C.K. HSIEH, MEHDI AKBARI and HONGJUN LI
A method has been developed for the solution of inverse heat diffusion problems to find the initial condition, boundary condition, and the source and sink function in the heat…
Abstract
A method has been developed for the solution of inverse heat diffusion problems to find the initial condition, boundary condition, and the source and sink function in the heat diffusion equation. The method has been used in the development of a source‐and‐sink method to find the boundary conditions in inverse Stefan problems. Green's functions have been used in the solution, and the problems are solved by using two approaches: a series solution approach, and a time incremental approach. Both can be used to find the boundary conditions without reliance on the flux information to be supplied at both sides of the interface. The methods are efficient in that they require less equations to be solved for the conditions. The numerical results have shown to be accurate, convergent, and stable. Most of all, the results do not degrade with time as in other time marching schemes reported in the literature. Algorithms can also be easily developed for the solution of the conditions.
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Hongjun Li, C.K. Hsieh and D.Y. Goswami
A method has been developed for conjugate heat transfer analysis offluid flow inside parallel channels formed by a phase change material (PCM)separated from the fluid by a wall…
Abstract
A method has been developed for conjugate heat transfer analysis of fluid flow inside parallel channels formed by a phase change material (PCM) separated from the fluid by a wall. The phase change in the PCM is two dimensional and a hybrid analysis consisting of an analytical solution in one direction and a finite‐difference method in another direction is used to solve for the temperature in the PCM. The heat transfer fluid (HTF) inlet temperature is given and the heat transfer between the HTF and the PCM is treated as a conjugate problem that requires no iterations to obtain a solution. The numerical results are found to be stable, convergent, and accurate. Application of the method to the solution of heat extraction from a phase‐change energy storage unit is given in detail and the numerical results are shown to be accurate, based on an energy conservation analysis, to within 3%.
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Manuela López, María Sicilia and Carmen Hidalgo-Alcázar
Companies are interested in engaging consumers in spreading the word about their products or brands. Although more and more studies are analysing word of mouth marketing (WOMM)…
Abstract
Purpose
Companies are interested in engaging consumers in spreading the word about their products or brands. Although more and more studies are analysing word of mouth marketing (WOMM), the topic is still very recent, thus very little is known about how to develop a WOMM campaign effectively. This chapter develops a literature review on WOMM in social media for better understanding on how to manage WOMM.
Methodology/approach
The studies reviewed have allowed us to identify the main decisions that should be taken when planning a WOMM campaign: the selection of the seed, the type of message and the inclusion of incentives.
Findings
We identify the two types of objectives that companies can follow with WOMM: information diffusion or consumers’ persuasion. Depending on the campaign objectives, the strategy to be used in order to be successful is different.
Social implications
This chapter can be useful to both, marketers, by showing them how to develop a WOMM campaign effectively; and researchers, by showing them the main gaps on WOMM that should be addressed in future studies.
Originality/value
This is one of the first attempts to review the literature and organize knowledge on WOMM. Concepts that have been treated as synonymous by many researchers such as opinion leaders, market mavens, innovative consumers, and hubs are clarified and distinguished one from the other which may help in improving previous knowledge on this field.
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Ali Bavik, Chen-Feng Kuo and John Ap
Numerous scales have been developed and utilized in the tourism and hospitality field, yet, their psychometric properties have not been systematically reviewed and evaluated. This…
Abstract
Numerous scales have been developed and utilized in the tourism and hospitality field, yet, their psychometric properties have not been systematically reviewed and evaluated. This gap compromises researchers' ability to develop better measures and improve measurement decisions. In this current study, 56 scales were identified and evaluated in terms of their psychometric properties. It was found that most scales were imperfect in measuring tourism and hospitality domains, and most scales did not provide explicit information about the scale development procedures that were adopted. The scale development procedure and psychometric properties of the reviewed scales are summarized, evaluated, and recommendations are made for future tourism and hospitality scale development.
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Crystal T. Lee and Sara H. Hsieh
With the rapid surge of mobile marketing, an increasing number of brands have launched branded emoticons in an attempt to build brand relationships with consumers. Despite the…
Abstract
Purpose
With the rapid surge of mobile marketing, an increasing number of brands have launched branded emoticons in an attempt to build brand relationships with consumers. Despite the apparent promise of branded emoticon usage, there is only limited academic research on branded emoticons. This paper aims to build on impression management theory and the conceptualization of cuteness to investigate how the effect of cuteness in branded emoticon design influences perceived playfulness in mobile instant messaging (MIM) interaction and the creation of brand engagement in self-concept.
Design/methodology/approach
Consumers with usage experience of branded emoticons in MIM apps were recruited to complete an online survey. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyze the data.
Findings
Two facets of cuteness – kindchenschema cuteness and whimsical cuteness – can project a favourable social image to consumers that facilitates playfulness in social interaction and enhances brand engagement in self-concept, which leads to their willingness to purchase the brand and stickiness to the MIM apps.
Originality/value
The popularity of branded emoticons represents a new form of social interaction and an innovative way to build brand relationships. The present study is the first to examine the design aspects of branded emoticons and highlights that the cuteness of a branded emoticon may be a crucial factor in engaging consumers in MIM.
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Tom Baum, Deirdre Curran, Anastasios Hadjisolomou, Olga Gjerald, Tone Therese Linge, Kate Inyoung Yoo and Anke Winchenbach
Tourism and hospitality employment have long faced widely recognised challenges with regard to employment, its workforce and the workplace environment, issues that have been…
Abstract
Tourism and hospitality employment have long faced widely recognised challenges with regard to employment, its workforce and the workplace environment, issues that have been addressed by generations of policymakers and practitioners without evident success or solution. These wicked problems are frequently characterised by inherent paradoxes and, therefore, accepting the tenets of paradox theory provides the basis for recognising the need to accept contradictions as a reality which a search for solutions will not resolve. This chapter presents six examples of wicked problems in tourism and hospitality employment, which are underpinned by paradoxes as proxies for the much wider range of intractable problems that beset policy-making and practice in this vital area of tourism and hospitality. The chapter concludes by suggesting ways in which wicked problems can be accommodated, and stakeholders can learn to understand and live with paradoxes.
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No methodology has been directly proposed to address the parameter optimization problem with weight effect on the categorical response. The aim of this paper is to propose a…
Abstract
Purpose
No methodology has been directly proposed to address the parameter optimization problem with weight effect on the categorical response. The aim of this paper is to propose a suitable procedure to address such a problem.
Design/methodology/approach
The computation of aggregation weight and neural network modeling technique were employed into forming the core architecture of the proposed approach. The consistency and difference of the weight effect between several experts or professionals can be included into the weight computation. The backpropagation neural network model is chosen to model the non‐linear relationship among the control factors, the probability, and the accumulated probability of categories for a qualitative response.
Findings
Weight effect for different categories of a qualitative response significantly exists in L/F manufacturing process. Including such weight effect into the L/F manufacturing analysis can achieve the parameter optimization and enhance their quality improvement.
Originality/value
This paper can be viewed as the first to address the parameter optimization problem for the categorical response with the weight effect consideration. The proposed approach can aid engineers making necessary decisions about quality improvement.
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P. Pragha, Krantiraditya Dhalmahapatra and Thamaraiselvan Natarajan
The metaverse is considered an evolution of the Internet, and it engages users with digital content more seamlessly due to its enhanced immersion and diverse applications. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The metaverse is considered an evolution of the Internet, and it engages users with digital content more seamlessly due to its enhanced immersion and diverse applications. The current study examines factors affecting the intention to adopt the metaverse. Existing studies on metaverse were found insufficient in explaining users’ intention to adopt metaverse, for which the companies are investing vast amounts of money for its implementation. The study fills the research gaps in the literature and applies the UTAUT2 (Unified Theory Of Acceptance And Use of Technology) and PAD (Pleasure, Arousal, Dominance) theory in the SOR (Stimulus-Organism-Response) framework. The study proposes a conceptual model by including effort expectancy, hedonic motivation, social influence, security personalization as stimuli, arousal, dominance, pleasure, immersive experience and perceived value as organismic variables and intention to adopt metaverse as the response variable, with gender as a moderator.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used purposive non-probability sampling approach and total of 420 responses were collected to examine the model. The partial least squares (PLS) technique is used for data analysis using Smart PLS software.
Findings
The study’s findings suggest that social influence and immersive experience have the highest impact on perceived value which affects users’ intention to adopt metaverse. Results indicate that individuals perceive value on using metaverse when it provides enjoyment and fun as well as security. Hence, it is important to ensure not only that individuals feel hedonically motivated but also feel secured and exert less effort to use the metaverse.
Research limitations/implications
The study contributes to the existing literature on metaverse and extends its association with immersive experience and the theories applied. The fundamental qualities of metaverse that contribute to its immersive and enjoyable nature can influence users' behavioral responses. Our research emphasizes the importance of executives acknowledging the development of organismic experience within metaverse.
Practical implications
The insights derived from this study will serve to expand the knowledge of metaverse application developers, offering valuable guidance in incorporating these factors into their development processes. By prominently displaying security measures, metaverse brands can demonstrate their commitment to mitigating risks associated with virtual interactions. This includes clearly communicating the security protocols in place to protect user data and privacy and providing detailed information about security features can build trust and alleviate concerns.
Social implications
The study highlights how the metaverse features affect individuals toward its adoption intent. Specifically, the study reveals that social influence and security affect the metaverse, further affecting the adoption intent of the metaverse. This has implications for enhancing customer relationships and value cocreation with different stakeholders. The research also recognizes that security measures are necessary for metaverse technology. These reactions could include placing regulations and standards in place to deal with the social and economic effects, making sure that data is collected and used ethically, and giving privacy and security measures priority.
Originality/value
This paper contributes to the body of knowledge as it is the first of its kind to explore and link immersive experience, pleasure and perceived value from the metaverse’s point of view to explore the user’s adoption intention. The study also contributes to the SOR framework with UTAUT2 and PAD theories by applying it to the metaverse context, which is used in limits.
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Jingmei Zhai, Xianwen Zeng and Ziqing Su
To ensure accurate position and force control of massage robot working on human body with unknown skin characteristics, this study aims to propose a novel intelligent impedance…
Abstract
Purpose
To ensure accurate position and force control of massage robot working on human body with unknown skin characteristics, this study aims to propose a novel intelligent impedance control system.
Design/methodology/approach
First, a skin dynamic model (SDM) is introduced to describe force-deformation on the human body as feed-forward for force control. Then a particle swarm optimization (PSO) method combined with graph-based knowledge transfer learning (GKT) is studied, which will effectively identify personalized skin parameters. Finally, a self-tuning impedance control strategy is designed to accommodate uncertainty of skin dynamics, system delay and signal noise exist in practical applications.
Findings
Compared with traditional least square method, genetic algorithm and other kinds of PSO methods, combination of PSO and GKT is validated using experimental data to improve the accuracy and convergence of identification results. The force control is effective, although there are contour errors, control delay and noise problems when the robot does massage on human body.
Originality/value
Integrating GKT into PSO identification algorithm, and designing an adaptive impedance control algorithm. As a result, the robot can understand textural and biological attributes of its surroundings and adapt its planning activities to carry out a stable and accurate force tracking control during dynamic contacts between a robot and a human.
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Pratim Chatterjee and Rita Karmakar
This chapter aims to list the literature that document the role of hospitality industry achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to summarize those contributions…
Abstract
Purpose
This chapter aims to list the literature that document the role of hospitality industry achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to summarize those contributions, related to the literature. Extensive literature review was also conducted to explore a critical analysis of sustainable digitalization of the hospitality industry.
Design/Methodology/Approach
The article has undertaken a systematic literature review of all the significant research area of almost last two decades. Keyword searches were performed in Google Scholar search engine, where timeframe of “2001–2023” was used to filter the desired article. Total 141 research articles were primarily identified after the initial search. After screening the articles for relevance or duplicates, finally 107 articles were considered for this study.
Findings
This study figures out those environment-related SDGs which is considered essential for the hospitality industry. This study found the importance of adopting digitalization in hospitality sector to build inclusive environment and providing seamless experience to customers while focusing on both positive and negative aspects associated with digital transformation.
Originality/Value
Hospitality industry of numerous countries around the world are now exploring by implementing SDGs and Digitalization in their business practices. This study will provide insight to policymakers as development and usage of digital technologies and implementing SDGs in their practices are crucial for the sustainable transformation of hospitality industry. Sustainable transformation of hospitality sector not only improves services and helps us to make wiser choices when planning for a trip but also positively impact both physical and psychological well-being.