Dynamical Theory Research Articles

Food supply chain resilience through digital transformation: a mixed-method approach

PurposeThis study aims to explore the relationship between digital transformation and resilience development in the Australian food supply chain (FSC), and identify the contribution of digital technologies to it using the dynamic capabilities theory as theoretical lens.Design/methodology/approachFor that, a mixed-method approach was used. It combines both quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends and details of the phenomenon, yielding more robust findings. We firstly collected and analyzing quantitative data obtained from food industry practitioners and, then, qualitative data gathered through semi-structured interviews with experts.FindingsThe study findings suggest that the relationship between digital transformation and resilience varies among tiers of the FSC and that digital technologies adoption affects resilience development differently across tiers. This highlights the potential cost savings of developing strategies that jointly address digital transformation and resilience development, improving performance outcomes and determining the extent to which digital technologies enhance or inhibit certain aspects of resilience in the FSC.Originality/valueThe study frames the relationship between digital technologies and resilience within the dynamic capabilities theory and suggests that digitalization can enhance resilience by enabling organizations to sense, seize, and transform strategies. We also provide insights for managers to develop strategies that simultaneously enhance digitalization and resilience, resulting in improved performance during disruptive events.

The effect of the dynamic capabilities' microfoundations on innovation: insights from crossing levels

PurposeMuch of the existing research conducted on dynamic capabilities and the microfoundations of innovation has focused either on individual or organizational factors without considering mechanisms. This paper aims to address this “process” gap by developing an integrated conceptual framework based on individual, processual and structural microfoundations as well as the interaction between and among them with respect to innovation.Design/methodology/approachTo understand the theoretical and empirical landscape in building our conceptual model, we conducted a content analysis of existing research microfoundations, dynamic capabilities and innovation. Using NVivo 12, we identified and examined the individual and organizational behavior microfoundations and their interplay to propose possible processual mechanisms. We framed these process mechanisms using the sensing, seizing and reconfiguring dynamic capabilities framework.FindingsThe study emphasizes certain microfoundations that facilitate innovation-dynamic capabilities at various organizational levels. It is posited that both formal and informal strategic intelligence processes, along with directed and undirected information research methods, constitute crucial microfoundations for identifying opportunities for innovation. For the internal capture and seizing of these opportunities, we assert that the diversity of individual internal networks and the mechanisms for social integration will prove to be critical. Furthermore, the paper suggests that reconfiguring microfoundations, specifically an organization’s flexible structure and the involvement of external directors with diverse experiences, are pivotal in spurring innovation.Originality/valueWe combine the microfoundations approach (individual, structural and processual) with the dynamic capabilities theory (sensing, seizing and reconfiguring) to offer an integrated conceptual framework underlying innovation’s dynamic capabilities. This sets us apart from existing research by both introducing processual aspects and their multilevel interactions.

‘Quantum of information’ functionality as a measure of subjectivity beyond the capabilities of deep learning

The potential of conscious artificial intelligence (AI), with its functional systems that surpass automation and rely on elements of understanding, is a beacon of hope in the AI revolution. The shift from automation to conscious AI, once replaced with machine understanding, offers a future where AI can comprehend without needing to experience, thereby revolutionizing the field of AI. In this context, the proposed Dynamic Organicity Theory of consciousness (DOT) stands out as a promising and novel approach for building artificial consciousness that is more like the brain with physiological nonlocality and diachronicity of self-referential causal closure. However, deep learning algorithms utilize "black box" techniques such as “dirty hooks” to make the algorithms operational by discovering arbitrary functions from a trained set of dirty data rather than prioritizing models of consciousness that accurately represent intentionality as intentions-in-action. The limitations of the “black box” approach in deep learning algorithms present a significant challenge as quantum information biology, or intrinsic information, is associated with subjective physicalism and cannot be predicted with Turing computation. This paper suggests that deep learning algorithms effectively decode labeled datasets but not dirty data due to unlearnable noise, and encoding intrinsic information is beyond the capabilities of deep learning. New models based on DOT are necessary to decode intrinsic information by understanding meaning and reducing uncertainty. The process of “encoding” entails functional interactions as evolving informational holons, forming informational channels in functionality space of time consciousness. The “quantum of information” functionality is the motivity of (negentropic) action as change in functionality through thermodynamic constraints that reduce informational redundancy (also referred to as intentionality) in informational pathways. It denotes a measure of epistemic subjectivity towards machine understanding beyond the capabilities of deep learning.

Optimization Based on Computer Fluid Dynamics Finite Element Method Automotive Cooling Fan Structure

With the continuous improvement of vehicle comprehensive technology, the heat load generated by automotive engine systems, hydraulic systems, and other devices also increases. Therefore, improving the heat dissipation efficiency of the cooling system is a key technology that cannot be ignored in the current vehicle development process. The car cooling fan is an important component of the cooling system, and its working characteristics will directly affect the cooling effect of the engine. This article uses the finite volume method of computer fluid dynamics to optimize the structure of a heat dissipation fan, analyze and define the flow field control volume required for its numerical calculation, use structured and unstructured grids to discretize the internal flow field region, select pressure inlet and pressure outlet boundary conditions, and simulate and analyze the fluid flow in the radiator based on fluid dynamics theory calculations. The orthogonal experimental method was used to analyze various performance indicators during the experimental process. The results showed that the comprehensive performance of the No. 3 optimized cooling fan was the best, with a 10.45% increase in static pressure efficiency, a 14.03% increase in dynamic pressure efficiency, and an 11.26% increase in maximum flow velocity. The optimized fan flow field streamline became more full and uniform, significantly improving the fluid dynamics performance of the air in the cooling system.

CEO Personality on Strategic Agility and Organisational Performance of Selected Airlines in Kenya

The purpose of this paper was to investigate the moderating effect of CEO personality on the relationship between strategic insight, internal response orientation and external response orientation on organizational performance of selected Aviation airlines in Kenya. The study was guided by Balance score card and explanatory research dynamic capabilities theory design was used for this investigation. The study was done at eight (8) selected aviation airlines in Kenya. The study population included the top four (4) managers of each selected airlines (Executive CEO, financial manager, marketing manager and operations manager), 125 middle level managers, 160 middle level operational managers and 185 managers on ground handling ticketing/dispatching staff from the selected airline making a total target population of 502. The sample size for the study was 223 respondents. The study used simple random sampling to select respondents. This study used primary sources of data to produce quantitative information. The data were collected from the respondents’ using questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed by use of descriptive statistical techniques: mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages and inferential statistics techniques: multiple regressions, and Pearson’s coefficient of correlation. The analyzed data was presented on tables. The study results showed that strategic insight had a positive and significant effect on organizational performance. Internal response orientation had a positive and significant effect on organizational performance. External response orientation had a positive and significant effect on organizational performance. CEO personality had a negative and significant moderating effect on the relationship between strategic insight and organizational performance. CEO personality has a positive and significant moderating effect on the relationship between internal response orientation and organizational performance. CEO personality has a negative and significant moderating effect on the relationship between external response orientation and organizational performance. The study reveals that CEO personality significantly affect the relationship between strategic insight, internal response orientation and organizational performance. A higher CEO personality negatively affects strategic insight, positively enhances internal response orientation, and negatively impacts external response orientation, indicating a negative effect on organizational performance. Since CEO personality have a negative moderating effect on the relationship between external response orientation and organizational performance. Organizations should consider this when evaluating the effectiveness of their external response strategies and selecting CEOs who can effectively navigate and adapt to external challenges.

Bifurcation analysis of electron-acoustic waves in electron beam-plasma with suprathermal electrons

It has investigated the properties of nonlinear electron-acoustic waves propagating in a four-component collisionless, unmagnetized plasma. The system consists of cool inertial background electrons of temperature T c , the cool inertial electron beam of temperature T b , hot inertialess suprathermal electrons modeled by a κ-distribution of temperature T h , and ions. The nonlinear modified Korteweg-de Vries-Burgers (mKdV-Burgers) equation that characterizes the electron acoustic waves in such a plasma model is derived. The wave solutions of the resultant mKdV-Burgers equation are investigated using planar dynamical system bifurcation theory. The unperturbed hot, cool, and beam electron densities and the superthermal electron parameter are revealed to have a considerable influence on the nonlinear electron-acoustic traveling waves and the associated electric fields. The system evolves also monotonic shock waves when the dissipation term dominates over the dispersion term. The current model might be useful for understanding the generation of nonlinear electron-acoustic waves in a variety of astrophysical plasma settings, including the Earth's magnetosphere.

A Mechanistic Study of Enterprise Digital Intelligence Transformation, Innovation Resilience, and Firm Performance

Enterprise Digital Intelligence Transformation is based on the Digital Conversion of information and process service upgrading, further touching the enterprise’s core business, with the goal of building a new business model of Digital Intelligence Transformation at a higher level. Based on dynamic capability theory, this paper conducts an in-depth study on the mechanism of enterprise Digital Intelligence Transformation and firm performance. This paper selects manufacturing companies listed in China’s Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares from 2013 to 2022 as the research sample, and analyzes and tests the sample data using empirical research methods in order to explore the actual impact of Digital Intelligence Transformation on firm performance, including the specific pathways of action and moderating effects. This study helps enterprises to positively face the megatrend of Digital Intelligence Transformation and upgrading and the challenges it brings, and to grasp the new opportunities in the digital era. This study finds that enterprises carry out digital empowerment transformation and development strategies, and implement information Digital Conversion, service upgrading, and Digital Intelligence Transformation to promote firm performance to different degrees. Enterprise innovation resilience has a mechanism effect between information digitalization conversion enterprise performance and process service upgrading enterprise performance. The higher the environmental uncertainty, the greater the positive contribution of information digitalization to firm performance. Digital Conversion is the base and service upgrading is the process. The current sample enterprises have limited years of data collection, and most of them have only carried out the strategic implementation of Digital Conversion or servitization, and have not reached the high-level stage of digital and intellectual transformation. Therefore, it is found that enterprise innovation resilience has not yet shown a significant role mechanism effect between digital–intelligent transformation and enterprise performance at present. And environmental uncertainty has not yet shown a significant moderating effect in the stage of Servitization Upgrading and digital–intelligent transformation. The marginal contributions of this paper are mainly reflected in the following: (1) This study introduces the dynamic capability theory to explore the role of Digital Intelligence Transformation (Digital Conversion + service upgrading) on enterprise performance. (2) This paper investigates the role of Digital Intelligence Transformation in influencing the performance of enterprises from the Digital Conversion and service upgrading phases, and enriches the relevant role and regulatory mechanisms. (3) This study provides new ideas and strategic suggestions on Digital Intelligence Transformation for enterprises with different factor intensities, at different stages of development, and in different regions.

Microscopic understanding of NMR signals by dynamic mean-field theory for spins

A recently developed dynamic mean-field theory for disordered spins (spinDMFT) is shown to capture the spin dynamics of nuclear spins very well. The key quantities are the spin autocorrelations. In order to compute the free induction decay (FID), pair correlations are needed in addition. They can be computed on spin clusters of moderate size which are coupled to the dynamic mean fields determined in a first step by spinDMFT. We dub this versatile approach non-local spinDMFT (nl-spinDMFT). It is a particular asset of nl-spinDMFT that one knows from where the contributions to the FID stem. We illustrate the strengths of nl-spinDMFT in comparison to experimental data for CaF2. Furthermore, spinDMFT provides the dynamic mean fields explaining the FID of the nuclear spins of 13C in adamantane up to some static noise. The spin Hahn echo in adamantane is free from effects of static noise and agrees excellently with the spinDMFT results without further fitting.

Editorial Conclusion for the Special Issue “New Theory and Applications of Nonlinear Analysis, Fractional Calculus and Optimization”

Nonlinear analysis has widespread and significant applications in many areas at the core of many branches of pure and applied mathematics and modern science, including nonlinear ordinary and partial differential equations, critical point theory, functional analysis, fixed point theory, nonlinear optimization, fractional calculus, variational analysis, convex analysis, dynamical system theory, mathematical economics, data mining, signal processing, control theory, and many more [...]

Decision tree for adaptation after radical changes: linking dynamic capabilities, ambidexterity, and strategic alliances

AbstractWe developed a decision tree that integrates relevant organizational adaptation theories to respond to radical changes. The understanding of organizational adaptation often requires a combination of multiple theoretical lenses, especially considering today’s radical changes in technologies, markets, and regulations. However, the research streams on adaptation and change are often disconnected and we lack a unifying adaptation framework that might reveal the synergistic contribution of each theoretical perspective to the problem. To fill this important lacuna, we integrate four relevant scholarly perspectives on the topic: dynamic capabilities, ambidexterity, vertical alliances, and horizontal strategic alliances. Our main contribution is an integrative decision tree that unveils when and why each perspective is most appropriate to respond to radical changes. Our research also unpacks dynamic capabilities theory by suggesting when ambidexterity, vertical, and horizontal alliances are appropriate to integrate the upper-level theory of dynamic capabilities, and how they can overcome some of its limitations. The paper also clarifies that, in order to adapt ambidextrously after radical changes destroying core and/or complementary assets, companies need specific alliance strategies.

Detecting tipping points of complex diseases by network information entropy.

The progression of complex diseases often involves abrupt and non-linear changes characterized by sudden shifts that trigger critical transformations. Identifying these critical states or tipping points is crucial for understanding disease progression and developing effective interventions. To address this challenge, we have developed a model-free method named Network Information Entropy of Edges (NIEE). Leveraging dynamic network biomarkers, sample-specific networks, and information entropy theories, NIEE can detect critical states or tipping points in diverse data types, including bulk, single-sample expression data. By applying NIEE to real disease datasets, we successfully identified critical predisease stages and tipping points before disease onset. Our findings underscore NIEE's potential to enhance comprehension of complex disease development.

EEG entropy insights in the context of physiological aging and Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases: a comprehensive review.

In recent decades, entropy measures have gained prominence in neuroscience due to the nonlinear behaviour exhibited by neural systems. This rationale justifies the application of methods from the theory of nonlinear dynamics to cerebral activity, aiming to detect and quantify its variability more effectively. In the context of electroencephalogram (EEG) signals, entropy analysis offers valuable insights into the complexity and irregularity of electromagnetic brain activity. By moving beyond linear analyses, entropy measures provide a deeper understanding of neural dynamics, particularly pertinent in elucidating the mechanisms underlying brain aging and various acute/chronic-progressive neurological disorders. Indeed, various pathologies can disrupt nonlinear structuring in neural activity, which may remain undetected by linear methods such as power spectral analysis. Consequently, the utilization of nonlinear tools, including entropy analysis, becomes crucial for capturing these alterations. To establish the relevance of entropy analysis and its potential to discern between physiological and pathological conditions, this review discusses its diverse applications in studying healthy brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). Various entropy parameters, such as approximate entropy (ApEn), sample entropy (SampEn), multiscale entropy (MSE), and permutation entropy (PermEn), are analysed within this context. By quantifying the complexity and irregularity of EEG signals, entropy analysis may serve as a valuable biomarker for early diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and disease management. Such insights offer clinicians crucial information for devising personalized treatment and rehabilitation plans tailored to individual patients.

The temperature-size rule in the context of Dynamic Energy Budget theory

The temperature-size rule (TSR) refers to the observation that a wide variety of organisms reach smaller sizes under warmer temperatures. Although various hypotheses have been stated about the mechanisms underlying TSR, a general understanding is still lacking. In this context, it seems that Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory could be useful, as it constitutes a mechanistic framework that predicts growth and development from individual energetics. However, a critical assumption of this framework is that temperature affects all physiological rates equally, which prevents it from capturing the TSR. It remains an open question if and how the DEB framework can be used to capture the TSR patterns.The model does, however, include a parameter, the food searching rate, that does not need to obey this constraint, as it is a physical rather than a physiological parameter. Here, we aimed to test whether introducing a differing temperature-dependence of food searching rate in DEB models makes it possible to capture the TSR. We parameterized the model using an extensive dataset of Daphnia life history response to temperature. The resulting model was able to capture the decrease of both size at maturity and asymptotic size observed in this dataset.Therefore, DEB models can capture the TSR without any major modification, but only requires to introduce a different function for the temperature dependence of the food searching rate. The mechanism underlying this effect essentially results from increased food limitation at high temperature, which, in combination with the particular allocation scheme of the DEB model, affects differentially growth and development.

Theory for and from agent-based modelling: Insights from a virtual special issue and a vision

The Virtual Special Issue "Agents for Theory" discusses theory development using agent-based models (ABMs). The six contributions focus on how the word "theory" is used in the ABM literature, how reviews of ABMs should be conducted to gain general insights, how even the conceptualisation of ABMs can help to transform heuristic theories into scientific ones, how the context-dependent choice of decision models can be better justified, how reusable building blocks (RBBs) of ABMs could support theory development, and how a modular framework of RBBs can be used to identify general solutions. Overall, theories of decision making that go into ABMs and theories of system dynamics that come out of ABMs are interrelated, so the micro-macro perspective and the attempt to identify and reproduce patterns at both levels simultaneously is a way forward. Theory development requires clearer communication using a common language, reference to patterns, and more detailed model analysis and testing.

Modeling the dissemination of privacy information in online social networks

AbstractDriven by the rapid development of information technology, online social networks (OSNs) have experienced a fast development in recent years, allowing increasingly more people to share and spread information over OSNs. The rapid rise of OSN platforms such as Facebook and Twitter is sufficient evidence of such development. As one type of information, privacy information can also be created and disseminated over an OSN, posing a severe threat to individual privacy. This article attempts to construct a model for disseminating privacy information in OSNs and to analyze the model by simulating the dissemination process of privacy information in OSNs. First, we establish network models that exhibit the main characteristics of OSNs. Second, by considering the factors related to social relationships, especially intimacy between users and the attention of users to the privacy subject, we derive the parameters for privacy information dissemination models in OSNs. Third, based on the theory of information dissemination dynamics, we construct a model for information dissemination that conforms to the properties of privacy information. We also present some experimental results based on the constructed model and analyze the characteristics of privacy information dissemination. Fourth, we study and verify the various properties of the model through a set of experiments. The proposed model provides the opportunity to better understand the dynamics of privacy information dissemination in OSNs and the effect of user behavior on dissemination.

Employees’ facilitative allowances on the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya

This study examined the effect of employees’ facilitative allowances on the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya. Despite their mandate, many commercial state corporations have consistently underperformed, raising concerns about their continued existence. Scholarly research on whether employees’ facilitative allowances structures and their implementation affect the performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya is lacking. The study draws on theories such as Resource-based theory, Principal Agency Theory, Dynamic capability theory, and Stakeholder Theory. A survey research design was employed, targeting 612 managers from 68 commercial state corporations in Kenya. The sample size of 242 managers was determined using the Yamane sampling formula. The research instrument demonstrated high reliability and validity. Inferential and descriptive statistical analyses were performed on the data collected, including multiple regression models and hierarchical regression for moderation analysis. The results revealed that employees’ facilitative allowances significantly and positively influenced the performance of commercial state corporations. These findings emphasise the importance of employee facilitative allowances in enhancing the performance of commercial state corporations. Recommendations include prioritising facilitative allowances and the implementation of remuneration policy guidelines for improved performance. Overall, this research offers significant insights into the influence of employees’ facilitative allowances on commercial state corporations’ performance in Kenya.

Digital platforms and SMEs’ performance: the moderating effect of intellectual capital and environmental dynamism

PurposeThis research aims to shed light on the linkage between digital platforms and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) performance and consider the moderating effect of intellectual capital and environmental dynamism.Design/methodology/approachThis study applies a quantitative approach using a sample of primary data from 508 managers and directors of Vietnamese SMEs, using structural equation modeling (SEM).FindingsThe utilization of digital platforms by managers and directors has a positive impact on enhancing intellectual capital. However, under the influence of external environment changes, this trend may shift towards a negative direction. The ability to utilize digital platforms, whether directly or through information communication, positively affects the performance of businesses. Research has shown that the positive promotion of digital platform capability for intellectual capital factors such as human capital, organizational capital, and relational capital decreases when the external environment changes in the context of uncertain globalization.Originality/valueThis research focuses on SMEs operating in the technology and e-commerce sectors and it evidences that digital platforms are an effective baseline driver for promoting high-performing SMEs. By examining the connection between digital platform’s capability and IC and the significance of intellectual capital for SMEs’ performance, this study adds to the body of literature already available on the destructive regulatory potential of environmental dynamism. This study broadens the dynamic capabilities theory’s outcome audience and adds a new dimension to the impact of the digital platform’s capability (resource utilization) on the performance of SMEs.

Influence of Information and Communication Technology Infrastructure on the Adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning at The Kenya Medical Research Institute in Nairobi City County, Kenya

Organizational capabilities are critical sources of creating and building long-term competitive advantage. Organizations that can develop and deploy unique, inimitable, and valuable capabilities will gain sustainable competitive advantage. There is a dearth of information on the role of organizational capabilities in the implementation of Enterprise Resource Planning. Thus, this research analyzed the influence of Information and Communication Technology infrastructure on the adoption of Enterprise Resource Planning at the Kenya Medical Research Institute. This research was premised on the resource-based view theory, technology acceptance model, and dynamic capabilities theory. A descriptive survey design was utilized in the study. Semi-structured questionnaires will be administered for the data-gathering process. A census approach was used to select 52 employees of Kenya Medical Research Institute. The researcher personally issued the questionnaire to the subjects. The drop-and-pick method was adopted later in cases where participants might be unable to complete and return the questionnaires at the time of their administration. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21 was utilized for descriptive and inferential statistical analysis. Regression and correlation analyses were performed to unearth the associations among variables. All ethical conducts were duly followed. Prose discussion was used to display the data collection’s findings and the validity of the questionnaire was conducted by the use of expert opinions that assisted to establish content validity and the supervisor reviewing the items suggested while reliability was determined using Cronbach’s Alpha test. The findings indicated a positive influence of Information and Communication Technology infrastructure on the adoption of ERP. The study concludes that a robust IT infrastructure is essential for supporting the scalability requirements of an ERP system. Senior management support helps in securing necessary resources for the ERP implementation, including budget allocation, staffing, and technology infrastructure. The study recommends that KEMRI should upgrade hardware and software by investing in new servers, storage devices, and networking equipment can help ensure that the IT infrastructure can support the demands of the ERP system.

Social Media for Conflict Escalation and De –Escalation: Two Sides of a Coin

Communication may be said to be "the conveying or shifting of information by speaking, writing or using some of the other media" (Oxford, 2021). Without communication, there will not be conflict. Conflict is a state when units of intercourse agents are in dissension. When two agreeing parties’ dissent, the conflict has happened. The term conflict is relative as its usage spans across different segments, sectors, institutions and areas of life. Conflict escalation refers to the spreading of minor disagreement between parties. Conflict de-escalation refers to the process of reducing the tension of any conflict, especially by not allowing it to be more destructive or going beyond the level it is. Social media is also part of the media type that is majorly centered on technological advancement. Examples of social media we have include Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, google chat room, Eskimi, telegram, WhatsApp, Part of the profitable components of social media is that. A varied group of people use social media to formulate trouble. They use the medium to starts conflict and also use it to escalate it. The research procedure embraced was exploratory research design. Secondary reference of data was used. However, the study examines Glasl's conflict escalation model to properly understands how minor disagreement escalate to large scale conflict. This paper base its theoretical argument on the theory called “The Role of Resource Mobilisation Theory in Social Movement. Another theory to look at is the C - Escalation and D - Escalation A theory of the time dynamics of conflict by Randall Collins. Authority to fashion a bill directing social media usage. The paper concluded that every authority to fashion a bill directing social media usage.

Enhanced Methods for Evaluating Water-inrush Risk from Underlying Aquifers: Incorporating Dynamic Weight Theory and Uncertainty Analysis Model

Enhanced Methods for Evaluating Water-inrush Risk from Underlying Aquifers: Incorporating Dynamic Weight Theory and Uncertainty Analysis Model