Abstract

Abstract
In this work, a long-period fiber grating (LPG) based sensor was evaluated as a sensing device for micro-force measurement, in the order of micro Newtons. It was used an LPG fabricated by arc-inducted technique in a SMF-28 standard optical fiber. The optical fiber was fixed between two clamps with a separation of 150 mm with the middle of the LPG located at the center. Characterizations were performed in terms of temperature, curvature and strain. The grating was then used as a micro-force sensor by means of both curvature and strain, induced by a hung mass in a stretched fiber. Furthermore, the evaluation of a precurvature LPG was performed to assess if an increase of sensitivity is achieved. Micro-force sensitivity achieved with the stretched LPG was 1.41 nm/mN and it was demonstrated that its sensitivity can be enhanced to 5.14 nm/mN with a pre-curvature of 2.2 m–1 applied to the LPG, achieving a spectral resolution of at least 15.6 µN.

Abstract
Although the relationship between supply chain (SC) and innovation has attracted attention from researchers in recent years, the relationship between innovation capabilities and SC strategies is a subject that has not yet been explored extensively. The main objective of this paper is to examine how SC strategies affect the relationship between innovation capabilities and business performance. The paper, characterised as a conceptual paper with the aim of contributing to theory building, is based on the concept of fit and on the principles of the contingency theory and the resource-based view. Further, a literature review and a theoretical discussion, a theoretical model and a set of research propositions are presented. The theoretical rationale shows the potential for improvement in performance through the relationship between innovation and SC and can be used to boost empirical research on the topic. Copyright © 2020 Inderscience Enterprises Ltd.

Abstract
Many undergraduate engineering students have just a single introductory feedback control course in their study list. Often the curricula found in such courses is totally based on continuous time-domain classic control techniques. However, currently most control design techniques are implemented in digital machines. Thus, digital control concepts should be covered in introductory control courses. In this paper, the issue of how to implement and test digital industrial controllers is addressed. Teaching experiments based on the APMonitor temperature control lab (TCLab) are proposed. It will be shown that TCLab as an Arduino based portable kit, provides an excellent means to test digital controllers, as it is a compact and portable lab to be used by lecturers and students. While there are many low-cost and portable hardware options for teaching dynamics and control, a novel aspect of this paper is the digital control education methods that are validated with classroom experience, particularly with Biomedical and Bioengineering students. Preliminary results are presented. Copyright (C) 2020 The Authors.

Abstract
Nowadays, the use of creativity in business has been increasing drastically because it has been perceived to be important for the market to come up with new ways, focused on answers to the problems proposed by the users. Several different creativity techniques can be used in a myriad of contexts. One of the most important techniques is the SCAMPER technique, which is based on reorganizing, modifying, adding, and eliminating information. An automated system will provide answers and solutions to creativity problems and contribute to minimizing the cost of innovation in companies. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to design an architecture system for a creative information system based on the SCAMPER creativity technique, thus building an automated system of this technique. © 2020, Springer Nature Switzerland AG.

Abstract
In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the International Conference on Exploring Service Science (IESS), this paper takes a historical look at the papers that have been published in the IESS proceedings. The analysis is focused on the development and evolution of the IESS community and of the main research topics covered by the published papers over time. The IESS community is portrayed in terms of authors, their affiliations and co-authoring network, while the topics are analyzed according to the papers' keywords. Moreover, this paper analyzes the impact of the papers published in this decade, in terms of citations. These results are then discussed in light of the observed trends and of the evolution of the service science field, to guide the future development of the IESS conference and of research on service science.