Zhenghao Yeh and Behrokh Khoshnevis
The purpose of this paper is to present an introduction to geometric conformity principles for examining the geometric deviation between the desired (designed) and the fabricated…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present an introduction to geometric conformity principles for examining the geometric deviation between the desired (designed) and the fabricated surfaces which may be generated by a class of surface ruling fabrication processes such as flank milling, wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM), and contour crafting (CC).
Design/methodology/approach
In general, it is computationally challenging to calculate error approximation based on points. This paper proposes methods that efficiently calculate error approximation based on curve, surface area, and volume.
Findings
This paper derives the equations for calculating the ruled surface areas and the volume of 3D slices in 3D object models. One may use the difference of surface areas or volumes to determine the extent of the global conformity of the ruled surfaces. Additionally, local conformity analysis through calculating curve deviation has been introduced to improve the reliability of the global conformity analysis.
Research limitations/implications
The research results apply only to fabrication processes that generate ruled surfaces. There are, however, numerous applications in which ruled surfaces are generated, such as WEDM, any numerical control machining which uses cylindrical or conical cutting bits, and CC.
Practical implications
The research results presented will be applicable to fabrication processes such as flank milling, WEDM, and CC.
Originality/value
All developments presented are original. Also, CC, which is a candidate process for the developments presented in the paper, has been invented and developed by the authors.
Details
Keywords
Zhenghao Tong, Soyeong Lee and Hongjoo Woo
This study aims to examine the effects of perceived product–brand fit and brand type on consumer evaluations of wearable smart masks’ technological, aesthetic and social…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the effects of perceived product–brand fit and brand type on consumer evaluations of wearable smart masks’ technological, aesthetic and social attributes and how these affect consumers’ attitudes and intentions to use.
Design/methodology/approach
Through an experimental approach, a total of 240 US consumers’ evaluations of smart masks are compared according to perceived product–brand fit (high vs low) and brand type (electronics vs fashion).
Findings
The results showed that high perceived product–brand fit increases consumers’ evaluations, while brand type did not significantly affect consumers’ evaluations. Among various attributes, social acceptability had the greatest influence on consumers’ attitude and intention to use. Perceived ease of use, however, positively influenced attitude but negatively influenced intention to use.
Originality/value
As consumers’ interest in smart health-care wearables increases and air pollution is a serious issue across countries, research on wearable smart masks is being facilitated. Smart masks refer to the digitalized, reusable wearable masks that provide protection and health-care functions. However, their market penetration is still limited. To close this gap between smart mask technology and the market, this study examines how perceived fit and brand type can be used to enhance consumer evaluations.
Details
Keywords
Education is subject to the same pressures as a business, it has to spur innovation, improve customer service and achieve operational excellence. Education is expected to solve…
Abstract
Purpose
Education is subject to the same pressures as a business, it has to spur innovation, improve customer service and achieve operational excellence. Education is expected to solve intricate problems that heralded the twenty-first century. Niche areas emerged in education that need further study and research. The authors postulate such demands may be met by information and communication technologies (ICTs) that opened up the avenue for innovation and experimentation in education. One such innovation is online learning and massive open online courses (MOOCs) that represent immense opportunities in education. With their advent, even the permanent relevance of physical classrooms has been questioned. The purpose of this paper is to answer to all these questions and attempts to fill gaps in the understanding of the future of education.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper came into being after a review of literature pertaining to the changing ecosystem of education and an analysis of newer platforms like MOOCs. The paper surveyed books, scholarly articles, reports, conference proceedings and online databases in the area of education and related technological developments.
Findings
The existence of MOOCs in the education landscape cannot be ignored. This is proven by the fact that MOOC enrollment surpassed 35 million users in 2015. MOOCs were considered a popular concept in the developed world to start with. But, today MOOCs are being offered by universities in developing nations too. As the number of participant countries increases, MOOCs in vernacular languages are being developed to overcome the language barrier. The paper found that the online model cannot replace the brick and mortar model completely. Rather, it will complement it by providing an enriching experience to various stakeholders, including the learner and the instructor. In the future, students will have the advantage of a blended classroom where the best of online and offline models converge into an optimal experience.
Research limitations/implications
As the theme of the paper is new and the educational landscape continues to evolve, it is very difficult to determine the pace of transformation of education. However, the authors have tried to suggest a conceptual framework for the future in education, subject to empirical validation.
Practical implications
This paper helps us understand that we are in a rapidly evolving scenario where innovations have the potential to disrupt the existing model. Such disruptions can have behavioral, economical and social ramifications. A better understanding of such alterations will help academicians equip themselves for evolving classrooms and the changing nature of their jobs. The new ICT enabled ecosystem will also try to overcome issues related to the quality of education and knowledge dissemination.
Originality/value
The present paper is a comprehensive study of the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging classrooms.