Winning over the sceptics: how end-consumers view the motives and authenticity of customer-entrepreneurs over time

Customer-entrepreneurs are an emerging sales force in online retailing, combining the traditional roles of customers and entrepreneurs by using digital platforms to advertise and sell products. A handful of researchers have begun exploring the phenomenon from different perspectives. We build on this emergent literature stream by investigating the perspective of end-consumers. Integrating attribution theory and the elaboration likelihood model, we develop a conceptual model and hypotheses to explore the pathways between end-consumers’ perceptions of the motives and authenticity of customer-entrepreneurs, the mediating role of consumer scepticism in this relationship and the outcomes for three customer mindset metrics (customer satisfaction, loyalty intention and perceived service quality) and resilience to negative information. Finally, we measure the moderating effect of consumers’ previous experience with a customer-entrepreneur on the relationship between perceived motives and scepticism. Our time-lapse study uses structural equation modelling and longitudinal analysis of data gathered from 539 consumers in the first wave of data collection and 476 consumers in the second wave. The findings indicate that perceived intrinsic motives support perceived authenticity, perceived extrinsic motives fuel scepticism, and scepticism partially mediates the link between perceived motives and perceived authenticity. Moreover, we find that perceived authenticity significantly impacts all four studied outcomes, and that previous experience moderates the relationship between perceived intrinsic motives and scepticism. Our findings guide customer-entrepreneurs, managers, and policymakers in harnessing this new phenomenon effectively.This research and the associated data collection were funded by Birmingham Business School, University of Birmingham, United Kingdom.Journal of Business Researc

Visual servoing MPC framework for shipboard autonomous landing

Autonomous shipboard landing under harsh sea state conditions is a challenging task, with platform oscillations being one of the critical challenges to expand the flight envelope. Conventional GNC systems usually rely on deck-mounted equipment to supply relative pose data, which limits interoperability within a naval fleet. Image Based Vision Servoing (IBVS) controllers provide a complementary solution that only relies on feature detections and image plane processing. However, current approaches are limited to mild sea state conditions and mainly consider current ship states within the landing criteria. This can increase the risk of unsafe conditions under harsh sea states, such as rollover. This paper introduces a framework that integrates visual servoing with a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) to address the attitude oscillations of the landing pad by introducing a custom cost barrier function. Vessel states are forecasted in real-time using a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) combined with a Discrete Kalman Filter (DKF), enabling short-term prediction without requiring prior knowledge of vessel dynamics. Simulation results and flight test validation demonstrate that the proposed approach achieves a higher success rate under high sea state condition compared to both conventional IBVS based on current or predicted states.This work was supported and sponsored by MBDA UK and the Brazilian Air Force through sponsorship P20227.AIAA Aviation Forum and Ascend 202

Real‐time terrain traversability analysis and mapping for autonomous robotics in dynamic environments: fusing appearance‐ and geometry‐based approaches

This paper presents advanced methodologies for real‐time terrain analysis and mapping in autonomous robotic systems. The focus is on appearance‐based terrain traversability analysis and geometric‐based terrain traceability analysis. In the appearance‐based approach, an enhanced segmentation model using pixel‐based augmentation and 13 unique classes is proposed for reliable terrain classification. Semantic images are projected onto a 2.5D map by transforming two‐dimensional image data into a three‐dimensional coordinate system. The geometric‐based approach involves depth estimation from stereo cameras, employing three Zed‐2 cameras and the Depth Sensing application programming interface. The research contributes to improved perception and decision‐making capabilities of autonomous robots operating in complex and dynamic environments and also provides a new comprehensive data set named CranfieldTerra. Experimental results validate the effectiveness of the proposed methodologies, demonstrating their potential in various applications, such as search and rescue, agriculture, and exploration. This study establishes a foundation for further advancements in autonomous robotics, enhancing their ability to navigate safely and efficiently in challenging terrains.The first author acknowledges the Republic of Turkey, Ministry of National Education (YLYS), for supporting the studies under PhD scholarship ref:U9BYTAB2LDGA7LKJournal of Field Robotic

EXPRESS: Complexity as a domain between order and chaos: implications for organizational scholarship

Organizations are grappling with increasingly complex challenges, including those stemming from technological disruptions, geopolitical uncertainty, and climate change. Despite the increasing acknowledgement of the complexity inherent in many organizational problems, complexity theory has had limited impact on mainstream management scholarship. Synthesizing contemporary complexity literature, we conceptualize complexity as a systemic property of a certain – and, we argue, rather broad – domain of organizational problems, and complexity theory as a theory of change in such organizational contexts. This view of complexity implies that complexity theory has important implications to organizational scholarship at large, indicates limitations of using conventional scientific methods, and suggests that the credibility and replication crises in many branches of organizational research may not be treatable simply by better statistical designs. Instead, methodological choices in complex organizational domains should take account of the properties of non-linearity and emergence, and organizational scholars should embrace complexity theory not only as an explanatory framework but also to inform research design.Strategic Organizatio

Development of soiling process characterisation methods for solar mirrors, for analysing mirror cleaning processes

Sansom, Christopher L. - Associate Supervisor - University of Derby Schiller, Tara - Associate Supervisor - University of WarwickConcentrated Solar Power has the potential to provide power for the developing global economies towards a sustainable future. This solar radiation-based technology, reflects the radiation received by a solar mirror onto a receiver device which absorbs heat. Maintenance is required to keep the solar mirrors clean, and remove airborne particulate matter that settles on the mirror, which has an impact on the solar collector efficiency. Constant research to optimize cleaning methods and cleaning–strategies is paramount. An artificial soiling test rig and soiling methods were developed, which are capable of simulating repeatable soiling events and to specific soiling load. These features are necessary to simulate cleaning cycles with a period of several days. The developed test rig has a capability to provide a minimum soiling load of 0.25g/m² and has a constant error of 16%. Repeatable soiling tests were carried out up to 10 times. Extensive soiling experiments with two soiling materials (silt material and ground taken material from Almeria, Spain) and numerical simulation have revealed the exponential nature of the soiling process. An empirical model was formulated, which calculates specular reflectance, and includes material intrinsic parameters and soiling load data. This model highlighted the fact that compared to a linear model, between 7-20% lower soiling load is predicted, which potentially has a positive influence on cleaning cycles and therefore the costs attributed to them. A simulation series of a 10day cleaning cycles, which includes repeatable soiling and condensation events, used the artificial soiling test rig and a cooling plate located in a dry chamber. The adhesion effect (particle caking and capillary aging) were analysed by a centrifuge and the coverage ratio of the mirror samples before and after the experiments were calculated. It was noted that the repeatable soiling test (soiling and condensation) had a visible difference compared to the one-off soiling and condensation test series. The experimental modelling work will help to improve the considerable maintenance effort involved in mirror cleaning in solar field operations.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)EngD in Sustainable Materials and Manufacturin

Chapter 8: research agenda

This book illustrates the applications of mobile robot systems in warehouse operations with an integrated decision framework for their selection and application. Mobile robot systems are an automation solution in warehouses that make order fulfillment agile, flexible and scalable to cope with the increasing volume and complexity of customer orders. Compared with manual operations, they combine higher productivity and throughput with lower operating costs. As the practical use of mobile robot systems is increasing, decision-makers are confronted with a plethora of decisions. Still, research is lagging in providing the needed academic insights and managerial guidance. The lack of a structured decision framework tailored for mobile robot system applications in warehouses increases the probability of problems when choosing automation systems. This book demonstrates the characteristics of mobile robot systems which reinforce warehouse managers in identifying, evaluating and choosing candidate systems through multiple criteria. Furthermore, the managerial decision framework covering decisions at strategic, tactical and operational levels in detail helps decision-makers to implement a mobile robot solution step-by-step. This book puts special emphasis on change management and operational control of mobile robots using path planning and task allocation algorithms. The book also introduces focus areas that require particular attention to aid the efficiency and practical application of these systems, such as facility layout planning, robot fleet sizing, and human-robot interaction. It will be essential reading for academics and students working on digital warehousing and logistics, as well as practitioners in warehouses looking to make informed decisions

Redesigned crinkle washer for piezoelectric energy generation

Structures are used for piezoelectric energy harvesters as a way of redirecting the path of an inputted force so that the piezoelectric element can better convert the mechanical energy to electrical energy. A popular structure used for energy harvesting in compressive force scenarios are the cymbal structure or disc spring due to larger spring rates and the ability to turn compression into radial expansion and thus create surface radial tensile stress on the face plane of a piezoelectric element which has been identified as a beneficial characteristic. The drawbacks of the cymbal washer are found when multiplying the washer in a stack configuration, as the shape of the cymbal is only able to activate a single face and the shape creates increased open space which affects power density of an energy harvesting system. This research is further investigating the wave (crinkle) washer and understanding the benefits of a washer that has a rotational symmetry which a single washer can be used to radially stress two piezoelectric elements simultaneously during compressive loading. Simulations show the iterations of the currently available crinkle washer, adjusting design parameters such as curvatures and waves to create an optimised structure resembling a hyperbolic paraboloid washer. The double piezo compression set up was then simulated to receive an area force of 1000 N/m2 vertically onto the top steel backing plate with a diameter of 22 mm and an area of 380 mm2 to demonstrate a total compressive load of 0.38 N, and resulted significant performance improvements. The final optimised circular disc washer charged two 10 nF capacitors to 1.13 mV and 0.89 mV, compared to just 0.01 mV and 0.009 mV achieved with the standard crinkle washer, the performance boost was achieved by removing internal stresses found to be localised to the internal diameter wave radii. The optimised novel crinkle hyperbolic paraboloid configuration was further optimised with slits to eliminate inner stress regions between wave peaks, vastly improving both power density and overall energy harvesting performance with final capacitor voltages of 16.03 mV and 19.77 mV.Engineering and Physical Sciences Research CouncilThis work was supported by Engineering and Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC) funded ICASE projectFrontiers in Mechanical Engineerin

Sustainable/recyclable composites for heavy-duty vehicle floorings

Mills, Andrew - Associate SupervisorComposites are being increasingly used in the automotive industry to fabricate primary and secondary structural components such as tie rods, bumpers and door panels. To comply with the environmental regulations, the automotive sector is adopting sustainable composite materials and manufacturing techniques such as thermoplastic compression moulding. The switch from thermoset to thermoplastic composites to manufacture recyclable components that do not compromise performance is an examplar. As a part of this M.Sc by Research project, a critical review of components used in buses and trucks is undertaken to find a suitable component to be replaced with sustainable materials. Components like leaf springs and trailer floorings are studied to understand how significant weight reduction can be achieved using alternative materials. Recyclable and low-cost materials such as polypropylene-based composites are considered for weight reduction and improved sustainability/recyclability. The replacement of hardwood flooring in heavy-duty vehicles with relatively lighter thermoset sandwich panels is observed in the literature as an attempt to reduce weight. However, a research gap is observed in addressing the recyclability of thermoset panels which form cross-links upon curing. This thesis aims to bridge this gap by providing a lightweight alternative to wooden bus floorings while considering its cost and recyclability. Polypropylene and glass fibre-based thermoplastic sandwich panels are developed and reviewed as an alternative. These panels are manufactured using polypropylene glass fibre skins, polypropylene honeycomb and co-bonded using a thermoplastic-based hotmelt glue. The manufactured panels are found to be 1.4 kg/M²lighter than commercially available birch wood. This decrease in density equates to 51 kg of weight savings when used as a floor in a coach and potential 157 kg weight savings if the panels are used to replace the side panels. Replacing wooden floor panels with thermoplastic alternatives translates to about 1225 litres of lifetime fuel savings and a reduction of 3.4 tonnes in CO₂ emissions for a city bus with more halts. A three-point bend test is carried out to evaluate the structural performance of the fabricated sandwich panels. The bending test reveals that the manufactured thermoplastic panels show 22 MPa of bending strength. In contrast, the wooden and thermoset counterparts show a bending strength of 34 MPa and 20 MPa, respectively. Low-velocity impact tests are conducted to simulate scenarios like tool drops or hail and debris hitting the floorings. This test at 6 J of impact energy reveals significantly less residual damage when compared to thermoset counterparts.MSc by Research in Manufacturin

Integrated sensing and communication for UAV beamforming: antenna sesign for tracking applications

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are promising nodes for Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC), but accurate Direction-of-Arrival (DoA) estimation on a small airframe is challenged by platform loading, motion, attitude, and multipath. Traditionally, DoA algorithms have been developed and evaluated for stationary, ground-based (or otherwise mechanically stable) antenna arrays. Extending them to UAVs violates these assumptions. This work designs a six-element Uniform Circular Array (UCA) at 2.4 GHz (radius ≈0.5λ) for a quadrotor and introduces a Pose-Aware MUSIC (MUltiple SIgnal Classification) estimator for DoA. The novelty is a MUSIC formulation that (i) applies pose correction using the drone’s instantaneous roll–pitch–yaw (pose correction) and (ii) applies a Doppler correction that accounts for platform velocity. Performance is assessed using data synthesized from embedded-element patterns obtained by electromagnetic characterization of the installed array, with additional channel/hardware effects modeled in post-processing (Rician LOS/NLOS mixing, mutual coupling, per-element gain/phase errors, and element–position jitter). Results with the six-element UCA show that pose and Doppler compensation preserve high-resolution DoA estimates and reduce bias under realistic flight and platform conditions while also revealing how coupling and jitter set practical error floors. The contribution is a practical PA-MUSIC approach for UAV ISAC, combining UCA design with motion-aware signal processing, and an evaluation that quantifies accuracy and offers clear guidance for calibration and field deployment in GNSS-denied scenarios. The results show that, across 0–25 dB SNR, the proposed hybrid DoA estimator achieves <0.5∘ RMSE in azimuth and elevation for ideal conditions and ≈5∘–6∘ RMSE when full platform coupling is considered, demonstrating robust performance for UAV ISAC tracking.Vehicle

Past, present, and future of battlefield forensics - Presentation

The full report on the conference, is available at: https://ccdcoe.org/library/publications/report-on-the-conference-on-the-law-applicable-to-the-use-of-biometrics-by-armed-forces-tallinn-7th-8th-of-may-2024/Conference in the Law Applicable to the use of Biometrics by Armed Forces 202