Search results for "Computer Science Application"
showing 10 items of 3998 documents
The role of information technology in relationships between travel agencies and their suppliers
2010
PurposeIn the context of relationship marketing, it is highly important for providers to identify the main buyer relational benefits influencing satisfaction and loyalty so that a continuous and satisfactory business relationship is guaranteed. Since it has been reported that information technology (IT) might constitute a source of satisfaction or dissatisfaction, this paper aims to test the moderating role of IT in the relationships between perceived benefits, satisfaction and loyalty in a business‐to‐business (B2B) setting.Design/methodology/approachA structural equations model was empirically tested. Additionally, the moderating role of IT in the relationships between perceived relationa…
The use of ICT in established and emerging tourist destinations: a comparative analysis in hotels
2013
Purpose – Information and communication technologies (ICT) may represent an important source of advantages for service companies. However, the literature suggests that ICT need to be adapted to the demands of the company and its customers. The purpose of this paper is to compare the ICT use in hotels situated in established (i.e. Spain) and emerging (i.e. Croatia) tourist destinations. Design/methodology/approach – Non-hierarchical cluster analysis is performed. Clusters are internally validated by a K-Means cluster analysis and a discriminant analysis. Analysis of variance is applied and contingency tables between cluster membership and hotel characteristics are created. Findings – The res…
A combined single range and single image device for low-cost measurement of building facade features
2008
The dimensions of building facades and window apertures are usually determined by making direct measurements using tapes and plummets. This approach, however, has a number of drawbacks including the physical risk to which the persons making the measurements are exposed. This paper proposes an indirect approach based on close range photogrammetry that is inexpensive, simple, fast and safe, and which does not require specialist staff or direct ground control measurements. The method is based on taking a picture using a digital camera and measuring the distance to the object using a handheld laser distance meter. Both items of equipment are mounted on a specially designed support that allows t…
Using a neural network for qualitative and quantitative predictions of weld integrity in solid bonding dominated processes
2014
Solid-state bonding occurs in several manufacturing processes, as Friction Stir Welding, Porthole Die Extrusion and Roll Bonding. Proper conditions of pressure, temperature, strain and strain rate are needed in order to get effective bonding in the final component. In the paper, a neural network is set up, trained and used to predict the bonding occurrence starting from the results of specific numerical models developed for each process. The Plata-Piwnik criterion was used in order to define a quantitative parameter taking into account the effectiveness of the bonding. Excellent predictive capability of the network is obtained for each process.
Finite-element simulation of residual stress induced by split-sleeve cold-expansion process of holes
2008
A three-dimensional finite-element simulation was conducted for a split-sleeve cold-expansion process in order to determine the residual stress field around an expanded hole. The commercial FEA software DEFORM-3D™, a Lagrangian implicit code designed for metal forming processes, was used to model the cold-expansion process of a fastener hole. The results show a through-thickness residual stress field in good agreement with the analytical solution developed by Guo. Moreover, the simulation has highlighted the effect of the split sleeve and the plate thickness on the residual stress field. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Analytical bonding criteria for joint integrity prediction in friction stir welding of aluminum alloys
2014
Abstract In this study, two bonding criteria, previously used for porthole die extrusion, are applied to FSW starting from the local value of the main field variables calculated through a specifically developed 3D numerical model of the process. Their applicability and effectiveness have been assessed through an experimental and numerical campaign carried out with the main process parameters varying in a wide range. The pressure–time–flow criterion was demonstrated to be better suited for FSW processes when large welding speed is used.
A Qualitative-Quantitative Approach to V-Belt Mechanics
1996
A simplified formulation is adopted for the theoretical problem of tension distribution and radial penetration of a V-belt along the pulley groove. The trajectory portrait of the second order differential system describing the belt behavior is carefully analyzed and asymptotic approximations for the tension solutions are derived which are well suited for design purposes.
Helical Shift Mechanics of Rubber V-Belt Variators
2011
A very common configuration of V-belt variators for motorcycles considers the correction of the belt tensioning depending on the resistant torque by means of suitable helical-shaped tracks allowing the driven half-pulleys to close/open. The theoretical model for belt-pulley coupling is rather complex for this configuration, where one half-pulley may run in advance and the other one behind with respect to the belt, and requires the repeated numerical solution of a strongly nonlinear differential system by a sort of shooting technique, until all the operating conditions are fulfilled (angular contact extent, torque, and axial force). After solving the full equations, the present study develop…
Circulating Levels of Ferritin, RDW, PTLs as Predictive Biomarkers of Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation Risk after Cardiac Surgery in Extracorporeal …
2022
Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is the most common arrhythmia after cardiac surgery in conventional extracorporeal circulation (CECC), with an incidence of 15–50%. The POAF pathophysiology is not known, and no blood biomarkers exist. However, an association between increased ferritin levels and increased AF risk, has been demonstrated. Based on such evidence, here, we evaluated the effectiveness of ferritin and other haematological parameters as POAF risk biomarkers in patients subjected to cardiac surgery. We enrolled 105 patients (mean age = 70.1 ± 7.1 years; 70 men and 35 females) with diverse heart pathologies and who were subjected to cardiothoracic surgery. Their blood sample…
Measurement of three-dimensional mirror parameters by polarization imaging applied to catadioptric camera calibration
2008
International audience; We present a new efficient method for calibration of cata- dioptric sensors. The method is based on an accurate measurement of the three-dimensional parameters of the mirror through polariza- tion imaging. While inserting a rotating polarizer between the cam- era and the mirror, the system is automatically calibrated without any calibration patterns. Moreover, this method permits most of the constraints related to the calibration of catadioptric systems to be relaxed. We show that, contrary to our system, the traditional meth- ods of calibration are very sensitive to misalignment of the camera axis and the symmetry axis of the mirror. From the measurement of three-di…