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1 – 10 of over 38000Pedro Pimpão, Antónia Correia, João Duque and Carlos Zorrinho
This chapter aims to assess how effective loyalty programs are in contributing to retaining guests for hotels. The effectiveness is measured by means of a Bass model which allows…
Abstract
This chapter aims to assess how effective loyalty programs are in contributing to retaining guests for hotels. The effectiveness is measured by means of a Bass model which allows the measurement of the diffusion patterns of adopters within potential adopters. The data used to perform this model allow the depiction of the effect of geographical localization over a time frame of three years. Results suggest that the loyalty card’s acceptance was measured from the internal and external parameters, based on the concept of diffusion theory. The results indicated a need for innovation of the loyalty program from 2019. Due to the existence of several hotels with different typologies in different countries, a segmentation of clients by nationalities is suggested with a “waterfall” strategy being placed in the hotel chain loyalty program.
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Yongjiang Xue, Wei Wang and Qingzeng Song
The primary objective of this study is to tackle the enduring challenge of preserving feature integrity during the manipulation of geometric data in computer graphics. Our work…
Abstract
Purpose
The primary objective of this study is to tackle the enduring challenge of preserving feature integrity during the manipulation of geometric data in computer graphics. Our work aims to introduce and validate a variational sparse diffusion model that enhances the capability to maintain the definition of sharp features within meshes throughout complex processing tasks such as segmentation and repair.
Design/methodology/approach
We developed a variational sparse diffusion model that integrates a high-order L1 regularization framework with Dirichlet boundary constraints, specifically designed to preserve edge definition. This model employs an innovative vertex updating strategy that optimizes the quality of mesh repairs. We leverage the augmented Lagrangian method to address the computational challenges inherent in this approach, enabling effective management of the trade-off between diffusion strength and feature preservation. Our methodology involves a detailed analysis of segmentation and repair processes, focusing on maintaining the acuity of features on triangulated surfaces.
Findings
Our findings indicate that the proposed variational sparse diffusion model significantly outperforms traditional smooth diffusion methods in preserving sharp features during mesh processing. The model ensures the delineation of clear boundaries in mesh segmentation and achieves high-fidelity restoration of deteriorated meshes in repair tasks. The innovative vertex updating strategy within the model contributes to enhanced mesh quality post-repair. Empirical evaluations demonstrate that our approach maintains the integrity of original, sharp features more effectively, especially in complex geometries with intricate detail.
Originality/value
The originality of this research lies in the novel application of a high-order L1 regularization framework to the field of mesh processing, a method not conventionally applied in this context. The value of our work is in providing a robust solution to the problem of feature degradation during the mesh manipulation process. Our model’s unique vertex updating strategy and the use of the augmented Lagrangian method for optimization are distinctive contributions that enhance the state-of-the-art in geometry processing. The empirical success of our model in preserving features during mesh segmentation and repair presents an advancement in computer graphics, offering practical benefits to both academic research and industry applications.
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Li Liu, Chunhua Zhang, Ping Hu, Sheng Liu and Zhiwen Chen
This paper aims to investigate the moisture diffusion behavior in a system-in-package module systematically by moisture-thermalmechanical-coupled finite element modeling with…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate the moisture diffusion behavior in a system-in-package module systematically by moisture-thermalmechanical-coupled finite element modeling with different structure parameters under increasingly harsh environment.
Design/methodology/approach
A finite element model for a system-in-package module was built with moisture-thermal-mechanical-coupled effects to study the subsequences of hygrothermal conditions.
Findings
It was found in this paper that the moisture diffusion path was mainly dominated by hygrothermal conditions, though structure parameters can affect the moisture distribution. At lower temperatures (30°C~85°C), the direction of moisture diffusion was from the periphery to the center of the module, which was commonly found in simulations and literatures. However, at relatively higher temperatures (125°C~220°C), the diffusion was from printed circuit board (PCB) to EMC due to the concentration gradient from PCB to EMC across the EMC/PCB interface. It was also found that there exists a critical thickness for EMC and PCB during the moisture diffusion. When the thickness of EMC or PCB increased to a certain value, the diffusion of moisture reached a stable state, and the concentration on the die surface in the packaging module hardly changed. A quantified correlation between the moisture diffusion coefficient and the critical thickness was then proposed for structure parameter optimization in the design of system-in-package module.
Originality/value
The different moisture diffusion behaviors at low and high temperatures have seldom been reported before. This work can facilitate the understanding of moisture diffusion within a package and offer some methods about minimizing its effect by design optimization.
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Hui‐Chih Wang and Her‐Sen Doong
Taiwan is one of several leading countries in the mobile music context. Accordingly, Taiwan's experiences in promoting mobile music service diffusion are of importance and…
Abstract
Purpose
Taiwan is one of several leading countries in the mobile music context. Accordingly, Taiwan's experiences in promoting mobile music service diffusion are of importance and interest to international practitioners and researchers. Applying Rogers' innovation diffusion theory, this study aims to employ econometric models to investigate whether the diffusion of mobile music service adoption is affected by external influences (e.g. mass media advertising, salespeople, and service providers), internal influences (e.g. interactions and imitations among acquaintances), or a combination of such influences.
Design/methodology/approach
To determine which influence best explained the diffusion of mobile music adoptions, the external, internal, and Von Bertalanffy mixed influence diffusion models were tested in this study. GNUS, a strongly functional language and environment to statistically explore data sets, was used to estimate the parameters of each model. The performance of each diffusion model was then examined using the Akaike AIC and Schwarz BIC statistics.
Findings
Findings indicated that the Von Bertalanffy mixed influences model best describes the diffusion pattern of mobile music service adoption and that acquaintances' influence in terms of interactions is the dominant factor influencing mobile music service adoption decision in Taiwan.
Originality/value
How managers of a mobile music service provider can use the internal and external influences interchangeably to effectively accelerate the mobile music diffusion at the different stage of product lifecycle is presented in this study. Indeed, the mobile music service is one of the most important industries worldwide not only because its penetration rate in many countries is over 50 percent, but also because of its killer applications. In light of this, the study contributes highly to theoretical and empirical examinations because the diffusion of the mobile music services within a society is the essence of the development/usage of the m‐commerce or music industries.
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M.T. HEARNE, T.G. ROGERS and B. TUCK
A simple approach is developed for modelling the distribution of dopant in crystals grown by the Czochralski technique. Allowance is made for the temperature dependence of the…
Abstract
A simple approach is developed for modelling the distribution of dopant in crystals grown by the Czochralski technique. Allowance is made for the temperature dependence of the diffusivity and for the diffusion of dopant behind the moving boundary. It is found that the effect can make a significant difference to the final dopant distribution. The diffusion process is modelled using a discrete method, previously developed for situations in which the boundary is static.
The microstructure and properties of Zn-Sn coating on sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets were investigated by the grain boundary diffusion process, to improve the corrosion resistance of…
Abstract
Purpose
The microstructure and properties of Zn-Sn coating on sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets were investigated by the grain boundary diffusion process, to improve the corrosion resistance of magnet surface and explore the feasibility of realizing the lower-temperature grain boundary diffusion.
Design/methodology/approach
The Zn-Sn coating was deposited on sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets by magnetron sputtering, and then the Zn-Sn coated magnets were put into the vacuum tube furnace for grain boundary diffusion process. The morphology and structure of Zn-Sn coating as well as its mechanical properties and corrosion resistance were investigated.
Findings
Results showed that the particle size of vacuum diffusion-treated Zn-Sn coating increased and the particle agglomeration was weakened with increasing diffusion temperature, and the non-vacuum diffusion-treated Zn-Sn coating was oxidized to generate SnO2 and ZnO compounds. The binding force of coating first increased and then decreased with increasing diffusion temperature, and the maximum binding force was obtained at 540 °C. The binding force and corrosion resistance of non-vacuum diffusion-treated Zn-Sn coating were higher than the vacuum diffusion-treated Zn-Sn coating at the same diffusion temperature.
Originality/value
The Zn-Sn coating after diffusion treatment can provide complete protection, and the coating elements diffusion can be carried out at the same temperature as the secondary aging of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets. Simultaneously, further diffusion process optimization needs to be completed because the diffusion depth is very low and only about 10 µm, which does not meet the requirements of traditional grain boundary diffusion method.
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Evgeny L. Pankratov and Elena A. Bulaeva
It has been recently shown that diffusion of dopant during doping of inhomogeneous structure could be accelerated or decelerated in comparison with diffusion of dopant in…
Abstract
Purpose
It has been recently shown that diffusion of dopant during doping of inhomogeneous structure could be accelerated or decelerated in comparison with diffusion of dopant in structure with averaged diffusion coefficient. As a continuation of previous work, the purpose of this paper is to introduce an approach of estimating the limited value of acceleration of the dopant diffusion by choosing the dependence of the dopant diffusion coefficient on the coordinates.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors analyzed relaxation of concentration of dopant during diffusion in inhomogeneous material. The authors determine conditions for maximal acceleration and deceleration of diffusion of dopant. The authors introduced analytical approach for analysis of dopant diffusion in inhomogeneous material.
Findings
The authors determine conditions for maximal acceleration and deceleration of diffusion of dopant.
Originality/value
It has been shown that dopant diffusion could be decelerated essentially to a greater extent, rather than accelerated.
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This paper gives a selective review on some recent developments of nonparametric methods in both continuous and discrete time finance, particularly in the areas of nonparametric…
Abstract
This paper gives a selective review on some recent developments of nonparametric methods in both continuous and discrete time finance, particularly in the areas of nonparametric estimation and testing of diffusion processes, nonparametric testing of parametric diffusion models, nonparametric pricing of derivatives, nonparametric estimation and hypothesis testing for nonlinear pricing kernel, and nonparametric predictability of asset returns. For each financial context, the paper discusses the suitable statistical concepts, models, and modeling procedures, as well as some of their applications to financial data. Their relative strengths and weaknesses are discussed. Much theoretical and empirical research is needed in this area, and more importantly, the paper points to several aspects that deserve further investigation.
John Lindgren and Kristian Widén
This study aims to focus on a reinforcement supplier’s efforts to diffuse solutions, more or less innovative, in the construction sector to gain understanding of what facilitates…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to focus on a reinforcement supplier’s efforts to diffuse solutions, more or less innovative, in the construction sector to gain understanding of what facilitates and complicates innovation diffusion from a supplier perspective.
Design/Methodology/Approach
The interpretative research presented builds on 28 semi-structured interviews with the supplier and its customers and document studies. The research emphasizes dynamics in the diffusion process and rests on the assumption that the innovation content, innovation context and the innovation process interacts in the diffusion process.
Findings
The findings and the contribution from the study provide significant details concerning how the dimensions interact and how the diffusion process may unfold over time, but also that different solutions interact to push diffusion forward.
Research Limitations/Implications
The study relates to one supplier’s work and the interplay implies uniqueness in different cases. Studies in other contexts could, therefore, also be suitable to develop findings and their transferability.
Practical Implications
The study provides understanding for suppliers diffusing innovations in construction on how to act.
Originality/Value
A major contribution from the study is that it puts emphasis on how the diffusion process proceeds in interaction with its content and context and problematizes this dimension. Furthermore, the importance of nuancing sub-contexts to display decisive factors in the diffusion process is emphasized.
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Seleshi Sisaye and Jacob G. Birnberg
Researchers in the social sciences have studied the process by which new ideas are adopted (implemented) and how acceptance is generated among those charged with accepting and…
Abstract
Researchers in the social sciences have studied the process by which new ideas are adopted (implemented) and how acceptance is generated among those charged with accepting and implementing an innovation. Sociology, in particular, has developed an extensive literature on diffusion analysis which examines how innovations are diffused (see Coleman, Katz, & Menzel, 1966; Leagans & Loomis, 1971; Rogers, 1971; Rogers & Shoemaker, 1971). While many of these studies dealt with the adoption and diffusion of a new product, for example, seed corn or drugs, the same analysis has been applied to process innovations, that is, system and organizational change.