1,721,949 research outputs found
Exploring the dimensions of technological anthropomorphism: insights into human-agent interaction and consumer behaviour
No full textImpact of digital agent’s types and humanoid features on para-social relationship: evidence of online gym exercises
No full textChoosing the perfect coach: real person, avatar, humanoid robot or robot dog? Empirical studies of para-social relationship formation in exercise experience
No full textWill social distancing in service encounters affect consumers’ value perception during the COVID-19 pandemic? The role of servicescape, self-efficacy, and technological intervention
Full text linkThis study investigates how physical and psychological distance from one's surroundings may influence one's perception of connectedness with the servicescape and, ultimately, perception of value. It also examines the effect of consumers’ techno-psychological differences and interaction modes on this distance–closeness relationship. The researchers develop and test a conceptual framework of how personal cognitive traits and technological intervention may alter consumers’ perceived connectedness to the servicescape and influence their perceived value in different service settings. Via a quasi-experiment design in three service scenarios, this research shows a synthetical effect of contactless technology in the distancing setting that may work more effectively on high self-efficiency customers to change their perceived closeness to the servicescape and further change their evaluation of the service. The findings reveal the practical implications of social distancing for different types of consumers in service encounters during or after the COVID-19 pandemic
Hydroxy-terminated polyether binders for composite rocket propellants
Full text linkPropellants based on cross-linked Hydroxy Terminated PolyEther (HTPE) binders are
being used as alternatives to Hydroxy Terminated PolyButadiene (HTPB) compositions.
HTPE propellants have similar mechanical properties to HTPB propellants but they give
a less severe response in ‘slow cook-off’ tests for IM compliance. A literature review is
presented on the development and properties of HTPE propellants in an attempt to place
them in relation to recent trends in Insensitive Munitions. To gain a better understanding
of the behaviour of HTPE propellants an HTPE pre-polymer and a range of binder
network samples with different NCO/OH equivalence ratios, with and without
plasticizer, have been synthesised and characterised by a range of techniques. The
thermal decomposition of the HTPE binder network and propellant samples were also
studied. Desmodur N-3200 was used as a curing agent and n-BuNENA as an energetic
plasticizer. Similar analyses were performed on analogous HTPB pre-polymer and
binder network samples and the results were compared with those obtained for the
corresponding HTPE samples. Two kinds of HTPE propellant were manufactured
containing HTPE pre-polymer, n-BuNENA, 2NDPA and either AP or AP+PSAN as
oxidiser. Also HTPB propellant was prepared. Small cook-off test vehicles (SCTV)
were filled with HTPE and HTPB propellants and slow cook-off tests were performed.
In contrast to HTPB binders, which become harder during slow heating, it was found
that the HTPE binders soften under the same conditions. This behaviour is possibly due
to chain scission of the soft and hard segments of the HTPE polymer matrix. Thermooxidative
processes and reactions of the energetic plasticizer decomposition products
are believed to be the responsible for the scission of the polymeric matrix. From the
binder characterisation and slow cook-off results it is concluded that there is a relation
between the degree of polymeric matrix scission during slow heating and the violence
of the response at the point of self ignition. This underlies the main difference between
HTPB and HTPE propellants in slow cook-off. While HTPB compositions become
harder and more brittle, HTPE propellants become softer and have a lower surface area
at the self ignition point
From virtual trainers to companions? Examining how digital agency types, anthropomorphism, and support shape para-social relationships in online fitness
No full textThe role of virtual trainers in online fitness has increasingly captured the attention of consumers and brands as digital technology becomes more interwoven with daily life. This study extends the para-social relationship theory by developing and testing a research model through five studies that simulate online fitness interactions. In Study 1, we examine the model and find that three characteristics (interactivity, authenticity, and companionship) positively influence consumers' social perceptions (perceived warmth and competence), para-social relationship building, and intentions to continue using the service. Our findings also reveal that the moderating roles of coach types (human vs. avatar vs. agent) in Study 2, anthropomorphic appearance levels (high vs. low) in Study 3, and the nature of support provided (emotional vs. technical) in Study 4 significantly affect users' social perceptions and their intentions to continue using the service. Interestingly, compared to humans and avatars, using agent coaches requires greater authenticity to strengthen the para-social relationship. When using low-anthropomorphic digital agents and avatars, building para-social relationships more effectively promotes consumers' continued usage intentions. Additionally, the relationship between para-social relationship building and continued usage intentions was stronger in the emotional support group than in the technical support group. In Study 5, we found that continued usage intention positively affects online fitness subscription behaviors. These findings have implications for integrating digital agencies to enhance consumer experience and engagement in health-focused digital environments, especially for physical fitness service providers and platform course designers.</p
Psilocybe chuxiongensis, a new bluing species from subtropical China
No full textMa, Tao, Feng, Ying, Lin, Xiao-Fei, Karunarathna, Samantha C., Ding, Wei-Feng, Hyde, Kevin D. (2014): Psilocybe chuxiongensis, a new bluing species from subtropical China. Phytotaxa 156 (4): 211-220, DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.156.4.3, URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.156.4.
Going Beyond Counting First Authors in Author Co-citation Analysis
Full text linkThe present study examines one of the fundamental aspects of author co-citation analysis (ACA) - the way co-citation
counts are defined. Co-citation counting provides the data on which all subsequent statistical analyses and mappings
are based, and we compare ACA results based on two different types of co-citation counting - the traditional type that
only counts the first one among a cited work's authors on the one hand and a non-traditional type that takes into
account the first 5 authors of a cited work on the other hand. Results indicate that the picture produced through this non-traditional author co-citation counting contains more coherent author groups and is therefore considerably clearer. However, this picture represents fewer specialties in the research field being studied than that produced through the traditional first-author co-citation counting when the same number of top-ranked authors is selected and analyzed. Reasons for these effects are discussed
How does distance matter to third-place experience? Role of seat arrangements and social distancing signages
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