Mean-Field Approximation to the Master Equation for Sympathetic Cooling of Trapped Bosons

We use the mean-field approximation to simplify the master equation for sympathetic cooling of Bosons. For the mean single-particle occupation numbers, this approach yields the same equations as the factorization assumption introduced in an erlier paper. The stationary or equilibrium solution of the resulting master equation for the one-body density matrix shows that the mean-field approximation breaks down whenever the fraction of condensate Bosons exceeds ten percent or so of the total. Using group-theoretical methods, we also solve the time-dependent master equation for the one-body density matrix. Given the time dependence of the mean single-particle occupation numbers, this solution is obtained by quadratures. It tends asymptotically towards the equilibrium solution.Comment: submitted to PR

The manifest association structure of the single-factor model: insights from partial correlations

The association structure between manifest variables arising from the single-factor model is investigated using partial correlations. The additional insights to the practitioner provided by partial correlations for detecting a single-factor model are discussed. The parameter space for the partial correlations is presented, as are the patterns of signs in a matrix containing the partial correlations that are not compatible with a single-factor model

The mediating effect of satisfaction: Does is influences loyalty concerning online tourism purchases?

This paper intends to investigate the influence of relationship marketing dimensions on online tourism customer satisfaction and to analyze the mediating effect of e-satisfaction level, on the relation between these determinants and the formation of loyalty. A questionnaire was applied to regular online buyers and the statistical analyses were conducted within the Structural Equation Modeling framework. The most important results have shown that there are three dimensions that significantly influence e-customer satisfaction – understanding customer needs, service quality and personalization. Also show that there is a complete mediating effect of ecustomer satisfaction in the relationship between the relationship marketing dimensions and e-customer loyalty. Thus, research results provide an important insight into how e-companies can pursuit and use delight to highlight customersinfo:eu-repo/semantics/submittedVersio

Online purchase determinants of loyalty: the mediating effect of satisfaction in tourism

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of four online purchase determinants (website image, routine, website knowledge and innovativeness) on customer loyalty and the mediating effect of customer satisfaction within the context of e-commerce. The research model is tested using data collected from 3188 regular buyers of the national leader in the sector being studied. The statistical analyses were conducted within the Structural Equation Modeling framework. Results show that there is a complete mediating effect of e-customer satisfaction in the relationship between three online purchase determinants (website image, online routine and website knowledge) and e-customer loyalty. The research results provide an important insight into how e-companies can pursuit and use delight to highlight customers' loyalty. These results allow for a better understanding of customer specificities, with practical actions aimed at their real needs and expectations.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

The relationships between portuguese banks and their customers in a recessionary context

Financial institutions were in the genesis of the crisis that led to the current recession. This study aims to understand better the relationship Portuguese people have with their banks in a recessionary context, as well as to provide knowledge that may contribute to the consumer behavior field of research linking to the Banking industry. Having that purpose in mind, a quantitative study was conducted using data gathered by questionnaire using a sample of 488 respondents, which was further complemented by the information collected applying Netnography. The overall analysis suggests that the impact of the crisis on the household financial situation throughout the last couple of years influences attitudes towards money and expenses. The way customers’ purchase and consumption behaviors were affected by crisis are, to some extent, positively related to their satisfaction with the main bank.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

How does economic crisis impact on family vacations?

PURPOSE: This study aims at improving the understanding of the behavior of Portuguese consumers regarding vacations in a severe recessionary context, as well as providing knowledge contributing to the consumer behavior field of research as far as the hospitality industry is concerned. DESIGN: Having that purpose in mind, a quantitative study was conducted using data gathered by questionnaire involving a sample of 450 respondents. Results of the quantitative analysis were further complemented with the information previously collected using Netnography. FINDINGS: The overall analysis suggests that the impact of the crisis on the household financial situation throughout the last couple of years influences decisions towards family vacations. When referring to attitudes toward money and expenses, the perception consumers have of how much their purchase and consumption behavior was affected by the crisis has a clear impact to the maximum amount spent on holidays, travel and tourism by the household. Indeed, nowadays customers better ponder every purchase they make, and they often imagine what they would do if they had more money – and, specifically, regarding tourism products. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: There is evidence of a significant relationship between the change in holiday plans and how much the household was affected by the crisis. Also, it is important to note that the main sources of information chosen by customers to base their decisions regarding changing holiday’s plans reflects their change in behavior, since the cheapest strategies to communicate and gather information are the ones most used: e-word of mouth and digital platforms.info:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Second-harmonic generation in vortex-induced waveguides

We study the second-harmonic generation and localization of light in a reconfigurable waveguide induced by an optical vortex soliton in a defocusing Kerr medium. We show that the vortex-induced waveguide greatly improves conversion efficiency from the fundamental to the second harmonic field.Comment: 3 pages, 4 figures, submitted to Optics Letter