Chin-Tsung Hsieh, Her-Terng Yau and Cheng-Chi Wang
This study aims to investigate the dynamic motion of an ultrasonic machining system comprising two Duffing oscillators, each with a single degree of freedom. After derivation of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the dynamic motion of an ultrasonic machining system comprising two Duffing oscillators, each with a single degree of freedom. After derivation of the differential equations of the system using the Lagrange equations and dimensionless time, numerical analysis was used to observe changes in the system caused by differences in excitation frequency.
Design/methodology/approach
To suppress this effect and improve performance, proportional differential (PD) control was used. The integral absolute error was used as the fitness function, and particle swarm optimization was used to find the best value for the gain constant of the PD controller.
Findings
The results showed that with specific changes of excitation frequency, the dynamic motion of the system became nonlinear and chaotic behavior resulted. This made the system unstable and affected performance.
Originality/value
A range of methods, including fuzzy control, was used to analyze the results, and exhaustive laboratory work was carried out. Means of control were found that were effective in suppressing the chaotic behavior, and differences in response to control were investigated and verified. The findings of this study can be used as a basis for system parameter settings or control circuit design.
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This paper employs a hybrid numerical method combining the differential transformation method (DTM) and the finite difference method (FDM) to study the bifurcation and nonlinear…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper employs a hybrid numerical method combining the differential transformation method (DTM) and the finite difference method (FDM) to study the bifurcation and nonlinear behavior of a rigid rotor supported by a relative short gas lubricated journal bearing system with herringbone grooves. The analysis reveals a complex dynamic behavior comprising periodic, subharmonic and quasi‐periodic responses of the rotor center. The dynamic behavior of the bearing system varies with changes in the rotor mass and bearing number. The current analytical results are found to be in good agreement with those of other numerical methods. This paper discusses these issues.
Design/methodology/approach
In this paper, DT is used to deal Reynolds equation and is also one of the most widely used techniques for solving differential equations due to its rapid convergence rate and minimal calculation error. A further advantage of this method over the integral transformation approach is its ability to solve nonlinear differential equations. In solving the Reynolds equation for the current gas bearing system, DTM is used for taking transformation with respect to the time domain τ, and then the FDM is adopted to discretize with respect to the directions of coordinates.
Findings
From the Poincaré maps of the rotor center as calculated by the DTM&FDM method with different values of the time step, it can be seen that the rotor center orbits are in agreement to approximately four decimal places for the different time steps. The numerical studies also compare the results obtained by the SOR&FDM and DTM&FDM methods for the orbits of the rotor center. It is observed that the results calculated by DTM&FDM are more accurately than SOR&FDM. Therefore, the DTM&FDM method suits this gas bearing system and provides better convergence than SOR&FDM method.
Originality/value
This study utilizes a hybrid numerical scheme comprising the DTM and the FDM to analyze nonlinear dynamic behavior of a relative short gas lubricated journal bearing system with herringbone grooves. The system state trajectory, phase portraits, the Poincaré maps, the power spectra, and the bifurcation diagrams reveal the presence of a complex dynamic behavior comprising periodic, subharmonic and quasi‐periodic responses of the rotor center. Therefore, the proposed method provides an effective means of gaining insights into the nonlinear dynamics of relative short gas lubricated journal bearing systems with herringbone grooves.
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Cheng-Chi Tai, Wei-Cheng Wang and Yuan-Jui Hsu
This study aims to establish a dynamic process model of an electromagnetic thermotherapy system (ETS) to predict the temperature of a thermotherapy needle.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to establish a dynamic process model of an electromagnetic thermotherapy system (ETS) to predict the temperature of a thermotherapy needle.
Design/methodology/approach
The model is used for real-time predicting the static and dynamic responses of temperature and can therefore provide a valuable analysis for system monitoring.
Findings
The electromagnetic thermotherapy process is a nonlinear problem in which the system identification is implemented by a neural network identifier. It can simulate the input/output relationship of a real system with an excellent approximation ability to uncertain nonlinear system. A system identifier for an ETS is analyzed and selected with recurrent neural networks models to deal with various treatment processes.
Originality/value
The Elman neural network (ENN) prediction model on ETS proposed in this study is an easy and feasible method. Comparing two situations of inputs with more and fewer data, both are trained to present low mean squared error, and the temperature response error appears within 15 per cent. The ENN, with the advantages of simple design and stable efficacy, is useful for establishing the temperature prediction model to ensure the security in the thermotherapy.
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Hang Jiang, Yi-Chung Hu, Jan-Yan Lin and Peng Jiang
With the development of economy, China’s OFDI constantly increase in recent year. Meanwhile, OFDI has spillover effect on economic development and technological development of…
Abstract
Purpose
With the development of economy, China’s OFDI constantly increase in recent year. Meanwhile, OFDI has spillover effect on economic development and technological development of home country. Thus, accurate OFDI prediction is a prerequisite for the effective development of international investment strategies. The purpose of this paper is to predict China’s OFDI accurately using a novel multivariable grey prediction model with Fourier series.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper applied a multivariable grey prediction model, GM(1,N), to forecast China’s OFDI. In order to improve the prediction accuracy and without changing local characteristics of grey model prediction, this paper proposed a novel grey prediction model to improve the performance of the traditional GM(1,N) model by combining with residual modification model using GM(1,1) model and Fourier series.
Findings
The coefficients indicate that the export and GDP have positive influence on China’s OFDI, and, according to the prediction result, China’s OFDI shows a growing trend in next five years.
Originality/value
This paper proposed an effective multivariable grey prediction model that combined the traditional GM(1,N) model with a residual modification model in order to predict China’s OFDI. Accurate forecasting of OFDI provides reference for the Chinese Government to implement international investment strategies.
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Heng‐Li Yang and Chen‐Shu Wang
This study aims to investigate insurance policy loan applicant characteristics. Additionally, it reveals the behaviour patterns of heavy users who have applied for at least two…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate insurance policy loan applicant characteristics. Additionally, it reveals the behaviour patterns of heavy users who have applied for at least two loans. A policy loan prediction model is established which is designed to increase loan application rates.
Design/methodology/approach
The proposed model is implemented using data‐mining techniques and comprises two mechanisms: a business rule generator and a recommendation mechanism. Two analytical approaches, the C.5 and Apriori algorithm, are employed to analyse the profile and browsing log DBs of insured individuals. The prediction model is verified by actual data from a Taiwanese insurance company.
Findings
The data‐mining results reveal that five attributes are ultimately used to establish the prediction model, namely: gender, marketing channel, insurance type, area of policy owner, and assumed interest rate. Additionally, the analytical results also indicate that insured individuals apply for loans as a result of arbitrage inducement. The accuracy of loan applicant prediction can exceed 70 per cent. Finally, some interesting patterns emerge for heavy users, such as the finding that loan applicants are used to applying for loans continuously (loan application repetition is on average two to three times).
Research limitations/implications
Some policy owners who are unfamiliar with the web interface prefer to contact insurance personnel directly to discuss their insurance needs, and thus no browsing records are available for such users. In such cases only the profile could be collected and analysed.
Practical implications
The proposed model enables insurance firms to locate potential loan applicants according to the data‐mining results. As in the illustration scenario in the paper, insurance personnel can contact these potential loan applicants before they submit loan applications to the bank. Additionally, loan‐related information is provided for online insurance users based on their browsing logs. The loan application rate is thus expected to increase, along with interest revenue.
Originality/value
As long as the policy proceeds, the interest income from the policy loan seems to be a good option for extending insurance company operational earnings. Understanding the characteristics of loan applicants will provide helpful information. Besides, the proposed mechanism will be more appropriate to online users, who are unwilling to deal with unwanted information.
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Heng‐Li Yang and Jih‐Hsin Tang
Although requirement elicitation is generally acknowledged to be very important in traditional information systems development (ISD), it does not get enough attention in most…
Abstract
Although requirement elicitation is generally acknowledged to be very important in traditional information systems development (ISD), it does not get enough attention in most Web‐based information systems development (WISD). This paper highlighted the difference between ISD and WISD, and proposed a three‐stage model of user requirements elicitation for Web‐based information systems. This model divides the requirements definition into three stages: initial analysis, key user requirements elicitation and regular user responses. Most current WIS design methodologies consider only initial analysis, and neglect actual users’ requirements. Key user input is emphasized in this model, and social network analysis is proposed as a tool for identifying key users. Requirements analysis for WISD is no longer considered a one‐stop step, but is better regarded as a continuous evolving process. Finally, managerial implications are also provided in this paper.
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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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Heng-Li Yang and Chien-Liang Lin
Based on past study, three different value constructs, including social value, hedonic value, and epistemic value, were adopted in this study to examine their influence on…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on past study, three different value constructs, including social value, hedonic value, and epistemic value, were adopted in this study to examine their influence on individual's stickiness to use Facebook. Besides, this paper aims to explore how “trust” affects the personal usage behaviors.
Design/methodology/approach
The research model was tested with data from 345 Facebook's users using a web survey. The partial least squares technology was used to test the proposed hypotheses.
Findings
Results confirmed that hedonic value served as important value concerns for Facebook users. Besides, considering trust factor, the respondents can be classified into two groups. In the high-trust group, social value and hedonic value produced significant impacts on stickiness. In the low-trust group, the statistical results show that epistemic value and hedonic value had impacts on the stickiness for Facebook web site use, but social value aspect had no significant impact.
Research limitations/implications
The respondents were mainly the subjects that belonged to the young age group in Taiwan. Therefore, it should be cautious to generalize the conclusions to other areas or the elder.
Practical implications
This study results facilitate web site operators and marketing researchers to understand what value factors and trust affect the user stickiness of Facebook. Their marketing plan and application plug-in can be accordingly adjusted.
Originality/value
This study provides positive evidences how value factors affect Facebook stickiness. The paper also proved that high-trust and low-trust people have different value models.
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Chunhsien Wang, Chi-Cheng Wu and Chin-Chia Ou
Drawing upon an integrative perspective from intellectual capital theory with upper echelon theory, we examined how intellectual capital affects resource integration capability…
Abstract
Purpose
Drawing upon an integrative perspective from intellectual capital theory with upper echelon theory, we examined how intellectual capital affects resource integration capability and subsequent strategic decision-making under weak versus strong top management team (TMT) involvement behavior. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between intellectual capital and strategic decision-making and the mediated moderating effect between intellectual capital and decision-making on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Design/methodology/approach
Using statistical empirical analysis, we tested our research hypotheses via large-scale survey data from 323 SMEs. A regression analysis was applied to intellectual capital, resource integration capability and TMT involvement behavior to estimate their influence on strategic decision-making.
Findings
Our findings suggest that the positive effect of intellectual capital on strategic decision-making via resource integration capability is conditional on TMT involvement behavior, underscoring the role of resource integration capability and TMT involvement behavior in intellectual capital. The results also indicate that intellectual capital and resource integration capability strengthen positive decision-making relationships. Furthermore, TMT involvement behavior strengthens the positive interaction effect of intellectual capital with resource integration capability.
Practical implications
Intellectual capital is a critical and preeminent strategic resource for strengthening strategic decision-making, especially for SMEs. Notably, trends related to intellectual capital can be used to explore the management of SMEs and the corresponding contributions to and improvements in strategic decision-making. Specifically, intellectual capital can be used by SME management teams to formulate and implement relevant strategic decisions and enhance the effectiveness of decision-making, which are critical steps for success in decision-making processes.
Originality/value
This research explored the relationships among intellectual capital, resource integration capability, TMT involvement behavior and strategic decision-making in a comprehensive mediated moderation model; it is the first known study to highlight that intellectual capital can enhance strategic decision-making and provide managerial implications regarding how to align resource integration capability and TMT involvement behavior while performing strategic decision-making.