bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialogues on the Theory of Reward for the Good and Retribution for the Evil during Late Ming and Early Qing Dynasties
Authors: Xiao Qinghe
Published: June 2024

The theory of reward for the good and retribution for the evil (善恶报应) was one of the key issues in the dialogue between Catholicism and indigenous religions in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties. Under the monotheistic framework, Catholicism advocates a supernatural God for rewarding good and punishing evil. It thus had a more logical and rigorous theological argumentation at its disposal in its exchanges and dialogues with Chinese native religions on the standards of good and evil, the question of who has the right to reward and punish, the consequences of reward and retribution, and so on. This article begins by analyzing the Confucian theory of stimulus-response between the heaven and human beings (天人感应). Secondly, it sketches the views expressed by the theories of reward for the good and retribution for the evil in Buddhism and Taoism. Then, it discusses the Catholic views on rewarding good and punishing evil during late Ming and early Qing, and also examines the responses of the native religions of China to the Catholic views on rewarding good and punishing evil. Finally, it summarizes the similarities and differences of the theories of reward for the good and retribution for the evil between Catholicism and Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. As for the intention to do good, there were some commonalities between Catholicism and Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism in the movement to promote good deeds during late Ming and early Qing. However, they were distinct in the perspective of the standards of good and evil, the subjects of retribution, and the roles of individuals in retribution, which caused the conflicts between Catholicism and its opponents in China. The introduction of the Catholic theory of reward for the good and retribution for the evil has undoubtedly further enriched Chinese religious thoughts since the late Ming dynasty.
Himma, a Pivotal Concept between Psychology and Politics
Authors: Aouad Maroun , Woerther Frédérique
Published: June 2024

In several passages of the Arabic commentaries on Aristotle’s Rhetoric, the Greek term hexis (gr. ἕξις, stable disposition to produce certain acts) is rendered by himma (aspiration), whose definition is taken in a politico-psychological sense. Other passages of these commentaries and other works of philosophy written in Arabic attest for the presence of himma with the same meaning, and with significant frequency and in crucial passages – despite the term’s absence from the indexes of modern editions of these texts. The present article proposes an exhaustive study of the definitions of himma employed in its politico-psychological sense and of its characteristics outside the definitions before comparing it, on the one hand, with other acceptions of himma – ṣiġar al-himma (pusillanimity), kibar al-himma (magnanimity), the himmas as different energies of the soul, the himma according to the sūfīs, the himma at the source of the himmas – and, on the other hand, with the Aristotelian hexis, with malaka, and with the Stoic hexis. Finally, we attempt to identify the origines of the concept of himma in its politico-psychological sense.
الحياة الدينية بيْن الفلسفة واللاهوت: في البَحث عن الجذور اللاهوتية لـ“الدازاين“ عند هايدغر الشاب
Authors: فازيو نبيل
Published: June 2024

ملخص

‫غايتنا من هذه الدراسة الوقوف على الكيفية التي أفاد بها هايدغر في بناء تصوره للفلسفة والحياة الدينية في المرحلة المبكرة من مساره الفلسفي، وذلك من خلال الوقوف على المنظور الفلسفي الذي بلوره في سياق تأويله لمصادر فكره اللاهوتية على ضوء رؤيته الفلسفية التي استقاها من دراسته لفلسفة القيم والمنطق، كما من دراسته للفلسفة المسيحية في العصر الوسيط، والتي انتهت إلى اعتبار مشكلة الحياة محور تفكيره الفلسفي في هذه الفترة. لم تكن فلسفة هايدغر لاهوتا فلسفيا، لأنها استطاع حفظ المسافة الفاصلة بين المنظور اللاهوتي والمنظور الفلسفي وشدد على ضرورة التمييز بينهما في فهمنا للإنسان ووجوده. لكنها لم تكن فلسفة منقطعة الصلة باللاهوت؛ لأنه نهل من هذا الأخير في بناء إشكالية فلسفته المبكرة والانتقال منها صوب السؤال المحوري الذي هيمن على مساره الفلسفي اللاحق؛ سؤال الوجود وحقيقته.‬
A March Around the Block: A Theological Basis for Action in the Realm of Choice
Authors: Paul Zachary
Published: June 2024

This essay draws a double parallel between two juxtaposed concepts. The first is between sections of modern Christianity, who use political power and force to deny people’s rights and create suffering by restricting or removing their freedom to choose, and classes depicted in the Gospel (namely Pharisees and Romans) who use power and force as a means to create barriers and domination, both of them dependent on specific, potentially flawed readings of Scripture. The second is between people such as myself, an Episcopalian lay leader in my church and supporter of a person’s right to choose an abortion, and the original followers of Jesus, who employed a ministry of action based around embracing all humanity in a drive to create a more equitable world and physically show love and acceptance to those struggling under secular domination and oppression.
The Facade of Control: The Political and Military Backlash to Curfews During Civil Conflicts
Authors: Canavan Miceal , Turkoglu Oguzhan
Published: June 2024

Curfews are commonly used by governments to control restive populations during conflict, but are they effective? Although the primary goal for governments is to increase military advantage, they also cause significant disruptions to civilian life which may provoke a backlash. In this study, we analyze the effect of curfews on public attitudes and rebel attacks in Turkey. Exploiting the closeness of two national elections and the implementation of curfews between these elections, we employ novel data in a difference-in-difference analysis to examine effects on voting and violence. Our results show that curfews provoke a dual backlash effect. First, they decrease support for the ruling party and increase support for Kurdish and Turkish national opposition parties in the areas where they are implemented. Second, they increase the number of rebel attacks in the areas that experience a curfew. This paper provides robust evidence for the backlash effects of indiscriminate non-violent tactics.
Choice, Social Structure, and Crime
Authors: Barnum Timothy C. , van Gelder Jean-Louis
Published: June 2024

On May 22 to 23, 2023, a workshop held at the Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law explored the gap between macro-level sociological perspectives and micro-level rational choice perspectives in criminology. The current special issue is the fruit of that effort. Three main themes—structural and cultural constraints, economic opportunities and criminal justice involvement, and moral and ethical contexts—are examined in seven empirical contributions. Together, the studies underscore the notion that while rational choice and sociological theories are often viewed as conflicting and examined separately, they are in fact compatible, and even complementary, aspects of larger social processes. Future research is encouraged to adopt a comprehensive approach encompassing both micro and macro explanations.
Visits as a Catalyst for Prison Program Engagement
Authors: Nur Alexandra V.
Published: June 2024

Evidence suggests that visits act as a mechanism to restrain antisocial behavior within prison settings. However, evidence that visits may promote prosocial behavior, such as program engagement, is less prevalent. Using a random sample of incarcerated men, the current study uses multilevel logistic regression models to determine whether the presence and quality of visits during a period of program enrollment is associated with an increase in the odds of completing the enrollment period. Results suggest that experiencing a visit during enrollment, especially when visits involve multiple persons, increases the likelihood of completing the enrollment period. These results hold even when accounting for prior visitation experiences. Implications of these findings support widening the availability of visit opportunities and modalities.
Incorporating point cloud failure criterion in an orthotropic visco-elastic-plastic material model
Authors: Maurya Ashutosh , Rajan Subramaniam D.
Published: June 2024

A new failure criterion is developed to improve modeling of orthotropic structural composites subjected to quasi-static and impact loadings. Rather than using an analytical expression to predict failure that traditionally has been employed, a point cloud failure surface is constructed in the stress/strain space using a multi-scale modeling scheme based on a combination of virtual and laboratory testing. At the microscale, the constituent components of the composite are used in modeling a representative volume element (RVE) that is subjected to multi-axial state of stress until the first failure in the RVE is detected. A volumetric homogenization scheme is used to obtain the corresponding meso-scale properties for use at the meso or structural scales. During finite element analysis, the point cloud data is queried to check if the current state of stress in the finite element is inside or outside the failure surface using k-nearest neighbor ( k-NN) classification concept. The failure criterion is implemented in an explicit finite element program as a part of the failure sub-model. A representative unidirectional composite is used to illustrate the developed procedure for two structural systems using thin shell finite elements – stacked-ply tests involving tensile and compressive loading at quasi-static, room temperature conditions, and a flat panel that is subjected to impact loading. Numerical results compare favorably with experimentally obtained results showing improved predictions compared to existing failure models. The developed multi-scale point cloud concept shows promise and potentially the developed framework can be extended to support a variety of composite architectures.
A novel distributed meta-module motion design for modular robotic systems based on grid partition method
Authors: Guan Enguang , Wang Yao , Zhang Yulong , Zhao Yanzheng
Published: June 2024

This article studies a meta-module motion design approach for homogenous modular robotic systems in self-configuration. By utilizing configuration diversity, scalability and unit-substitutability, homogenous modular robotic systems can be a promising approach to life detection and space exploration in the future. Based on the requirements of the potential applications, self-configuration can be considered as the precondition. As similar to swarm robotic systems, the distributed control strategy in which the modular robots are operated in a sequence of motion circles consist of ‘detection’– ‘decision’– ‘execution’ is of great significance. However, there is a limitation to the applicability of previously proposed work on the self-configuration topic, due to the fact that the self-configuration strategy execution suffers from the motion constraints of modular robots. In order to solve the problem, we propose a grid partition method that removes the gap between the locomotion of a single modular robot and the reconfiguration of the whole system. Under the analysis of the grid partition, the meta-module motion design is proposed to realize the distributed self-configuration strategy. We simulated the self-configuration in M-Lattice, a two-dimensional homogenous modular robotic system.
Comparison of red blood cell transfusions and hemostatic transfusions and their relation to thromboses in pediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy
Authors: Martinez Michael J , Romero Tahmineh , Federman Myke D
Published: June 2024

Objective

To evaluate the association of RBC transfusions with thrombosis in pediatric patients on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and compare this with the transfusion of other blood products and their association with thrombosis.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of the Bleeding and Thrombosis during ECMO (BATE) study, which was a multicenter prospective observational study involving patients less than 19 years of age treated with ECMO.

Results

514 patients were analyzed, of which 282 (55%) were neonates (≤31 days) and 302 (58.7%) were male. When analyzing the entire cohort independently of other blood products, each 10 mL/kg of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) was associated with a 1.0% increase in the average number of thromboses (1.010; 1.008,1.013; p < .001). In neonates, each 10 mL/kg of PRBC was associated with a 0.9% increase in the average number of thromboses (1.009; 1.003,1.013; p < .001). In pediatric patients, each 10 mL/kg of PRBC was associated with a 1.2% increase in the average number of thromboses (1.012; 1.008,1.012; p < .001). The percent increase in the average number of thromboses was similar between PRBCs, platelets, and FFP, but increased significantly with cryoprecipitate.

Conclusions

RBC transfusions and hemostatic transfusions are likely associated with thromboses in pediatric patients on ECMO.
Trends in Toronto’s Subway Ridership Recovery: An Exploratory Analysis of Wi-Fi Records
Authors: Chen Roger , Shalaby Amer , Silva Diego Da
Published: June 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic has left major shifts in transit usage patterns on systems around the world in its aftermath. Unfortunately, the lack of detailed post-pandemic data on passenger travel habits has limited transit agencies’ ability to respond to trends and leverage new travel markets. The rollout of wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) services at stations and onboard vehicles presents a potential solution, as Wi-Fi device connections can be used to provide very detailed information on customers’ origins, destinations, exact route, and travel time, which in turn can be aggregated by time and geography to reveal broader trends. This study presents an exploratory analysis based on such Wi-Fi data to investigate post-COVID ridership recovery trends on the Toronto subway system, demonstrating that Wi-Fi connections can be a credible proxy for overall ridership. The data show that downtown office commuting has been the slowest-recovering travel market, with local riders in suburban areas, off-peak riders, and discretionary riders returning to the subway system at higher rates. The data also confirm past research findings that less affluent and non-office workers were the fastest to return to transit.
Study on Characteristics and Evaluation of the Fusion Behavior Between New and Aged Asphalt Interface
Authors: Zhu Yunsheng , Cheng Boyong , Liu Yang , Wang Kaifeng , Wang Kai
Published: June 2024

To quantitatively study the fusion behavior of new and aged asphalt interface with multiple factors, this paper used dynamic shear rheometer, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, gel permeation chromatography, and atomic force microscopy to investigate the effects of time, temperature, and rejuvenator on the fusion process of the new and aged asphalt interfaces from both macroscopic and microscopic aspects. The macroscopic fusion behavior of new and aged asphalt was characterized by diffusion rate, fusion degree, and diffusion activation energy; the microstructure was characterized by carboxyl index(I(S=O)), sulfoxide index (I(C=O)), large molecular size (LMS), and roughness indexes. Macroscopic results showed higher temperature, longer time, and the addition of rejuvenator are beneficial for new and aged asphalt fusion degree. The microscopic study showed that with the fusion of new–old asphalt, the molecular content of aged asphalt on the new asphalt side increased, its I(C=O) and I(S=O) increased, the LMS increased, and the roughness increased. Meanwhile, each microstructural index was analyzed with the characterization indexes of macro fusion behavior, and the macro and micro indexes correlated well.
Quantifiable Application of Performance-Based Design
Authors: Laustsen Kelly , Knudsen Julia , Steyn Hermanus
Published: June 2024

The 7th edition of the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) document, A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets, also referred to as the Green Book, defines performance-based design as: “a design approach in which key design decisions are made with consideration of their anticipated effects on aspects of future project performance that are relevant to the project purpose and need. Thus, performance analysis becomes a tool to inform design decisions. Performance-based analysis enhances the exercise of design flexibility by documenting the anticipated performance effects of design decisions.” In addition, the Green Book introduces an expanded classification system for geometric design, including rural, rural town, suburban, urban, and urban core context classifications. A variety of guidance and examples is available to help practitioners apply performance-based design and consider context in the design process. This paper highlights recent research, as well as processes from Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington. It includes an example scenario to illustrate how performance-based design can be applied to generate, evaluate, and iterate alternatives for a roadway transitioning from rural to suburban development.
Safety and Operational Analysis of Free Right-Turn Ramps at Rural Intersections
Authors: Haque MM Shakiul , Camenzind Jon , Khattak Aemal
Published: June 2024

This paper focuses on traffic safety and operational performance of rural, minor approach stop-controlled intersections with free right-turn (FRT) ramps. Studies on the guidelines, safety, and operational analysis of FRT ramps are limited. Therefore, this paper formulates a comprehensive framework of FRT ramp studies and applied it to Nebraska. The research compared 68 rural FRT ramp intersections with 24 similar non-FRT rural intersections to identify differences in crash frequencies, crash rates, and crash severity using 2010 to 2019 crash data from Nebraska Department of Transportation (DOT). The analysis did not show any statistically significant differences between the two intersection groups. Using a calibrated and validated microsimulation model, traffic operations at FRT ramp and non-FRT intersections were modeled and analyzed to study 324 scenarios, based on varying traffic and roadway geometry. Assuming a 20-year lifespan, using the operation data, cost–benefit analysis was conducted for combinations of discount rates (4%, 6%, 8%), major road annual average daily traffic (AADT) (5,000, 10,000, 15,000), minor road AADT (2,500, 5,000, 7,500), percentage of right-turning traffic (10%, 25%, 50%), FRT ramp radius (650, 1,200, 1,800 ft), and speed limit (45, 55, 65 mph). Using the results, this paper provides a guideline for Nebraska DOT for FRT ramp construction, reconstruction, or removal. Traffic agencies in Nebraska and the Midwest may make more informed decisions on FRT ramp based on guidance in this paper. However, the widely applicable methodology presented here to determine FRT ramp’s feasibility can be used in other locations in the United States without appreciable loss of generality.
Investigation of Locked Wheel Skid Tester Practicability on Horizontal Curves: A Camera-Based Field Implementation
Authors: Peng Cheng , Tao Chengcheng , Jiang Yi , Li Shuo
Published: June 2024

The locked wheel skid tester (LWST) has the capability to perform efficient on-site pavement skid resistance tests without traffic control. A LWST friction test measures the longitudinal friction force and vertical load taking place at the tire–pavement interface of a standard locked wheel at a specified test speed. However, the test is specified only for straight and level pavements. Possible reasons that the LWST may fail to provide reliable friction data during vehicle cornering are biased tire speed and force measurements, missing information of vehicle side friction, and risky trailer fishtailing. Horizontal curves are widely distributed in the highway network and have a higher crash rate compared to straight segments. This paper developed a camera-based setup to monitor instant cornering behaviors of a LWST traversing on horizontal curves. Along with data from the standard LWST speed sensor and force transducer, the upgraded tester can also operate as a vehicle side friction sensor and an oversteering alert system. The dual-camera-equipped experimental vehicle was employed in field friction tests on different types of pavement horizontal curves. The captured video frames were then utilized in image processing algorithms for real-time test tire speed, sideslip angle, and articulation angle measurements with high accuracies during tests. The impact of pavement horizontal alignment design on LWST friction measurements and the result performance were assessed. The investigation extends LWST practicability on highway horizontal curves with evaluated restrictions.
Novel Approach for Quantifying the Propagation of Subway Equipment Faults by Using Multimodal Networks
Authors: Liu Yanyan , Li Keping , Feng Tao , Yan Dongyang , Ma Guangyi , Xu Yuangxi
Published: June 2024

In subway systems, equipment failures can lead to train stoppages, delays, or even accidents, severely affecting the safety of train operations. It is crucial for emergency handling to identify the vulnerable areas and explore propagation laws in the subway network. In this paper, based on multimodal networks, several indicators are systematically proposed to demonstrate the vulnerability of each subway station. These indicators are then applied in a gravitation model to quantify and study the propagation or spatiotemporal distribution of cascading effects caused by equipment failures. To verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, a case study is conducted using a data set of equipment faults in the Beijing subway. Quantification results show that the propagation of equipment faults between subway stations exhibits diagonal characteristics, with stations closer to the faulty equipment being more heavily affected. The results also indicate that gravitation values display a long-tail distribution and their highest proportion falls within a certain interval. Furthermore, this paper proposes several prevention measures in response to equipment fault propagation.
Forward and Inverse Models-Based Optimization Method of the Markov Chain to Accurately Design Driving Cycles
Authors: Shi Shuming , Jia Suhua , Lin Nan , Xia Mengxuan , Chen Boan
Published: June 2024

The optimization algorithm is crucial for improving the precision and efficiency of driving cycle design. However, when combined with the Markov chain-based driving cycle design method, the effectiveness of the widely used genetic algorithm (GA) may be limited because of constraints in the state transition search space. In this study, a forward and inverse models-based Markov chain evolution (FI-MCE) method is proposed to efficiently and accurately design driving cycles, overcoming the limitations of the GA. Initially, the theoretical relationship between forward and inverse Markov chain models is demonstrated. By incorporating both models, any length of driving cycle can start and end in an idle state, enhancing the efficiency of constructing feasible solution sets. Then, the GA is enhanced with novel mutation and crossover strategies based on these models to simplify operations and overcome limitations. Furthermore, representative driving cycles across different lengths and different geographical regions are designed using FI-MCE to validate its effectiveness. Ultimately, comparing FI-MCE with existing methods demonstrates its superior accuracy and efficiency. Under identical circumstances, FI-MCE consistently outperforms existing methods by swiftly designing more precise driving cycles while ensuring high consistency with database feature distribution. This remarkable capability holds immense potential in overcoming the limitations associated with conventional methodologies.
Leveraging Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict and Analyze Single-Vehicle and Multi-Vehicle Crash Occurrences on Motorways
Authors: Masud Saumik Sakib Bin , Mahajan Kirti , Kondyli Alexandra , Deliali Katerina , Yannis George
Published: June 2024

Road crashes are a common occurrence in many parts of the world, causing significant loss of life, injury, and economic damage. Crashes can be broadly classified into single-vehicle (SV) crashes and multi-vehicle (MV) crashes. Various statistical approaches have been implemented to identify the key factors behind these two types of crashes and it has been concluded that these factors need to be analyzed separately. The dataset for this research included various types of roadway design parameters and traffic conditions. Combinations of three feature-selection techniques, namely ANOVA, correlation matrix, and ExtraTreesClassifier algorithm, were utilized to separately select the appropriate variables for SV and MV crash analysis. Various machine learning (ML) models (e.g., LightGBM, XGBoost, etc.) along with a statistical method (binary logistic regression) have been adopted to predict SV and MV crash occurrences. The results show that gradient boosting-type ML algorithms outperform the remaining prediction models, and the LightGBM was found to be the most powerful in prediction. The LightGBM classifier produced accuracy, ROC_AUC, and avg. F-1 score of 0.75, 0.83, and 0.76, respectively, for MV crashes and 0.76, 0.82, and 0.76, respectively, for SV crashes. The SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis was used to explain how each variable affected the models’ output. The results confirmed that the crash factors associated with SV and MV crashes are different and that some variables have inverse impact. Artificial intelligence and ML can assist transportation professionals in better understanding the causes of SV and MV crashes and advance the process toward Vision Zero.
Decomposition Analysis of Racial Income Inequality in the United States
Authors: Manzoor Rabia , Gray Wayne B.
Published: June 2024

This study examines income inequality across races in the United States between 2000 and 2019. It empirically investigates the relationship between income and race controlling for variables such as age, education, gender, marital, and citizenship status. The analysis begins with multiple regression models that identify the importance of different factors in determining income. A Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition reveals which factors contribute to the racial gaps in income and how these components vary in importance when comparing other races to Whites. Multiple regression results identify a statistically significant gap in income between Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians relative to Whites. The Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition results reveal the greatest contributor to the income gap for Blacks is the coefficient effect (a pure group effect). For Hispanics and Asians, a greater contributor is the endowment effect, based on characteristics such as education and immigration. Unlike other groups, the overall contribution of endowments to White-Asian income disparity is in favor of Asians. There is a need to adopt multifaceted policies that target those differences across racial groups: reducing systemic discrimination for Blacks, providing market valued skills and better education opportunities for Hispanics and advancing immigration reforms for Asians.
When and why do individuals high in narcissistic rivalry attain social status?
Authors: Grosz Michael P. , Thielmann Isabel , Krabbe Hanna , Back Mitja D.
Published: June 2024

The current registered report investigated whether individuals high in narcissistic rivalry are more likely to attain status when they have the opportunity to punish uncooperative group members than when they have the opportunity to share their resources with other group members. We conducted a lab-based behavioral experiment ( N = 644) in which groups of seven to nine persons interacted in a modified version of the repeated public goods game with punishment. As expected, narcissistic rivalry was more positively related to social status among participants who had the opportunity to punish free riders than among participants who had the opportunity to share their resources. Among participants with opportunity to punish free riders, narcissistic rivalry was positively linked to punishment behavior ( r = .14), but we only found anecdotal evidence that those high in narcissistic rivalry also attained status ( β = .05). Among participants with opportunity to share their resources, narcissistic rivalry was negatively related to contributing behavior ( r = −.25) and status attainment ( β = −.19). The extent to which individuals high in narcissistic rivalry benefit the group and attain status appears to depend on the situation, as the situation affects how narcissistic rivalry is expressed and how others evaluate these expressions.
A new semi-analytical approach for nonlinear electro-thermo-mechanical dynamic responses of FG-GPLRC shallow spherical caps and circular plates with porous core
Authors: Vu Hoai Nam , Pham Nhu Nam , Bui Tien Tu , Vu Minh Duc , Nguyen Thi Phuong
Published: June 2024

The main aim of this paper is to analyze the nonlinear electro-thermo-mechanical dynamic buckling and vibration of third-order shear deformable circular plates and spherical caps with functionally graded graphene platelet reinforced composite (FG-GPLRC) coatings, piezoelectric layers, and porous core. The circular plates and spherical caps are assumed to be rested on the Pasternak visco-elastic foundation, and subjected to dynamic external pressure in the thermal environment. The total potential energy expression of structures is established using the Lagrange function. The Euler-Lagrange equations and Rayleigh dispassion functions are applied to obtain the motion equation of structures. This motion equation can be solved using the Runge-Kutta method to obtain the dynamic responses of circular plates and spherical caps. Significant discussions of the different effects of graphene distribution, graphene volume fraction, piezoelectric layers, porous core, and foundation parameters are presented through the investigated examples.
Identifying Trust Exchange Dynamics and Constituents of Employee Trust within Management Consulting
Authors: Abgeller Neve , Saunders Mark NK , Bachmann Reinhard , Mishra Aneil
Published: June 2024

Focusing on management consulting firms, this study scrutinizes a core group of knowledge workers revealing the complexity and diversity of meanings attached to their trust-related decisions, emotions and behaviours. Drawing on 50 interviews utilizing critical incident technique with management consultants working in leading UK and US consulting firms, the study offers insights into the complex nature of human interactions and their embeddedness in social contexts. The study provides context-specific insights into an environment that, despite its claims to nurture trust, is inherently riddled with tensions arising from internal competition. Three main constituents are highlighted: (1) trusting trustors and trustworthy trustees; (2) the cruciality of giving and receiving support; and (3) building relationships and developing networks. This study draws on social exchange theory and critically assesses its heuristic explanatory power in the context of the management consulting industry. Further implications for future theory and practice are discussed.
‘We Are Not All the Same’: The Capacity of Different Groups of Food Delivery Gig Workers to Build Collective and Individual Power Resources
Authors: Mendonça Pedro , Kougiannou Nadia K
Published: June 2024

This article explores how various groups of food delivery gig workers create and maintain distinct strategies to build collective and individual power resources, including institutional, associational, structural and mobility power. Drawing on 35 interviews with food delivery couriers, social media data and observations in a British city, this article provides rich empirical evidence on the power resources of groups of gig workers based on their nationality, dependence on gig work and right to work in the UK. It intersects workers’ labour market position and migrant (documented and undocumented) and national border regimes to understand varying levels of agency and power. In doing so, this article comparatively shows that differentiating inclusion and exclusion dynamics are intrinsically related to the capacity of workers to develop collective and individual power-building strategies that can improve their working lives.
Detailed development and validation of a finite element model for studying the entire spinal vibration behavior within a seated human body
Authors: Dong RuiChun , Lu ZhuangQi , Cheng Xiang , Wang Yi , Liu HuanBao , Mu ZongGao
Published: June 2024

Studying the vibration behavior of the entire spine can guide the design of seat comfort and vibration safety. However, due to simplification of traditional biomechanical models, very few studies have analyzed in detail the vibration behavior characteristics of the entire spine inside a seated human body. Therefore, this study aimed to provide guidance and reference for spinal modeling and biomechanical research in ergonomics. A developed finite element model of three-dimensional seated human body was validated and adjusted based on anatomical data of human spine in detail. Static analysis, modal analysis and random response analysis (under vertical excitation between 0 and 20 Hz at 1 m/s2 r.m.s.) were conducted. The range of motion, modal frequencies and the tri-axial transmissibility of the developed models matched well with experimental results. In the vertical resonance mode, the entire spine contained both vertical deformation (60% of the total) and vertical displacement (40%), in addition, the cervical spine, especially the lumbar spine, also contained bending deformation which could alleviate the impact, but led to complex alternating stresses, increasing the risks of the spinal injuries under vertical whole-body vibration. From the bottom to the top of the spine, the frequency distribution of vertical transmissibility became steeper, the peak value increased, and the number of peaks decreased. This study provided new insights into the vibration behavior and frequency response of the entire spine inside a seated human body for improving seat comfort and vibration safety.
Design of a direct current controller for magnetorheological semi-active suspensions with nonlinear constraints
Authors: Shi Xiaotian , Li He , Fu Ke
Published: June 2024

In the application of magnetorheological (MR) semi-active suspensions, the target damping force calculated using the controller must be realised by an MR damper. This requires the target damping force first to be converted into a corresponding drive current. However, owing to the nonlinearity of MR dampers, the drive current based on the target damping force cannot be accurately tracked, which could worsen the control performance. To avoid this situation, this study proposed a gain scheduling control method based on a linear parameter-varying (LPV) model of MR semi-active suspensions. First, based on the nonlinear model of MR semi-active suspension, an LPV model with constraints used as varying parameters was established using convex decomposition. Then, an LPV controller was designed with a convex polytope structure using the linear matrix inequality technique. A system with this controller can achieve H∞ performance. The simulation results showed that the drive current directly obtained with the LPV controller can better utilise the effective region of the MR damper. Consequently, this controller yields smoother current control quantities and lower computational costs while guaranteeing the performance.
Experimental evaluation of the torsional vibration characteristics of a dual-mass flywheel based on multi-condition and multi-index methods
Authors: Yan Zhengfeng , Nie Hongfei , Liu Shaofei , Zhang Bo , Tan Guanhua
Published: June 2024

Vehicle ride comfort is significantly influenced by powertrain torsional vibration. A multi-condition and multi-index evaluation method of the torsional vibration of the powertrain is proposed in this paper, which selects different evaluation indices according to the characteristics of different working conditions. First, the torsional vibration excitation source of the powertrain is analyzed. The selected indices are the speed amplitude value obtained with the root mean square value, the vibration dose value, the peak-to-peak value, the vibration isolation rate ([Formula: see text]), and the speed fluctuation attenuation rate ([Formula: see text]). Second, the torsional vibration characteristics of ignition, idle, startup, acceleration, deceleration, and switching from tip-in to tip-out are analyzed, and the torsional vibration evaluation indices of each working condition are determined. Then the torsional characteristics of a dual-mass flywheel (DMF) are tested before and after optimization, and the vehicle is tested according to the selected working conditions. Finally, by removing the trend term in the extracted data, the speed amplitude is obtained to calculate the evaluation indices for each working condition. The test results show that the damping performance is improved after the optimization of the DMF, and the evaluation indices under different working conditions are improved by approximately 7% in general, the magnitude of the indices under each working condition showed the same trend, which verifies the feasibility of the evaluation for the multi-condition and multi-index methods and provides references for evaluating the torsional vibration of the powertrain.
The experimental and numerical investigation of biofuels on combustion and tribology characteristics in a compression ignition engine
Authors: Temizer İlker , Gücer Fırat
Published: June 2024

Today, the tightening of exhaust emission regulations in engines directs researchers to alternative fuel types. In this study investigated the impact of blending diesel fuel with bioethanol and diethyl-ether on combustion parameters and exhaust emissions in a single-cylinder DI (direct injection) diesel engine. Both numerical and experimental analyses were used to compare the in-cylinder pressure and heat release rate of various fuel blends. Fuel spray/temperature/equivalence changes in the cylinder for different crank angles were created for different fuel types. The analysis was examined various parameters such as in-cylinder pressure, temperature, heat release rate, mass fraction burned, fuel spray formations, and equivalence ratio at variable crank angles. Results showed that all blended fuels exhibited a decrease in in-cylinder maximum pressure, temperature, and heat release rates compared to 100% diesel fuel, with an increase in mass fraction burned. CO2 emissions of D90E10 (90% diesel fuel + 10% bioethanol), D80E20 (80% diesel fuel + 20% bioethanol), D80E10DEE10 (80% diesel fuel 10% bioethanol + 10% diethyl ether) and D85E10DEE5 (85% diesel fuel + 10% bioethanol + 5% diethyl ether) fuelled engine were decreased rates 2%, 2.9%, 5% and 3.8% compared to D100 (100%diesel fuel) operation, respectively. Also, the maximum pressure in the chamber was decreased rate 3% in D80E10DEE10 fuel operation, compared to diesel fuel. Based on FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-Red) data, the lubricating oil analyses showed that there was no significant decline in oil performance after 110 h of operation with different fuel types. However, a closer examination of the AVL FIRE program data and the EDX (Energy Dispersive X-Ray) analysis of the first ring uncovered that the wear patterns observed on the ring while using D100 fuel were heavily influenced by temperature and pressure parameters. This was particularly noticeable when compared to blended fuels that included bioethanol.
Erosion wear investigation of Fe-Cr-Ti coating with varying boron content
Authors: Sharma Ratnesh Kumar , Kumar Shiv Ranjan
Published: June 2024

The current work examines the role of the addition of boron on the microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and slurry erosion wear behaviour of the Fe-Cr-Ti alloy. Five distinct Fe-Cr-Ti alloy coatings were prepared, each with varying boron contents (ranging from 0% to 20% by weight), and subsequently applied to 316L steel using the HVOF method. The study encompassed an assessment of mechanical characteristics, including hardness, adhesion tensile strength, and fracture toughness, alongside an examination of slurry erosion wear behavior employing a slurry jet erosion wear tester. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the emergence of Fe2Br, contributing to the enhancement in the mechanical properties. Remarkably, the addition of 5% boron resulted in a notable improvement in the hardness and adhesion tensile strength by 2.3%, and 9% respectively, but a significant improvement in fracture toughness by 45%. As the impact speed increased from 35 m/sec to 70 m/sec and the slurry concentration increased from 10 weight per cent to 20 weight per cent, and wear rate increased by 51% and 37.7%, respectively. Conversely, an elevation in the impingement angle between 30° and 60° led to a 69.5% increase in wear rate, whereas between 60° and 90°, it resulted in a reduction of 19.3%.
Investigating the unsteady flow mechanism at the lip of a ducted fan in crosswind
Authors: Wang Siwei , Wang Yangang , Zhou Fang , Xv Yue
Published: June 2024

The unsteady numerical analysis method was utilized to investigate the unsteady flow structure of a contra-rotating ducted fan under crosswind conditions. The development and evolution mechanism of the lip vortex under the combined action of crosswind and rotor were studied. Two perspectives, namely the time-averaged flow field and unsteady time-frequency analysis, were employed for the examination. The results indicate that the unsteady aerodynamic forces exerted on the lip of the ducted fan are primarily influenced by four sets of frequencies, ranked in descending order of magnitude: 1 BPF (Blade Passing Frequency) of the upstream rotor, 1 BPF of the downstream rotor, the combined effect of the 1 BPF of the upstream rotor and 1 BPF of the downstream rotor, and 2 BPF of the upstream rotor. The maximum velocity occurs at the position where the inner surface of the windward side lip is inclined 40° from the freestream velocity direction, and a stable separation vortex is formed below this region. The lip separation vortex triggers the generation of blade suction side separation vortex in the upstream rotor, and its periodic formation, growth, shedding, and dissipation are the primary factors contributing to the unsteady flow. The research findings lay the groundwork for further advancements in active and passive flow control technologies under crosswind conditions.
Temporal conflict and challenging the police
Authors: Wood Lesley J.
Published: June 2024

This paper builds on research that shows that differences in the temporal properties of organisations can lead to temporal conflict, posing a barrier to collaboration. It considers how temporal diversity might shape political contention by examining how different temporal properties of New York and Toronto police and protesters manifest in their interactions. Vignettes of three protest events in Toronto and New York City in 2020–21 are constructed from fieldnotes, government planning and police oversight documents and media coverage. These illustrate how police and protesters understand protest events differently and how these collective actors strategically alter the temporal properties of their tactics (pace and duration) and their narratives (temporal orientation and temporal horizon) in order to gain leverage over their opponents. The temporal conflict that ensues varies in intensity, and shapes the sequence, emotional tone and outcome of these events. This shows how differences in temporal properties shape contention; how these properties can be used strategically to gain leverage and suggests that analyses of temporal conflict should be incorporated into research on contentious politics and studies of strategic interaction.
Understanding Startup Entrepreneurs: Empirical Research of Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Empowerment
Authors: Shivhare Shivani , Shunmugasundaram V. , Kuhar Nupur
Published: June 2024

Entrepreneurship is important for economic progress, but sustainable business practices are necessary for long-term success. The factors influencing sustainable business practices in new businesses include entrepreneurial values, available resources and market demand for sustainability. This research focuses on exploring how economic, social and environmental sustainability factors impact the empowerment of startup entrepreneurs in India. By analysing these variables, the study aims to provide valuable insights into entrepreneurship in India. To achieve its objective, this study used survey techniques and collected data from 384 startup entrepreneurs in India through formal standardised questionnaires. The detailed profile obtained from the survey was used to evaluate the study’s objective. The study used quantitative methods to analyse primary data and answer research questions related to the significance of sustainability factors in the empowerment of startupreneurs. The analysis showed that a higher focus on economic sustainability is linked to better success and innovation among startups. Additionally, environmental sustainability was found to have a significant impact on startup entrepreneurs’ empowerment. The research concludes that economic and environmental sustainability factors are significant for the empowerment of startupreneurs in India. The findings provide insights into startups to succeed and maintain a competitive edge while contributing to socio-economic development.
A Study on How Celebrity Endorsements Affect Business Performance Through Evaluation of Consumer Preferences
Authors: Jain Pranjal , Jain Pooja , Jain Anju
Published: June 2024

In contemporary advertising, celebrity endorsements have become pervasive, yet their effectiveness in influencing consumer preferences remains under scrutiny. We aim to explore the effect of cognition, affect and behaviour as antecedents to celebrity endorsement effectiveness. We applied source attractiveness theory, source credibility theory, meaning transfer model, match-up hypothesis and cognitive, affective and behavioural (CAB) model for developing our theoretical framework. The findings from our controlled experiment ( n = 1,283) challenge the assumption of a universally positive effect of celebrity endorsements. Our results show an asymmetric relationship where behaviour drives consumer preference to purchase, overriding the drag of cognition and affect. Additionally, the results indicate that celebrity endorsements drive immediate sales but contribute towards ad annoyance, irritation and disgust which could act as a second-generation effect to influence managerial decision-making.
Broad Autism Phenotype and Gait in Parents of Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Ganai Umer Jon , Bhushan Braj , Venkatesh K. S.
Published: June 2024

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heritable neurodevelopmental disorder. Research has shown that parents and relatives of children with ASD often exhibit subthreshold ASD-like characteristics known as broad autism phenotype (BAP) as well as impairments in motor behaviours.

Purpose

The current study aimed to examine the BAP traits and motor behaviours, that is, gait in 44 parents of children with ASD and in 48 parents of typically developing children (TD).

Methods

The BAP traits were measured using the broad autism phenotype questionnaire (BAPQ), and a low-cost computer vision-based framework was utilised to quantify the gait in children with ASD and their parents and TD children and their parents.

Results

The parents of children with ASD consistently displayed significantly higher scores on rigid personality and pragmatic language, however, there were no significant differences between the two group of parents on aloof personality of BAP traits. On gait parameters, the parents of children with ASD had a reduced gait speed in comparison to parents of TD children. There were no meaningful similarities in gait parameters of children with ASD and their parents.

Conclusions

These findings support the presence of ASD-like traits in the parents of children with ASD and gait speed as a putative motor endophenotype of ASD.