Force Demands Research Articles

Improving a Conventional Connection of Beam-to-Weak Axis of H-shaped Column to Modify Load Path in Panel Zone

This study aims to propose an improvement to the conventional connection of beam-to-weak axis of H-shaped columns with in-plane load paths and to compare the improved connection with the conventional one. The conventional connection detail consists of continuity plates and face plates, while the improved connection detail, in addition to the previous components, has a plate perpendicular to the column web (middle panel zone) acting as a panel zone. A numerical study using ABAQUS was conducted, and the study results showed that the most appropriate value for the middle panel zone thickness is equal to the column flange thickness, and it should be designed for 30% of the force demand induced by the beam bending moments. Furthermore, the study findings indicated that the proposed connection resulted in an average of 59.5% decrease in the force demands induced to the panel zone in comparison with the conventional connection. In addition, it was observed that the force demand on the face plate experienced the most decrease due to reducing the out-of-plane performance of the face plate in the improved connection models. Moreover, the results showed that the improved connection models experienced lower levels of von Mises stress, approximately 35.7% less than the conventional connection models.

A Digital Platform Strategy to Improve Food Waste Disposal Practices: Exploring the Case of "Too Good To Go"

This conceptual article delves into the intricate dynamics of global food security and the paradox of food waste, with a focus on Europe and Italy. Specifically, we examine the transformative potential of digital platforms, with a spotlight on the Too Good To Go platform, in tackling the challenge of redistributing food surpluses. In conventional market settings, the intricacies of food waste often go unnoticed by buyers and sellers, resulting in an inefficient equilibrium quantity determined solely by supply and demand forces. This failure to achieve an optimal outcome leads to a missed opportunity to maximize social benefit. Taking a microeconomic perspective, we highlight the platform's capacity to mitigate the adverse environmental and social impacts associated with food waste. Our findings illustrate how a market-based platform can address the inefficiencies and shortcomings of the Coase Theorem within the realm of food waste. By facilitating negotiation, reducing information asymmetries, and addressing environmental costs, the platform exemplifies how innovative market solutions can foster efficiency and sustainability.

Reality Characteristics,Power Mechanism and Path Choice of New Quality Productivity

New-quality productivity is a new type of productivity that emerges in the context of a new era, a new economy and a new industry, aiming at high-quality development, led by scientific and technological innovation, with high-quality workers at its core, and based on a new mode of production and organisation. The new productive forces has the characteristics of attaching importance to innovation, a long-term approach and a grasp of opportunities. These characteristics of the new productive forces enable them to meet the needs of enterprises to promote efficient production, the economic needs to promote high-quality industrial development, the social needs to meet the people􀆳s high quality of life, and the political needs to ensure that the country wins the initiative. The power mechanism of China􀆳s new quality productivity consists of the driving force of scientific and technological innovation, the driving force of government support and the pulling force of market demand. On the basis of the internal and external driving forces, emphasis is placed on building a scientific and technological innovation system with scientific and technological innovation as the core, cultivate emerging future industries by means of government-enterprise synergy, and adhering to high-quality development guided by social demand, in order to promote the rapid development of new quality productivity, in order to contribute to the development of productive forces and the sustainable development of human society.

Analysing the Impact of Influential Factors on Oil Prices: A Comprehensive Study

The interplay between macroeconomic indicators and oil prices has been a subject of intense scrutiny due to its far- reaching implications for global economic stability. This research paper undertakes a thorough investigation into the intricate relationship between various macroeconomic factors and the occurrence of oil price shocks. The study employs a multidimensional approach, encompassing both empirical analysis and theoretical frameworks, to elucidate the complex dynamics governing this interaction. The research begins by establishing a robust theoretical foundation, delving into existing economic models that elucidate the channels through which macroeconomic indicators influence oil prices. Recognising the intricate network of supply and demand forces, the paper explores the impact of key macroeconomic factors, including GDP growth, inflation rates, interest rates, and exchange rates, on the vulnerability of oil markets to price shocks. Methodologically, the research leverages advanced econometric techniques to analyse extensive datasets spanning multiple economies and time periods. A comprehensive panel data analysis is employed to capture the heterogeneity across different regions and economies, thereby providing a nuanced understanding of the global nature of the phenomenon. Additionally, time-series models are used to unravel the temporal dynamics of the relationship between macroeconomic indicators and oil price shocks. The findings of this research paper contribute significant insights to the existing body of knowledge. The empirical results shed light on the varying degrees of sensitivity that different macroeconomic indicators exhibit concerning oil price shocks. The study also uncovers potential feedback loops and non-linearities within the system, providing a more nuanced understanding of the relationship.

Muscle fibre typology affects whole-body metabolic rate during isolated muscle contractions and human locomotion.

The wide variation in muscle fibre type distribution across individuals, along with the very different energy consumption rates in slow versus fast muscle fibres, suggests that muscle fibre typology contributes to inter-individual differences in metabolic rate during exercise. However, this has been hard to demonstrate due to the gap between a single muscle fibre and full-body exercises. We investigated the isolated effect of triceps surae muscle contraction velocity on whole-body metabolic rate during cyclic contractions in individuals a priori selected for their predominantly slow (n=11) or fast (n=10) muscle fibre typology by means of proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS). Subsequently, we examined their whole-body metabolic rate during walking and running at 2m/s, exercises with comparable metabolic rates but distinct triceps surae muscle force and velocity demands (walking: low force, high velocity; running: high force, low velocity). Increasing triceps surae contraction velocity during cyclic contractions elevated net whole-body metabolic rate for both typology groups. However, the slow group consumed substantially less net metabolic energy at the slowest contraction velocity, but the metabolic difference between groups diminished at faster velocities. Consistent with the more economic force production during slow contractions, the slow group exhibited lower metabolic rates than the fast group while running, whereas metabolic rates were similar during walking. These findings provide important insights into the influence of muscle fibre typology on whole-body metabolic rate and emphasize the importance of considering muscle mechanical demands to understand muscle fibre typology related differences in whole-body metabolic rates. KEY POINTS: Muscle fibre typology is often suggested to affect whole-body metabolic rate, yet convincing in vivo evidence is lacking. Using isolated plantar flexor muscle contractions in individuals a priori selected for their predominantly slow or fast muscle fibre typology, we demonstrated that having predominantly slow muscle fibres provides a metabolic advantage during slow muscle contractions, but this benefit disappeared at faster contractions. We extended these results to full-body exercises, where we demonstrated that higher proportions of slow fibres associated with better economy during running but not when walking. These findings provide important insights into the influence of muscle fibre typology on whole-body metabolic rate and emphasize the importance of considering muscle mechanical demands to understand muscle fibre typology related differences in whole-body metabolic rate.

Quantum Economics and Physics

Economics has long been shaped, both directly and indirectly, by ideas from classical physics. For example the idea, which remains dominant, that forces of supply and demand bring prices to a stable equilibrium, was first developed mathematically using mechanistic arguments, while the concept of utility was related to energy. Quantum ideas in contrast have only recently begun to find some applications in the field. This article asks why it has taken so long. We consider several different interpretations of the relationship between quantum physics and quantum economics, and argue that, while all have merit, what ultimately counts is whether quantum models outperform classical models as a means to understand and predict economic phenomena.

Deshadowing of the labor market as a component for provision of state social security

Methods. During the research, a set of general scientific and specific methods of cognition were used, in particular: methods of logical generalization and scientific abstraction – to clarify the conceptual apparatus of the research; systematic analysis and synthesis, induction and deduction – to identify the specifics of the influence of labor market trends on the state of shadowization of the economy of Ukraine, to identify threats to national security, as well as to systematize the directions of shadowization of the labor market in Ukraine. Results. The main causes of the shadow labor market in Ukraine are analyzed. The features of informal employment are outlined and the threats to the economic security of the country, which are caused by the development and increase in the volume of informal employment, are determined. The main vectors of actions in the policy of deshadowing of the labor market are highlighted. It is well-founded that the state should facilitate the legalization of informal employment in the country, encourage formal employment, regulate the issue of deshadowing the economy, ensure the dominance of the official labor market. Attention is focused on the deshadowing of the labor market as a priority task of the government in view of the emergence of such problems as illegal use of labor, concealment of real incomes, ignoring the conclusion of labor contracts and the development of wages in the form of «payment in envelopes». It was determined that the state policy of deshadowing the labor market should contain two mutually agreed components: administrative and motivational. It was established that the most effective measures of the authorities should be: establishment of clear control over compliance with labor legislation, prevention of manifestations of informal employment and payment of shadow wages, strengthening of responsibility for violations in this area. Among the main tasks, the reduction of the tax burden, balancing the demand and supply of labor force, focusing on the development of small entrepreneurship and others have been identified as the most important. A set of measures aimed at the deshadowing of the labor market in Ukraine is outlined, the need for coordinated activity and cooperation of authorities in terms of reducing and legalizing informal employment in Ukraine is substantiated. Novelty. A set of measures for the deshadowing of the labor market in Ukraine has been determined, the implementation of which will ensure the creation of conditions for raising the standards of decent work as a basis for legalizing labor relations and increasing wages by overcoming the contradiction between a high level of human capital development and an insufficient level of social capital. Practical value. The results of the study can be used in the process of carrying out the policy of economic deshadowing as a component of Ukraine's national security.

Functionally mediated cranial allometry evidenced in a genus of rock-wallabies.

In assessments of skeletal variation, allometry (disproportionate change of shape with size) is often corrected to examine size-independent variation for hypotheses relating to function. However, size-related trade-offs in functional demands may themselves be an underestimated driver of mammalian cranial diversity. Here, we use geometric morphometrics alongside dental measurements to assess craniodental allometry in the rock-wallaby genus Petrogale (all 17 species, 370 individuals). We identified functional aspects of evolutionary allometry that can be both extensions of, and correlated negatively with, static or ontogenetic allometric patterns. Regarding constraints, larger species tended to have relatively smaller braincases and more posterior orbits, the former of which might represent a constraint on jaw muscle anatomy. However, they also tended to have more anterior dentition and smaller posterior zygomatic arches, both of which support the hypothesis of relaxed bite force demands and accommodation of different selective pressures that favour facial elongation. By contrast, two dwarf species had stouter crania with divergent dental adaptations that together suggest increased relative bite force capacity. This likely allows them to feed on forage that is mechanically similar to that consumed by larger relatives. Our results highlight a need for nuanced considerations of allometric patterns in future research of mammalian cranial diversity.

The Exponential-based Carbon Credit Cap in Carbon Cap-and-Trade Markets

The concept of carbon markets as developed in 1997 by the Kyoto Protocol was a good idea whose adoption and implementation by all counties and states would have significantly reduced the rate of emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The Carbon markets were proposed to be based on cap-and-trade whose forces of supply and demand would discourage the increase or steady emission of greenhouse gases and force companies to, gradually, revert to the use of clean energy in production. This would promote the net zero carbon emission target. The carbon markets were designed to have a cap whose nature is a specific number for all entities. The number represents the carbon quantity whose regulator would keep reducing until the net zero carbon is achieved. This nature of the cap encourages large emitters of greenhouse gases to shift to other jurisdictions that have soft regulations. It also encourages restructuring into smaller companies whose net emissions could be almost the same or more than before. In this paper, we have proposed an exponential-based cap that would leave little or no room for such market strategies. We have also demonstrated how the proposed cap can be implemented.

Price volatility and demand of vegetables in three Brazilian Southeast supply centers between 2017 and 2021

Vegetable consumption has increased in recent years due to the predisposition of people to have a healthy diet, which includes the ingestion of fibers, vitamins, and minerals present in fruits and vegetables. In Brazil, lettuce, tomato, carrot, onion, and potato are the five vegetables with the highest consumption. In this study, the price volatility and the price elasticity measure (price elasticity of supply, price elasticity of demand, or price inelasticity) of lettuce, tomato, carrot, onion, and potato were evaluated in three supply centers (CEAGESSP, CEASAMINAS e CEASA/RJ) between 2017 to 2021. The results indicated that all the evaluated products had similar price volatility behavior between 2019 to 2021 in the three supply centers. Moreover, the years with higher instabilities of prices were 2020 for potatoes and carrots, 2019 for lettuce, and 2018 for onion. The price elasticity or inelasticity had independent behavior per supply center. However, there are some periods of inelasticity where the price does not influence the quantity demanded or supplied of the evaluated products. In conclusion, there is high variability of price and volume for tomato, potato, onion, lettuce, and carrot during the year. There was a negative in the price and volume of vegetables which indicates that the reduction of volume increases the price of vegetables. The prices of commercialized vegetables are strongly influenced by the forces of supply and demand, which configures a seasonal characteristic.

Understanding residents’ perspectives on cultural ecosystem service supply, demand and subjective well-being in rapidly urbanizing landscapes: a case study of peri-urban Shanghai

ContextCultural ecosystem services (CESs) play a critical role in maintaining and improving human well-being in rapidly urbanizing landscapes. Few empirical studies, however, have comprehensively identified and revealed the interactions between urbanization, CES supply, CES demand, and subjective well-being (SWB).ObjectivesThe study aimed to understand human–ecosystem interactions from a bottom-up perspective through an analysis of residents’ perceived supply and demand of CESs and SWB at different urbanization levels.MethodsQuestionnaire surveys including public participation GIS were adopted to obtain residents’ perceived provision of CESs, importance of CESs and SWB in a peri-urban area of Shanghai. Multiple statistical and spatial analyses were performed to uncover their relationships.ResultsResidents identified cultural heritage and education as the highest supply of CES, whereas aesthetic and recreation were of the highest demand. Urbanization had a significant negative correlation with the supply of recreation, aesthetic, education and social interaction but had a significant positive correlation with the supply of cultural heritage. The demands of recreation and social interaction were significantly lower in areas with moderate urbanization level. In these areas, CESs were dominated by high supply–low demand and low-degree matches, whereas residents’ SWB was lower.ConclusionsThe variations of the CES–SWB relationship in our study indicate the development trajectory of social–ecological systems in the context of urbanization. Thus, policies adapted to local conditions are needed to foster landscape sustainability in rapidly urbanizing areas.

Implications of the 2020 National Building Code of Canada updates on the design demands for reinforced concrete shear wall buildings

The seismic demands of the Reinforced Concrete Shear Walls (RCSWs) system are determined based on Canada’s National Building Code (NBC). NBC 2020 features the revised Canadian Seismic Hazard Model and presents the possibility of enhancing demand’s accuracy by determining design spectra based on the specific average shear wave velocity, instead of specified site classes. This paper investigates the changes in design demands for RCSWs compared to the previous edition. To do so, fifty-five RCSW prototypes were modelled using distributed mass and stiffness procedure, and their dynamic response was assessed through Modal Response Spectrum Analysis at five locations across Canada. The results highlight significant changes in deformation and force demands, where the majority of cases experienced an increase in 2020 compared to 2015 when demands were determined based on specified site classes. This study also evaluates the log-log interpolation method recommended by NBC 2020 for the design spectral acceleration.

Technology transfer challenges in asymmetric alliances between high-technology and low-technology firms

Low-technology firms face an increasingly disruptive innovation landscape as new legislation and changing market demands force them to dramatically reduce emission levels to become more sustainable. However, successfully developing and implementing sustainable technologies frequently presupposes alliances between low-technology firms (such as process industry companies) and high-tech firms (such as their specialized technology providers). Such alliances are asymmetric and problematic because of differences in approaches to learning, knowledge bases, collaboration routines, and high cognitive distance between high- and low-technology firms. Against this background, we performed a multiple case study of six asymmetric alliances operating in the food and food packaging sectors in the UK. The analysis reveals that technology distance asymmetry, technology integration complexity, and innovation capability incompatibilities prohibit technology transfer effectiveness. By mapping these themes across three phases of technology transfer, we identified a total of nine unique problems that hamper technology transfer effectiveness and, therefore, risk delaying or distorting the implementation of novel sustainable technology. The paper provides theoretical implications for the literature on innovation in LMT firms and for the literature on sustainability alliances along with practical implications for improving technology transfer between high-tech and low-tech firms considering climate change.

Дефіцит робочої сили в Україні: причини та шляхи подолання

The publication examines and analyzes the main factors of deterioration of the situation in the labor market of Ukraine and focuses on the problem of labor force shortage in conditions of imbalance and uncertainty in the labor market. The subject of the research is the tendency of transition from the excess supply of labor force along with high unemployment, which has formed in the labor market of Ukraine, to the high level of unsatisfied demand for vacancies, which numerous experts assess as a shortage of labor force. The aim of the article is to determine the nature of the problem, causes, degree of acuteness, prospects for development and measures to overcome. The scientific novelty lies in the substantiation of the shortage of labor force as a local phenomenon that has the character of a tendency that is constantly present in the Ukrainian labor market in various quantitative values, individual professional niches and territories. From the methodological point of view, the demand for labor force is analyzed in correlation with the dynamics of tension in the labor market, and in empirical terms, the basis for its study was the information selected according to special criteria from various organizations that are constantly engaged in the recruitment of personnel in the labor market or comparative analyses of labor demand and supply. A comprehensive study of the labor market of Ukraine is carried out and numerous evidences are provided that the labor force shortage, which has been formed for several years under the influence of objective and subjective reasons and exacerbated during the wartime, is threatening, while the country has considerable untapped labor reserves. A set of signs of the real presence of a shortage of labor force has been identified and substantiated. The possibilities and actual ways to overcome the imbalances between the demand for labor force and its supply are shown. In the context of identifying the causes of the labor force shortage, the sources of possible coverage of the personnel shortage have been identified. It is concluded that the key factors in covering the personnel shortage are the reserve sources of labor, considered by the authors according to three aspects: factors of formation, professional structure, and efficiency of use.

Optimization of hydraulic drive parameters of caterpillar forest loader

The document discusses the methodology for calculating the optimal parameters of a tracked forest loader. Based on the data obtained, a mathematical model of the kinematics of machine drives was compiled when the cargo was released "through itself." As a result of the work, changes in the demand for force on the boom lifting hydraulic cylinder and graphs of the dependence of the forces of the hydraulic cylinders on the angles of rotation of the boom and rocker were built. Based on the results of the work, conclusions were made about the change in the moments changed by the cargo.

Analysis of Profit and its Drivers in Broiler Production in Anambra State Nigeria.

Broiler production over the years has seen movement of people in and out of the industry which has continued to interfere with forces of demand and supply. Increasing profit within the broiler industry require a good knowledge of the industry as well as being at home with factors capable of raising every naira invested in the industry which will serve as a yardstick for continuity in the industry. The study analysis of profit and its determinants in Anambra state employed the use of multistage purposive and simple random sampling technique to select 370 broiler farmers. The structured questionnaire administered to 370 broiler farmers used budgetary techniques and multiple regression analysis to ascertain the profit made as well as the factors that are significantly determined the profits realized in broiler production. The study revealed a profit of N3,647,503.36 with profitability value of 30.8% and return on investment (ROI) of 1.57, indicating that the farmers make N1.57 for every N1 invested in broiler production. The study further revealed that the coefficients of cost of day-old chick (DOC), feed cost and drug expenditure are all positive and significant at a 1% probability level. The study concludes that although there is profit in broiler production there still exist opportunities for improving on their current level of production. The study recommends cost management intervention and more training to farmers to enhance profit.

Кадровий потенціал промисловості України: виклики та напрями посилення резильєнтності

Post-war reconstruction of industry in Ukraine is impossible without the creation of appropriate conditions for the restoration of human resources potential, as well as ensuring its development and effective use. The foundation of the post-war recovery of the national economy should be modern industrial production based on the latest technological principles. The aim of the article is to substantiate the directions of strengthening the resilience of the human resources potential of industry as the basis for post-war reconstruction and renovation of the national economy. The article presents the author’s own definition of the resilience of human resources potential. The human resources potential of the industry has been studied by demographic, educational-qualification and motivational characteristics, identifying weaknesses as to the context of these components. Based on the analysis of the demographic component, a tendency of the national labor market to narrow due to a reduction in the demand and supply of labor force has been determined. A structural imbalance in the supply of labor force by age and gender has been revealed. In the study of the educational and qualification component, emphasis is placed on the growth of qualification horizontal and vertical gaps. The motivational component of the resilience of human resources potential is characterized by a decrease in the quality of working life and impoverishment of the population. Based on the results of the study, the author’s own approach to the development of directions for strengthening the resilience of the human resources potential of industry in the context of post-war economic recovery is proposed, taking into account its main components – demographic, educational, qualification, motivational. The expediency of restoring the national industrial sector of the economy on the basis of Industry 5.0 is substantiated. On the basis of the carried out research, directions for strengthening the resilience of human resources potential in terms of demographic, educational-qualification and motivational components are proposed and substantiated.

EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHING TECHNOLOGY INTEGRATION IN THE ADULT LEARNING PROCESS IN SELECTED HIGHER LEARNING INSTITUTIONS IN TANZANIA

Technologies integration in teaching is considered an important section of enhancing teaching and learning processes by Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania. In the context of teaching and learning, technology involves using information, computers, and technology to enhance communication in learning. This paper discusses the effectiveness of teaching technology integration in adult learning process in higher learning institutions in Tanzania. Data were collected using questionnaires and semi-structured interviews among a sample of 65 respondents, whereby 60 were adult learners and 5 Experienced Tutors selected using simple random sampling techniques. Data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and results were presented using frequency and mean statistics for quantitative data and qualitative data analysis by using thematic theory. The Hypothesis was tested by using a Linear Regression test at a significant level of 0.05. The theories guiding this study are the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Andragogy theory. The results revealed that adult learners believe that technology integration enhances their learning experience by making it more interactive, engaging, and flexible. The study concluded that, the use of technology is essential for keeping up with the demands of the modern labor force and for acquiring the necessary skills for lifelong learning consequently, the study recommends all authorities should allocate funds to ensure that universities are well equipped with ICT facilities and also ensure an ICT curriculum is taught from primary school to higher education levels to enhance students’ attitudes towards the uses of technology in teaching and learning process.

Fama’s model of efficient market: Analysis of the performance of insurance companies and the insurance stock price movement in Nigeria

The study analyzed the performance of insurance companies and the insurance stock price movement in Nigeria using Fama’s model of efficient market approach. Lack of information about insurance stock prices movement can influence investor’s decision making on insurance stock investments. An ex post facto research design was employed in the study. The research covers the activities of 19 insurance companies that are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange as at December 31, 2022. The data sample of the study comprises of daily stock prices data of 19 listed insurance companies for the period January 4, 2022 December 30, 2022. Fama-French three factor coefficient estimates obtained from quantile regression was used to test the hypothesis. The results revealed that there is a significant relationship between the insurance stock price movement and the performance of insurance companies in Nigeria, and that such relationship is negative. Recommendations were that there should be perfect information about stock market forces of demand and supply because if there is information asymmetry through which borrowers (securities issuers) know more about the risks than the lenders to (securities purchasers), the market participants may be reluctant to trade with insurance stocks, whose characteristics and behaviour under varying economic conditions are not well known. Also, it is important for the regulator in formulating policies that encourage diversification of investments among others.

Behavior of Base-Isolated Liquid Storage Tanks with Viscous Dampers under Historical Earthquakes Considering Superstructure Flexibility

Liquid storage tanks (LSTs) can be efficiently protected from far-fault earthquakes by base-isolation. However, large isolation system and sloshing displacements may threaten the tank’s safety under near-fault earthquakes. Although the application of supplemental viscous dampers (VDs) at the base-isolation systems of LSTs located in near-fault areas may help, it may also increase superstructure demands under far-fault earthquakes. In addition to the characteristics of the earthquake, the isolation system and the superstructure properties may affect the success of base-isolated LSTs with supplemental VDs. Therefore, a numerical investigation is conducted in this study in order to determine the influence of the supplemental viscous damping ratio, the isolation system period, the tank wall flexibility, and the tank slenderness ratio on the seismic responses of base-isolated cylindrical steel LSTs with supplemental VDs including the base displacement, the sloshing displacement, and the normalized isolation system shear force under both near-fault and far-fault historical earthquake records. The tank is modeled by single-degree-of-freedom systems representing different modes on a common isolation basemat and the nonlinear dynamic analyses are carried out in 3D-BASIS-ME software. Findings show that while supplemental damping is required especially when LSTs with long-period isolation systems are subjected to large magnitude near-fault earthquakes, it may also cause amplifications in the sloshing displacement and isolation system shear force demands in case of far-fault earthquakes. Furthermore, it is determined that the influence of tank flexibility on both the superstructure and the isolation system responses is negligibly small while the tank slenderness ratio may have considerable effects.