for applications in the field of intumescent coatings. Intumescent coatings based on this resin form a thermally stable thin ceramic‐like layer, which improves the thermal insulation properties of the char. Mineral fibres reinforced the char structure and thus improved fire‐resistant properties of intumescent coating before as well as after the salt spray test. Mineral fibres also improved anticorrosion properties.
Research limitations/implications
This paper discusses only the effect of mineral fibres on properties of intumescent coatings.
Originality/value
A silicone‐epoxy hybrid resin has not previously been used in intumescent coatings. This type of intumescent coating can be used as an effective passive fire protection system for steel constructions.
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An attempt will be made to shed light on the course and pattern of the decentralization process by analyzing the historical development of local government and the…
Abstract
Purpose
An attempt will be made to shed light on the course and pattern of the decentralization process by analyzing the historical development of local government and the territorial-administrative reform of 2015-2020 in Albania and the factors that have been shaping it. The scope is to understand the impact of the reform elements on the subnational governments and in general their overall impact on the government. The purpose of this paper is to fill the gap in the existing literature for Albania and at offering some insights on the administrative-territorial reform. Furthermore, it will contribute to the current debate on fiscal decentralization in South Eastern European (SEE) countries and the public management model implemented after the last reforms.
Design/methodology/approach
The first section analyzes the historical development of local government reforms from the 1990s to today and will help to identify if there is instrumentalism advocacy. The second section explains the determinants of the local government’s fiscal autonomy in Albania of the period from 2003 to 2016. Three indicators are used as proxies for fiscal decentralization: the proportion of subnational expenditure over national expenditure, of total subnational revenues over total revenues of central government and the indicator of own subnational revenues over total revenues of the central government. The data from the budget and the revised budgets are then compared.
Findings
Despite Albania’s commitment to decentralize its government functions, there is still work to do. The territorial and administrative reform has not generated the expected results. Almost 90 percent of the revenues still come from the central government’s unconditional transfers. Therefore, the Albanian Government should build capacities and skills, and train the employees of each level of government that currently benefit from international assistance.
Research limitations/implications
The analysis represents a single case study on the territorial-administrative reform in Albania. Its implementation started in 2015 and it is probably too early to discuss outcomes. However, it might be useful to analyze the first results after a two-and-a-half-year period of implementation of reforms. Despite contributing to the existing gap in the literature, additional research will be necessary to better understand the decentralization process not only in Albania, but in all SEE countries.
Practical implications
It is necessary to first understand the lack of initial output, as well as the various challenges faced, in order to take the corrective measures on time.
Originality/value
This paper discusses in detail the reform adopted and the progress made by the Albanian local government units. The reform attempts to develop better relationships between the central and local governments and hence improve their service delivery, transparency and accountability. This paper is the first one that is attempting to analyze the initial output of the territorial-administrative reform of 2015-2020.
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Petra Düren, Ane Landøy and Jarmo Saarti
From the 1980s – in some parts of Europe from the 1990s – onward, the new public management (NPM) has been emerging in public organizations including libraries. Since then, there…
Abstract
Purpose
From the 1980s – in some parts of Europe from the 1990s – onward, the new public management (NPM) has been emerging in public organizations including libraries. Since then, there has been a need to develop strategies, to plan budgets and to implement cost and activity accounting as well as benchmarking to compare the library’s processes, costs and activities with those of other libraries. One basic idea of the NPM was to make a transition from focusing on how institutions function to product orientation, to improve the quality of library services, to develop output orientation and to act market and consumer oriented. There also was a need to change from bureaucratic and hierarchically acting organizations to a more modern flexible and lean form of management. The paper aims to discuss these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The aim of this paper is in the first part to describe the basic ideas of NPM, their realization in libraries and how libraries have to handle constantly reduced budgets and the risk of being closed down (especially in the “age of austerity”); the second part will show how the University of Eastern Finland (UEF) Library has managed to improve its services with the NPM approach.
Findings
Many libraries are faced with serious financial cutbacks on the one hand and with emergent needs to (re)invest in neglected public infrastructure on the other hand. At the same time, they have to develop modern digital library services. Thus there is a need for efficiency, which is put in action via major budget cutbacks. Also many libraries have been closed down since the implementation of NPM ideas.
Originality/value
In this paper, the NPM tools used in the restructuring of the UEF are described and the outcome of this modern management is shown.