B.W. Rooks, K.O. Okpere and R.H.M. Cheng
The use of industrial robots in the advanced countries of the world is growing. Whilst generally the concept of a robot is taken as a highly versatile human‐like device the term…
Abstract
The use of industrial robots in the advanced countries of the world is growing. Whilst generally the concept of a robot is taken as a highly versatile human‐like device the term also extends to include much simpler devices of the pick‐and‐place type with a fixed sequence of events and these form by far the largest proportion of the world's robot population. Whilst they lack versatility in themselves they often form part of a much more complex automatic system in which some degree of flexibility is required. In addition they must operate at their optimum rate whilst being fail‐safe in operation. The design of a suitable control system to meet such demands particularly when a number of such devices and the primary process machinery have to be interlinked can be solved with the aid of sequential switching theory.
The present designs of industrial robots or mechanical handling units generally fall into two categories, the simple pick‐and‐place units with two fixed positions per axis, or the…
Abstract
The present designs of industrial robots or mechanical handling units generally fall into two categories, the simple pick‐and‐place units with two fixed positions per axis, or the more sophisticated type such as Unimate with a very large number of positions per axis and a large memory. Whilst the latter devices are essential for complex operations such as spot welding, paint spraying or palletising there are many applications where only a small number of positions per axis are required, e.g. press loading, conveyor transferring, assembly operations. This paper describes a positioning system that falls between the above two general categories in that it allows a number of positions on each axis to be selected. A detailed description is given of the positioning system which basically consists of a number of mechanical stops attached to indexable bars such that there are a minimum number of 6 positions per axis. These stops are positioned as required and include a fine positioning adjustment. It is found that this system gives a positioning accuracy far greater than those commonly used with robots. The design of the hydraulic system and the control system for the fast to slow traverse are given together with test results obtained from a prototype system. The method of programming and the advantages and disadvantages are specified in a final discussion. In particular how the system can be used in fairly complex operations such as palletising is discussed.
Shunbin Zhong, Xiaohua Shen, Weiteng Shen and Chongchong Xin
Utilizing data from the 2017 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS2017), the paper aims to investigate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption on…
Abstract
Purpose
Utilizing data from the 2017 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS2017), the paper aims to investigate the impact of information and communication technology (ICT) adoption on residents' self-rated health and reveals the mechanisms behind ICT.
Design/methodology/approach
In the study, ICT adoption is defined as a dummy variable, which takes the value of one if respondents adopt the computers or mobile phone. Meanwhile, respondents' perceptions on five categories of self-rated health are used to construct the dependent variable. Then, based on a fixed-effects regression model, the ordinary least squares (OLS) and ordered probit approaches are applied to estimate their association. Moreover, the two-stage least squares (2SLS) and instrumental variable (IV)-oprobit methods are used to tackle the potential endogeneity of ICT adoption. Finally, the heterogeneity across individuals and regions as well as the underlying mechanisms are discussed.
Findings
The results indicate that ICT adoption significantly improves residents' self-rated health, which confirms the health utility model with ICT adoption. The conclusion is robust after overcoming the endogeneity issues with IV. In addition, heterogeneity analysis shows that ICT adoption is more beneficial to the health of residents who are male, young, better educated and those who live in the rural areas and in central and western China. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that ICT adoption for searching health-related information and improving social capital are two crucial mechanisms underlying its health effects.
Practical implications
The findings of this research can help Chinese Government improve population health by issuing corresponding digital and health policies at the regional and individual level.
Originality/value
First, the study provides fresh microscopic evidence on health outcomes of ICT adoption based on data from the latest wave of CGSS2017. Second, individual and regional heterogeneity is extensively discussed in contrast to most related macro studies that consider average effects. Third, the study addresses underlying mechanisms that have not been thoroughly tested or studied primarily on a theoretical level.
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Joshua Nsiah Addo Ofori, Mariam Tomori and Omobolanle Ogunseiju
Exoskeletons have the potential to alleviate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), increase productivity and ultimately reduce construction project costs, but the concerns about…
Abstract
Purpose
Exoskeletons have the potential to alleviate musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), increase productivity and ultimately reduce construction project costs, but the concerns about their ethical, social and psychological risks for the construction industry are unknown. This paper investigates these risks and their implications for exoskeleton acceptance.
Design/methodology/approach
Participants performed masonry tasks without an exoskeleton and with an active and passive exoskeleton. Using descriptive and inferential statistics, ethical, social and psychological risks associated with exoskeletons, as well as their trust levels, were assessed. Objective data were procured to determine stress and productivity levels with and without these exoskeletons, while subjective data included trust and the ethical and social risks of the exoskeletons.
Findings
The findings show that lack of informed consent and procuring sensitive health data is an important ethical consideration when using active and passive exoskeletons. Regarding social risks, unequal access to exoskeletons, exoskeleton sharing and exoskeleton costs as major concerns. Furthermore, the findings revealed statistical differences between active and passive exoskeletons in terms of certain social risks. The findings show that participants believed in passive exoskeletons more than active exoskeletons. The results also revealed a strong positive relationship between ethical and social risks, and trust levels. The results also indicated that both exoskeletons induce relatively moderate stress levels and enhance productivity, compared to the no exoskeleton condition.
Originality/value
This study is one of the few empirical investigations in the construction industry on the ethical and social risks associated with exoskeletons, which can facilitate the adoption of exoskeletons for mitigating MSDs in the construction industry.
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This paper sets out to examine the formal regulatory framework of controlling soft issues in six Confucian societies: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Japan…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper sets out to examine the formal regulatory framework of controlling soft issues in six Confucian societies: China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, South Korea and Japan. It aims to investigate whether these societies adopt a similar approach to soft issues.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach takes the form of historical analysis and textual analysis.
Findings
Japan stands out among Confucian societies in regulating soft issues. The other five societies share considerable similarities, though each society's approach ultimately reflects the entanglement and interaction between various economic, political, cultural and historical factors in the local context.
Practical implications
For international advertisers, the ideological facet of advertising regulation in some Confucian societies spells unpredictable traps and troubles.
Originality/value
Only a very few works have systematically examined soft issues in advertising, and few have focused on East Asia. The paper contributes to the literature by comparing how societies with similar cultural traditions regulate soft issues.
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Shaohua Jiang, Jingqi Zhang and Yufeng Mao
This study introduces a novel approach to preventing construction quality problems by examining the complex interrelations among such issues. Recognizing the overlooked coupling…
Abstract
Purpose
This study introduces a novel approach to preventing construction quality problems by examining the complex interrelations among such issues. Recognizing the overlooked coupling between problems is essential, as it can exacerbate quality issues, triggering chain reactions that compromise project success. The research justifies its focus on these interrelations by highlighting the insufficiency of traditional quality management methods, which often fail to account for interconnected quality problems in the architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) industry.
Design/methodology/approach
At the core of this research is the establishment of a knowledge base for construction quality issues, marking a pioneering effort to systematically organize unstructured textual data on construction quality problems and their interconnections. This base serves as a platform for the subsequent application of advanced analytical techniques. Specifically, the study leverages preprocessing, text similarity algorithms and association rule mining to dissect and illuminate the nuanced coupling relationships among construction quality issues, a facet not thoroughly explored in prior research.
Findings
The innovative analytical methodology employed here reveals significant insights into the dynamics of construction quality issue coupling. These insights not only deepen the understanding of these complex interactions but also guide the development of targeted intervention strategies. The practical applicability and effectiveness of the proposed approach are demonstrated using selected textual materials as experimental evidence. The findings show that understanding and addressing these couplings can significantly mitigate potential chain reactions of defects, thus enhancing overall project quality.
Originality/value
The originality of this study lies in its threefold contribution: the creation of a dedicated knowledge base for construction quality issues, the application of novel analytical methodologies to decipher coupling relationships and the extension of text analysis techniques to the realm of construction quality problem prevention. Together, these innovations open new avenues for research and practice in construction management, offering a robust framework for the systematic identification and mitigation of quality issues in construction projects.
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Peter Kenning, Hilke Plassmann and Dieter Ahlert
The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the methodology of several brain imaging techniques and in particular, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the methodology of several brain imaging techniques and in particular, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and its potential implications for market research. The aim is to enable the reader both to understand this emerging methodology and to conduct independent research in the area.
Design/methodology/approach
A short introduction on current neuroimaging methods used in behavioral neuroscience is provided by means of a literature review. The ensuing discussion focuses on fMRI as the currently most popular neuroimaging technique. Having described the fMRI methodology, an outline of the analysis of functional neuroimaging data follows, after which there is a discussion of some key research issues.
Findings
Although in its infancy, fMRI seems to be a useful and promising tool for market researchers. Initial studies in the field reveal that fMRI is able to shed light on subconscious processes such as affective aspects of consumer behavior.
Practical implications
Because brand positioning, advertising strategies and even pricing strategies are often based on constructs such as emotions, neuropsychological findings and methods should have important implications for practitioners in the field of brand management and advertising. Nonetheless, far more basic research is needed before fMRI can be adopted for marketing practice.
Originality/value
This paper is one of the first in the marketing literature to provide a methodological overview of fMRI and discuss the potential implications for marketing research.
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Nima Gerami Seresht, Rodolfo Lourenzutti, Ahmad Salah and Aminah Robinson Fayek
Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and…
Abstract
Due to the increasing size and complexity of construction projects, construction engineering and management involves the coordination of many complex and dynamic processes and relies on the analysis of uncertain, imprecise and incomplete information, including subjective and linguistically expressed information. Various modelling and computing techniques have been used by construction researchers and applied to practical construction problems in order to overcome these challenges, including fuzzy hybrid techniques. Fuzzy hybrid techniques combine the human-like reasoning capabilities of fuzzy logic with the capabilities of other techniques, such as optimization, machine learning, multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) and simulation, to capitalise on their strengths and overcome their limitations. Based on a review of construction literature, this chapter identifies the most common types of fuzzy hybrid techniques applied to construction problems and reviews selected papers in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique to illustrate their capabilities for addressing construction challenges. Finally, this chapter discusses areas for future development of fuzzy hybrid techniques that will increase their capabilities for solving construction-related problems. The contributions of this chapter are threefold: (1) the limitations of some standard techniques for solving construction problems are discussed, as are the ways that fuzzy methods have been hybridized with these techniques in order to address their limitations; (2) a review of existing applications of fuzzy hybrid techniques in construction is provided in order to illustrate the capabilities of these techniques for solving a variety of construction problems and (3) potential improvements in each category of fuzzy hybrid technique in construction are provided, as areas for future research.
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After the handing over of Hong Kong sovereignty from 1997 and under the “one country two systems” model, the Special Administrative Region's Government initiated new policies of…
Abstract
Purpose
After the handing over of Hong Kong sovereignty from 1997 and under the “one country two systems” model, the Special Administrative Region's Government initiated new policies of civic education and amended or ignored the old ones. However, it was not until May 2011 that the complete new policy paper was introduced for consultation and then it was passed and issued as national education in April 2012. This article aims to analyze the civic education policy of Hong Kong in the transfer of power after the handing over in the following 15 years.
Design/methodology/approach
This policy analysis describes the preparations for Hong Kong’s future citizens and masters. Theories of citizenship education are adopted for this analysis. Moreover, theories of the state are also applied for more in‐depth understanding. These concepts are helpful to operationalize the contents of the study. It was a historical and comparative method to help to understand and explain the civic education policy of the HKSAR's governance.
Findings
Basically, it can be seen that the policies are anticipatory and responsive. The historical context of Hong Kong helped to make the correspondence with how the government expected to mold its future citizens in order to facilitate and implement their administration and governance.
Originality/value
This paper explores the role of the Hong Kong Government in the initiation and implementation of civic education.
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Francis J. Yammarino, Minyoung Cheong, Jayoung Kim and Chou-Yu Tsai
For many of the current leadership theories, models, and approaches, the answer to the question posed in the title, “Is leadership more than ‘I like my boss’?,” is “no,” as there…
Abstract
For many of the current leadership theories, models, and approaches, the answer to the question posed in the title, “Is leadership more than ‘I like my boss’?,” is “no,” as there appears to be a hierarchy of leadership concepts with Liking of the leader as the primary dimension or general factor foundation. There are then secondary dimensions or specific sub-factors of liking of Relationship Leadership and Task Leadership; and subsequently, tertiary dimensions or actual sub-sub-factors that comprise the numerous leadership views as well as their operationalizations (e.g., via surveys). There are, however, some leadership views that go beyond simply liking of the leader and liking of relationship leadership and task leadership. For these, which involve explicit levels of analysis formulations, often beyond the leader, or are multi-level in nature, the answer to the title question is “yes.” We clarify and discuss these various “no” and “yes” leadership views and implications of our work for future research and personnel and human resources management practice.