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Article
Publication date: 6 March 2017

Marta Osta, Claudio Carretero, Pilar Blasco, Enrique Carretero and Rafael Alonso

This paper aims to analyze the conical-shaped compensator applied to infrared (IR) thermometry for planar materials.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the conical-shaped compensator applied to infrared (IR) thermometry for planar materials.

Design/methodology/approach

The compensator for the IR thermometry system has been analyzed by means of numerical simulations performed in a commercial finite element analysis tool. Afterwards, the characteristics of a final system have been proposed. The simulation results have been validated by means of experimental measurements performed in a prototype of the proposed system.

Findings

The proposed conical shape geometry of the compensator is suitable to reduce the errors associated with the temperature estimation by IR thermometry when emissivity of the material is not known with adequate accuracy.

Practical implications

This work proposed an arrangement of conical-shaped compensator to increase the precision in the IR radiation thermometry of planar materials.

Originality/value

In this paper, the conical shape geometry is proposed instead of the classical semi-spherical geometry for the compensator of an IR radiation thermometry system with the purpose of reducing the thickness of the complete system. This new proposal can be advantageous when geometrical constraints are imposed.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 36 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 1995

Octavio Alonso‐Gamboa and Rafael Reyna‐Espinosa

An interest in the identification, organisation and dissemination of local and regional information has promoted the development and production of databases in Latin America. For…

Abstract

An interest in the identification, organisation and dissemination of local and regional information has promoted the development and production of databases in Latin America. For those Latin Americanists engaged in the study of the social sciences and humanities, these databases liave become a valuable tool, facilitating access to information unavailable by other means. However, these databases are frequently unknown to their potential users. In this paper, the results are presented of an analysis made of 476 Latin American databases in the social sciences and humanities, produced in 21 countries. The variables studied refer to country of origin, subject, type of database and access, number of records, time span, geographical coverage and language of the data, as well as the institutions involved in their production. Problems of user access and visibility are discussed. The use of the regional databases as an important support for Latin American studies is also emphasised.

Details

Online and CD-Rom Review, vol. 19 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1353-2642

Article
Publication date: 13 September 2011

Claudio Carretero, Óscar Lucía, Jesús Acero, Rafael Alonso and José M. Burdío

The aim of this paper is to propose a design procedure based on the impedance boundary condition in order to simplify the design of inductors for domestic induction heating…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to propose a design procedure based on the impedance boundary condition in order to simplify the design of inductors for domestic induction heating systems.

Design/methodology/approach

An electromagnetic description of the inductor system is performed to substitute the effects of a component, named system load, for a mathematical condition, the so‐called impedance boundary condition. This is suitable to be used in electromagnetic systems involving high conductive materials at medium frequencies, as it occurs in an induction heating system. Applying this approach, a simplified electrical model arises from the general system.

Findings

A considerable reduction in the efforts devoted to design a coil for induction heating purposes is achieved, because the solution considering the variation of three physical parameters are projected to a one‐dimensional space only depending on a single parameter named corrected penetration depth. This proposal assesses the working conditions of standard induction systems.

Practical implications

This work is performed to achieve a better understanding of the fundamentals involved in the electromagnetic modeling of an induction heating system. The main goal is the definition of a better coil design process because it is probably the most time‐consuming task in the construction of a complete induction system.

Originality/value

In this paper, the so‐called corrected penetration depth is defined. This single parameter allows explaining the influence of the physical parameter of the inductor load and the excitation frequency in the equivalent of the complete inductor system. The numerical results carried out considering the corrected penetration depth instead of the physical load properties have been validated experimentally.

Details

COMPEL - The international journal for computation and mathematics in electrical and electronic engineering, vol. 30 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0332-1649

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 4 February 2019

Miguel Lloret-Climent, Andrés Montoyo, Yoan Gutierrez, Rafael Muñoz Guillena and Kristian Alonso

The purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical model to determine invariant sets, set covering, orbits and, in particular, attractors in the set of tourism variables…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose a mathematical model to determine invariant sets, set covering, orbits and, in particular, attractors in the set of tourism variables. Analysis was carried out based on an algorithm and applying an interpretation of chaos theory developed in the context of General Systems Theory and Big Data.

Design/methodology/approach

Tourism is one of the most digitalized sectors of the economy, and social networks are an important source of data for information gathering. However, the high levels of redundant information on the Web and the appearance of contradictory opinions and facts produce undesirable effects that must be cross-checked against real data. This paper sets out the causal relationships associated with tourist flows to enable the formulation of appropriate strategies.

Findings

The results can be applied to numerous cases, for example, in the analysis of tourist flows, these findings can be used to determine whether the behaviour of certain groups affects that of other groups, as well as analysing tourist behaviour in terms of the most relevant variables.

Originality/value

The technique presented here breaks with the usual treatment of the tourism topics. Unlike statistical analyses that merely provide information on current data, the authors use orbit analysis to forecast, if attractors are found, the behaviour of tourist variables in the immediate future.

Details

Kybernetes, vol. 48 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0368-492X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Annel Europa Vázquez-Chávez, Yessica Dorin Torres-Ramos, Alberto Martín Guzmán-Grenfell, Carlos Gómez-Alonso and Rafael Medina-Navarro

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate chocolate consumption effects with a non invasive metodology. There is evidence that the consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate chocolate consumption effects with a non invasive metodology. There is evidence that the consumption of dark chocolate and cocoa with high flavonoid content could have positive effects on blood pressure (BP) and weight management (WM); however, there are complications at the moment of obtaining blood samples to evaluate on children at a primary school level.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 54 healthy scholars were included; consumption of 70 per cent cacao dark chocolate was integrated into the daily snack during a 30-day period. Blood pressure, body fat, total content of polyphenols in urine and total antioxidant capacity of saliva were measured. The results obtained were divided in relation of two groups of students, A and B, with lesser or higher difficulties to WM in a self-assessment test; variables were then statistically evaluated.

Findings

Consumption of chocolate produced changes in the total content of polyphenols (from 5.6 to 6.8 µg/mL, p < 0.016) and salivary antioxidant capacity [(14.76 ± 5.4 and 16.14 ± 3.9) TEU nmol versus. t = 0; p < 0.029 and p < 0.001 at 15 and 30 days, respectively]. Group B, which presented higher difficulties concerning WM, presented a body fat reduction of about 0.63 per cent after chocolate consumption (p = 0.045) and a diastolic blood pressure reduction of −2.8 mm Hg in average (p < 0.025). A significant weight gain (p < 0.023) was observed only in Group A.

Research limitations/implications

Despite the reduced sensitivity of the non-invasive methodology, differences in urine and salivary content of polyphenols and antioxidant capacity suggest that the design used could be feasible, although extended studies are needed to corroborate it.

Originality/value

A non-invasive study for screening the potential health benefits of dark chocolate was assayed. The results suggest that dark chocolate consumption in children as part of the daily snack could be a complementary element in weight management and in prevention of future risk factors to chronic diseases.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science, vol. 48 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 September 2016

Rafael Paguio and Beverley Jackling

The ability to work effectively in a team is highly regarded by employers of accounting graduates, yet they have expressed concern that many university graduates lack teamwork…

5891

Abstract

Purpose

The ability to work effectively in a team is highly regarded by employers of accounting graduates, yet they have expressed concern that many university graduates lack teamwork skills. Furthermore, in the context of the accounting curriculum, a “conceptual vagueness” surrounds a workplace-relevant definition of teamwork. Drawing on the theoretical perspectives of the healthcare sector where teamwork skills are required to be taught and assessed as part of accreditation processes, this study investigates what teamwork means from the perspective of accounting employers.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of employers to acquire descriptions of teamwork observed from graduate recruits. Using an analyst triangulation process, resulting teamwork items were analysed and emerging themes were identified.

Findings

Teamwork in accounting work contexts were identified, confirmed and explained. Mapped against the healthcare teamwork theories, many teamwork items from the interview analysis clustered around the mutual support competency and the dimensions of traits and motives.

Research Limitations/implications

The study was restricted to employers collaborating in one university’s placement program. Further research could investigate more diverse employer groups, determine importance ranking of identified teamwork themes and seek explanations for differences among different employer groups.

Practical implications

An enhanced description of teamwork is significant in supporting student awareness and informing teaching innovations/assessments of this generic skill in the accounting curriculum.

Originality/value

The paper provides a unique contribution of evidence-based descriptions of teamwork expected of accounting graduates, thus addressing conceptual and practical ambiguity of the meaning of teamwork skills in the accounting profession.

Details

Accounting Research Journal, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1030-9616

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 August 2018

Ricardo Lopes Cardoso, Rodrigo de Oliveira Leite and André Carlos Busanelli de Aquino

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether analysts’ personal cognitive traits mitigate the efficacy of graphical impression management.

1187

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether analysts’ personal cognitive traits mitigate the efficacy of graphical impression management.

Design/methodology/approach

Three experiments are conducted wherein 525 professional accountants working as financial analysts rate a hypothetical company’s performance graph depicting its net income trend. The manipulation is the presence (absence) of impression management techniques. Hypotheses test whether different techniques are effective and whether analysts’ cognitive reflection ability mitigates manipulation efficacy.

Findings

Presentation enhancement is effective only with impulsive analysts, showing the weakness of this technique through the use of colors. Measurement distortion and selectivity techniques are effective for reflective and impulsive analysts; however, reflective analysts are more critical about graphs prepared via selectivity that emphasize profit recovery following crises.

Research limitations/implications

Each impression management technique is investigated in isolation and in controlled conditions. Further research could consider how personal cognitive traits impact the efficacy of combined techniques and whether imbedding manipulated graphs with other information mitigates impression management efficacy.

Practical implications

Research on impression management is mostly “task-oriented;” few “people-oriented” studies focus on decision making by those using financial reports. Users’ cognitive reflection ability is shown to undermine the efficacy of some impression management techniques.

Social implications

Financial analysts, auditors and regulators could develop mechanisms to avoid pervasive usage of (or enhance skepticism regarding) techniques not mitigated by users’ reflectiveness.

Originality/value

Evidence from financial analysts with an accounting background provides insights on individual characteristics’ influence on graphical impression management efficacy.

Details

Accounting, Auditing & Accountability Journal, vol. 31 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0951-3574

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 May 2022

Ana Paula Kieling, Rafael Tezza and Guilherme Lima Vargas

This study aims to expand previous work on website stage models by proposing a new model including a dimension encompassing digital integration and the context of mobile, digital…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to expand previous work on website stage models by proposing a new model including a dimension encompassing digital integration and the context of mobile, digital marketing and new technologies. Also, this study aims to classify Brazilian wineries using the stage model proposed and verify if the designated stages influence the wineries’ presence in digital and mobile media.

Design/methodology/approach

Observational research and quantitative content analysis were adopted to examine a sample of winery websites (N = 150) located in different states and regions of Brazil and create a new website stage model. After the new model’s development, the authors conducted a statistic analysis by running a one-factor analysis of variance to assess the influence of the company’s stage in the use of digital media and mobile strategies, as well as its impacts on market development.

Findings

The results suggested a quite mature market regarding website stage position, even though there is still room for growth and technological innovation. Also, the research findings show that there is a positive association between the company’s stage in the use of digital and mobile media strategies. In other words, the more advanced the winery stage, the greater its digital media and mobile presence.

Originality/value

While previous studies attempted to identify wineries’ stages through models, this study presents a new approach by updating the past studies’ stages as well as providing and testing a digital media and mobile dimension. This research contributes to consolidating the Brazilian wine industry position regarding its presence in digital and mobile media, bringing reflections to organizations, society and theory development.

Details

International Journal of Wine Business Research, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1751-1062

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 20 January 2022

Alba Yela Aránega and Rafael Castaño Sánchez

246

Abstract

Details

International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2554

Article
Publication date: 26 July 2021

João Antônio Dantas de Jesus Ferreira and Ney Rafael Secco

This paper aims to investigate the possibility of lowering the time taken during the aircraft design for unmanned aerial vehicles by using machine learning (ML) for the…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the possibility of lowering the time taken during the aircraft design for unmanned aerial vehicles by using machine learning (ML) for the configuration selection phase. In this work, a database of unmanned aircraft is compiled and is proposed that decision tree classifiers (DTC) can understand the relations between mission and operational requirements and the resulting aircraft configuration.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper presents a ML-based approach to configuration selection of unmanned aircraft. Multiple DTC are built to predict the overall configuration. The classifiers are trained with a database of 118 unmanned aircraft with 57 characteristics, 47 of which are inputs for the classification problem, and 10 are the desired outputs, such as wing configuration or engine type.

Findings

This paper shows that DTC can be used for the configuration selection of unmanned aircraft with reasonable accuracy, understanding the connections between the different mission requirements and the culminating configuration. The framework is also capable of dealing with incomplete databases, maximizing the available knowledge.

Originality/value

This paper increases the computational usage for the aircraft design while retaining requirements’ traceability and increasing decision awareness.

Details

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, vol. 93 no. 6
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1748-8842

Keywords

1 – 10 of 41