Search results

This paper aims to study nonlinear heat transfer through a longitudinal fin of three different profiles.

A truly meshfree method is used to undertake a nonlinear analysis to predict temperature distribution and heat-transfer rate.

A longitudinal fin of three different profiles, such as rectangular, triangular and concave parabolic, are analyzed. Temperature variation, along with the fin length and rate of heat transfer in steady state, under convective and convective-radiative environments has been demonstrated and explained. Moving least square (MLS) approximants are used to approximate the unknown function of temperature T(x) with Th(x). Essential boundary conditions are imposed using the penalty method. An iterative predictor–corrector scheme is used to handle nonlinearity.

Modelling fin in a convective-radiative environment removes the assumption of no radiation condition. It also allows to vary convective heat-transfer coefficient and predict the closer values to the real problems for the corresponding fin surfaces.

The meshless local Petrov–Galerkin method can solve nonlinear fin problems and predict an accurate solution.

The study aims to highlight the behaviour of one-dimensional and two-dimensional fin models under the natural room conditions, considering the different values of dimensionless Biot number (Bi). The effect of convection and radiation on the heat transfer process has also been demonstrated using the meshless local Petrov–Galerkin (MLPG) approach.

It is true that MLPG method is time-consuming and expensive in terms of man-hours, as it is in the developing stage, but with the advent of computationally fast new-generation computers, there is a big possibility of the development of MLPG software, which will not only reduce the computational time and cost but also enhance the accuracy and precision in the results. Bi values of 0.01 and 0.10 have been taken for the experimental investigation of one-dimensional and two-dimensional rectangular fin models. The numerical simulation results obtained by the analytical method, benchmark numerical method and the MLPG method for both the models have been compared with that of the experimental investigation results for validation and found to be in good agreement. Performance of the fin has also been demonstrated.

The experimental and numerical investigations have been conducted for one-dimensional and two-dimensional linear and nonlinear fin models of rectangular shape. MLPG is used as a potential numerical method. Effect of radiation is also, implemented successfully. Results are found to be in good agreement with analytical solution, when one-dimensional steady problem is solved; however, two-dimensional results obtained by the MLPG method are compared with that of the finite element method and found that the proposed method is as accurate as the established method. It is also found that for higher Bi, the one-dimensional model is not appropriate, as it does not demonstrate the appreciated error; hence, a two-dimensional model is required to predict the performance of a fin. Radiative fin illustrates more heat transfer than the pure convective fin. The performance parameters show that as the Bi increases, the performance of fin decreases because of high thermal resistance.

Though, best of the efforts have been put to showcase the behaviour of one-dimensional and two-dimensional fins under nonlinear conditions, at different Bi values, yet lot more is to be demonstrated. Nonlinearity, in the present paper, is exhibited by using the thermal and material properties as the function of temperature, but can be further demonstrated with their dependency on the area. Additionally, this paper can be made more elaborative by extending the research for transient problems, with different fin profiles. Natural convection model is adopted in the present study but it can also be studied by using forced convection model.

Fins are the most commonly used medium to enhance heat transfer from a hot primary surface. Heat transfer in its natural condition is nonlinear and hence been demonstrated. The outcome is practically viable, as it is applicable at large to the broad areas like automobile, aerospace and electronic and electrical devices.

As per the literature survey, lot of work has been done on fins using different numerical methods; but to the best of authors’ knowledge, this study is first in the area of nonlinear heat transfer of fins using dimensionless Bi by the truly meshfree MLPG method.

The purpose of this study is to assess the quality of honey from different agro-climatic zones of Himachal Pradesh in terms of physicochemical characteristics and mineral status.

Three honey-producing locations were selected within each agro-climatic zone, honey sampled from four separate apiaries within each location and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics and mineral status using standard methodologies. The data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance with one-way classification, after appropriate transformation through online OP-STAT software and MS Excel. The correlation coefficient (r) was also calculated. Principal component analysis was done using XL-STAT software.

The honey of Zone 4 had highest fructose (36.62%), F:G ratio (1.55), acidity (46.07 meq/kg), vitamin C (25.04 mg/100 g) and diastase (19.22 DN), whereas the pollen density (76,666.67 pollen grains per 10 g), pH (5.94), sucrose (6.94%), hydroxy methyl furfuraldehyde (70.20 mg/kg), amino acid (103.83 mg/100 g), phenols (77.39 mg/100 g), Ca (81.04 mg/kg) and K (354.17 mg/kg) were highest for Zone 2. Highest electrical conductivity (0.24 mS/cm), moisture (16.50 %), glucose (34.20%) and P content (62.93 mg/kg) were recorded for Zone 1. Correlation studies indicated a significant positive correlation between pH and EC; EC and moisture; colour and pollen density. Examining the graphical distribution of the honey samples, a natural separation between honeys of four different agro-climatic zones was obtained.

The impact of geographical/agro-climatic variations in physicochemical characteristics of honey has not been worked out under the present scenario in Himachal Pradesh.

The purpose of this paper is to examine the interrelationships among the extracted constructs of customer satisfaction (CS), knowledge about customer relationship management (CRM) program, customer attitude and their effect on relationship share (RS). The study also attempts to find if moderating role of gender exists among these constructs.

A conceptual framework is developed based on previous studies. In order to address a lack of comprehensive evaluation of B2C relationships in Indian hotels, this study extracted the dimensions of CRM in hotels and used them in the structural model. The conceptual model is tested using structural equation modeling approach through maximum likelihood estimation technique. A sample of 305 domestic travelers was used to test the hypothesized relationships among the constructs.

The findings indicate that CS and willingness to engage (CWER) in the relationship are major predictors of RS. Besides, CS indirectly affects RS through customer’s attitude toward the hotel. The results of the study also show that customer willingness to engage in the relationship is dependent on attitude of customer toward firm which is further dependent on knowledge about CRM program. One more notable finding of the study states that gender plays a moderating role between CS and customer willingness to engage in the relationship.

In addition to contributing toward academic knowledge, the findings of the present study will help the practitioners to better design CRM program and reap its maximum benefits.

The current study has considered new dimensions of CRM like customer’s knowledge of CRM and this is the first study to capture responses of Indian travelers in relation with various constructs. This is the first study to test the moderating effect of gender between various constructs.

Through a survey of 200 employees working in five of the thirty establishments analysed in previous research about the microeconomic effects of reducing the working time (Cahier 25), the consequences on employees of such a reduction can be assessed; and relevant attitudes and aspirations better known.

In today's digitised world, human resource management (HRM) faces challenges due to emerging technologies. Among these, virtual reality (VR) has become particularly significant as it reshapes critical aspects of HRM by offering immersive experiences. Although VR holds strategic value for HRM, integrating it effectively is challenging and cannot be achieved overnight. This chapter is dedicated to studying organisations that seek to embrace VR as a novel approach to HRM. It covers several key areas: VR technology, its applications in HRM, strategic benefits, drawbacks and implementation challenges, while highlighting contentious issues that require attention. In conclusion, the study suggests that overcoming obstacles to manage change may help bridge the gap to the desired outcomes. Additionally, the way the technology is utilised will determine the benefits ultimately received.

This study aims to identify the strategic factors and their effects on the post-cross-border acquisitions (CBA) technological innovation performance of the acquiring firms. It develops a hierarchical model to examine the interrelationship between identified strategic factors such as strategic flexibility, strategic ambidexterity, environmental dynamism, etc.

This study uses modified total interpretive structural modeling qualitative methodology (m-TISM) to develop a hierarchical model and conducts a Matrice d’impacts croisés multiplication appliquée á un classment (MICMAC) analysis to show the interrelationship between strategic factors affects the acquirer’s post-CBA technological innovation performance. It determines the autonomous, dependent, linkage and independent strategic factors. It further uses comparative case analysis to empirically examine the strategic factors in real-time CBA situations.

This study shows the m-TISM-based hierarchical model highlighting the interrelation, level of autonomy, dependence and linkage among strategic factors affecting the acquirer’s post-CBA technological innovation performance. It suggests that strategic factors such as environmental dynamism, R&D competence, innovation capability and technological capability are largely autonomous and have significant driving power, whereas strategic ambidexterity and strategic flexibility are the connecting factors. post-M&A integration is the governing factor for technological innovation performance in CBA.

The strategists and practitioners could evaluate the key strategic factors having significant driving power for strategy formulation and implementing efficient policies. By implementing the m-TISM model acquiring a firm’s post-CBA performance can be enhanced. Future researchers might utilize quantitative methods like regression and structural equation modeling in the CBA context.

This study uses a novel m-TISM and MICMAC approach to identify the driving and dependent factors affecting post-CBA technological innovation performance. It further provides a detailed theoretical and conceptual understanding relating to the philosophy and establishes an interrelation amongst these under-researched strategic factors in CBA.

The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of fiber length and content on properties of E-glass and bamboo fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrices. Experiments are carried out as per ASTM standards to find the mechanical properties. Further, fractured surface of the specimen is subjected to morphological study.

Composite samples were prepared according to ASTM standards and were subjected to tensile and flexural loads. The fractured surfaces of the specimens were examined directly under scanning electron microscope.

From the experiment, it was found that the main factors that influence the properties of composite are fiber length and content. The optimum fiber length and weight ratio are 15 mm and 16 percent, respectively, for bamboo fiber/epoxy composite. Hence, the prediction of optimum fiber length and content becomes important, so that composite can be prepared with best mechanical properties. The investigation revealed the suitability of bamboo fiber as an effective reinforcement in epoxy matrix.

As bamboo fibers are biodegradable, recyclable, light weight and so on, their applications are numerous. They are widely used in automotive components, aerospace parts, sporting goods and building industry. With this scenario, the obtained result of bamboo fiber reinforced composites is not ignorable and could be of potential use, since it leads to harnessing of available natural fibers and their composites rather than synthetic fibers.

This work enlists the effect of fiber length and fiber content on tensile and flexural properties of bamboo fiber/epoxy composite, which has not been attempted so far.

Artificial intelligence chatbots are shifting the nature of online services by revolutionizing the interactions of service providers with consumers. Thus, this study aims to explore the antecedents (e.g. compatibility, perceived ease of use, performance expectancy and social influence) and consequences (e.g. chatbot usage intention and customer engagement) of chatbot initial trust.

A sample of 184 responses was collected in Lebanon using a questionnaire and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) by AMOS 24.

The results revealed that except for performance expectancy, all the other three factors (compatibility, perceived ease of use and social influence) significantly boost customers’ initial trust toward chatbots. Further, initial trust in chatbots enhances the intention to use chatbots and encourages customer engagement.

The study provides insights into some variables influencing initial chatbot trust. Future studies could extend the model by adding other variables (e.g. customer experience and attitude), in addition to exploring the dark side of artificial intelligence chatbots.

This study suggests key insights for marketing managers on how to build chatbot initial trust, which, in turn, will lead to an increase in customers’ interactions with the brand.

The current study marks substantial contributions to the artificial intelligence marketing literature by proposing and testing a novel conceptual model that examines for the first time the factors that impact chatbot initial trust and the key outcomes of the latter.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between quality of work-life (QWL) and work-life balance (WLB).

Using a structured survey instrument, this paper gathered data from 445 respondents in cosmopolitan city in southern part of India. First psychometric properties of the instrument were tested, and then hierarchical regression was used as a statistical technique for analyzing the data.

The hierarchical regression results indicated that QWL is (1) negatively related to job stress, (2) positively related to job satisfaction and (3) positively related to job commitment. The results also indicated that (1) job stress is negatively related to WLB, (2) job satisfaction is positively related to WLB and (3) job commitment is positively related to WLB. The results also show partial mediation of job stress, job satisfaction, and job commitment in the relationship between QWL and WLB.

Since the present research is based on self-report measures, the limitations of social desirability bias and common method bias are inherent. However, sufficient care is taken to minimize these limitations. The research has implications for human resource managers in work organizations.

This study contributes to both practicing managers and the literature on human resource management. The study suggests that employers need to be aware of the importance of quality of work-life and work-life balance in achieving organizational effectiveness.

The study is expected to contribute to the welfare of the society in terms of identifying the antecedents of work-life balance.

This study provides new insights about the effects of QWL on WLB through mediating variables. This is a conceptual model developed and tested and first of its kind in India.