Semi-active inerters using magnetorheological fluid: a feasibility study

An inerter is a mechanical analogue to a capacitor, where the force across the device is proportional to relative, rather than absolute, acceleration. This concept can offer attractive performance in a wide variety of engineering vibration problems, because the engineer can tune the device without dramatically increasing the physical mass of the structure. Consequently, there have been many studies over the last two decades that have explored their application to bridge vibrations, seismic isolation of tall buildings, vehicle suspensions, and other engineering problems. Several configurations of inerter systems have been proposed, typically involving the inerter in a vibration absorber, or by using the inerter as part of an isolation system. However, to date there have been limited studies that have explored the combination of inerters with semi-active devices such as magnetorheological fluid dampers. Furthermore, because one manifestation of inerters involves the use of hydraulic fluid, it is possible for magnetorheological effects to be integrated into the inerter itself. The present study investigates the feasibility of this approach for practical scenarios. A quasi-static model is developed, combining an existing model of a fluid inerter with simplified models for magnetorheological fluids. The trade-off between damping performance and inerter performance is explored. The model is then used in a case study, where its potential use in a control strategy known as a parallel-layout inerter damper is investigated

Differences in consumer decision-making styles among selected south-east European countries

Fast changes in retailing and complex consumer decision-making processes have increased the need for additional investigation of differences and similarities in consumer decision-making styles (CDMS) in various countries. This paper tests the reliability and validity of Sproles and Kendall’s Consumer Style Inventory (CSI) instrument, identifies and compares CDMS in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Macedonia (FYR). Data obtained from surveys conducted among university students in observed countries (n = 1.206) were analysed by using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and the analysis of variance (ANOVA). The results provided support for six factors, which means that the original US eight-model cannot be fully applied in this region. Croatian consumers are the least brand-conscious and novelty-fashion conscious. Macedonian consumers are the most quality-conscious, brand-conscious, novelty-fashion conscious, recreational shopping conscious and brand-loyal, while Bosnian consumers are the most confused by overchoice. The traits of price consciousness and impulsiveness were not tested because of lack of reliability among items. The paper provides guidelines for marketers on how to position and more effectively advertise their products and services in analysed countries

Measuring Corporate Social Responsibility in tourism: Development and validation of an efficient measurement scale in the hospitality industry.

ABSTRAC: This article aims at developing an efficient measurement scale for corporate social responsibility in the tourism industry, given the contextual character that is recognized in the practice of this construct. Indicators were generated on the basis of a literature review and qualitative research. To assess the reliability and validity, first- and second-order confirmatory factor analysis were carried out. Results show a multidimensional structure of this construct—including economic, social, and environmental issues. This study contributes to the advancement of knowledge in the field of social responsibility through its practical application regarding concepts of sustainable development which have mainly been theoretical

Diffusion of organizational innovations in manufacturing companies. A German-Croatian cross-country comparison: Presentation held at POMS 19th Annual Conference, La Lolla, California, May 9 to May 12, 2008

The ability to modernize manufacturing processes by implementing organizational innovations is crucial for achieving high performance. We assume that the successful implementation of organizational innovations builds one of the major competitive advantages of large manufacturing industries compared to smaller countries with less developed manufacturing industries and want to test it by comparing German manufacturing companies to Croatian ones. This paper presents a cross-national comparison of the diffusion of selected organizational innovations as Continuous Improvement Process, Team Work in Production, Simultaneous Engineering, Kanban, EFQM Model etc. The results are based on the answers of 1 280 German and 59 Croatian manufacturing companies participating with a filled in questionnaire in the survey 2006, specifically developed for collecting data on the types and the extent of process innovations activities. The comparison of innovative organizational activities between these two very different countries gives raise to very interesting conclusions