Giuseppe Castaldi, Vincenzo Galdi, Andrea Alù and Nader Engheta
The work is aimed at studying the electromagnetic interaction between a homogeneous, isotropic single-negative (SNG) slab and an inhomogeneous, anisotropic double-positive (DPS…
Abstract
Purpose
The work is aimed at studying the electromagnetic interaction between a homogeneous, isotropic single-negative (SNG) slab and an inhomogeneous, anisotropic double-positive (DPS) slab.
Design/methodology/approach
The approach is based on the transformation optics framework, which allows systematic design and modelling of anisotropic, inhomogeneous metamaterials with inherent field-manipulation capabilities.
Findings
The paper finds that a transformation-optics-based DPS slab can compensate the inherent opaqueness to the electromagnetic radiation of a SNG slab. Here, “compensation” means that the resulting bi-layer may give rise to zero-reflection for a normally-incident plane wave at a given frequency. Such phenomenon is inherently accompanied by (de)funneling effects for collimated-beam illumination, and it turns out to be quite robust to material losses as well as geometrical and constitutive-parameter truncation.
Originality/value
The results provide further evidence and insight in how SNG-like responses may be emulated (within narrow parametric ranges) by suitably-engineered spatial inhomogeneity and anisotropy in DPS media. Moreover, they also show that resonant transmission phenomena through SNG materials may be engineered via the powerful framework of transformation optics.
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This chapter discusses the main research interests and outputs in the various branches of geography that have influenced the study of tourism from a geographical perspective. It…
Abstract
This chapter discusses the main research interests and outputs in the various branches of geography that have influenced the study of tourism from a geographical perspective. It argues that the idiographic tradition has been transversal throughout, leading to the growing interest for tourism within the geography academic community in the last 10 years. There is a focus on the birth of specific research groups, mainly related to a constellation of new university curricula on tourism and—with few exceptions of territorial tradition—to an intermittent availability of public research funds. The chapter concludes with a more general picture of the place of tourism within the geography discipline in Italy and of evolving trends in terms of research results, dissemination, and evaluation.
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Pantea Foroudi, Maria Teresa Cuomo, Matteo Rossi and Giuseppe Festa
For wine consumers, the country-of-origin effect still exerts significant influence, even though probably differently from what it was earlier, especially for newer consumer…
Abstract
Purpose
For wine consumers, the country-of-origin effect still exerts significant influence, even though probably differently from what it was earlier, especially for newer consumer segments. Among these, millennials represent the most interesting segment of the present and future, even though studies on millennials’ behaviour are insidious and newer consumer segments are emerging (Generation Z). The paper aims to discuss this issue.
Design/methodology/approach
This study focusses on this parameter through a comparative analysis of French and Italian wines – first, on the country-of-origin effect on millennials’ wine preferences, and second, on the possibility of managing this influence by adopting a wine marketing mix based on the innovative 4Es model.
Findings
The outcomes of the experiment on 121 millennials, despite the limitations of the study, highlight interesting changes – compared with the wine consumption behaviours of the past – regarding the country-of-origin effect and the possibility of managing it.
Originality/value
The results confirm, similar to the literature on the 4Es model, the possibility of wide areas of action for wine educational marketing initiatives that can change or enhance the country-of-origin perception.
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Marco Beccali, Marina Bonomolo, Alessandra Galatioto and Emanuela Pulvirenti
The purpose of this paper is to address a project for lighting an old town in Italy. Its originality lies in the holistic approach that aims to fulfil several objectives. One is…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to address a project for lighting an old town in Italy. Its originality lies in the holistic approach that aims to fulfil several objectives. One is to reduce energy consumption by using efficient lamps and advanced control systems; the second one is to make the network viable and useful for many purposes by integrating ICT devices; the third one is to provide a new identity to the older part of the city by using new technologies and design concepts; while the last one is to ensure street and pedestrian safety according to codes and standards.
Design/methodology/approach
The plan of the city of Bagheria and the stock of luminaires of the city are analysed. A multidisciplinary approach has been adopted in order to: analyse the existing lighting infrastructure highlighting critical areas; design a new displacement and select typologies of luminaries able to provide proper light quality and distribution; propose an aesthetic solution and technical design for relevant historical building; and to include in the design process the concept of a new multifunctional pole. Together with an analysis of social benefits, an assessment of economic costs and benefits are discussed.
Findings
The project allows good energy savings, meets the standard requirements and gives a relevant and strategic improvement in social and environmental management of the city.
Originality/value
The work provides an example of integrated design of street lighting infrastructures for urban renovation in old cities in degraded environments.
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Seema Bhardwaj, Ritika Chopra and Eugene Cheng-Xi Aw
The wine market has witnessed intensified competition across all aspects. However, there is a limited systematic assessment of wine marketing literature. This study employs…
Abstract
Purpose
The wine market has witnessed intensified competition across all aspects. However, there is a limited systematic assessment of wine marketing literature. This study employs bibliometric and thematic content evaluation methodologies to present a comprehensive summary and trend of the existing research in wine marketing.
Design/methodology/approach
This integrates bibliometric and thematic content analytical techniques to trace the evolutionary arc of wine marketing research, underpinned by a framework-based evaluation - the 4 Ws (what, where, why, and how) to give a thorough overview of wine marketing literature. We draw on the thematic structure of wine marketing research by conducting keyword co-occurrence, thematic, social network, and cluster-based content analyses. A total of 291 publications from peer-reviewed journals, spanning the years 2001–2023, were examined in the present study.
Findings
The bibliometric analysis is used to determine the most notable journals, authors, nations, articles, and themes, thereby offering a comprehensive understanding of the publication trends within the sphere of wine marketing. Based on the findings, this study advocates a research agenda to extend further contributions to the field of wine marketing.
Originality/value
The study performs a comprehensive analysis of the publication patterns, influential authors, and emerging trends within the wine marketing research field. It provides a unique insight into the evolution and development of wine marketing as a scholarly discipline, facilitating future research directions and knowledge advancement.
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This paper aims to summarize the radiological interventions that can be used by obstetricians and gynecologists.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to summarize the radiological interventions that can be used by obstetricians and gynecologists.
Design/methodology/approach
E-health systems apply in all hospital sectors in the world; interventional radiology (IR) now includes transcatheter and percutaneous techniques that can be applied to various organ systems, including the female reproductive system and pelvis. Interventional radiologists can now offer many services to obstetricians and gynecologists. With the advent of new procedures and refinement of existing techniques, there are now a number of procedures that can be used to treat both vascular and non-vascular diseases. This review summarizes the radiological interventions that can be used by obstetricians and gynecologists.
Findings
This review is intended to help gynecologists and obstetricians understand the role of IR in their specialty. Many valuable vascular and nonvascular interventional services can be provided by radiologists for both obstetric and gynecological indications. Many of these IR procedures are minimally invasive with less risk to the patients.
Originality/value
IR is now being used to treat some conditions encountered in obstetrics and gynecology, in particular, uterine leiomyomas, placenta accreta, postpartum hemorrhage and pelvic congestion syndrome. Moreover, with the help of IR, radiologists can also manage several nonvascular pathologies, including drainage of pelvic abscesses, fallopian tube recanalization, image-guided biopsy and fluid collections involving ovarian lesions. The major challenges faced when performing obstetric IR procedures are reduction of radiation exposure for the patient and fetus and preservation of fertility. This review highlights the role of IR in the treatment of various vascular and nonvascular pathologies encountered in obstetrics and gynecology.