2021
Authors
Silva, JHO; Mendes, GHS; Miguel, PCA; Amorim, M; Teixeira, JG;
Publication
JOURNAL OF SERVICE THEORY AND PRACTICE
Abstract
Purpose This article aims to synthesize and integrate current research on customer experience (CX), identifying the intellectual structure of the field, systematizing a conceptual framework and identifying future research opportunities. Design/methodology/approach To analyze 629 articles published in peer-reviewed journals in almost four decades, this study employs both bibliometric co-keyword and thematic literature analysis in a complementary way. Findings This article maps the CX literature by describing its intellectual structure in terms of three research domains (customer, organizational and technological), their corresponding most relevant research themes and topics. Moreover, this study develops a conceptual framework and research propositions to summarize and integrate the CX literature. This work recognizes technology as an important driver for the development of CX research. Lastly, this article provides future research opportunities for moving the field forward, considering an integrative view among domains. Originality/value This paper complements other reviews on CX by using a novel methodological approach (co-keyword and thematic analysis) that enables the identification and visualization of the CX intellectual structure. In addition, the study explores the increasing connection between technology and CX research, by raising evidence that technology, by continuously modifying services and consequently CX, has become a transversal component in the research field. These outcomes may be useful for academics and practitioners.
2021
Authors
Jahangiri, M; Mostafaeipour, A; Habib, HUR; Saghaei, H; Waqar, A;
Publication
JOURNAL OF ENGINEERING
Abstract
2021
Authors
Ferreira, TD; Novo, J; Bertolami, O; Silva, NA; Guerreiro, A;
Publication
NONLINEAR OPTICS AND APPLICATIONS XII
Abstract
The Theory of General Relativity is currently the most accepted model to describe gravity, and although many experiments and observations continue to validate it, recent astrophysical and cosmological observations require to include new forms of matter and energy (dark matter and dark energy), to be consistent. Modified theories of gravity with non-minimal coupling between curvature and matter are extensions of the Theory of General Relativity and have been proposed to address these shortcomings. Interestingly, matter at large scales behaves as a fluid and under certain approximations, the field equations can be approximated to a generalized Schrodinger-Newton system of equations. This model is largely found in the nonlinear optical systems, in particular to describe light propagating in nonlinear and nonlocal optical materials and also as a base model for the development of many optical analogues. Due to this, there are a wide variety of numerical methods developed to tackle this type of mathematical models, and that can be used to study these alternative gravity models. In this work, we explore the application of these numerical techniques based on GPGPU supercomputing, initially developed to study light propagating in nonlinear optical systems, to explore a particular non-minimal coupled gravity model. This model, in the nonrelativistic limit, modifies the hydrodynamic equations with the introduction of an attractive Yukawa potential and a repulsive one proportional to the matter density. We used the Schrodinger-Newton formalism to numerically study this model and, through the imaginary-time propagation method, we found stationary solutions that were sustained by the repulsive potential introduced by the non-minimal coupled model, even in the absence of a pressure term. We developed an analytical study in the Thomas-Fermi approximation and compared the predictions with numerical solutions. Finally, we explored how this gravity model may be emulated in the laboratory as an optical analogue.
2021
Authors
Fuentes, D; Correia, L; Costa, N; Reis, A; Ribeiro, J; Rabadao, C; Barroso, J; Pereira, A;
Publication
SENSORS
Abstract
The Portuguese population is aging at an increasing rate, which introduces new problems, particularly in rural areas, where the population is small and widely spread throughout the territory. These people, mostly elderly, have low income and are often isolated and socially excluded. This work researches and proposes an affordable Ambient Assisted Living (AAL)-based solution to monitor the activities of elderly individuals, inside their homes, in a pervasive and non-intrusive way, while preserving their privacy. The solution uses a set of low-cost IoT sensor devices, computer vision algorithms and reasoning rules, to acquire data and recognize the activities performed by a subject inside a home. A conceptual architecture and a functional prototype were developed, the prototype being successfully tested in an environment similar to a real case scenario. The system and the underlying concept can be used as a building block for remote and distributed elderly care services, in which the elderly live autonomously in their homes, but have the attention of a caregiver when needed.
2021
Authors
Carvalho, D; Rocha, T; Martins, P; Barroso, J;
Publication
INNOVATIVE TECHNOLOGIES AND LEARNING
Abstract
Dyscalculia is a specific neurological affliction that disrupts a person's ability to understand and manipulate numbers. We intend to develop a serious game for children who attend primary school (up to 4th grade) and whose purpose is making the learning of basic mathematics (simple arithmetic) easier, by introducing specific mathematical problems and educational games that stimulate memory, among other aspects. To that end, we undertook a straightforward and preliminary evaluation of the serious game developed and present its results. Indeed, we believe that the findings of our pilot case study can be useful to determine some perceptions that may be vital to understanding the problems with teaching mathematics and the issues students face in this regard.
2021
Authors
Saputro, TE; Figueira, G; Almada Lobo, B;
Publication
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
Abstract
In the current global market, managing supply is not a straightforward process and it becomes even more complex as uncertainty and disruptions occur. In order to mitigate their impact, the selection of suppliers of strategic items should have a more holistic view of the operations in the supply chain. We propose an integrated model for supplier selection, considering inventory management and inbound transportation. We approach this problem, incorporating stochastic demand and suppliers' imperfect quality. Imperfect quality triggers additional costs, including external failure and holding costs. Supply disruptions also affect the suppliers' lead time, resulting in delivery delays. We develop a methodology to address this challenge with simulation-optimisation. A genetic algorithm determines supplier selection decisions, while inventory decisions are computed analytically. Discrete-event simulation is used to evaluate the overall performance, as well as to update the lead time dynamically, according to the disruptions. Finally, sensitivity analysis providing managerial insights reveals that criteria in supplier selection should be given a different priority depending on the characteristics of the items, and the effectiveness of disruption mitigation strategies depends on the disruption characteristics.
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