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Article
Publication date: 24 June 2013

Eunil Park

Due to rapid increases in theoretical progress, the paper investigated user perceptions toward tele-presence systems with possible and antecedent motivations that affect attitude…

Abstract

Purpose

Due to rapid increases in theoretical progress, the paper investigated user perceptions toward tele-presence systems with possible and antecedent motivations that affect attitude and intention to use. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper conducted an internet survey. Responses from 1,620 participants were collected and investigated to identify motivations and possible factors.

Findings

The results demonstrate that attitude has the most powerful effect on intention to use. In addition, social presence and perceived usefulness have significant effects on the intention to use. The results also demonstrate the crucial roles of perceived adaptivity and system quality on attitude. The factors examined in the study may be core features of user acceptance toward tele-presence systems with significant implications for improving and creating better and friendlier tele-presence systems for users.

Originality/value

This paper is of value to researchers designing and improving tele-operation and tele-presence services in the society.

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2012

Yu‐Chih Huang, Sheila J. Backman and Kenneth F. Backman

The virtual world environment presents new business opportunities for building destination images that allow customers to make an informed decision and initiate travel…

1549

Abstract

Purpose

The virtual world environment presents new business opportunities for building destination images that allow customers to make an informed decision and initiate travel arrangements. The purpose of this study is to investigate the applicability of flow theory and the concept of involvement in understanding the impacts of virtual experiences of Second Life on people's travel intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Undergraduate college students at Clemson University were chosen as participants and data was collected in April 2009, entailing 42 usable surveys.

Findings

The results validate the notion that flow is a useful and practical instrument to understand users' experiences while navigating the 3D virtual world of Second Life. The achievement of an engaging and pleasant experience in Second Life is influenced by three factors: the skills available to tackle challenging tasks, the perception of interactivity, and the degree of presence sensation perceived by customers. Furthermore, the findings indicated that flow experience mediated the association between involvement and people's behavioral intentions.

Originality/value

This study is a stepping stone on the road to investigating new marketing media, as more systematic research is needed to investigate the virtual experience and its effects on how travelers make decisions.

Details

Journal of Hospitality and Tourism Technology, vol. 3 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1757-9880

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 February 1999

36

Abstract

Details

Work Study, vol. 48 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0043-8022

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2005

Anna Kochan

Aims to review the CLAWAR 2004 conference on climbing and walking robots.

1124

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to review the CLAWAR 2004 conference on climbing and walking robots.

Design/methodology/approach

Selects key papers from the conference and presents a brief outline of the research undertaken and the conclusions reached.

Findings

The CLAWAR conference covered every aspect of climbing and walking robots including design, locomotion, navigation, actuation and control, sensors, tele‐operation and tele‐presence. Researchers spoke of robots for applications ranging from de‐mining, tank inspection and building cleaning to walking aids for the disabled.

Research limitations/implications

Focuses only on part of the CLAWAR 2004 conference, which featured some 120 presentations.

Practical implications

Climbing robots are starting to achieve practical applications such as cleaning building facades and windows.

Originality/value

Outlines trends in the development of climbing and walking robots.

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 32 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 June 2002

48

Abstract

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 May 2001

Ahmed K. Noor and Tamer M. Wasfy

An object‐oriented event‐driven immersive virtual environment is described for the creation of virtual labs (VLs) for simulating physical experiments. Discussion focuses on a…

Abstract

An object‐oriented event‐driven immersive virtual environment is described for the creation of virtual labs (VLs) for simulating physical experiments. Discussion focuses on a number of aspects of the VLs, including interface devices, software objects, and various applications. The VLs interface with output devices, including immersive stereoscopic screen(s) and stereo speakers; and a variety of input devices, including body tracking (head and hands), haptic gloves, wand, joystick, mouse, microphone, and keyboard. The VL incorporates the following types of primitive software objects: interface objects, support objects, geometric entities, and finite elements. Each object encapsulates a set of properties, methods, and events that define its behavior, appearance, and functions. A “container” object allows grouping of several objects. Applications of the VLs include viewing the results of the physical experiment, viewing a computer simulation of the physical experiment, simulation of the experiment’s procedure, computational steering, and remote control of the physical experiment. In addition, the VL can be used as a risk‐free (safe) environment for training. The implementation of virtual structures testing machines, virtual wind tunnels, and a virtual acoustic testing facility is described.

Details

Engineering Computations, vol. 18 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-4401

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 October 1999

Jerome C. Glenn and Theodore J. Gordon

This article presents a scenario based on the inputs of 550 futurists, scholars, business planners and policy advisers from around the world. Their views on global developments…

1124

Abstract

This article presents a scenario based on the inputs of 550 futurists, scholars, business planners and policy advisers from around the world. Their views on global developments were distilled into a range of issues, opportunities and actions to address. These have been woven together into a scenario based on achieving norms by 2050 that were identified and rated by Millennium Project participants from around the world. This scenario describes how technological success, human development, and economic/political policies achieved a global economy that appears to be environmentally sustainable while providing nearly all people with the basic necessities of life and the majority with a comfortable living. The resulting social stability has created a relatively peaceful world and allowed the exploration of possible futures for the second half of the 21st century.

Details

Foresight, vol. 1 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-6689

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 February 2023

Elian Eve Jentoft and Marit Haldar

Loneliness’ impact on health and wellbeing has emerged as a public health issue in several countries. Young people are increasingly understood as a ‘risk group’ and intervention…

Abstract

Purpose

Loneliness’ impact on health and wellbeing has emerged as a public health issue in several countries. Young people are increasingly understood as a ‘risk group’ and intervention target for loneliness-reduction. This research paper aims to present a discourse analysis of policies and political speech about young people and loneliness.

Design/methodology/approach

Using discourse analysis inspired by Carol Bacchi’s “What is the Problem Represented to Be” (WPR) approach, this cross-cultural analysis studies loneliness policy in the United Kingdom (UK) and Norway. In doing so, the authors ask: What is the problem of loneliness among young people represented to be in UK and Norwegian welfare policy?

Findings

The findings indicate paradoxical problematizations of the role technology plays among lonely young people, who, in this context, are divided in two categories: able normative and disabled youth. We reveal fundamental differences in beliefs about the impact of technology on these groups, and corresponding differences in the proposed solutions. The problem of young peoples’ loneliness is represented as uncertainty about potential harms of digital connectedness and reduced face-to-face interactions. In contrast, the problem of loneliness among disabled youth is represented as impeded access to social realms, with technology serving a benign role as equalizer.

Originality/value

Little research has examined this new policy field. The article contributes to filling this gap and encourages policymakers to consider how political discourses on loneliness may lead them to overlook digital interventions young people could find beneficial.

Details

International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, vol. 43 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-333X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 August 2002

Pingyu Jiang, Guanghui Zhou and Yong Liu

Extends the concept of e‐service to the whole phase of manufacturing. Develops an e‐service platform prototype based on this concept with Java Web solution including the mobile…

1304

Abstract

Extends the concept of e‐service to the whole phase of manufacturing. Develops an e‐service platform prototype based on this concept with Java Web solution including the mobile agent broking technologies and application service provider (ASP) principle. The key point to implement the platform is to enable an open Web information service infrastructure for the whole product manufacturing chain. Inside this infrastructure, product‐specific online manufacturing system can be created by means of using a kind of bidding model. All users participating in the manufacturing process are able to cooperatively finish manufacturing tasks in real time through sharing the same platform. With the help of BOM flow, the global information service flow can be controlled easily. In addition, the legacy hardware/software can also be encapsulated with aglets that are Java mobile agents. As to new ASP software packages, they can be configured simply via the plug and play mode to the e‐service platform. In this way, the on‐line networked manufacturing can be tested.

Details

Integrated Manufacturing Systems, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0957-6061

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 August 2001

Jon Rigelsford

32

Abstract

Details

Industrial Robot: An International Journal, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

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