Augustin Moraru, Aureliu Panaitescu, Ileana Panaitescu and Antoineta Soci
Two magnetostatic applications are reported, related to the magnetic field around the aluminium electrolysis cells. The first exhibits the magnetic field created by the current…
Abstract
Two magnetostatic applications are reported, related to the magnetic field around the aluminium electrolysis cells. The first exhibits the magnetic field created by the current carrying parts in the cell neighbourhood, by taking into account the influence of the magnetic bodies. The second is referring to a magnetostatic shield with double walls, designated to protect the electronic data acquisition equipment when is used in this environment. As introduction, some features are presented and discussed for three models used in the field calculation of magnetically polarised bodies and the algorithm of iterative calculation in spaces with sparse magnetic bodies.
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Florea I. Hantila, Ioan R. Ciric, Augustin Moraru and Mihai Maricaru
The purpose of this paper is to present a simplified rigorous mathematical formulation of the problem of electric currents induced in thin shields with holes yielding more…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a simplified rigorous mathematical formulation of the problem of electric currents induced in thin shields with holes yielding more efficient numerical computations with respect to available methods.
Design/methodology/approach
A surface integral equation satisfied by the current density was constructed, which is, subsequently, represented at any point by linear combinations of novel vector basis functions only associated with the interior nodes of the discretization mesh, such that the current continuity is everywhere insured. The existence of the holes in the shield is taken into account by associating only one surface vector function with each hole. A method of moments is then applied to compute the scalar coefficients of the vector functions employed.
Findings
It was found that the induced current distribution for shields with holes having the complexity of real world structures can be determined with a satisfactory accuracy utilizing a moderate size processor notebook in a time of the order of minutes.
Originality/value
The originality of the proposed method consists in using specialized surface vector functions only associated with individual interior nodes of the shield, its multiply connected structure being efficiently accounted for by introducing one unknown for each hole, instead of unknowns for every node along the hole contours. The method presented is straightforward and highly efficient for mathematical analysis of thin shields with holes, and of other physical fields in the presence of multiply connected surface structures.
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Hsin Hsin Chang, Ching Ying Huang, Chen Su Fu and Ming Tse Hsu
By integrating the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, technology acceptance model (TAM), and social capital theory, the purpose of this paper is to: develop a model of consumer…
Abstract
Purpose
By integrating the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory, technology acceptance model (TAM), and social capital theory, the purpose of this paper is to: develop a model of consumer behavior and trial willingness toward nano-foods from product, consumer, and social perspectives; examine the effects of innovative features, consumer characteristics, and trust in authority on subjective perceptions (perceived trustworthiness and perceived benefit) as well as the social influence on attitudes toward nano-foods and trial willingness; examine the moderating role of product uncertainty on the relationship between these characteristics and subjective perceptions; and examine the effect of perceived benefit on perceived trustworthiness.
Design/methodology/approach
The results of the structural equation model (SEM), with nano-food knowledge data collected from 431 respondents, supported the research model and revealed the main effects hypothesized in this study and the moderating effect of product uncertainty. Simple slope analysis was further adopted to test the significant moderating effects.
Findings
The SEM results indicated that innovative characteristics (relative advantage, lack of observability, and novelty), consumer characteristics (perceived technology application), and social characteristics (trust in authority) affect perceived trustworthiness or perceived benefit. Social influence also has a direct effect on attitude toward nano-foods and trial willingness. Product uncertainty significantly moderates the relationship between characteristics (relative advantage and perceived technology application) and subjective perceptions (perceived trustworthiness and perceived benefit).
Research limitations/implications
With increasing numbers and kinds of nanotechnology products now being developed and sold, it is important to go further to determine consumer perceptions and attitudes toward these. This study, thus, applied the DOI, TAM, and social capital theory to examine this issue. However, other theories might also be used to carry out research from other perspectives. This study should, thus, be seen as preliminary, and it is hoped that more works will discuss consumer attitudes toward nanotechnology products in the future.
Practical implications
When a new nano-food is introduced, the current study suggests that food manufacturers use the description on the package as a communicative tool. Detailing the advantages of nano-foods on food packages might be a useful way to enhance trial willingness and to reduce the fears and insecurities related to the use of nano-related products. In addition, if food manufacturers could cooperate with organizations or individuals seen as having some authority in this area (e.g. nanotechnology researchers) in order to disseminate accurate information about nanotechnology and related food products, this might be an effective way to increase sales and profits.
Originality/value
This is the first paper integrating the DOI, the social capital theory and the TAM to empirically investigate consumer willingness to try nano-food products.