Mixed Arguments Research Articles

New oscillatory criteria for third-order differential equations with mixed argument

Abstract In this paper, we offer new technique for investigation of the third-order linear differential equation with mixed argument y ‴ ( t ) + p ( t ) y ( τ ( t ) ) = 0. $$\begin{array}{} \displaystyle y'''(t)+p(t)y(\tau(t))=0. \end{array}$$ (E) We establish new criteria for property A of (E) which fulfill the gap in the oscillation theory.

Solving linear differential equations with mixed arguments

Solving linear differential equations with mixed arguments

A localist solution to the problem of mixed inferences by juxtaposition

Logical localism is a thesis within philosophy of logic according to which the correct logic is dependent on the topic, domain or subject matter of its application. There is a very straightforward problem for anyone defending a localist thesis, a problem that follows from the fact that we reason across domains. This challenge is known as the problem of mixed inferences. The problem is, very roughly, the following: suppose that there are at least two components, within the premises or conclusion of an argument, belonging to domains governed by different logics. Then, which is the criterion of validity for the mixed argument? Our aim is to offer an answer to this question and, more concretely, a way out to the dilemma that Chase Wrenn has raised in his analysis of the problem of mixed inferences. We will use Joshua Schechter’s method of combining logics, juxtaposition, as the criterion of validity for mixed inferences. After exploring its virtues and possible shortcomings, we argue that juxtaposition is a first step towards a fully-fledged solution, but already a promising way out of the dilemma posed by Wrenn.

Oscillation of second-order functional differential equations with mixed argument

Oscillation of second-order functional differential equations with mixed argument

Ethnic empowering policies and postcolonial political exclusion in the British empire: An analysis of ethnic police recruitment and communal legislative representation

AbstractDoes ethnic empowerment under colonial rule shape ethnic power even after independence? Existing research offers mixed arguments and rarely differentiates between different types of political empowerment. Drawing on the historical observation that the parliament and the security forces were two of the major sources of political power in newly independent states, this preregistered study tests whether ethnic representation in the colonial constabulary force and the receipt of guaranteed communal representation in the colonial legislature reduces the risk of postcolonial ethnic exclusion in ex‐British colonies. It is found that the former has a strong and consistent effect on reducing the odds of postcolonial ethnic exclusion, but the latter, despite its frequent usage as a form of colonial ethnic empowerment, does not prevent political exclusion. The importance of martial vis‐à‐vis rational‐legal power in newly independent states and varying levels of diachronic continuity between the two forms of colonial empowerment may account for the diverging results.

Exponentially decaying solutions for models with delayed and advanced arguments: Nonlinear effects in linear differential equations

We consider a scalar linear mixed differential equation with several terms, both delayed and advanced arguments and a bounded right-hand side. Assuming that the deviations of the argument are bounded, we present sufficient conditions when there exists a unique bounded solution on the positive half-line. Explicit tests for a bounded solution of a homogeneous equation to decay exponentially are obtained. Existence of exponentially decaying solutions for this class of differential equations is studied for the first time, and we illustrate sharpness of the results with examples. We show that the standard approach when convergence of all solutions is stated does not work for mixed equations; in addition to an exponentially decaying, there may be a growing solution. All the coefficients and the mixed arguments are assumed to be Lebesgue measurable functions, not necessarily continuous. Though the equation is linear, some properties, as well as the methods applied, are more typical for nonlinear models, for example, fixed-point theorems are used in the proofs.

Some results on a first-order neutral differential equation with piecewise constant mixed arguments

Some results on a first-order neutral differential equation with piecewise constant mixed arguments

Ecotourism and Rural Livelihood Nexus: An Assessment of the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary Reserve

Ecotourism has been envisaged not only as an alternative to mass tourism, but also as a livelihood diversification strategy for rural people. Researchers have presented mixed arguments regarding the relationship between Community Based Ecotourism Projects and rural livelihoods. This study therefore examined the link between rural livelihoods by conducting an in-depth assessment of the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary Reserve. The research employed a cross sectional design with a mixed research approach. Questionnaires were used to collect data from 214 respondents in Kpanfa, Pellinkpari, Dochere, Dornye, Talawona and Tuole. Series of in-depth interviews were also carried out using interview guides and field observation. The study found that, the emergence of ecotourism in the area caused the emergence of some new livelihood activities while some traditional livelihood activities saw a decline while others were completely abandoned due to the enactment of some conservation bye- laws. Respondents were dissatisfied with the contribution of ecotourism livelihood activities to sustainable livelihoods coupled with unequal sharing and distribution of ecotourism benefits among sanctuary communities. The study recommended for more sustainable livelihood options to be developed by the Sanctuary Management Board to help improve the situation of the poor rural farmer on who’s livelihood ecotourism activities have a direct bearing and to also develop and implement a strategic policy framework to facilitate benefit sharing among catchment communities.

Oscillation and Asymptotic Properties of Second Order Half-Linear Differential Equations with Mixed Deviating Arguments

In this paper, we study oscillation and asymptotic properties for half-linear second order differential equations with mixed argument of the form r(t)(y′(t))α′=p(t)yα(τ(t)). Such differential equation may possesses two types of nonoscillatory solutions either from the class N0 (positive decreasing solutions) or N2 (positive increasing solutions). We establish new criteria for N0=∅ and N2=∅ provided that delayed and advanced parts of deviating argument are large enough. As a consequence of these results, we provide new oscillatory criteria. The presented results essentially improve existing ones even for a linear case of considered equations.

Efficiency or Innovation?

Considering the mixed arguments and uncertainty about the payoff of cloud computing, this paper empirically studies the long-term cloud computing impact on the financial performance, specifically from the perspective of efficiency and innovation. Taking 253 pairs of listed companies in China as the research sample, propensity score matching and difference in differences techniques combined with OLS regression are conducted to analyze a rolling 5-year panel data. The analysis results show that cloud computing adoption leads to years of financial performance decline followed by an upturn. The downward trend is more pronounced when it is adopted with innovation. This paper contributes to the existing literatures by leveraging archival performance data to verify the long-term business value and revealing the value realization difference between efficiency- and innovation-oriented cloud computing adoptions. The findings remind the managers to see the two sides of cloud computing and make rational adoption decisions, especially cloud-based innovation, according to their actual situations.

Is the whole more than the sum of its parts? Challenges and opportunities for a holistic consumer-friendly sustainability label on food

How to enable more widespread sustainable food choice and diets is an unresolved challenge. A consumer-friendly sustainability labelling scheme ‘holistically’ encompassing all sustainability aspects ‘in one’ might be a way forward, but this idea entails both opportunities and challenges, not least given that this requires a common understanding of what sustainability is, and which sustainability dimensions need to be communicated. We address this global problem through qualitative expert elicitation, interviewing sustainability and labelling experts from academia, think tanks and non-governmental organisations, food producers, the retail sector, and governmental bodies about the steps to consider and the challenges and opportunities entailed. Our findings reveal mixed arguments for and against a holistic sustainability label. Experts suggest that consumers and food sector stakeholders appear to be ‘ready’ for and perceive such a label as a desirable tool. Nevertheless, unanticipated consequences could potentially hamper its impact, and challenges are the complexity of the issue, the lack of data, and that it is unlikely sector stakeholders can agree. We conclude that the most important aspects to improve effectiveness are the information content allowing to compare to alternatives, a consistent application on all products through mandatory labelling, and coupling implementation of a label within a broader supportive policy mix. We discuss four different policy scenarios that each show how the opportunities and challenges can play out in different potential routes from here.

Understanding the impact of mandatory accrual accounting on management practices: interpretation of Japanese local governments’ behavior

Accompanying the spread of “new public management” since the 1980s, accrual accounting and results-based management has become a global standard. However, whether accrual accounting results in successful outcomes and which drivers lead to the intended impacts of the reform have been contested. Given the mixed arguments in the literature, we set out two research questions: (1) “Have public sector organizations realized any positive impacts on management practices by adopting mandatory accrual accounting?”; and (2) “What are the primary drivers of such impacts?” To answer these questions, we examine the impact on management practices by analyzing a survey to ascertain how financial department officers in Japanese local governments perceive the benefits of adopting mandatory accrual accounting on management practices. The results indicate that they have so far not recognized the intended benefits, though they had expected higher benefits in internal control. Then, we use technical-rational, socio-political, and institutional isomorphic perspectives in a comprehensive approach to understand the impacts on management practices. The logistic analysis shows that financial managers in local governments that do not have a majority party in the assembly, but consist of several parties in power, as well as in those with greater financial dependence on the central government, perceive higher benefits. Further, we find that financial managers that imitate other local governments as a form of mimetic pressure perceive fewer benefits. The results show that some technical-rational tools, socio-political conditions, and institutional pressures change the perceived benefits for public managers of adopting mandatory accrual accounting. Points for practitioners We find that some technical-rational, socio-political, and institutional factors explain the intended internal benefits of the mandatory adoption of accrual accounting. In practice, financial managers in local government feel the merits of accrual accounting in less autonomy in not only politics, but also finance, and few mimetic conditions. It might be understood that difficult situations would drive practitioners to use mandatory information.

Oscillation of second order half-linear differential equations with deviating arguments of mixed type

In the paper, new criteria for the oscillatory behavior of half-linear second order differential equations with mixed argument of the form (E)r(t)(y′(t))α′=p(t)yα(τ(t)).are established. The presented results essentially improve existing ones even for linear case of considered equations.

Critiquing Collaborative Language Learning: A Qualitative Study of Teachers’ Perceptions

Collaborative language learning, followed as a language teaching and learning methodology in many countries, is often critiqued with mixed arguments. To some, while keeping in view its social aspect where learners work on common projects intending to partake in collective decision making and intellectual engagement, collaborative language learning is more productive than the traditional way of teaching and learning a second/foreign language. To others, because of different requirements for its successful implementation, collaborative language learning becomes a difficult practice where the cost exceeds the benefits. To know the problems and prospects of collaborative language learning, in the present study, data were collected through semi-structured interviews from teachers of both public and private sector schools of district Mardan. Through purposive sampling, data were collected from 40 teachers (20 each from public and private sector schools). The findings reveal that besides many positive aspects, there are some negative aspects of collaborative learning where the prominent one is the loss of an individual's authority and creativity, promotion of totalitarian approach, and overlooking of the shy students. It can be a useful tool for language education provided some requirements including teacher training, availability of proper space, and classroom size, etc. are tackled properly.

The impact of buyer–supplier interaction on ambidextrous innovation and business performance: the moderating role of competitive environment

PurposeThis study is based on knowledge-based view to examine the relationships among buyer–supplier interaction, ambidextrous innovation and business performance. It includes competitive intensity and dysfunctional competition to clarify boundary conditions.Design/methodology/approachThe ordinary least squares regression was conducted to test hypotheses. The survey data were collected from 182 Hong Kong manufacturing firms.FindingsBuyer–supplier interaction facilitates ambidextrous innovation, namely exploitative innovation and exploratory innovation. In turn, exploitative innovation enhances business performance, whereas exploratory innovation has no influence on business performance. Competitive intensity strengthens while dysfunctional competition weakens the impact of buyer–supplier interaction on ambidextrous innovation.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is based on the knowing processes of knowledge-based view. It contends that business performance is derived from ambidextrous innovation, which depends on the utilization of acquired supplier knowledge and the influence of external competitive environment. The test of relationships is constrained by the single-source and cross-sectional data.Practical implicationsFirms should engage in buyer–supplier interaction to acquire and utilize supplier knowledge. Meanwhile, they should monitor competitive environment to seize opportunities and avoid threats.Originality/valueThis study builds a holistic framework for buyer–supplier interaction, which reconciles the mixed arguments by distinguishing its effects on ambidextrous innovation, and by clarifying boundary conditions in terms of competitive intensity and dysfunctional competition.

Oscillation of damped second order quasilinear wave equations with mixed arguments

Following the previous work (Sui and Yu, AML, 2020), we investigate the impact of damping on the oscillation of smooth solutions to some kind of quasilinear wave equations with Robin and Dirichlet boundary conditions. By using generalized Riccati transformation and technical inequality method, we give some sufficient conditions to guarantee the oscillation of all smooth solutions. From the results, we conclude that positive damping can “hold back” oscillation. At last, some examples are presented to confirm our main results.

Existence and Attractivity Theorems for Nonlinear Hybrid Fractional Integrodifferential Equations with Anticipation and Retardation

In this paper, we establish the existence and a global attractivity results for a nonlinear mixed quadratic and linearly perturbed hybrid fractional integrodifferential equation of second type involving the Caputo fractional derivative on unbounded intervals of real line with the mixed arguments of anticipations and retardation. The hybrid fixed point theorem of Dhage is used in the analysis of our nonlinear fractional integrodifferential problem. A positivity result is also obtained under certain usual natural conditions. Our hypotheses and claims have also been explained with the help of a natural realization.

On a Partial Differential Equation with Piecewise Constant Mixed Arguments

So far, although there have been several articles on partial differential equations with piecewise constant arguments, as far as we know, there is no article on neither a heat equation with piecewise constant mixed arguments that includes three extra diffusion terms, delayed arguments $$[t-1], [t]$$ and an advanced argument $$[t+1],$$ or exploring qualitative properties of the equation. With the motivation to investigate elaborate and well-established qualitative properties of such an equation, in this paper, we deal with a problem involving a heat equation with piecewise constant mixed arguments and initial, boundary conditions. By using the separation of variables method, we obtain the formal solution of this problem. Because of the piecewise constant arguments, we get a differential equation and then a difference equation. With the help of qualitative properties of the solutions of the differential equation and with the behavior of the solutions of the difference equation, we investigate the existence of solutions and qualitative properties of the solutions of the problem such as the convergence of the solutions to zero, the unboundedness of the solutions and oscillations of them. In addition, two examples are given to illustrate the application of the results in particular cases.

‘This year’s vaccine is only 10% effective’: a study of public discourse on vaccine effectiveness in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT Background: A heated debate of vaccine effectiveness started off in Hong Kong with a famous pop singer saying that ‘This year’s vaccine is only 10% effective’ in a private message to friends. The message quickly caught the attention of the media, public and government, plunging the whole city into examining the extent to which vaccines can be effective. Despite numerous clarifications by the health professionals from the government, the public did not seem to be completely convinced by what vaccines could deliver. This raises the question of what the public discourse towards vaccine effectiveness is like in Hong Kong, especially concerning the central themes and stances involved in the public discussion. Method: In order to examine the public discourse on vaccine effectiveness, 1001 comments on the reporting of the vaccine incident were collected from Facebook and analysed using content analysis. Results: It is found that there were more comments expressing the anti-vaccination sentiment than the pro-vaccination one, except when the comments involved government-related statements in which all of them unanimously went against vaccination. The rest of the comments nevertheless exhibited mixed arguments under the following themes – (1) research findings (2) personal experience (3) health professionals’ image. These themes may reveal what the public deems relevant when it comes to assessing vaccine effectiveness. Conclusions: The study adds to the existing literature on vaccine hesitancy by (1) examining some possible discourse strategies lay people use to make sense of medical information and (2) highlighting the interplay between scientific, political and ethical elements in constructing vaccine effectiveness from the eye of the public.

Oscillation theorems for second order neutral dynamic equations with maxima and mixed arguments on time scales

In this work, we establish new oscillation criteria for the second order neutral dynamic equation with maxima and mixed arguments of the form: where New comparison theorems are obtained that allow us to examine the oscillation of the given second order dynamic equation by examining the oscillatory behavior of first order dynamic ones. The obtained results extend and complement some known ones in literature. Examples are given to illustrate the importance of our results.